Animals in War Memorial

The Animals in War Memorial is a war memorial in Hyde Park, London. It is located on Park Lane, at the junction with Upper Brook Street, on the eastern edge of the park. The memorial was designed by English sculptor David Backhouse to commemorate the countless animals that have served and died under British military … Читать далее

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan

The oldest hotel in the world has been operated by the same family for over 1,300 years, even catering to samurai Nestled among a number of picturesque hot springs in the mountains, the traditionally-styled Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in the Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, is recognized as the world’s oldest hotel, inn, and possibly even business in … Читать далее

Rent-A-Guinea Pig Service Takes Off in Switzerland

Guinea pigs are sociable animals and Swiss law prohibits owners from keeping the furry rodents on their own. But what happens when one dies? Don’t fret, just call Priska Küng, who runs a ‘rent-a-guinea pig’ service to provide companionship for grieving, lonely animals in the twilight of their years. Swiss animal lover Priska Küng runs … Читать далее

Experiencing a Drought

Fabian: How long do you think this Drought is going to last? Lia: I have no idea, but I’m not worried. I grew up in the Desert. Not having enough Precipitation was just a fact of life. Fabian: Yes, but people here aren’t used to getting this little Rainfall. Their Livelihood depends on having a … Читать далее

Promoting a New Product

Zoila: I haven’t seen you around lately. What have you been up to? Leo: My business partners and I have been Putting the final touches on our new Line of energy drinks. Zoila: Really? I didn’t even know that you were in the beverage business. Leo: Yeah, we’ve Branched out into a few other areas. … Читать далее

Adopting a Pet

Gabe: Why are we here? I thought we decided To put off getting a dog. Rene: I know that’s what you’d like to do, but I thought a trip to the Pound might convince you that this is the right time To adopt a dog. Look at this cute little dog. This card lists his … Читать далее

Correcting Misunderstandings at Work

I work in our company’s Toledo office and I was meeting with my Counterpart in our Raleigh office. I was trying to explain to her our new proposal to make some changes in the Corporate structure. But, it wasn’t going very well. Rory: So, with the new plan, the managers would Report directly to the … Читать далее

Scuba Dive/Tux

Explanation: How many times has James Bond or some other big-screen spy hopped into a tuxedo, taken a scuba dive and then arrived at a cocktail party looking fresh as a daisy? Enough times for a viewer to ask MythBusters Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage to test whether the confines of a scuba suit can … Читать далее

Learning to Act

Richard: It’s 6:30 a. m. on Saturday morning. Why are you Banging those Pots and pans? Elizabeth: I have an Audition coming up and I’m Rehearsing. Richard: By banging pots and pans? Elizabeth: I’m Up for a part as a 1950s housewife. I need to Learn my lines and be prepared To improvise. That’s why … Читать далее

Competition and Prizes

Olga: Are you going to Take me on, or are you Chicken? Apollo: Me chicken? No way! Bring it on! Olga: Okay, but get ready to get Trounced. I’m going To teach you a thing or two about how this game should be played. Ready for some Humiliation? Apollo: Stop Trash-talking and get over here. … Читать далее

In a Rut

Woman: What do you want to do tonight? Man: I don’t know. What do you want to do? W: I have no idea. Do you think we’re In a rut? M: What do you mean? W: Well, we do the same things every weekend. We go to the same restaurants. We see the same friends. … Читать далее

Giving Compliments

A friend from work, Nia, Asked a few of us over to her apartment to watch the game this Sunday and I was really nervous. I’ve always liked Nia and I was hoping we could Be more than friends. My brother, Charlie, said that if I really liked her, I should be sure to give … Читать далее

Talking About Time

Juanita: What time is it? Chuck: It’s A quarter to 12. Why? Juanita: At Noon, on the dot, I’m supposed to meet James. Chuck: On the dot? What if you don’t get there until a few minutes Past four? Will you turn into a pumpkin? Juanita: Knock it off. I have good reason to be … Читать далее

Why Samuel Adams supports its competitors

Jim Koch is chairman of Boston Beer, a pioneer of the craft-beer movement and brewer of Samuel Adams. The business, which Koch founded in 1984, had $739 million in revenue last year. Since 2008, Boston Beer has given out more than $3 million in microloans to craft brewers and other small businesses in the food, … Читать далее

