РД-101 / Subj / 424-Английский язык. Пособие по домашнему чтению

minorities, homosexuals, women, blind people, deaf people, or old people: Traditional industrial terms such as blackleg, the black economy and blacklisted have been banned because they might offend TUC delegates from ethnic minorities. Speakers have been asked not to use descriptions deemed politically incorrect on grounds of race, disability and gender” (Daily Telegraph). “The term is most frequently used in situations where this anxiety to avoid offence seems excessive: It is a pretty nonsensical aspect of “political correc tness» to worry about the sex of a reviewer” (The Bookseller). The legions of the politically correct continue to direct their accusations of racism, sexism, stoutism and inappropriate body language at every area of our public and private life, sniffing out imaginary insults and creating antagonism in their wake (Daily Telegraph).

Political correctness also strives to project a more positive image of negative or undesirable qualities such as dishonesty or failure, with the substitution of such euphemisms as ethically disoriented for dishonest and deficiency achievement for failure. Of American origin, political correctness is often regarded in Britain as unacceptable interference with English usage and the natural development of the English language. (Bloomsbury Good Word Guide)

“Political Correctness (PC) was a spontaneous decla ration that particular ideas, expressions and behaviour, which were...legal, should be forbidden by law, and people who transgress should be punished. It has become an unwritten and written law within the community. To attempt to point out the odious nature of Political Correctness is to restate the crucial importance of plain speaking, freedom of choice and freedom of speech

(From A Theory Of Civilization by Philip Atkinson) http://www.ourcivilisation.com/pc.htm

Text 33

RUSSIAN MASLENITSA GOING GLOBAL

Maslenitsa is a centuries-old Russian tradition that kicks off the seven-week- long Lent period. Today, Russia has become quite secularized due to 70 years of Soviet rule, but the tradition of celebrating the last days of winter with stacks of sunshaped pancakes (bliny) continues.

Maslenitsa represents a great compromise between the Orthodox Church and Russia's ancient pagan rites: the festival is a precursor to the period of Lent fasting, Easter and finally the Spring Equinox. Many traditions associated with Maslenitsa derive from pagan times, i.e. before 10th century A.D. Actually, the festival once symbolized the beginning of the New Year - before the 14th century Russians acknowledged the agrarian calendar, which began in March. Thus, Maslenitsa festivities symbolized the many good things expected in the New Year, including high fertility and good crops.

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Carnival Russian-style. Considering the extreme commercial success of Christmas celebration around the world, Maslenitsa, which is wedged between Christmas and Easter, has been gaining attention with each passing year. Thus, with the increasing popularity of the festival, some Moscow authorities predict that Maslenitsa will become an internationally popular event, on par with the famous carnivals of Brazil and Venice. City officials foresee great opportunities of attracting foreign travelers to this week of 'wild Russian festivities.' "We think Maslenitsa should be the Russian version of carnival," members of the Travel Committee of Moscow told The Moscow News. "In fact, we have got a lot in common with other such festivities. For example, the carnival in Venice is also held before the Lent of Roman Catholics. Furthermore, the meaning of both feasts is similar: carnival in Italian means Adieu to meat, while Russian Maslenitsa is also called the week without meat by the Orthodox Church." The main feast is held at the Vasilievsky spusk near the Kremlin, where clowns on stilts portray the two main characters: Prokofia-Zima (symbolizing winter) and Petrushka (Russian analog of Punch). This week gives Russians a ray of sunshine in an otherwise gray winter. Maslenitsa, which is the equivalent of Mardi Gras in Russia, means heaps of pancakes, countless mugs of beer and honey ale, and 24/7 activities. The guests are overheard discussing recipes and fillings for the pancakes.

To Apologize and Forgive. This is a great Orthodox tradition in Russia: the Sunday before Lent is called the Day of Forgiving. Everybody who feels guilty for something (and who does not?) may apologize to his friends or foes - and, by the old belief, this will eliminate our sins. When somebody apologizes for something, the traditional answer is 'Bog prostit,' or 'May the Lord forgive you.' So do not hesitate when somebody unfamiliar bursts out apologizing. You will know what to answer.

