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4. A horse in a Million

In 1978, the American bicycle importer Sam Rubin bought a 3-year-old racehorse for $25,000.

There didn't seem to be anything remarkable about John Henry at the time, and his previous owner was certainly satisfied with the amount, as he had bought the horse for only $1,100 as a yearling.

In 1980, however, John Henry suddenly blossomed and won $925,000 in prize money.

Then in 1981, he won the inaugural Arlington Million and became America's Horse of the Year. By the time he picked up the title for a second time in 1984, he had won the Million again, the Santa Anita Handicap twice, the Jockey Gold Cup, the Ballantine's Scotch Classic and a staggering $6,591,860 – almost twice as much as any other horse in world racing history.

Sam Rubin can have only one regret about his horse, and that is that he has no stud value at all. Unfortunately for him, John Henry is a gelding.

5. Pc Tips

The example of John Henry proves that outstanding opportunities do still exist – and without doubt, the best deal in office computers at the moment is the Epson PC+.

The PC+ is every bit as powerful as the industry standard computer, and just as flexible.

It will run all of the huge amount of software designed for IBM PCs (plus, of course, Epson’s own famous Taxi system) and will fit happily into any existing IBM network.

However, it can run the software over three times faster – and it takes as even greater range of printers and peripherals.

Furthermore, it is only three-quarters the size, is considerably easier to use and is absolutely packed with extra features. In fact, it has more built in as standard than any other PC on the market.

As you would expect of an Epson, the PC+ is also exceptionally reliable.

Yet for all this, it costs an astonishing 25 % less than the industry standard.

To find out more about this extraordinary deal, either: write to Epson (U.K.) Limited, Freepost, Birmingham B37 5BR; call up Prestel 280#; or dial 100 and ask for Freefone Epson.

It may differ from the previous four deals in that more than one party can benefit from it – but that doesn’t mean you should waste any time in taking advantage.

(Epson advertisement, 1986)

1.6.1. Find in the text English equivalents for the following:

– вести переговоры;

– программное обеспечение компьютера;

– заключить сделку;

– должным образом;

– делать скидку на инфляцию;

– торговаться;

– осуществлять, применять на практике;

– выйти победителем в сделке.

1.6.2. Find the words in the text which have the meanings given below.

  • an animal between one and two years old;

  • courage and willingness to engage in a difficult undertaking;

  • examining thoroughly;

  • to do without something or consider it unnecessary;

  • something that is carried out or made only once;

  • a brilliant and successful deal with a large piece of landed property.

1.6.3. Explain the contextual meaning of the following:

  • a dope trick – striking surface

  • to have the job of doing sth – stud value

  • to have one’s mind on sth – to benefit from sth

  • to have the cut – an office block

1.6.4. Look back at the text and answer the questions:

  1. The text is an advertisement. What is advertised?

  2. Why are the first four sections given? Do they advertise anything?

  3. What was the first real bargain in the history of the USA?

  4. How much did the settlers have to pay to the Indians for Manhattan Island?

  5. How much can you buy for that money nowadays?

  6. Was the Manhattan deal a one-off forever? What was the second?

  7. Is a seller always a loser in a business deal? Prove it.

  8. Was John Henry an American bicycle importer?

  9. How much did the racehorse cost to his owners?

  10. How much did John Henry earn through his racing history?

  11. Did the racehorse have any demerits?

  12. What are the outstanding opportunities of the Epson PC+?

  1. What advertising language is used to draw people’s attention to the Epson PC+?

  2. Which deal is in your opinion the greatest business deal of all time? Why?