An Expiring Business Lease

Jane: Our Lease is up at the end of this year and we need To negotiate a new one. Monty: I know, but if I Bring it up first, the Landlord will think I’m Desperate to renew. Jane: We are desperate to renew. We’ve built our business here, and it would be really difficult To … Читать далее

A Movie Review

Sally: Did you see the new movie, The McQuillan Story? I’m writing a Movie review for the school paper. Marcus: I went to the Premiere last week. What did you think of it? Sally: I liked it. I thought it was Entertaining, although it wasn’t Groundbreaking, by any means. Marcus: You thought it was entertaining? … Читать далее

Breaking Bad Habits

Counselor: Welcome everybody. You’ve all joined this Support group because you have some Bad habits that you’d like To break. Would anyone like to introduce themselves and tell us about their bad habit? Stu: Uh yeah, I’m Stu and my wife Signed me up for this support group because she says I have some really … Читать далее

Using the Restroom

Denzel: Excuse me, where is the Restroom? Server: It’s down the hall, on your left. Denzel: Thanks. When I got into the bathroom, it was a Mess. I walked into a Stall and there was Toilet paper all over the floor. There were no Toilet seat covers and the Toilet wouldn’t Flush. Even the Toilet … Читать далее

Paying the Bills

Grace: Did you already pay the Bills for this month? Will: No, I haven’t gotten around to it yet. Why? Grace: We got a Late notice from the credit card company. The notice says that they haven’t received the payment yet and it’s Past the due date. We are being charged a Late fee plus … Читать далее

The Silver Shilling

There was once a shilling, which came forth from the mint springing and shouting, «Hurrah! now I am going out into the wide world.» And truly it did go out into the wide world. The children held it with warm hands, the miser with a cold and convulsive grasp, and the old people turned it … Читать далее

Getting Ready to Go

I guess I’m just like everybody else. I Could do withouT Mondays. On the weekend, I can Kick back and relax, but I Dread going back to work when the weekend is over. This morning was particularly Hectic. On Weeknights, I set my Alarm for 7 a. m. That’s what I did last night. But, … Читать далее

The Emperor’s New Suit

Many, many years ago lived an emperor, who thought so much of new clothes that he spent all his money in order to obtain them; his only ambition was to be always well dressed. He did not care for his soldiers, and the theatre did not amuse him; the only thing, in fact, he thought … Читать далее

Writing One’s Memoirs

Oscar: We’re Thrilled that you’ll be Publishing your Memoir with our company. You’ve had such an interesting life. I’m sure you’ll have lots of Titillating stories to tell. Liz: Well, my memoir will certainly have a lot of stories about my career: the people I’ve worked with and the kindness I’ve encountered in this Industry. … Читать далее

A Friendly Rivalry

Veronica: I’m finishing up for the day. Do you want to walk out together? Bogdan: Yeah, that would be great, if you don’t mind waiting until I’ve finished sending this email. I’m letting Tom know that I got another account. That makes four new customers this week. Veronica: Congratulations, but isn’t that Rubbing Tom’s nose … Читать далее

Feeling Embarrassed

Lois: Please don’t Embarrass me at the party tonight. Roger: Me, embarrass you? I’d never do that. Lois: You have, though, more than once. Roger: Name one. Lois: At the Johnsons’ party, you danced on the table while singing “I Am Woman”! Roger: I was being The life of the party. Everybody thought it was … Читать далее

Complimenting Your Host

Anton: Jenny, you’ve Outdone yourself. This is quite a Spread. Jenny: Thank you. I’m glad you approve. Anton: Approve? I think everything on this table looks Exquisite and Mouthwatering. Jenny: That’s nice of you to say. I wanted everything to be perfect. Anton: You’ve Surpassed all expectations. If this food tastes even half as good … Читать далее

A Brainstorming Session

Judy: I’ve Called this meeting so we can Brainstorm some Fundraising ideas. As you know, we’re In danger of closing. Any thoughts? Stan: I thought that Juan was Working on getting Donors. Judy: He is, but we can’t count on that Coming through. Dominique: How much do we need to raise? What’s a ballpark figure? … Читать далее

Avoiding Topics in Conversation

Lila: Why aren’t you dating? I have so many friends who would love to go out with you. George: Let’s Change the subject. Talking about my Love life isn’t very interesting. Lila: But really, you’re not getting any younger and… George: Moving on! Have you seen any good movies lately? Lila: Listen, all of your … Читать далее