(From MN)

Text 34

MY BANK ACCOUNT

(from Stephen Leacock)

When I get into the bank I get frightened ...

The moment I pass through the doors of a bank and attempt to do business there, I become a fool.

I knew this before, but my salary had been raised to fifty dollars a month and I felt that the bank was the only place for it.

I went up to a place marked “Accountant”. The acco untant was a tall cool man. He frightened me.

“Can I see the manager?” I said, and added “alone” . I don’t know why I said “alone”.

“Certainly”, said the accountant and brought him.

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six dollars now and fifty dollars a month regularly.”

The manager got up and opened the door. He called to the accountant. “Mr. Montgomery,” he said, unkindly loud, “this gentlema n is opening an account. He will place fifty-six dollars in it.”

I went up to the accountant’s position and pushed the ball of money at him with a quick sudden movement as if I were doing a sort of a trick. My face was terribly pale.

“Here,” I said, “put it in my account.”

He took the money and gave it to another clerk.

I no longer knew what I was doing. The bank seemed to swim before my

eyes.

“Is it in the account?” I asked in a shaking voice. “It is,” said the accountant.

“Then I want to draw a cheque.”

My idea was to draw out of it six dollars for the present use.

Someone gave me a chequebook and I wrote something on the cheque and pushed it toward the clerk. He looked at it.

“What! Are you drawing it all out again?” he asked in surprise. Then I realized that I had written fifty-six dollars instead of six.

Then I made a decision. “Yes, the whole thing.”

“You wish to draw your money out of the bank?” “Every cent of it.”

“Are you not going to put any more in the account? ” asked the clerk. “Never.”

He gave me a fifty-dollar note and six dollars and rushed out.

As the big door closed behind me I heard the sound of laughter that went up to the roof of the bank. Since then I use a bank no more.

I keep my money and my savings in silver dollars in sock.

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Text 35

ADVANCED METHODS IN SELLING BOOKS

((from Stephen Leacock)

One day I went to a bookshop to look through new books. The manager of the bookshop, Mr. Sellyer , showed me to the back of the bookshop where I could find some interesting books.

While I was looking through the books, I could watch Mr. Sellyer at work and see some of his methods.

A fashionably dressed woman was standing at the counter and Mr. Sellyer was showing a book to her.

“You are quite sure it’s his latest?” the lady was saying to Mr. Sellyer.

“Oh, yes, Mrs. Rasselyer,” answered the manager. “T his is Mr. Slush’s latest book. It’s having a wonderful sale. It’s an extreme ly powerful book of the season.”

I looked at the title, the name of the book was “G olden Dreams”.

Another lady entered the bookshop. She was in deep mourning and looked like a widow. She asked the manager to show her some new books.

“Something new in fiction,” repeated the manager, “yes, madam. Here’s a charming thing, “Golden Dreams”, a very sweet story , extremely sweet, the critics say that it’s one of the sweetest things of the author.”

“Is it a good book?” asked the lady.

“A charming one,” said the manager. “It’s a love s tory - very simple and sweet and wonderfully charming. My wife was reading it aloud only last night. She was crying all time while she was reading it.”

The lady bought “Golden Dreams” and left the shop.

“Have you any good light reading for vacation time ?” asked the next customer.

“Yes,” said Mrs. Sellyer, “it is “Golden Dreams”, that is the most humorous book of the season. My wife was reading it aloud only yesterday. She was laughing all the time while she was reading it.”

The lady paid for the book and went out.

And every customer who entered the shop went away with “Golden Dreams”. To one lady the manager sold “Golden Dream s” as the reading for a holiday, to another as the book to read after holiday, another bought it to read on a rainy day and the fourth as the right book for a fine day.

When I was leaving the bookshop I came up to the manager and asked him, “Do you like the book yourself?”

“Dear me!” said the manager, “I’ve no idea of the book, I’ve no time to read every book which I’m selling.”

“And did your wife really like the book?”

“I am not married, sir,” answered the manager smil ing.

