Writing a Story

Xavier: How’s your Novel coming along? Sara: It’s not. I Abandoned it for now. I think I Bit off more than I can chew. Now, I’m working on a short story. Xavier: That sounds interesting. Who are the main Characters? Sara: I’m not sure yet. Character development is really important so I need to give … Читать далее

Making a Move on Someone

A. J.: What was going on with you and Tiago in his office earlier today? You two were pretty Cozy in there. Gloria: What? Oh, I was a little Upset about Messing up my presentation in the morning meeting, and Tiago was trying To reassure me about it. A. J.: It looked like he was … Читать далее

Washing the Car

I was driving down the road when I saw a group of teenagers Holding up signs for a Fundraising car wash for their school. My car was very dirty, so I pulled over and paid for a car wash and a Wax. I think that the students had more Enthusiasm than car washing skills. Yes, … Читать далее

Bad Manners at a Business Lunch

Yolanda: I will never invite George to another business lunch with Clients again! Sunan: Why, what happened? Yolanda: George has the worst Manners of anyone I know. First of all, he was ten minutes late. And as soon as he sat down, his cell phone rang and he answered it! Sunan: Maybe it was an … Читать далее

Setting Up Conference Calls and Videoconferences

Ewan: Who’s running the Videoconference next week? Petra: I am. Desmond put me in charge of it last week. Ewan: Oh, somebody’s Moving up in the world. It’s nice that he’s giving you more responsibility. Petra: Yeah, but I’m not sure I’m ready. Ewan: I’ve set up Conference calls and videoconferences before. Maybe you can … Читать далее

Types of Sandwiches

Geraldo: I am so hungry. When can we go eat? Natasha: Just another minute and I’ll be finished here. What do you Have a craving for? Geraldo: I want a good sandwich, maybe a BLT or a Pastrami on rye. Now that I think of it, a Reuben or a Club sandwich would really Hit … Читать далее

Top 10 Tax Dodgers

«Most of us» being the operative term — a few delinquents try to fool the tax collector, but it usually only works for so long. Here are 10 of the biggest (and most famous) tax dodgers. Willie Nelson It’s tough to be mad at Willie Nelson. So when Willie got into tax trouble, his fans … Читать далее

Experiencing a Blackout

George: Whoa, what happened? Inga: The lights went out. Did we Blow a fuse, or is this a Blackout? George: Well, I don’t see any lights on in any of the houses down the street. It’s Pitch black out there. Inga: So it’s another Power outage. Somehow the Circuits got Overloaded again. I wonder how … Читать далее

Solving a Mystery

Jane: You have to watch this movie. It’s so good! Hercule: I’m not really into Mysteries. Jane: But this is a really good Whodunit. Hercule: I prefer action movies. Jane: Listen, the movie gives you plenty of Clues, and the Detective follows Hunch after hunch, Lead after lead, but the movie is full of Red … Читать далее

Having a Temper Tantrum

Alberto: What was that Ear-splitting scream?! Melissa: That little girl over there is having a Temper tantrum. Alberto: Oh, great! The movie hasn’t even started and that kid is already Acting up. Melissa: I hope she’s okay. She looks Miserable. Maybe her parents can Distract her somehow. Alberto: She’s fine. She’s just Looking for attention … Читать далее

Going into the Military

Chantelle: Attention! Aren’t you supposed To salute? Robert: You’re not my Superior officer. Stop Goofing around. I’m busy. Chantelle: You’re Packing already? You don’t need To report to duty for two days. Are you afraid they’ll think you went AWOL? Robert: I just want to be prepared. Now, leave me alone so I can finish … Читать далее

Learning a Skilled Trade

Jeannine: What are you going to do now that you’ve graduated from high school? Orlando: I’m going to Trade school. My father was a stone and brick Mason and my brother is a Mechanic, but I think I’m going to try something different. Jeannine: Like what? Orlando: Maybe I’ll study to become an Electrician or … Читать далее

Changing Money

I was at the airport to pick up my friend Sandra, who was visiting from Italy. Gustavo: Do you Have everything? Sandra: Yes, I think so. But, I don’t have any U. S. dollars. Where can I Change money? Can I do that here? Gustavo: You could, but I wouldn’t Recommend it. The Exchange rate … Читать далее

The New Zumwalt Stealth Destroyer Is Too Stealthy

The USS Zumwalt departs the coast of Maine for its final builder trials on March 21, 2016 The USS Zumwalt, a Navy destroyer years in the making, is a floating piece of technological wonder. But the neatest feature is tricking nearby radar into thinking its massive 610-foot hull is actually just a 50-foot fishing boat. … Читать далее

Using an Instruction Manual

Aretha: Oh, here’s the Instruction manual. I’ll read you the Section on “getting started.” Carl: No, you don’t need to do that. I know how to do the Installation. Aretha: But don’t you want to hear about the different Functions and Specifications? Carl: There’ll be time for that after everything is Hooked up and we … Читать далее

The Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster

The Chernobyl nuclear power plant lies 65 miles to the north of the city of Kiev in the Ukraine, and close to the border with Belarus. On Saturday the 26th April 1986 at 1.23 a. m., while safety tests were being conducted on Reactor No. 4, a couple of huge shudders were felt in the … Читать далее

