Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Social Talk. Text 27

Тема: указание пути.

- Hello. Have you arrived already? I'm waiting near first platform. By the way, I didn't knew that your train is late.
- It doesn't. I'm already in here. Don't know exactly where, but here. I'm amazed how so little street can produce so much noise.
- Just don't panic. Where are you? Can you tell me how you managed to get there?
- Awesome. You can tell where I'm now, just from traffic noise.
- You wish. I just assumed that you are somewhere in the city. Can you tell me what is nearby?
- Nothing really. Oh. There are two stands with pancakes.
- This is not good. There are dozen of places with pancakes stands in Lugansk. Can you ask anybody? About your location.
- I'll try. But all of them are speaking foreign language.
- I bet you'll succeed.
- Ryan, I was told, that I'm standing right between Russia and Ukraine. How can that be truth? Did I take the wrong train?
- Relax. I know exactly where you are now. Go the bus stop near the pancakes stand. Take bus number 147 with letter "A" or "B", I don't remember which, but it doesn't matters. Then you can take a nap, if you find a seat, and in around twelve minutes you'll be at the last stop, where you'll have to go out.
- Understandable so far. Go on.
- When you are at the place, look around. On one of the highrises you should see a big sign of the real estate agency. That building is one you've been looking for. Just go around the parking lot, and you'll be exactly near the your destination. Read the signs carefully, and you'll remember what I've told you.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Social Talk. Text 26

Help from inside.

- Matt, it's boring in here. I want to go home already.
- Just two more days Wendy. And I'll take you home. You did right thing. I'm so proud of you.
- Yeah, but I'm bored. And this doctor won't stop till I.. damn, he is coming.
- Hello Matthew. I'm glad that you are here. We still need to run some tests, but now I can say it for sure. We have succeeded. And I've already sent documents, and I guess I'll get the Nobel Prize.
- Are you sure about results doctor?
- Ninety seven percent sure. Modified bacteria filled almost all the liver by now. They have done a great deal of job. And in two days your wife will have a clean liver. Just as new.
- And what will be after that? What if she drinks again?
- I'm still here. - Wendy said.
- Sorry my dear. But I really need to know. I worry about you. Diana wants her mother back. And Stephanie will have to accept you as you are, and without alcohol.
- Matt, as scientist I must warn you, there is slight possibility of failure, about one to billion. But I can assure you, that in next eighty years she won't have any wish of alcohol.
- What makes you so sure?
- I'm and my students were creating this new species for almost six years. We managed to force these modified organism to fix the liver cells, and so we've invented first, human friendly virus.
- A virus! What does this mean?

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Social Talk. Text 24

Тема: упражнения на работе.. для "айтишников".

There was no one in the building yet and I could sit as I wanted to, in pose which I was comfortable. One leg on another, or I could get up to the chair with both my legs, or just put them on the table. But some one is coming, and I had to sit still. Because there are safety rules that must be fulfilled. No doubt these rules can make some difference to your health. But who had never avoid it?

- Hello Ryan. - a co-worker said.
- Hello co-worker. - I replied.

A fresh new day just started. We are working all day, sitting firmly, barely moving. But if you take a closer look, you can notice some weird things are happening all the time.

Were has that guy from across the room gone? But next second he's on his place again. What is going on here? Some time later I was making coffee, and on my way back I, accidentally, saw that people in the nearby room, were shaking constantly each on ones own place. I stood still at once. Fascinating!

I've put a cup near one hand, and cookies near other, then put on my headphones, stretched in all possible directions, and go deeply in to my small world. Oxygen will run out in one hour..

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Social Talk. Text 23

Тема: lifestyle..

I've been working on this job for whole my life. In fact, I'm interested in nothing, besides my work. And there is no one, who can reproach me. I don't really care, but it can be inspiring, when you know, you are not the only one, waking up early to make your way to the work. And yes, I'm a workaholic. This mean I'm working a little bit more than others, but still, I enjoy my life.

There is no better way to start the day, except drinking a cup or two of your favourite drink. Ice cold tea with small mint leaf, or tiny cup of espresso, it's up to you. And I can make them all. No matter what you'll choose.

