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Do you know who these people are? Read their biographies and find out!

Napoleon Bonaparte was a military and political leader of France. He was the Emperor of the French and his actions had serious consequences in Europe in the early 19^th century. He was born in 1769 and he died in 1821. He was born in Corsica and his parents were very important people. His ancestors were Italian.

Shakespeare was a very important British poet and playwright. He was born in 1964 and he died in 1616. People considered (and consider) him as one of the greatest writers in the English language. He was often called ‘England’s national poet’ and the ‘Bard of Avon’. His plays were translated into every language and they are performed more often than those of any other playwright. He married at the age of 18 with Anne Hathaway and they had three children. He began his successful career in London, and most of his plays were performed at the Globe theatre.

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was born in 1547 and he died in 1616. He was a Spanish novelist, poet and playwright. He wrote the famous “Don Quixote”, which is considered one of the best works of fiction ever written. He influenced the Spanish language so much that it is often called “the language of Cervantes”. His father was Rodrigo de Cervantes (he was a surgeon), his mother was Leonor de Cortinas and his siblings were Andres, Andrea, Luisa, Rodrigo, Magdalena and Juan.

The Cobb Salad (Regional Recipe from California)

This is a "composed" salad, meaning the ingredients are arranged on the salad as opposed to all being tossed together. Originally it was a way for the restaurant to simply use up leftovers, but it soon became the Brown Derby's most popular dish.

Makes 4 large salads

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled, chopped
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
• 4 cups diced cooked chicken
• 2 avocados, peeled and diced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 4 ounces Roquefort cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup olive oil

Preparation:

1. Fry the bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and when cool enough to handle, crumble and set aside.
   
   
2. Arrange a bed of lettuce on the serving plates. Arrange the eggs, bacon, chicken, avocados, tomatoes, and Roquefort cheese in straight rows on top of the lettuce, covering the surface completely.
   
   
3. In a bowl, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil whisking constantly to form the dressing. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad, and serve immediately.

For more recipies & information about typical american food follow this link: http://americanfood.about.com/od/resourcesadditionalinfo/u/regionalrecipes.htm#s6

IKEA

IKEA (Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd) is a privately held international home products retailer that sells flat pack furniture, accessories, and bathroom and kitchen items in their retail stores around the world. The company, which pioneered flat-pack design furniture at affordable prices, is now the world's largest furniture retailer.

IKEA was founded in 1943 by 17-year-old Ingvar Kamprad in Sweden. Currently, the company is owned by a Dutch-registered foundation that is believed to be controlled by the Kamprad family. IKEA is an acronym comprising the initials of the founder's name (Ingvar Kamprad), the farm where he grew up (Elmtaryd), and his home parish (Agunnaryd, in Småland, South Sweden).

INGKA Holding B.V. is the parent company for all IKEA Group companies, including the industrial group Swedwood, which commissions the manufacturing of IKEA furniture coming from any manufacturer worldwide (outsourcing), the sales companies that run IKEA stores, as well as purchasing and supply functions, and IKEA of Sweden, which is responsible for the design and development of products in the IKEA range. INGKA Holding B.V. is wholly owned by Stichting INGKA Foundation, which is a non-profit foundation registered in Leiden, Netherlands. The logistics centre europe is located in Dortmund, Germany.

Inter IKEA Systems B.V. in Delft, also in the Netherlands, owns the IKEA concept and trademark, and there is a franchising agreement with every IKEA store in the world. The IKEA Group is the biggest franchisee of Inter IKEA Systems B.V. Inter IKEA Systems B.V. is not owned by INGKA Holding B.V., but by Inter IKEA Holding S.A. registered in Luxembourg, which in turn is part of Inter IKEA Holding registered in the Netherlands Antilles. The ownership of the holding companies has not been disclosed

Product names

IKEA products are identified by single word names. Most of the names are Swedish in origin. Although there are some notable exceptions, most product names are based on a special naming system developed by IKEA in conjunction with Colin Edwards (international naming expert and furniture enthusiast).