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Text 36

BIG BUSINESS

(after L.Bennett)

Danny was strolling along Manhattan Bridge. Suddenly he noticed the end of a cigarette on the sidewalk, with a quick move he picked it up.

While he was enjoying his smoke he mused on his present situation. Here I am, he thought, a young man longing for a job of some kind or other - but not the ghost of a chance of getting one.

And I am certainly no fool! I tackle everything. I don’t mind what I do - and still - no luck ... I must smoke dogends flung away by others.

I am ready to do anything ... And still, there is only eight dollars and fifty cents in the torn pocket of my trousers. Eight dollars and fifty cents!

The devil knows how much longer I shall be able to make both ends meet on eight fifty. If I could only get a job!

Damn it all, he grunted. Now it is beginning to rain cats and dogs on top of all, and I have a hole in my shoes.

By the time he reached the shelter of the post office he was wet through. Now he stood in the main hall of the post office.

He noticed a letter that somebody seemed to have left behind on one of the many writing desks. He read the first few lines, hardly conscious of what exactly he was reading; then something struck him. He read again, and this time he gave a low whistle of surprise. In a jiffy he was out in the street again. He took cover in a recess that was sheltered from the rain and started to learn by heart the short note.

“Dear Friend”, it ran “Yesterday, shortly before I left, I made up my mind to get rid of my old clothes. I am well on my way to San Francisco by now, but I just remembered something terrible. The night before I left, I happened to meet Mr. Buridge at the Savoy. He paid me a thousand dollars in settlement of an old debt. He gave me a one thousand dollar bill, and I put it into the inside pocket of the blue serge suit I was wearing.

But I have sold that suit along with the other old things! Do please go at once to Black, the old clothes dealer, at 3, Pineapple Street, Brooklyn, may be he has not resold the suit yet...”

One thousand dollars! Murmured Danny, almost beside himself with excitement. I am going to risk my last eight dollars!

Black & Son, old clothes dealers had their shop full of customers when Danny entered. Old man Black hurried towards Danny when he saw him.

“What can I do for you, sir?”

“Have you got anything in Fresco?” asked Danny wit h all the indifference he could master.

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“Fresco, sir? Certainly, sir, the very latest ... John, run and bring the Fresco suit we bought from Mr. Rockefeller the other day!”

“Now I came to think of it”, said Danny who seemed to be changing his mind, “I think I should rather have something in wo rsted”.

“Just my own taste, sir! Worsted is always the smar test wear for a gentleman”.

“Well - I think, I’d like to have something in navy blue - “.

“I can let you have a suit like that, sir. Somethin g quite exceptional”, exclaimed Mr. Black. “I say, John, leave the Fresco , bring the blue worsted one ...

And then Mr. Black addressed himself to another customer. “The blue lounge suit!” cried the attendant to a sm all boy.

The boy hurried off, and a second later Danny was trying on a jacket that hung loosely from his narrow shoulders.

“Fits you perfectly, sir!” exclaimed the attendant in admiration.

Carefully and yet stealthily Danny passed his hand over the pocket of the jacket, his heart almost stopped beating, he had to clear his throat.

Then he asked for the price, and without an attempt at bargaining he paid the price of seven and a half dollars and a quarter of an hour later he sat in Columbus Park with a large parcel in his hands.

Hurriedly he opened the parcel, took out the navy blue jacket in the right inside pocket of which he found a black leather wallet, opened it and began to count the contents with trembling fingers.

“Eleven thousand three hundred dollars!” he stammer ed. “Eleven - thousand - three - hundred - dollars! Danny, old boy, that was big business indeed!”

When Mr. Black senior closed his shop long after nine p.m., his managing clerk said to him with a satisfied smile:

“Well, sir, that was excellent business again to-da y, wasn’t it? ... Four hundred and eighty-seven suits sold ... We are getting rid of all our old rubbish.

“Fine”, said Mr. Black smiling “have you had a new supply of those letters written?”

“Certainly, Mr. Black. Five hundred!”