But if it happens to be a night duty, it can be lonely, I can say. Tonight, however, there were few clients. First of them came around midnight, but to my request of order, he only shouted at me:
- Live me alone. I don't want anything.

I should be polite with customers, maybe he is waiting for someone. So I went back to my place. But even from that spot I can clearly see that the young man was pretty nervous about his expectation.

In just two minutes second man appeared in the door way. Maybe he wants coffee more then other one. But he ordered just an instant drink. It's not much, but still something. Why nobody orders an Irish cream, or a Mexican coffee, or my personal favourite Egyptian coffee. It makes no sense. Instant drinks aren't worse the pay.

Of coarse I have a patron, who always orders the best, but he remain unsatisfied with my drinks all the time. And if he ever throws cup at me, I'll kill him. But maybe because of that I'm at the repair factory right now. No one wants to be killed by a crazy robot.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Social Talk. Text 22

Тема: real estate agent..

P2 - We'll never sell this house partner.
P1 - Relax. Partner. I have an idea. Isn't we the most successful pair of real estate agents?

Very next day, big bright posters were hung on every empty wall all over the neighborhood. And if you enjoy TV commercials, you'll probably find yourself in front of one of those posters. But the most important, is what each poster reads.

Attention! First time in the town. Almost castle by a price of a small flat. Hurry up. Real time tender will start tomorrow at noon. There were few pictures too. One with Dover castle, titled - "This large", and the second one with twelve square meters apartment and a matching title beneath it - "in cost like this".

It hadn't been a surprise, when huge crowd gathered at the destination.

P1 - Greetings to all who have come.. Hey. Come back you two. I haven't revealed the price yet. And I guess start price will be.. will be five bucks. You move.
In a moment crowd has blown with dozens of voices.
P1 - Look, partner, it's chain reaction with slight crowd pattern.
P1 - Yeah, you lady third in the second row.
- Hundred. And how many rooms does it have?
P1 - a kitchen, a bedroom, a bathroom, an attic, a bedroom, a cellar and a living room. Almost twelve. Next one, you mister with pink doggy.
- A thousand. What about fridge size? Measuring in beer bottles.
P1 - Exactly seventy five single man rations, which include beer, chips and meat dumplings. Go on, next question please. Young couple with the guns and handcuffs.
- Trade is over. And you are going back to the hospital Napoleon brothers.
- This mean that almost burned house isn't for sale? - Fat man said.

P1 - Partner. I told you. We are good at sales business. We were on that close to sell it. Partner.
P2 - Yeah. But now we must invent new escape plan. Then burn a house, or find a burned one, like this was.
P1 - Don't worry, we'll figure out something.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Social Talk. Text 21

Тема: предметы в доме.. вышло маловато.

Doorbell starts to ring.
- Who is there? - Wendy asked.
- Police Ma'am. Have you called police?
- Yeah, sure, come in. We was robbed yesterday.
- Mom, what's going on?
- Diana, sweetheart, don't worry. We've lost few things due to some accident.
- Let me guess. It was a robbery. - Diana said. - Again.

- Oh no. This time all for real. There is no TV and no notebook either.
- Yeah, just like last time. What was it? Empty wardrobe, wasn't it? And guess what, officers..
- Diana please, don't.
- And we've found all clothes in the dryer. What a shame.
- We shall go. No crime here.
- Wait. I've lost money too, not only stuff.
- But you've got a new golden ring mother. I love you, but you really should consider about changing attitude towards your family.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Social Talk. Text 20

Тема: горжусь ли я своим домом..

- Hey wifee. How many bottles have you drunk both?
- Only one honey. Stephanie isn't thirsty today.
- And you are opening second one just in case, I suppose, aren't you?
- Exactly. I must go. We shouldn't make our guest wait.
- Your guest darling. And it's much better when you stay at her place rather then ours.

Wendy is joining her friend in the living room.

- You know Wendy, you've got such an amazing house.
- How can't I know? We've been furnishing this house for five years.
- And by whom were those paintings chosen?
- By my daughter of course. She've got this creative mind since she was born.
- Wen, I must tell she is doing it well. You place is so cozy. But your husband somehow manages to ruin it with he's stupid toys.
- It's better not to mention this at Matt's presence. He's got some kind of dislike of you.

