English Club – Discipline

Task with Partners

Rank the interesting European city to visit (1-8):

Paris: Rome: Barcelona: London:

Berlin: Amsterdam :  Venice:         Prague:   

Discussion Topic: Discipline

1. When you were a child, did you parents have lots of rules for you, or did you have lots of freedom? 

2. Do you think that children today are generally spoiled? Is this any different from children in the past?
3. When is it okay to yell or scream at a child? Is it ever okay to use a physical punishment? 

4. Was there a time when you were seriously punished by your parents? Do you think that this helped you in your life?

5. In general, do you think that children should be punished?
Group Contest

URL of a pic./http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e66/Zentharin/Discipline.jpg/

Our Schedule

Thursday, August 4 – 1730 –Library

Saturday, August 6 – 1030 Library

Visit Our Group on www.Facebook.com – English Club in Vinnytsia
English Club Blog - www.woavinnitsa.blogspot.com

More About American Architects and Not Only...

Michael A. Dixon, a new PC Volunteer in Ukraine (Vinnytsia) presents himself for members of English Club in Vinnytsia telling about his occupation as an architect and his engagement in our community. 

Michael A. Dixon, FAIA, has over 37 years of experience practicing architecture in Illinois involving a variety of building types which include museums, restaurants, community centers, theaters, churches, libraries, office buildings plus commercial and residential structures. In addition, he has a strong background in restorative architecture encompassing numerous projects recognized nationally as award winning historic preservation work.

Michael A. Dixon, FAIA, registered architect, Dixon Associates, American Institute of Architects, AIA, design, planning, project management, interior design, new construction, renovations, historic preservation, park facilities, restaurants, offices, churches, municipal, commercial, industrial, governmental, residential, museums, restoration, architectural improvements, remodeling, new buildings, historically sensitive design, adaptive use, extensive changes, new facility, retail shops in Kane County, Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, USA, Hotel Baker, Dunham Castle, Sandwich City Hall & Opera House, Kendall County Courthouse, Prairie Gourmet/Steel Beam Theatre, Alamo Barracks, Medical Offices of Drs. Stith and Lazzara, Kelly Orthodontics Offices, Fox Valley Hospice, Tri-City Family Services, Kane County Chronicle Offices, Kehoe, Print Shop at the Naper Settlement, St. Charles Heritage Center, Geneva History Center, Aurora History Center, Ellwood Education & Visitor Center, Gustavson Research Center, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, Beaubien / Lisle, Joe K. Anderson Community Center, Batavia United Methodist Church, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center, Mack Town/Whitman Trading Post, Island Park Pavilion, Town House Cafe, Fox Fire Restaurant, Colonial Cafe, Villa Verone Restaurant, Cafe Magdalena, Meitl Country Residence, Bryan Residence.

READ MORE: www.dixonarchitect.com

English Club – July 23, 2011 - Home

Tell About… 

The Best Teacher you ever had… how did they inspire and teach you?

The Worst Teacher you ever had… why were they so bad?

Discussion Topic: Home

1.Have you lived in your house or apartment for a long time? Do you like to change your living place very often or not?

2.If you had to move to another city besides Vinnytsia, would it be difficult for you? Other than the people, what would you miss most about this city?

3.When you move to a new place, how long does it take before it becomes your “home”? What should happen so that you can call this place home?

4.If you could relocate your work or studies to any other city for one year, where would you like to spend this time?

5.Would you like to live in a small community (such as a village) where there are very few people? Why or why not?

Group Contest

Our Schedule

Thursday, July 28 – 1730 –Library

Saturday, July 30 – 1030 Library

Visit Our Group on www.Facebook.com – English Club in Vinnytsia
English Club Blog - www.woavinnitsa.blogspot.com
URL of a picture: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwGHsBd9AM9eYmKw_Cau02hSCCPr3TL_3-mtNBlnnfHjHlpV-yzaW2hAtZjsexA8xahlhJiyWKkwudWgGatakHbAvHBQPtSt_7d2vAU19j5GiOI3ELFrfQ_-jCJc1CPyCCNiEe753inY/

Training Session 'How To Interview' (21 July, 2011, Margaret Hankamp)

 Margaret Hankamp, PC Volunteer in Ukraine (Bar) 

21 July 2011, English Club (Vinnytsia)

 Training Session 'How To Interview' 

(Matt Mozingo, a Leader of Vinnytsia English Club)

http://www.datsi.fi.upm.es/~frosal/docs/25mdq.html 

The 25 most difficult questions you'll be asked on a job interview

Being prepared is half the battle.

