Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[rice07]

Hi

The following is an excerpt from newspapers titled 'The sky's the limit for Japan's Minuro Mori'.

...

Within his company, Mori is known for both long-term vision and preoccupation with small details. At a recent meeting to plan a 46-story building -- one of his 10 new complexes -- he spent most of an hour discussing what type of landscaping would best attract fireflies and keep away crows. And he is about to begin construction of a skyscraper in Tokyo that, when completed in 2012, will have taken more than 28 years to finish.

...

I realize the meaning of the part in bold above might not be that of word by word. It must be a figurative way to convey connected sense in this context. Could you paraphrase it for me?

Let me try to guess what it could imply. Does it mean he(Mori) wants to design a kind of skyscraper with landscape of looking like plenty of fireflies flying in the sky instead of pitch dark like crow in the night? So it is a type of landscaping? Much obliged!

[Lorikeet]

Actually, if they are talking about landscaping, they are talking about what kinds of plants, trees, etc., to plant around the building. I thought he was really talking about fireflies and crows. I'd be interested to know if anyone has a different opinion.

[hiromi525]

I took the liberty of posting my opinion though I am a student.
People in Tokyo are troubled by lots of crows which make a mess in garbage dumps and people used to enjoy seeing fireflies' flying in this area.
I believe that Mr Mori is appealing the coexistance of the environment and development.

Hi! rice07
I am always inspired by your posting.

[rice07]

Hi Lorikeet, Hiromi525

Thanks for sharing your helpful opinions on that with me! Perhaps I got this case too complicated for myself, because a friend of mine having been to Tokyo also told me there were plenty of crows around there, adding that Hiromi525's description seemed to be correspondent with Lorikeet's suggestion. So the opinions of you two should be the exact attempt that the author tried to convey in that context.

Interaction between people for reasoned discussion, facilitates getting something confusing more clear, therefore, Hiromi525, please don't hesitate to raise your opinion especially when it might be useful. I don't mind people correct my mistakes, which is the way for me to keep making progress with myself. During the English learning process, I am extremely happy to have you to join us, indeed.

Also thanks Lorikeet again! I always enjoy reading your replies to learners' questions which have been being helpful. That really is cherished experience to me.

Have a good day!

Sincerely

rice07

[Bob S.]

[rice07]

Hi Bob S.

Nice having you again!

I would appreciate it if you could share your opinion to that in more detail with me!

[Bob S.]

Well, fireflies are creatures of light and energy and beauty. They come out on warm evenings, and their dance across the grass is lovely to behold.
Crows are surly creatures robed in darkness. They scour in garbage and steal food from crops they did nothing to help grow and leave nothing but their own waste.
So, can you think of any people you know who you might describe metaphorically as fireflies or crows? It's not so much how they look but rather their aura. Go to any city with a nightlife scene and you will know what I mean.
______________________
What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?
-Sir Winston Churchill

[rice07]