• Upholstered furniture, coffee tables, rattan furniture, bookshelves, media storage, doorknobs: Swedish placenames (for example: Klippan)
• Beds, wardrobes, hall furniture: Norwegian place names
• Dining tables and chairs: Finnish place names
• Bookcase ranges: Occupations
• Bathroom articles: Scandinavian lakes, rivers and bays
• Kitchens: grammatical terms, sometimes also other names
• Chairs, desks: men's names
• Materials, curtains: women's names
• Garden furniture: Swedish islands
• Carpets: Danish place names
• Lighting: terms from music, chemistry, meteorology, measures, weights, seasons, months, days, boats, nautical terms
• Bedlinen, bed covers, pillows/cushions: flowers, plants, precious stones
• Children's items: mammals, birds, adjectives
• Curtain accessories: mathematical and geometrical terms
• Kitchen utensils: foreign words, spices, herbs, fish, mushrooms, fruits or berries, functional descriptions
• Boxes, wall decoration, pictures and frames, clocks: colloquial expressions, also Swedish place names

For example, DUKTIG (meaning: good, well-behaved) is a line of children's toys, OSLO is a name of a bed, BILLY (a Swedish masculine name) is a popular shelf, DINERA (meaning: (to) dine) for tableware, KASSETT (meaning: cassette) for media storage. One range of office furniture is named EFFEKTIV (meaning: efficient, effective), SKÄRPT (meaning: sharp or clever) is a line of kitchen knives.

A notable exception is the IVAR shelving system, which dates back to the early 1970s. This item is named after the item's designer.

Because IKEA is a worldwide company working in several countries with several different languages, sometimes the Nordic naming leads to problems where the word means something completely different to the product. While exotic-sounding names draw attention, e.g., in anglophone countries, a number of them call for a snicker. Notable examples include "Jerker" desk and "Fartfull" workbench. Also, the most recent new product, Lyckhem (meaning bliss). The products are generally withdrawn, probably after someone pointed at blunders, but not before generating some news. Similar blunders happen with other companies as well.

Company founder Ingvar Kamprad, who is dyslexic, found that naming the furniture with proper names and words, rather than a product code, made the names easier to remember.

About my job

Ice cream maker.

As a kid growing up in the N.C. mountains, I dreamed about ice cream. I was obsessed with it. My uncle had a country store with a soft serve machine, and I vowed as a grownup I WILL install one in my garage. My friends would come over every day and we would eat unlimited ice cream and play tag. Life would rock, of that I was certain.

Today I made 250 gallons of Ice Cream. It is hard work. Landscaping, construction, agriculture... I have worked in these industries, and compared to running an Ice Cream, they are a walk in the park.

Still think it sounds fun glamorous, romantic or exciting? Then here is how you become a full time Ice Cream maker/co-owner of a small Ice Cream wholesale company.

Our family just moved to Florida. I started working at a small anonymous creamery in 2002.18 years old and no experience in the food industry. There were only 6 employees, and I started out extremely entry level: washing buckets. Hated it, but I was determined to be the best bucket washer the creamery ever had. A month later started doing Ice Cream prep, and soon assistant Ice Cream maker. In two years I learned the business inside out, then decided to go into landscaping full time. My boss at this point was virtually absentee and rather than have me leave I was offered shares in the company at rock bottom price.

I took the offer. I now work like a maniac.

On the other hand, I get paid to develop new flavours of Ice Cream. We recently added a line of Italian Ice.90% percent of our Ice Cream goes to private Ice Cream parlours here in the sunshine state. Business is good. I guess the moral of this story is do the absolute best job at whatever you can, and you will be rewarded.

When friends ask “do you like what you do?” I just smile and say... “Yep, it sure beats working for a living!!” (They have no clue)

McDonald's Assistant Manager... Never a dull moment

Hi, I’d like start off by saying that I work at McDonald’s. I began my job there in 2008 as a crew member. Over the past year, I have learnt a lot, sacrificed a lot (weekends, holiday, and low pay) but I continue to grow.

It’s sad to say that working in the service industry doesn’t give too much respect. I introduce myself to others and once I mention I work at McDonalds– I get the same response. Little do they know, management and even crew positions at McDonald’s require a certain kind of talent. I see it every day in my store, and it makes me proud to work with the people I work with. The speed, the planning, the problem solving skills, the hospitality, the teamwork, and most of all– a great attitude!

