Newsletter No.60

March 2004

Ambassador's Lecture Series No. 5!
"Egypt, 5000 Years' Glory" Ambassador Badr

A lecture the fifth talk in our very popular Ambassador's Lecture Series took place on Tuesday, February 24 at the Japan National Press Club, with Ambassador Badr speaking to a full house of 60 people. We are sorry so many people had to be turned away for lack of space. Please accept our apologies.

Ambassador Badr began his lecture lightheartedly, pointing out that ESUJ's request that he speak about 5,000, or actually 7000 years of Egyptian history in depth in less than an hour would be most difficult! First, he pointed out that Egypt, geographically is located at the meeting place of the African, European and Asian continents, and from ancient times to the present has always occupied a crucial point in the flow of world history. He also emphasized the supreme importance of the Nile River to the nation. Cycles of flooding and drought gave rise to the world's first calendar; observation of the rising and setting of the sun led to Egypt's idea of the hereafter, producing the philosophy of immortality, without which knowledge, it is impossible to completely understand Egypt's colossal ancient ruins, starting with the pyramids; the invention of paper from papyrus in the era of the Pharaohs from around 3000BC made possible the recording of history; in around 1500BC the New Kingdom emerged, the Egyptian Empire's greatest period, in which many temples were constructed and great armies raised, education spread, and great medical progress was made, including development of brain surgery; following that came the era of Alexander the Great; from the Roman Era to the Christian Civilization Egypt's economic might continued, followed by the emergence of Islam, which has continued through the Ottoman Turks to the modern era. Egypt's place in history through this eternal flow of time was magnificently brought to life by Ambassador Badr.

The ambassador went on to explain that presently Egypt was active in international relations diplomacy of as one of the major nations affected by the Iraq problem and the Israel-Palestine conflict. He concluded by saying that for terrorism to be eradicated, it is vital to find a solution to the very basic issue of the Israel-Palestine problem.

In the question-and-answer session, Egyptian Embassy Counsellor Mr. Salah El-Sadek and Mrs. Badr ( a latter-day Cleopatra?!) spoke expertly on topics of interest such as the country's economic problems and the participation of women in society as Ambassador Badr had to leave the room to attend an official engagement. Our special thanks to everyone from the Egyptian Embassy who took part.

English Club

Muramatsu Masumi's English Club met at the Tokyo Kokusai Forum on Tuesday, February 17 with a full house of 80 people in attendance! First MM introduced the charming children's book and animated video "Where the Wild Things Are", by Maurice Sendak. The evening's guest speaker was Professor John Fanslow, of Columbia University Teacher's College and President of Pacific International University in New Zealand. What would this world-renowned expert on the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) have to say? When Prof. Fanslow opened his mouth, there was not a sound. He started by writing just the first letter of a word on the whiteboard, causing everyone watching his mouth intently to make a full revolution in their heads and showing with this dramatic gesture how important it is to anticipate the content as to hear the word in comprehending English.

The next English Club will be held on March 16 (Tuesday) from 6:30-8:30 at the Doyu Club (Otemachi).

Upcoming Events: a full schedule!

Spring Outing: Explore the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum (Koganei-shi) Date: March 28 (Sunday) Participation: Please contact the ESUJ office beforehand to apply

Visit to Japan of Lord Watson, Chairman of the ESU International Council and of ESU London
Special Lecture Meeting co-organized by ESUJ and Keio University International Center: Asian Dimension of English
Date: April 13 (Tuesday) 17:30-19:00
Place: Keio University, North Building, Hall (Mita)

---Notices to be sent for the following events:---

ESUJ Lecture: Introduction to Nanotechnology (proposed title) by Emory University Professor Keiji Morokuma
Date: May 11 (Tuesday) 18:30-20:00
Place: Japan National Press Club, Banquet Room, 9th floor

May Evening Gala: ESUJ's annual popular social event
Date: May 27 (Thursday)
Place Meiji Kinenkan, KINKEI Lounge
American Greg Irwin will sing Japanese folk songs in English

ESUJ Debate 2004: the third debate competition for adults
Date: June 12 (Saturday)
Place: Nihon Keizai Shimbun Tokyo Head Office, Conference Room