President's Day

FOLLOW-UPS.

Supplementary reading.

On emancipation. "A man cooking meals and a woman using tools"

There is a certain sort of a man in the world, a man who can be a good cook. If he marries a woman, who is a good cook too, there will be no harmony in their family. The man will always interfere in the kitchen. The woman will shout and drive him away. It is generally assumed that cooking is the housewife's job. Take for example, different advertisements. You can see a certain picture: a hungry man is sitting and looking expectantly at table, meanwhile his wife is bustling to and from the stove. Then she gives her husband a dish which ensures his adoration for ever.

Does he want to cook after this? Many people will reply: "He even shouldn't".
The idea that a woman should always cook is completely wrong. A man should be able to cook too, at least when his wife is out or seriously ill. So if a man can't cook, he should ask his wife to teach him.

And what about a woman who can't use tools? Sometimes her disability to handle a screwdriver can cause the same problems as a man's being unable to boil an egg. The woman living in a manless household is often in panic when a fuse burns out, a door handle comes off, a tap leaks, and a wash basin refuses to empty freely. She has to call in an electrician, who sends in a bill, which exceeds his real deeds. Actually at such a time a woman may realize that a short course of training in the use of tools would have saved her time, her money and her temper.

Provocative thinking:

1) How do you understand the term: “emancipation”?

2) Is it ok to pay compliments to a woman at work in Russia? In the US?

3) What is the difference between gallantry and abuse?

4) Is there “emancipation” in Russia?

5) Are Russians different in terms of treating women from other countries?

American's two most popular and famous Presidents were both born in February. Until very recently, the birthdays of each President were officially celebrated but the holidays occurring in the middle of the week disrupted the full workweek. So ten years ago the Congress reformed the entire system of American Holidays to make them more convenient for both business and individuals.

Thus, the two holidays celebrated in honour of President Washington and Lincoln were joined into one and celebrated on the second Monday of February. Various communities observe the holiday by staging important achievements in Washington's life. Many shopping malls and stores are open this day and run sales to attract shoppers who have the day off from work or school. For owners of shops President's Day is the chance to make more profit.

Vocabulary:

to occur — случаться, происходить
to disrupt — нарушать, разрушать
entire — целый, полный
convenient — удобный
to join — присоединять, объединять
community — сообщество
to stage — ставить, инсценировать (пьесу)
achievement — достижение
shopping mall — торговый центр
to run sales — проводить распродажу
to make profit — получать прибыль

Provocative thinking:

1) What makes Washington and Lincoln the most popular presidents?

2) What is this holiday made for? Who likes to celebrate it most of all?

3) Do you think the holiday as such might be celebrated in Russia? Why or why

not?

Дата добавления: 2014-12-23