Down to Business English - Episode 70: Roundup Episode

Date: June 26, 2014
Hosts: Skip Montreux (Tokyo, Japan) & Des Morgan (Abu Dhabi, UAE)

Episode Overview

This “Roundup Episode” sees Skip and Des revisit and update several significant business topics previously discussed on the podcast. The goal is to help listeners expand business English vocabulary through real-world business news and lively dialogue, with a focus on following up on trending stories—from tech to geopolitics—and introducing useful professional expressions.

Key Discussion Points & Updates

1. Computer Gaming Companies: Tencent and Electronic Arts

[03:00 - 04:54]

• Tencent: The Chinese tech giant, fifth in global gaming sales, saw a 4% dip in shares despite 13% earnings growth—below market expectations. The downturn was blamed on the slower-than-expected user growth of their messaging app WeChat (6% user base increase).

  • Skip: “Not if you are the best performing stock over the last 10 years on the Hong Kong Stock exchange.” [03:45]

• Electronic Arts (EA): EA's sales outlook was cut due to declining performance of older games. Additionally, their servers were compromised due to outdated calendar app software, a recurring tech security theme.

  • Des: “Are those events related?”
  • Skip: “Not directly, but in a way they are both related to relying on old software.” [04:19]

• Reference to Past Topics: The PlayStation Network hack in 2011 is mentioned as a similar situation, emphasizing ongoing cybersecurity concerns in gaming.

  • Des: “We did a story about something similar happening to the PlayStation Network a long time ago.” [04:43]

2. Scottish Independence and EU Membership

[05:24 - 06:57]

• The assumption that an independent Scotland would automatically gain EU membership is challenged, as Spain and France voice concerns about setting precedents for their own separatist regions (Bretons, Basques, Catalans).

  • Des: "Spain and France have now indicated that an independent Scotland might not be allowed to join the eu." [05:45]

• The hosts explain the political sensitivity: allowing Scotland could inspire similar moves in other regions.

  • Skip: "So it is more about what an independent Scotland means rather than an independent Scotland." [06:30]
  • Des: "That's better. And don't forget that without EU membership, the vote for independence seems way less likely..." [06:47]

3. Microsoft News: Leadership & Company Direction

[07:01 - 08:54]

• Microsoft’s new CEO: Satya Nadella is named as Steve Ballmer’s successor; the markets react neutrally.

• Bill Gates returns as a “Technology Advisor,” sparking speculation about internal dynamics.

  • Skip: "I wonder how happy Nadella is about that. Having Bill Gates hovering over his shoulder..." [07:56]

• Gates to keynote at TED Talks; TED’s Professor Negroponte criticizes Apple for secrecy, offering a rare pro-Microsoft stance.

  • Des: “Professor Negroponte who runs TED Talks, has stated recently that he has very little time for Apple. He sees them as a secretive company that does not seek to share knowledge.” [08:26]

• Skip: “Well, as all of our listeners know, I, Skip Montreux, have a lot of time for Apple.” [08:57]

4. Khalifa Port Update

[09:10 - 09:27]

• Khalifa Port remains on track to surpass Dubai’s Jebel Ali as the world’s most advanced container port.

• The hosts repeat the point humorously, highlighting the enduring competition in the Gulf.

  • Des: “It's still going to be bigger than Jebel Ali in Dubai and it is still going to be the most advanced container port in the world.” [09:10]
  • Skip: “Yes, dez, I think you did.” [09:24]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Skip (on expectations for the Baltic Dry Index story):
  "If we were doing a report on the Baltic Dry Index and shipping charges, I would need to pour myself a giant sized coffee to stay awake." [02:24]

• Des (on outperforming expectations):
  "High performing companies are a bit like throwing the best parties in town. You have to keep upstaging yourself every year in order to remain popular." [03:52]

• Playful Banter:

  • Skip (self-deprecatingly): "Remember, I'm the one that uploads D2B to our website… I am very aware of the dates of each episode." [05:00]

Business & Professional Vocabulary (D2V Segment)

[10:08 - 14:29]

Des and Skip then shift to reviewing useful expressions from the episode, blending light-hearted explanations with business relevance.

• "Paint the town red" [10:19]

  • To party all night or in a lively way.
  • Skip: "So nothing to do with actual paint then?"

• "Shoehorn" [11:22]

  • To squeeze something in, often awkwardly.

• "Earnings expectations" [12:15]

  • Analyst predictions for company profits—a crucial driver of stock market reactions.

• "Upstage" [12:57]

  • To outdo or overshadow in a grand way.

• "To have a lot of time for" [13:53]

  • To approve of or respect something (not related to actual time).

  • Des: "Well, hopefully our listeners have a lot of time for D2B and find the show useful." [14:22]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:00] - Gaming industry updates (Tencent, EA)
• [05:24] - Scottish independence and EU concerns
• [07:01] - Microsoft leadership and Bill Gates' new role
• [09:10] - Khalifa Port developments
• [10:08] - D2V Vocabulary segment

Final Thoughts & Engagement

• The hosts encourage feedback and questions via Facebook and invite listeners to download episode scripts for further learning.
• Des: "Well, hopefully our listeners have a lot of time for D2B and find the show useful." [14:29]

Tone: Engaging, informative, and filled with light-hearted banter—making business news approachable and memorable.