If you are one of those executive types unhappy at your present post and embarking on a New Year's resolution to find a new one, here's a helping hand. The job interview is considered to be the most critical aspect of every expedition that brings you face-to- face with the future boss. One must prepare for it with the same tenacity and quickness as one does for a fencing tournament or a chess match.

This article has been excerpted from "PARTING COMPANY: How to Survive the Loss of a Job and Find Another Successfully" by William J. Morin and James C. Cabrera. Copyright by Drake Beam Morin, inc. Publised by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Morin is chairman and Cabrera is president of New York-based Drake Beam Morin, nation's major outplacement firm, which has opened offices in Philadelphia.

1. Tell me about yourself.

Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.

2. What do you know about our organization?

You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more.

You might start your answer in this manner: "In my job search, I've investigated a number of companies.

Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons..."

Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, "Well, everyone tells me that you're in all sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here", even if that is why you're there.

English Club's Discussion: First Impressions...

Discussion: First Impressions...

First in Small Groups then in a Whole.

URL of the picture: /http://www.medindia.net/news/featured-news/first-impression-featured.jpg/

1. Define a 'first impression'. On a person (a potential friend or significant other)? A work (with your boss or colleagues)?

2. How important are the first impressions? Has anyone ever made a really good or really bad impression on you? Why or why not?

3. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Do you only have a 'few seconds' to make a good impression? How important is 'common sense' in making a good impression?

1. 'You have just a few seconds to make a good first impression and it's almost impossible ever to change it. So it's worth giving each new encounter your best shot. Much of what you need to do to make a good impression is common sense. But with a little extra thought and preparation, you can hone your intuitive style and make every first impression not just good but great'.      - Anonymous 'Mind Tools'
2. 

   Do you think first impressions truly show someone's character or do you think they can be deceptive or misleading? Why or why not? Can impressions be changed over time?
3. Which of the following do you think a person needs to make a good first impression?
   * Arriving on time, speaking with ease, making small talk, individuality, smiling, confidence, openness, positive attitude, curiosity, attentiveness
   * What other characteristics can you think of that may be important?
   FIRST IMPRESSION OF A PLACE:

1. First impressions do not just relate to people, they can also reflect your feelings about a place or thing. Describe your first impression of a place you have recently visited for the first time. What did you notice first?
   2. Describe a place in Vinnitsa where you had a good and strong first impression. Why did you like this place?

Celebrate National Day of the American Cowboy (Jul, 24)

This annual event has been named The Best Event of its kind in the nation by western lifestyle magazine, American Cowboy. While most people think cowboys originated in the United States, in truth, cowboys originated elsewhere but were popularized in America.  Cowboys are of Spanish descent, and the first cowboys were herders and rangers who rode across the rolling plains of Spain with their trusty horses and cowboy felt hats.  The need to drive vast herds of cattle came to the U.S. with the westward expansion, and soon cowboys were popularized in the Southwestern United States.  While there were not as many cowboys by the 1900s, the cowboy became an idol of America and the western world /http://www.cowboyhatsandmoreblog.com/

Yes, Virginia, there are cowboys. The tough, hardworking, salt-of-the-earth men and women who make your juicy T-bone possible are getting their own day of recognition. Keith Urban-listening, jacked-up pick-up driving, tight jeans-wearing, soft-handed yahoos... the real deal: people who work the land for a living, and actually know how to ride a horse, throw a lariat, and mend a fence.

Read More About Cowboys: /http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/09/celebrate-national-day-of-the-american-cowboy/

http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/Event.aspx?eId=49

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowboy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cowboys_and_cowgirls

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Cowboy_culture

http://www.cowboyhatsandmoreblog.com/

http://www.cowboyhatsandmoreblog.com/category/hat/

http://www.cowboyhatsandmoreblog.com/category/hat/history/

English Club 4 Beginners – July 19, 2011

Introduction Questions

Which do you prefer: visiting a dance club or a quiet coffee shop?