Heating and Cooling a Home

Carla: It’s Freezing in here! Why is the Air conditioner on? Trent: I just finished exercising and I’m Sweating like a pig. Carla: That’s no reason to turn the A/C on Full blast! I’m cold. I’m turning on the Heat for a little while. Trent: Are you crazy? It’s 70 Degrees outside! Carla: I’m no … Читать далее

Describing People’s Body Types

Remi: We need to get these Costumes sorted out. I’m not sure we have ones that will fit each person in this Play. Bryan: Let’s see. We need a shirt for Hector. He’s Broad-shouldered, so this one would be too small. Any luck finding one over there? Remi: No, but I think I found a … Читать далее

Expressing Bitter Feelings

Laurent: I’m Done with women! They’re Liars and Manipulators. Julie: Let me guess. You’ve had a bad Breakup? Laurent: It wasn’t just bad. It was Monumentally awful. I’m never going to date again. Julie: You’re just feeling Bitter right now, but you’ll Get over it. You won’t always feel so Jaded. Wait a second. Did … Читать далее

Describing Family Relations

Eri: What’s that? James: It’s an invitation to a Family reunion. Once every five years or so, someone in the family organizes one. Eri: Are you going? James: I’m not sure. It’s always a little awkward seeing Extended family. Did you know that there used to be a big Feud between my father and his … Читать далее

Taking Care of Pets

Magda: Oooh, he’s so cute. When did you get him? Tony: Yesterday. I’m Training him to do Tricks. Magda: Really? Are you having any luck? Tony: No, not yet. So far, he just Lies there, but maybe he’s hungry and doesn’t have any energy to play. I’m going To feed him a few Treats and … Читать далее

Calling an Ambulance

Brad: Are you all right? Lydia: What…what happened? Brad: You Lost consciousness and someone called 911. My name is Brad and I’m a Paramedic. Can you answer a few questions for me? Lydia: I’ll try. Brad: Have you ever Blacked out before? Lydia: No, I don’t think so. Brad: Do you have A history of … Читать далее

Naming and Appointing Officials

Goran: Who do you think will be Appointed to succeed Ramon on the board? Anne: I don’t know whom they’ll pick To fill the position, but I know who the Candidates are. The Higher ups have been quietly Vetting three people to make sure they don’t have any Skeletons in their closets. Goran: Really? Who … Читать далее

Types of Humor

Kyle: Are you watching that Sitcom again? It’s so stupid. There’s nothing Witty or original about the Humor. Paulina: I don’t need Highbrow jokes. I enjoy all kinds of Comedy. Kyle: You mean you like Screwball and Slapstick humor. Paulina: Yes, so? Kyle: So? It’s so Juvenile. Paulina: I know that it’s hard for people … Читать далее

Assembling Furniture

Armand: Did you know that this Nightstand required Assembly when you bought it? Suzanne: The box said that it required simple assembly. I guess what’s simple to them isn’t simple to us. Armand: You can say that again. These instructions aren’t in English, there are no Diagrams showing how the parts Fit together, and we … Читать далее

Being Clean and Dirty

Ray: My mother is coming for a visit, which means we need to do some Spring cleaning this weekend. Debra: I’ll get the Duster, if you’ll get the Broom. Ray: I’m serious. You know how Nit-picky my mother is and I want our house to be Neat and tidy. Debra: Fine, fine, I understand. You … Читать далее

Making Office Renovations

Alice: I can’t hear you over that Hammering. When are these Renovations going to be done? Dilbert: They’re already two weeks past the scheduled Completion date and I can only Guess at the Cost overruns. Alice: It feels like they’re never going to finish. Dilbert: I know. When the renovations were announced, I was glad … Читать далее

Talking About Books

Maggie: What did you think of the book you started last week? Kurt: Oh, I liked it Well enough. Maggie: Wow, that’s a Glowing recommendation. Kurt: Well, it Started off with a bang and the Suspense in the first half was great. I Couldn’t put it down. Then, the Pace changed in the second half … Читать далее

WANT TO BE AN ASTRONAUT? LEARN HOW TO SPEAK RUSSIAN

A fire breaks out on the International Space Station while the orbiting complex is over Russian mission control. How, as an English-speaking astronaut, would you keep up with instructions? The answer is years of Russian training. In between time in simulators, jet airplanes and underwater, neophyte astronauts spend hours learning to read Cyrillic characters and … Читать далее

Understanding Modern Art

Stephan: What’s that? Livia: It’s my latest Artwork. It’s Experimental. Stephan: It’s, um… Livia: Abstract. It’s part of a Performance art piece I’m putting together. It’ll really challenge people’s Perceptions of Reality. Stephan: I don’t really understand Contemporary art. Is it supposed To represent something? Livia: It’s my Interpretation of how the rich Oppress the … Читать далее

Praising a Performance

Claudia: Oh, that was so good. I’ve never seen anything better. Bravo! Bravo! Javier: There’s no need for a Standing ovation and stop Gushing. The performers did a Passable job. It was Nothing to write home about. Claudia: You are so Jaded. That performance was Genius. It Took my breath away. Javier: I thought the … Читать далее

