Aftermath of U.S. elections: "Build a Damn Fence!"

After the euphoria following Obama's victory two years ago, the sweeping Republican victories in the mid-term elections in the U.S. have given the Democrats a significant setback. In this spoof on the emigration of Mexicans across the border to the U.S., this author describes how hordes of American liberals are fleeing across the border to Canada.

From The Manitoba Herald
by Clive Runnels

The flood of American liberals sneaking across the border into Canada has intensified in the past week, sparking calls for increased patrols to stop the illegal immigration. The recent actions of the Tea Party are prompting an exodus among left-leaning citizens who fear they'll soon be required to hunt, pray, and to agree with Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck.

Canadian border farmers say it's not uncommon to see dozens of sociology professors, animal-rights activists and Unitarians crossing their fields at night. "I went out to milk the cows the other day, and there was a Hollywood producer huddled in the barn," said Manitoba farmer Red Greenfield, whose acreage
borders North Dakota. The producer was cold, exhausted and hungry. He asked me if I could spare a latte and some free-range chicken. When I said I didn't have any, he left before I even got a chance to show him my screenplay, eh?”

In an effort to stop the illegal aliens, Greenfield erected higher fences, but the liberals scaled them. He then installed loudspeakers that blared Rush Limbaugh across the fields. "Not real effective," he said. "The liberals still got through and Rush annoyed the cows so much that they wouldn't give any milk.”

Officials are particularly concerned about smugglers who meet liberals near the Canadian border, pack them into Volvo station wagons and drive them across the border where they are simply left to fend for themselves." A lot of these people are not prepared for our rugged conditions," an Ontario border
patrolman said. "I found one carload without a single bottle of imported drinking water. They did have a nice little Napa Valley Cabernet, though." When liberals are caught, they're sent back across the border, often wailing loudly that they fear retribution from conservatives. Rumors have been circulating about plans being made to build re-education camps where
liberals will be forced to drink domestic beer and watch NASCAR races.

In recent days, liberals have turned to ingenious ways of crossing the border. Some have been disguised as senior citizens taking a bus trip to buy cheap Canadian prescription drugs. After catching a half-dozen young vegans in powdered wig disguises, Canadian immigration authorities began stopping buses and quizzing the supposed senior citizens about Perry Como and Rosemary Clooney to prove that they were alive in the '50s. "If they can't identify the accordion player on The Lawrence Welk Show, we become very
suspicious about their age" an official said. Canadian citizens have complained that the illegal immigrants are creating
an organic-broccoli shortage and are renting all the Michael Moore movies. "I really feel sorry for American liberals, but the Canadian economy just can't support them." an Ottawa resident said.

"How many art-history majors does one country need?"
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sneaking: moving secretly, stealthily
sparking: setting off in a burst of activity
prompting: moving to action, inciting
Bill O'Reilly: Conservative American television host, political commentary program "The O'Reilly Factor" on Fox News
Glenn Beck: conservative radio and television talk show and news host
Unitarians: members of a denomination that stresses individual freedom of belief, the free use of reason in religion, a united world community, and liberal social action
huddled: gathered in a close-packed group
acreage: area in acres
free-range chicken: chickens that are allowed to range and forage relatively freely (not caged)
screenplay: script of a film or movie
scaled: ascended to the top
blared: sounded loudly
Rush Limbaugh: conservative radio talk show host
station wagons: large carswith passenger compartment
to fend for themselves: provide for themselves
retribution: reward or punishment
wailing: crying, complaining
NASCAR: National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing
Perry Como: Musical television show host
The Lawrence Welk Show: Popular musical television show host
Rosemary Clooney: Popular singer in the 1950s

Dining style and etiquette

Can you think of any other cultural differences when socializing in America or in Europe?

Political forms of discussion in the U.S.

Political discussion in the U.S. has become increasingly polarized and aggressive as news media, particularly some cable news networks, publish and broadcast their own opinionated versions of the news. Just last August, Glenn Beck from the conservative Fox News Network called fellow conservatives and Tea Party members to a Washington D.C. rally "Restoring Honor" where such prominent figures as former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin spoke. Fed up with heated discussions and agitating rallies, popular political comedian Jon Stewart, who holds a mock television news show ("The Daily Show"), has now called for an alternative "Rally to Restore Sanity" to be held in Washington D.C. on October 30. Read the blog about this upcoming half-humorous, half serious event "John Stewart to Rally for Sanity: Good Luck with That!" on Time.com. And take a look at the offical flyer announcing the rally.

