Present Perfect 1

STORY 1

Viral video has saved the radio star

A homeless man who has lived on the streets of Cleveland, USA for years, has shot to fame, after a clip of his mellifluous radio voice went viral on the internet.

Ted Williams, was filmed by a local cameraman holding a cardboard sign that read: "I'm an ex-radio announcer who has fallen on hard times". Williams is seen in the video asking for money in exchange for a quick blast of his “God-given voice”. Now that the video has had millions of hits on YouTube, Williams, has become an overnight sensation.

He has spent today appearing on talk shows across America, sporting a new haircut and a smarter appearance than on the clip that made him famous.

Since his story broke, he has received numerous job offers from big broadcasting names including ESPN, MTV, ABC, CBS and CNN. Williams has been on the streets for years and has struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for years.

The story of the "homeless man with the golden pipes” has lifted the spirits of a recession-hit nation in the week that it has returned to work after the Christmas holidays. However, the instant hero has attracted so much attention that reporters have started digging into his background and they have discovered that Williams has struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for years and has pressed the self-destruct button previously in his life. Asked if the media storm around him may cause him to relapse into addiction, he said, "I'm going to meetings and I have called my sponsor.”

Accusations have also surfaced that Williams acted as a pimp during his years on the streets. In response, Williams said, "Don't judge a book by its cover - everyone has their own little story. I'm just so thankful. God has blessed me deeply. I'm getting a second chance. Amazing." There are fears though that Williams will not be able to cope with his new status as an instant hero.

They say that he will be a flash in the pan and his fairytale story is being used by the media to reinforce American Dream propaganda, at a time when America is in serious economic difficulties and the gap between the rich and poor is rapidly increasing.

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rPFvLUWkzs&feature=youtu.be
source:http://www.stgeorges.co.uk/blog/a-present-perfect-story-viral-video-has-saved-the-radio-star

STORY 2

The Old Colonel

I think I have had a very interesting life. I'm 73 now and I don't work anymore. I was in the army for 51 years. I retired when I was 69. I have been to so many countries that I can't remember all of them. I've been to Australia six or seven times and to South Africa three times. I have also been once to Russia but I didn't like it at all: much too cold for me!

They say that love is the greatest thing and I agree. I've been married four times but never for more than five years. I don't think women really understand me!

I've never been on television, but I've been on the radio once. It was a program about life in the military about twenty years ago. I met the Prime Minister on the same day. Actually, I've met a lot of famous people: members of the royal family, famous politicians and also famous cinema and television personalities. I've never met the American President though which is a pity.

Because I've travelled a lot, I've seen a lot of wonderful things and have also eaten and drunk some strange foods and drinks. I ate cat and rat in India and drank something called Mirto on a little island in Italy many years ago.

Exercises: https://www.esl-lounge.com/student/grammar/2g30-old-colonel.php