- I prefer…

Which of these is the most interesting vacation for you: camping in the mountains, visiting a big city, or going to the sea/ocean?

- For me, the least interesting is…

Interview Questions

1. In your opinion, what is the most beautiful city in Ukraine?

- In my opinion…. is the most beautiful city in Ukraine because…. 

2. Besides Ukraine, what country do you think is the most beautiful in the world? 

- I think that…. is the most beautiful country in the world because… 

3. Have you flown in an airplane before? Are you scared of flying? 

Comparison Game: 

Games!

Our Schedule

Wednesday, July 20 – 17.30 Matt M.

Thursday, July 21 – Resume Writing Seminar (Maggie)

Saturday, July 23 – 10.30 Matt M.

Tuesday, July 26 – 17.45 Matt M. (Beginner and Intermediate) 

Join Our Group on www.Facebook.com – English Club in Vinnytsia

English Club Blog - www.woavinnitsa.blogspot.com 

English For Beginners Online: /http://www.esolcourses.com/vocabulary/beginners.html/

National Ice Cream Day

National Ice Cream Day - 3rd Sunday in July

/http://webclipart.about.com/library/afood/blicecreamday.htm/

/http://holidayinsights.com/other/icecreamday.htm/

When you get the urge for a snack on a hot, humid summer night, what's the first thing that comes to your mind? That's right....Ice Cream! Therefore, it's only fitting that ice cream be given it's own special day. On this day, we hope you enjoy an ice cream cone, a sundae, or a milk shake. Set the diet aside and splurge a little...have one of each!

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month. He also established National Ice Cream Day as the third Sunday in the month. Ice cream is nutritious. A little heavy on the sugar and calories, ice cream is otherwise good for you. Its base ingredient is milk, which is loaded with healthy vitamins and minerals.

Did you know? Charles E. Minches of St. Louis, Missouri is credited with inventing the ice cream cone. On July 23, 1904 at the World's Fair in St. Louis, he filled a pastry cone with two scoops of ice cream to make the first ice cream cone. There is some controversy over this claim. Italo Marchiony of New York City filed a patent for the ice cream cone months before the fair opened. And, he was selling lemon ice in comes as early as 1896.

URL of the picture: /http://www.google.com.ua/imgres?/imgurl=http://img1.liveinternet.ru/images/attach/c/0/38/183/38183878_3icecream.jpg/

National Hugging Day (Jul 18-24)

Hey, it is Hug Day! So snuggle up to your sweetheart, friends or family with a tight and warm hug! 

/http://www.commentsguru.com/images/hugday/hug_day_scraps.jpg/

Send them out a cute e-card and make them smile:  http://www.123greetings.com/

National Hug Day or National Hugging Day is an annual holiday created by Rev. Kevin Zaborney. It occurs on January 21 and is officially recognized by the United States Patent and Trademark Office,but is not a public holiday. The holiday was founded on January 21, 1986 in Caro, Michigan, and has since spread to multiple different countries. The purpose for the holiday is to help everyone show more emotion in public.There is only one way you are supposed to celebrate the holiday, offer a hug to anyone and everyone you want. While National Hug Day and the Free Hugs Campaign share many similarities, there is not actual association between the two. Whether you hug a family member or a stranger, the mental and physical health benefits are the same.

READ MORE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Hug_Day

http://www.answers.com/topic/national-hug-holiday-week

HOW TO INTERVIEW (Margaret Hankamp)

Dear Users of WOA and Members of Vinnytsia English Club!
You are invited by ... Margaret Hankamp
to be participants of a training session "HOW TO INTERVIEW" on July, 21 at American Center 'Window on America" (@17-30)
The 25 most difficult questions you'll be asked on a job interview

/http://www.datsi.fi.upm.es/~frosal/docs/25mdq.html/

URL address of a picture: http://economica.org.ua/tags/strategichni-alyansi/

Being prepared is half the battle.

If you are one of those executive types unhappy at your present post and embarking on a New Year's resolution to find a new one, here's a helping hand. The job interview is considered to be the most critical aspect of every expedition that brings you face-to- face with the future boss. One must prepare for it with the same tenacity and quickness as one does for a fencing tournament or a chess match.