The Longsters family

По просьбе преподователя, Джулии. Краткий список персонажей используемых в рассказах.

Family characters.
1. Matt - head of the family. Diana's father.
2. Wendy - beginner drinker. Diana's mother.
3. Diana - schoolgirl. Beloved daughter of Matt and Wendy.
4. "Uncle" Martin - some kind of relative to Matt. No one knows exactly what kind of..
5. Stanley - Matt's younger brother. Lives in the Bolivia right now.

Non relation characters.
Stephanie - Wendy's alcoholic friend. Everybody think that she from France.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Social Talk. Text 19

Тема: интересные здания. Использовать вопросы.

- Dad. Can you read my report to the "Science fiction week" in my school?
- Sure I can. Send it to my email and I'll read it in the office.
- Already did. But promise me you'll read it till evening.

He did. And of course he had regretted it.

Oh no. It's already eight o'clock. Where is this letter? Shall I use search?
You have one unread letter from Diana.

Topic: Our place to live in fifty years.
By Diana Longster.

Where are we gonna live, when our planet becomes to small for us?
I've got a solution. But it aims to the future, not so far, but still not for nowadays.
Can I suppose that we'll have had gravity management system by that time?
If you can't give me such chance, then just imagine a Moon city, or Martian[марщан] village. It doesn't matter.

Initially you'll have small, but well placed, apartment. Do you like it?
It will be two meters long and the same wide. Height will be about three meters. Do you still like it?
This place will contain all staff from your current flat. All you need, is small switch, that will change gravity field direction.
Bed at one wall, freezer at the other one. And so on. I even have detailed plan, but this story is for another class..

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Social Talk. Text 18

Text 18
Hi guys. I'm writing this letter from our new laptop.

Sorry that I haven't written for so long. I didn't have such possibility before. Where I'm now, there was no phone or internet, or even electricity. But yesterday we got special package. Not just with medicine and water, as usual, but with some other boxes too.

Strange, bright green box, with directions "Only to Peace Corps Members", contained mini solar power plant, laptop, bunch of CD's with soft, and satellite communication equipment. Yellow box contained building tools. And the smallest red box was filled with guides. Make it by yourself in ten days. Various kind of guides. Over hundred books, from "how to build a chair" to "building a village".

But the most important is notebook that was sent to us. Now I'm able to tell that I have stayed in Bolivia for the last year. There are four of us in a camp. We help this poor people to get clean water every day. And with such manuals, as we received, we can easily build simple water desalination system. Just from empty plastic bottles. Can you believe?

Thanks to Gates Foundation, now we can communicate with our families and other Peace Corps teams within whole world. Share useful information and knowledge, transmit our needs to region leader in more efficient way.

P.S. Say hello to the kids Matt.
Your brother Stanley.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Social Talk. Text 17

Тема: люди с ограниченными возможностями. Могут ли они работать так-же как и остальные..

- Hey. Diana. Wait for me.
- Hello Charles. You can call me Di, as everybody does.
- I'll try. Di, I have heard, that you are working at factory or something. And that your employer is handicapped.
- Yes that's true. And by the way, I have earned enough money, to buy me an iPod.
- So lucky you are. Di.
- Don't think I'm bragging. I'm just trying to attract your attention.
- Never had that in my mind. But I want an iPod too.
- Then, I guess, you can get a job at my uncles facility. You can carry packages to the lorry. It's very useful job.
- No. Thanks. I'd better be sweeping streets. Eyes down. Seeing no one, hearing no one. Especially wounded or disabled people.
- There's no wounded. They are vets, almost all of them. And they are great people, I must say. So funny and resilient.
- Let's assume they are so great, but what about boxes? They must be heavy. And I'm only twelve.
- Don't be silly. Each box weights slightly more than a kilo. But it's not so simple to do in wheelchair.
- I guess it's make sense. And know what? Your uncle should be grateful for newcomers to you.
- He will, Charlie. He will.