“All right! To-morrow morning my son is going to lo se them again in the post offices, the subway, and in the telephone boxes. I daresay, we shall have our entire stock cleared in a couple of days ... A capital idea, those one thousand dollar letters!”

Mr. Black was searching about the shop for something. “Ralph!” he called. “Bring me my jacket!”

“Your jacket, sir?”

“Oh, that one - “ stammered the boy and opened his eyes wide, “that one was sold this afternoon, sir”.

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Text 37

MONEY TALKS

(After 0.Henry)

Number 24 Park Street is a big, expensive house. Old Mr. Anthony Rockwall lives there and he is very rich.

One day he talks to his son, Richard, who is a quiet man of 21. “Richard, the people on this street come from good families and have a lot of money. Money can open a lot of doors for you,” Mr. Rockwall says with a smile.

“It can open some doors, father, but not every door ,” Richard says. “Money can't buy a place at the table of the right people.”

“You are wrong, young man,” his father says and he looks into his son's eyes. Richard is quiet.

“Son, what's the problem? Are you sick? What's wrong? You can talk to me,” Mr. Rockwall says.

“Father, I'm not sick. I have a good home, an interesting and clever old father. But...”

“"What's her name?” Mr. Rockwall says.

“Oh, Father. She's beautiful and very special. Her name is Ellen Lantry. She's the only woman for me,” Richard says.

“Talk to her. Dance with her. Walk in the rain with her. She's going to love you, too,” his father says. “You are a good young m an. You are special, too.”

“But she is always with people,” Richard says. “I n ever have any time with her. She never has time for me".

“Richard! Take some money and buy some time with he r. Talk to her about your love,” the old man says.

“I can't”, Richard says. “She's going to Europe by boat tomorrow. She is going to stay there for two years. This evening I'm going to take her to the theatre but it's a short drive. I'm not going to have muchtime with her and you can't buy her time.”

“OK, Richard, now I understand. Your love for her i s very strong, but she doesn't know about it. That's your problem,” Mr. Rockwall says.

“She can't know because there isn't time,” Richard says. He's very unhappy. “Your money can't talk to her.”

At eight o'clock in the evening, Richard goes to the beautiful young woman's house.

“Good evening, Richard,” Miss Lantry says. “Mother and father are waiting for us at the theatre. I don't want to be late.”

“To Wallack's Theatre, please,” Richard says to the driver. But at Thirtyfourth Street the car stops.

“What's wrong?” Richard asks.

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“I'm sorry, Mr. Rockwall,” the driver says. “We can 't move. The traffic is terrible.”

“Oh, Richard. Are we going to be late?”" Miss Lantr y asks.

“I'm very sorry, Ellen. No theatre for us this evening,” Richard says.

“That's OK. I don't like the theatre very much. I'm happy here in the car with you,” Miss Lantry says.

“Are you?”" Richard asks with a smile.

Late in the evening Richard talks to his father. “F ather,” Richard says, ”Miss Lantry and I are in love!”

“Very good, Richard. I'm happy for you,” his father says.

“We talked and talked. She loves me! You see! Money can't buy love,” Richard says. Then the happy young man goes to bed.

But let's finish the story. At seven o'clock in themorning, the driver comes to the door of Mr. Rockwall's house.

“Good morning, Mr. Kelly,” Mr. Rockwall says. “You did a good job yesterday evening. Here's your $5000.”

“"It was difficult, Mr. Rockwall. The drivers of th e cars wanted $10 and the policeman wanted $50. But the cars stopped for us. Did it all go well?” Mr. Kelly asks.

"Well? Yes! It was beautiful. Let's drink to love and to money!"

Источники

1. Журналы: “The Economist”, “Time”, “The Financial Post Maga zine” (2005-

2007 гг.);

2. Газеты: “Moscow Time”, “Moscow News”, “ ENGLISH” газета Издательского дома “ Первое сентября” (2005-2007 гг.);

3.Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia;

4.Streamline English. Oxford University Press, 2003;

5.Сайты: http://www.our civilisation.com/pc.htm; http://www.msu.ru/; http://news.bbc.co.uk/; www.cheladm.ru

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