This article has been excerpted from "PARTING COMPANY: How to Survive the Loss of a Job and Find Another Successfully" by William J. Morin and James C. Cabrera. Copyright by Drake Beam Morin, inc. Publised by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Morin is chairman and Cabrera is president of New York-based Drake Beam Morin, nation's major outplacement firm, which has opened offices in Philadelphia.

1. Tell me about yourself. Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.

2. What do you know about our organization? You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more. You might start your answer in this manner: "In my job search, I've investigated a number of companies. Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons..." Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, "Well, everyone tells me that you're in all sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here", even if that is why you're there.

Work-Life Balance

English Club – July 16, 2011 /Matt Mozingo/

Tell Your Neighbors About…
Your dream profession… what job would you have if you could have any job in the world?
Your nightmare profession… what job for you would be the absolute worst in the world?

Discussion Topic: Work-Life Balance

1.Do you love your job? What about your profession makes you happy?
2.If you had to choose between a boring job that paid lots of money, and an interesting job that paid very little, which would you choose?
3.Do you believe that you have a good balance between your work and your family life and free time? Do you spend too much time at work?
4.Imagine that you were very rich and didn’t need money. Would you still go to work? What kind of work would you do if you didn’t need money?
5.Do you think that your work or studies defines who you are? If not, what does define you?

Group Contest

Our Schedule
Tuesday, July 19 – 1745 WOA (Beginners and Intermediate)
WEDNESDAY, July 20 – 1730 WOA
Thursday, July 21 – 1730 – Resume Seminar with Maggie Hankamp
Saturday, July 23 – 1030 WOA

Visit Our Group on www.Facebook.com – English Club in Vinnytsia
English Club Blog - www.woavinnitsa.blogspot.com

URL address of a picture: http://economica.org.ua/tags/strategichni-alyansi/

Resume Writing: Quantify Your Accomplishments (Margaret Hankamp)

Resume Writing:  Quantify Your Accomplishments
/Margaret Hankamp/

Show what you can do for this New Employer! 

If applicable, try to use NUMBERS on your resume.  Every employer likes to know that you are familiar with the needs of business in general.  Those needs often involve numbers, and those numbers often are written in many reports.   

In addition, a business is very interested in having a good “bottom line.”  The bottom line is what remains after all expenses of the company are taken away from the profits.  Businesses that do well have a good bottom line, and that is also called being “in the black.”  That means they have more money coming INTO the business (profits) than expenses.  If a company is “in the red,” they have more money going OUT (expenses) than money coming into this company.  

Important NUMBERS to business will also be SAVINGS in TIME and MONEY.  

Be specific:  Did you save, make, or manage TIME for a company or internship or a part-time job?

“Suggested procedure to have work in mailroom done 15% faster;” or

“Organized work area so parts for orders are found 5% faster.”
Be specific:  did you save, earn, or manage MONEY for a company or an internship or even a part-time job? 

“Cut computer costs by 10% by researching better internet plans;” or

“Wrote fund-raising letter that brought in xzy HUA.”

Always be truthful and be specific:  How MUCH did you do?  How MANY did you do?

“Developed lesson plans for 2 classes for 20 weeks;” or

“Trained 60 workers in relaxation methods over two days.”

The bottom line for you is to realize HOW MUCH you have to offer this business, company, or nonprofit.
Read More: http://www.vertex42.com/resumes/resume-tips.html
http://vertex42blog.com/life/employment/employment-gaps-on-resume.html
http://vertex42blog.com/life/employment/employment-gaps-on-resume.html

Resume Writing Tips : The 5 C's

These general resume tips are grouped into what I call The 5 C's of Resume Writing: Convincing, Concise, Clear, Consistent, and Clean.


/URL address of pectures: http://economica.org.ua/2011/dyachenkoui/

Resume Tip #1: Be Convincing
Write your resume as an advertisement for yourself.
Focus on the employer's needs, not your own.
Start descriptions using action verbs, especially those related to the position you are seeking.
Include numbers, percentages, time saved, and dollar values to describe your accomplishments.
Include key words - study various job postings to determine important keywords.
List the most important information and selling points first. When listing employment in chronological order, you can still list accomplishments underneath each job in order of importance.
Use a resume style (chronological, functional, or combined) appropriate for your set of qualifications and industry.