An On-Site Estimate

I work for a Building contractor and I spend most of my workday giving On-site estimates. I mainly go to people’s homes, discuss the work they want done, Inspect the site, and give them a Quote. Robert: You want to Expand your kitchen, is that right? Abigail: Yes, with our growing family, we need more … Читать далее

Discussing a Victory or Loss

Yolanda: Did you see the game last night? Bob: You mean the Crushing victory of my team over yours? Yolanda: That’s not how I would Characterize it. We Fell short in the final seconds, but we played a good game Up until then. Bob: In your dreams. My team Dominated from beginning to end. You’re … Читать далее

Checking into a Hotel

I Flew into Atlanta the afternoon before a Big meeting. I Hailed a taxi at the airport and told the driver the name of the hotel. I asked him How long it would take to get there. He said it would only be 20 minutes. I sat back and relaxed. We got to the hotel … Читать далее

Sharing With Others

Benny: Mom says we’re supposed To share. Julia: I know. I’m Divvying up the candy right now. Just Hold your horses. Benny: I want to do it. I want to make sure I Get my fair share. Julia: I Called dibs on dividing up the candy, remember? You snooze you lose. Benny: That’s not Fair! … Читать далее

Living on the Fringes of Society

Carla: Why do those teenagers have to dress like that? Don’t they want To fit in? Donald: Maybe they feel Marginalized and they’re showing their feelings of Alienation through their clothes. Carla: That’s just a bunch of Psychobabble. Nobody is treating them like Second-class citizens. They’re choosing To set themselves apart, to make themselves Outcasts. … Читать далее

A Suspicious Neighbor

Patricia: What do you think of our new neighbor? Ray: I don’t know. I haven’t met him yet. Patricia: Me neither, but I think he’s a Shady character. Ray: Why do you think that? Patricia: Well, when he was moving in, I tried To shoot the breeze with him and he was Shifty. When I … Читать далее

Shopping for Men’s Shoes

Curran: I like these Tennis shoes. I need a new pair. Beth: We’re here to buy you some Dress shoes for attending Chelsey’s wedding. You can’t go wearing those Worn out loafers, and you need time To break them in. Curran: All right. Just pick whatever you think is suitable and let’s go. Beth: Don’t … Читать далее

Being Cited for a DUI

Susan: Hey, Jack, you’re an Attorney. Do you know anything about DUIs? Jack: Sure, I’ve Handled a few DUI Cases. Susan: I was just wondering about the Penalties for a DUI. Jack: Well, if it’s a First offense, you’ll be Fined and may be placed on Probation. You’ll need to attend DUI school, and your … Читать далее

Getting a Car Serviced

Sophia: Is my car ready? Mechanic: I’m finished with your Oil change and I replaced the Oil filter. I’ve also replaced the wiper Blades in your Windshield wipers. But I’ve had a good look under your hood, and your car needs a lot of work. Sophia: Really? Mechanic: Yes, you have some serious problems. I … Читать далее

Recommending Someone for a Job

Harry: I’ve Put in a good word for you with my boss. He said To stop by the store at 4:00 today and he’ll Interview you for the job. Judy: Okay, I think I can make it around 4:00. Harry: Not around 4:00. You need to be there at 4:00 Sharp, got that? I’m Sticking … Читать далее

Ending a Restaurant Meal

Server: Can I Clear these plates and get them Out of your way? Alvin: Sure, we’re all done. Can I get the rest of that in a Doggie bag? Server: No problem. I’ll Wrap it up for you. Is there anything else I can get you? Did you Leave room for dessert? How about some … Читать далее

Azolla fern: A climate change cure?

Earth, 50 million years ago… A world beginning to flourish under the influence of a little fern called Azolla, which pulled much of the greenhouse gas CO2 out of the atmosphere. FIFTY million years ago the Earth was in a dire state. Overheated by runaway greenhouse gases, the future of life seemed bleak. But a … Читать далее

Taking the Bus in Los Angeles

I just moved to L. A. and don’t have a car. Everybody says that you can’t Get around this city without one, but I wanted to Prove them wrong. I asked my neighbor to take me to the downtown Bus station so I could try taking the bus home. She thought I was crazy but … Читать далее

Playing a Practical Joke

Patricia: What are you doing? Luis: I’m setting up a Practical joke for Bobby. I Can’t wait to see the look on his face when he walks outside and finds his bike In pieces. It’ll be the best Prank ever! Patricia: You’re not really going to take apart his bike, are you? Luis: I’ll Let … Читать далее