Being polite

Being polite is all about being considerate and appreciative, but for many people, it remains a challenge. You're probably wondering how you can improve your etiquette. You might want to know how to avoid being rude, which can make the people around you feel offended, un-welcomed, uncomfortable, or even hurt.



The short dialogues below are not very polite. How would you rewrite them to make them sound more acceptable? More than one alternative is possible.

1) A I want to leave early
B No way

2) A Want a lift?
B Yes.

3) A Want a cup of coffee?
B No.

4) A Bring me the check
B OK.

5) A Tell me the way to the nearest ATM.
B No idea.

Advertising images

Have a look at the pictures below. Decide on different products they could be used to advertise. Why did you choose these products? Would you buy the products advertised in the pictures? Why? Why not?

Indirect Questions

Indirect Questions

Now, report these yes/no questions using the words in brackets.

1) Do you want to call John Meyer? (asked)
2) Have you met Sue yet? (asked)
3) Are you open on a Sunday? (could)
4) Did you get my message? (wondered)
5) How much time is there left? (idea)
6) Will you be taking Peter with you to the meeting? (wanted to know)

Abbreviations

Do you know how to use Latin abbreviations?

Global Business

What is global business? Global business consists of transactions that are devised and carried out across national borders to satisfy the objectives of individuals, companies and organizations.
Technical, commercial and political developments over the last few years have affected society in general, and business in particular.

Watch these videos on global business tips when doing business in England, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and France.

Make or Do? - Extra Homework!

Fill in the blanks with the corresponding form of either Make or Do.

1) I'm really sorry, but I couldn't _______ the homework last night.
2) Did Lucas _______ many mistakes? He should have studied more.
3) She often ________ the housework at the weekend.
4) When do you __________ your next test?
5) I would like to ______ a course in Spanish as my new project is in Argentina.
6) We have to ________ a decision quite soon.
7) He is __________ some research in chemistry.
8) They ___________ a lot of noise during the birthday party.
9) The children are about to arrive home. I have to start ___________ lunch right now!
10) She ________ a lot of money when she worked in Dubai.
11) I always ______ the shopping on Monday.
12) Could you ______ me a favour?

Pronunciation and Some Fun!

This is a scene from the movie "Pink Panther" on how to improve your English pronunciation ... Very funny!

Message from Marly

Please check the following link:
Message from Marly

Homework 27 July - Starbucks vs. McCafé

Please, read the following article.
Starbucks vs. McCafé

Pronunciation: Starbucks

Tenses - PPT Presentations

Below you can find three Power Point Presentations on Tenses (Present, Past and Future).
Present
Past
Future

How to Give an Effective Business Presentation

Quiz on tenses - Homework 13 July

Tenses » exam maker

Europe's Thirst for Young African Footballers

While the football world's attention has focused on Africa for the first time this year, Europe's top clubs have had their eyes on young African players already for many years. In fact, young African players have long been a sought-after commodity, groomed and trained for success by European trainers on European teams. While some of these players make it to the top, many are not so fortunate, often ending up on the streets. Read about "Europe's Thirst for Young African Footballers" and what becomes of them in this article.

Football fever

"We wanted to fan the World Cup enthusiasm further", said Martin Schäfer from the Germany Embassy in Pretoria.
The Embassy also launched "Fan Embassies" vehicles decorated in the colours of the German flag, which follow the German fans around as they support their country. The "Fan Embassies" provide fans with information and help.
Are you also into the "Football Fever"? Do you think the German team will win the World Cup? Would you like to have a conversation about football but in English? Why don't you check your football vocabulary by doing this quiz? You can check the answers on the following vocabulary list.

Welcome to your blog!

Welcome to your business English course blog. We'd like to widen your classroom by giving you a few things you can read, watch and do during the week between classes, as well as an opportunity to post your comments.