A New Peace Corps Volunteer in Vinnytsia

This week, a new Peace Corps Volunteer in Vinnitsa gave a presentation on where she has lived in the past and what brought her to Ukraine. Mila, the new Peace Corps Volunteer, will be working at a secondary school here in Vinnitsa for the next two years. She will be teaching English and attending the English Club when possible.

The discussion centered on travel and professions, as well as what makes each person happy. When discussing travel, English Club members debated the importance of spending time in foreign countries, and also discussed where they would like to go in and outside of Ukraine. The day ended with a discussion of what makes each person happy and if travel can contribute to happiness.

American English Online up and running!

     

 American English Online up and running!

If you learn or teach English, information below 

might be interested for you!

The links page for the American English Online portal will soon be officially launched and is now up and running. The link is http://americanenglish.state.gov .

Enjoy!

Presentation of the American Heartland - IOWA (If yOu knoW America)

You are welcome to participate in this activity. 

IOWA in pictures and from our experience.

Know more about the "American Heartland"!
***
Where: Window on America Center 

When: 12 July, @ 17-30

Iowa is the 26th biggest state in the United States. The state of Iowa is known for its delicious cuisines, welcoming nature of the residents, and its blend of urban and rural tradition. The capital of IA is Des Moines and it is also the biggest city of the state. There are many hotels in Iowa to suit the needs of vacationers. The main airport of IA is Des Moines International Airport.

Iowa is the 29th state of the United States. It is frequently called as the "American Heartland". The capital and biggest city of IA is Des Moines and the state covers a total land area of 56,272 sq miles. It has common boundaries with Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, South Dakota, and Nebraska. If you want to know vividly about the Hawkeye State, then an Iowa Map will work as an indispensable tool for you. The state of Iowa is popular for its blend of country and metropolitan lifestyle. The capital and largest city is Des Moines. 

More info: http://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/states/iowa/

/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Iowa-StateSeal.svg/

Would you like to move away from the city to live in a village?

Ranking Task
•   Which country's food is the most delicious in your opinion? Rank 1-8 with number 1 being the most delicious:
- Ukraine              - Mexico              - Japan                 - America
- England              - Italy                   - France                - China

Discussion Topic: Would you like to move away from the city to live in a village?
1.  If you could find work there, would you like to move away from the city to live in a village?

2.  In your opinion, what is the most beautiful village in Vinnytska Oblast? Why is it so beautiful?

3.  Many people worry that Ukrainian villages are disappearing. Do you think that this is a bad situation, and what can be done to solve it?

4.  If you were to move to a village, what would be the modern convenience that you would miss the most?

5.   Some people say that Vinnytsia is a big village. Do you agree with this?
Group Contest

Our Schedule

Tuesday, July 12 - 1745 Library (Beginners and Intermediate) WEDNESDAY, July 13 - 1730 Library

Thursday, July 14 - 1730 - Resume Seminar with Margaret Hankamp Saturday, July 16 -1030 Library

Visit Our Group on www.Facebook.com - English Club in Vinnytsia English Club Blog - www.woavinnitsa.blogspot.com

How Americans Celebrate Independence Day

Questions with Partners

• Who is the most interesting person you ever met? Why?
• What thing that you haven't yet done would you most like to do?

Discussion Topic: AMERICA

1. How would you characterize American people? In what ways are they different from Ukrainians? In what ways are they the same?

2. What do you think are the best parts of American Culture? What are the worst?

3. What do you know about how Americans celebrate Independence Day? How is it different from how Ukrainians celebrate on the 24th of August?

4. If you were to visit America, what you like to see or do there?

Group Contest:

Trivia About America

A Winner of the Contest "TRIVIA ABOUT AMERICA" (Alex - right). Our Congratulations!