Being Assertive and Meek

Victor: We need To take the bull by the horns. In the meeting today, we’re going To give it to them straight, no more Hemming and hawing. Maura: You’re right. We need to tell them what we really think and Be done with it. Victor: Definitely. We’ve been Conciliatory long enough. Today, we need to … Читать далее

Buying Men’s Shirts

Francesca: Hurry up! Come out of that Fitting room so I can see how the Dress shirt fits. Eddie: The first one didn’t fit at all. The Sleeves were too short and it was too Form fitting. I like my shirts to be On the roomy side. I’m trying on the second one. Francesca: Come … Читать далее

Using Email

One of the first things I do Each morning is to Check my email. I Open the email Program on my computer and I Check for new Messages. It usually takes only a few seconds for my new messages to Download from the Server into my Inbox unless there’s a large Attachment. I can then … Читать далее

Ronald Reagan’s 10 best quotes

Some people might look at all the President Reagan hoopla and say, «There you go again.» But who can resist putting together the ten best things Ronald Reagan ever said. Are these really the ten best quotes? «Trust, but verify» them yourself. The selection may be slightly subjective, but the ranking is based on hard … Читать далее

Taking Pictures

My nephew’s wedding is Coming up This Saturday, and I thought it would be nice to take some Candids for the Happy couple. My wife, who’s the Photographer in the family, wasn’t around today, so I decided to Strike out on my own and Head off to the camera shop. I love to shop for … Читать далее

Using the Telephone

Charles: I don’t know how long this Power outage is going to last. Do you think we should call Elizabeth to tell her we’ll be late for dinner? Jane: That’s a good idea. Do you know her Phone number offhand? Charles: No, I don’t, and I can’t look it up in my Address book or … Читать далее

Different Management Styles

Bianca: Today’s the day. We’re supposed to find out who the new Manager is going to be. I hope they’re not making a mistake by Hiring internally. Conrad: I just hope they don’t pick Melissa. She would be a disaster. Bianca: Why do you say that? I like Melissa. Conrad: I like her, too, but … Читать далее

Arranging Airport Transfer

My wife and I bought a Vacation package and we thought that it included everything. We should have Double-checked that it included Airport transfer to our hotel as well. Hindsight is 20/20, they say. My wife wanted to take a Taxi, but I Nixed that idea. It would Cost an arm and a leg. I … Читать далее

Describing Old and New Clothes

Ellen: What are you wearing to the party? Hiro: Your guess is as good as mine. Ellen: Let’s look through your Closet and I’ll help you Pick something out. Hiro: Okay, but I have to warn you. I have a pretty limited Wardrobe. Ellen: Let’s see, these black pants are nice, but they’re Frayed on … Читать далее

Common Traffic Signs

Ben: Why are you Squinting like that? Lauren: I left my glasses at the office. Ben: You mean you can’t see?! Lauren: I can see pretty well. What was that yellow Sign we just passed? Ben: It said, «Dead End.» Stop! Turn around. Lauren: I can’t. That sign says, «No U-turn.» Ben: Okay, but we … Читать далее

Getting Advice from Mothers-in-Law

Marc: Who was that? Carla: It was your mother – again. She wanted to give me another piece of Unsolicited advice about Housekeeping. She’s called five times this week already. Marc: She’s just trying to be helpful. Carla: I wish she’d do it without being so Critical. I feel like she enjoys Finding fault with … Читать далее

Delaying Making a Decision

Thomas: You’ve Hemmed and hawed for weeks. It’s time to make a decision. Eugenia: I know, but I need To sleep on it. This is a very big decision. Thomas: You’ve Dragged your feet for far too long. Are you having Second thoughts? Eugenia: No, no second thoughts. I just want to be Absolutely sure … Читать далее

Wild New Caledonian crows possess tool-craft talent

Scientists have confirmed that a species of wild crow from New Caledonia in the South Pacific can craft tools. The birds were observed bending twigs into hooks to extract food hidden in wooden logs. Previously this skill had been seen in captive birds kept in laboratories. The study, published in the journal Open Science, suggests … Читать далее

Training Inexperienced Employees

Kazuko: I really appreciate you helping with the training of the Newbies. I couldn’t have done it without you. Martin: Don’t mention it. I remember when I was still Wet behind the ears and the Veterans in the company gave me the benefit of their time and Expertise. They Propped me up until I could … Читать далее

Using an Online Email Program

Luigi: What do you think of this new Email program? Selma: I don’t know yet. I just started using it. The Interface is pretty Intuitive, but I haven’t figured out how To sort my Inbox by date. Luigi: That’s easy. Let me show you. All you have to do is hit one of these buttons … Читать далее

Loan Forgiveness Programs

Martin: One hundred eleven days And counting. Georgina: Are you Counting down To something? Martin: I’m counting down to the day when my Student loans will be Discharged. I only took this job because it Qualifies for the Loan forgiveness program. Georgina: But you’ve worked here for over two years already. You mean you’ve been … Читать далее