My employees are hard workers, they take pride in what they do and strive to give 100% each and every day. Nothing is more exciting than giving great results and seeing the looks on people’s faces.

No day is ever the same. I don’t think there’s ever a dull moment. I’ve been to several management courses and I feel confident in what I do.

Slaving in McDonald's

I worked for McDonalds from 6/08 to 7/09 and it was the worst experience of my life. I was 16 at the time I first got it. The store I worked in had NO AC so we would sweat in the summer especially if I was in the grill area. They would make me work 7 in the morning when I put on my application i wanted to work at 9. I was tired every single day of the week. They always had me waiting for me to go on break. Some days I never got break and I did an 8 hr shift. I got only 1 raise and it was 10 freaking CENTS! I finally quit I couldn’t take the stress. I’m jobless but honestly no job is better then slaving in McDonalds. I really do need a job because I’m starting college in September but I really can’t take it.

Australia

Aboriginal people dream on a timeless continent Australia’s Aboriginal people arrived here by boat from South East Asia during the last Ice Age, at least 50,000 years ago. At the time of European discovery and settlement, up to one million Aboriginal people lived across the continent as hunters and gatherers. They were scattered in 300 clans and spoke 250 languages and 700 dialects. Each clan had a spiritual connection with a specific piece of land. However, they also travelled widely to trade, find water and seasonal produce and for ritual and totemic gatherings. Despite the diversity of their homelands - from outback deserts and tropical rainforests to snow-capped mountains – all Aboriginal people share a belief in the timeless, magical realm of the Dreamtime. According to Aboriginal myth, totemic spirit ancestors forged all aspects of life during the Dreamtime of the world’s creation. These spirit ancestors continue to connect natural phenomena, as well as past, present and future through every aspect of Aboriginal culture.
Britain arrives and brings its convicts A number of European explorers sailed the coast of Australia, then known as New Holland, in the 17th century. However it wasn’t until 1770 that Captain James Cook chartered the east coast and claimed it for Britain. The new outpost was put to use as a penal colony and on 26 January 1788, the First Fleet of 11 ships carrying 1,500 people – half of them convicts – arrived in Sydney Harbour. Until penal transportation ended in 1868, 160,000 men and women came to Australia as convicts. While free settlers began to flow in from the early 1790s, life for prisoners was harsh. Women were outnumbered five to one and lived under constant threat of sexual exploitation. Male re-offenders were brutally flogged and could be hung for crimes as petty as stealing. The Aboriginal people displaced by the new settlement suffered even more. The dispossession of land and illness and death from introduced diseases disrupted traditional lifestyles and practices.

USA customs & habits

USA CUSTOMS & HABITS

Meeting someone
When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to shake hands, both for men and for women. Hugs are only exchanged between close friends. Kissing is not common, and men never kiss other men.
Americans will usually introduce themselves by their first name and last name (such as “Hello, I’m John Smith”), or, if the setting is very casual, by their first name only (“Hi, I’m John”). The common response when someone is introduced to you is “Pleased to meet you.” Unless someone is introduced to you with their title and last name (such as Mister Smith or Miss Johnson), you should address them by their first name. Americans normally address everyone they meet in a social or business setting by their first name. However, you should always address your college professors by their title and last name (such as Professor Jones), unless they ask you to do otherwise.

Speaking on the telephone
Americans normally answer the telephone by simply saying “Hello.” If you are calling a business, the person answering the phone will give the name of the business and usually their own name as well. If the person you would like to speak to has answered the phone, you should say hello and state your name. If not, you should ask for that person politely: “May I please speak with Andrew Brown?”
The majority of Americans have answering machines in their homes. Also, the majority of businesses have voice mail accounts for their employees. When leaving a message, state your name clearly and leave a telephone number where you can be reached. Telephone messages should be brief and to the point.