Visit Our Group on www.Facebook.com - English Club in Vinnytsia

English Club Blog - www.woavinnitsa.blogspot.com

American Sculptures in Denmark (2011) (by Rico Eastman; Tim Prentice)

On July 6, 2011 the participants of Discovery Club (10)  (Vinnytsia Information Center “Window on America”) had a presentation “Sculptures by the Sea: Great Experience in the Open Air” where it was also presented some sculptures by American artists. “The concept for Sculpture by the Sea was the culmination of many years thinking, where a new step in the thought process came up every year or so”, says David Handley, Founding Director. Essentially the exhibition came to create a major free to the public arts event for Sydney. A number of key people fron various countries fell for the idea and helped to make the exhibition a reality. With approximate 500.000 visitors over a period of 3 1/2 weeks, Sculpture by the Sea, Aarhus - Denmark was a fantastic success, embraced by the Danes and many international tourists visiting Denmark. 

Visitors can look forward to seeing 65 exciting new sculptures by artists from 22 nations around the world including China, USA (Rico Eastman, USA, Tim Prentice, USA), Mexico, Japan, Iran, India, Australia and Denmark. "Sculpture by the Sea" Aarhus is a fantastic chance to see art in an untraditional way. The exhibition brings people out into natural surroundings, and then they will see art through new eyes. At the same time, the exhibition is so delightfully undemanding. You can come when you want, and this year people will again take the exhibition to their hearts and have some delightful experiences in the meeting of nature and sculpture”. 

This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the first exhibition of steel sculpture by Sir Anthony Caro OM CBE, who is considered one of the most influential and prolific sculptors of his generation. The exhibition is on the rooftop of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, with unparalleled views of the New York City skyline and features work over the past decades through to works from his recent 'Upright Series'.  The first of Caro's 'Upright Series' was Erl King which is exhibited in Denmark too.

The sculptures on show are Midday, 1960 (Museum of Modern Art, New York), After Summer, 1968 (Collection of Audrey and David Mirvish, Toronto), Odalisque, 1984 (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York), Blazon, 1987–90 (Courtesy of Mitchell-Innes & Nash, New York and Annely Juda Fine Art, London), and End Up, 2010 (Collection of the artist, courtesy of Mitchell-Innes & Nash, New York). 

Read More: http://www.sculpturebythesea.com/image-gallery/aarhus.aspx?Year=2011&Location=Outdoor 

July 4 Barbecue From America's Melting Pot

Independence Day is the biggest grilling day of the year, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, and burgers are the most popular meal. 

On the Fourth of July, America's melting pot becomes a red-hot grill. Korean-Americans might lay down salty-sweet kalbi, beef short ribs seasoned with sesame and eaten in a lettuce wrap. Japanese families might serve up yakitori, dainty skewered bits of chicken liver, pork belly, shishito peppers, shiitake mushrooms or prawns with the head on. And a mixed grill from Latin America could be Argentine steak with bacon and eggs, Uruguayan Pamplona — chicken breast stuffed with ham, cheese and peppers — or sensual Peruvian chicken marinated in cumin, garlic and yellow chilies. Look over the fence to your Australian neighbors and you'll see "shrimp on the barbie," while the Greek family on the other side might be charring oregano-dusted octopus.

All over the world, people have been grilling since they discovered fire, and when they came to the United States they brought their signature flavors with them. Many of these flavors have, of course, made their way into American barbecue traditions.

Barbecue expert Steven Raichlen provides examples of what immigrants have brought to the grill: In California, Mexican ranch hands contributed Santa Maria Tri Tip, sirloin steak served with salsa and pinquito beans, the small pink sister of Boston baked beans; in the Midwest, an Austrian immigrant introduced bratwurst, an often beer-poached sausage that's a staple of Wisconsin cookouts and any self-respecting college football tailgate; and in the Texas Hill Country, the beef links known as Texas Hot Guts came from the Czechs who settled the region.

"When you go to Italy or Argentina, they are so happy and content with their local grilling tradition that they would never dream of augmenting it," Raichlen says. "But we have this wonderful gift, because we're a nation of immigrants, to embrace foods and make them our own."

More Info: http://www.npr.org/2011/06/29/137472461/july-4-barbecue-from-americas-melting-pot

Independence Day July 4th

Independence Day July 4th

"On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream".

The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. 

You are welcome to get to know more from our BOOK DISPLAY on Independence Day!

More Info: The Declaration of Independence - July 4, 1776

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMYEJ7qCGd4

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/notes/american-library-kyiv/july-4th-happy-birthday-america/184001354987118

Richard Ford and Susan Sontag More About America ...