Eating out
All restaurants in America accept cash for payment, and most (even some fast food restaurants) also accept credit cards. A few restaurants also accept ATM cards for payment. You will rarely find a restaurant that accepts checks.
It is common to have to wait for a table at a popular restaurant. There are many popular restaurants that do not accept reservations, or will only accept reservations for large parties (for example, six or more people). At these restaurants, the wait can be very long on a weekend night, sometimes up to 1 hour. However, almost all upscale, or more formal, restaurants will accept reservations.
Many restaurants in America (except for fast food restaurants) have a license to serve alcohol. Beer and wine are always available, and at some restaurants hard liquor (such as vodka or whisky) is also available. Restaurants that serve hard liquor are said to have “a full bar.” The drinking age in America is 21. If you look young, be prepared to show proof of your age when ordering alcohol.

Tipping
There are only a few situations where tipping is expected. The one you will encounter most often is at restaurants. American restaurants do not add a service charge to the bill. Therefore it is expected that the customer will leave a tip for the server. Common practice is to leave a tip that is equal to 15% of the total bill for acceptable service, and about 20% for superior service. If the service was unusually poor, then you could leave a smaller tip, about 10%.
Other professions where tipping is expected include hairdressers, taxi drivers, hotel porters, parking valets, and bartenders. The general rule is to tip approximately 15% of the bill. In situations where there is no bill (as with hotel porters and parking valets), the tip may range from $1 to $5, depending on the type of establishment and on how good the service was.

Smoking
Smoking is not as common in America as in many other countries. Generally, Americans smoke less than Europeans and much less than Asians. It is a practice that is becoming less and less socially acceptable.
Smoking is prohibited in many places. It is not allowed in any public buildings, on any public transportation (including airplane flights within the United States), in shops, movie theaters, schools, and office buildings. The general rule is if you are indoors, then you probably are not allowed to smoke. The exceptions are bars, nightclubs, and some restaurants. If a restaurant does allow smoking, it will only be in an area that is designated for smokers. If you are with someone, even outdoors, it is polite to ask if they mind before you start smoking.
The legal smoking age in America is 18. If you are buying cigarettes (or another tobacco product) and you look young, the store clerk is required by law to ask you for proof of legal age. You should be prepared to provide identification.

Route 66

U.S. Route 66 (also known as the ‘Will Rogers Highway’ after a very famous humorist). It is colloquially known as ‘the Main Street of America’ or ‘the Mother road’. It runs from Chicago to Los Angeles. If you travel following this route you can see Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Tulsa or Springfield among others. In popular culture, it is recognized by two things: first, because it is a hit song that many bands play (Depeche Mode, The Rolling Stones, Nat King Cole Trio); and second, because there was a television show called ‘Route 66’ in the 1960s. It is not a highway from the United States Highway System anymore. Now, it is a very important historic place.

Ordering food in a restaurant

Have a look at this Menu
Starters
Chicken Soup $2.50
Salad $3.25
Sandwiches - Main Course
Ham and cheese $3.50
Tuna $3.00
Vegetarian $4.00
Grilled Cheese $2.50
Piece of Pizza $2.50
Cheeseburger $4.50
Hamburger deluxe$5.00
Spaghetti $5.50
Drinks
Coffee $1.25
Tea $1.25
Soft Drinks $1.75
- Coke, Sprite, Root Beer, etc.

Read this dialogue

Waiter: Hello, Can I help you?
Kim: Yes, I'd like to have some lunch.
Waiter: Would you like a starter?
Kim: Yes, I'd like a bowl of chicken soup, please.
Waiter: And what would you like for a main course?
Kim: I'd like a grilled cheese sandwich.
Waiter: Would you like anything to drink?
Kim: Yes, I'd like a glass of Coke, please.
Waiter... After Kim has her lunch.: Can I bring you anything else?
Kim: No thank you. Just the bill.
Waiter: Certainly.
Kim:I don't have my glasses. How much is the lunch?
Waiter: That's $6.75.
Kim: Here you are. Thank you very much.
Waiter: You're welcome. Have a good day.
Kim: Thank you, the same to you.

Pay attention to how the waiter asks: What would you like? and Kim responds: I'd like ...

"Would like" is the polite form used when asking and requesting.

Please CLICK HERE in order to practise the dialogue filling some gaps.