Vaccines, HR Meetings, Logistics, and Grammar

Posted on Feb 19, 2025 in Administration and Management

Vaccine Hesitancy and Pandemic Management

1. My opinion on vaccines is complex. Thanks to them, we have eliminated many deadly diseases. However, the COVID-19 vaccines were introduced with strong insistence despite scientific evidence suggesting potential adverse effects for some individuals. Media and public figures who tried to publicize this information, often supported by medical and scientific reports, faced censorship and scorn. This political and medical management of the last pandemic significantly damages credibility for future similar events.

HR Meeting: Staff Holiday Planning

2. Dear Josele, I would like to schedule a meeting to discuss our staff’s holidays. I propose holding the meeting in the Personnel meeting room on Wednesday, February 2nd, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Please come prepared with the desired vacation schedules of your employees. I hope this time is convenient. Please confirm your participation or let me know if there are any problems.

Regards, Andreu Soriano, Human Resources Manager

Meeting Confirmation

3. Dear Alfredo, Thank you for your email regarding the meeting on Wednesday, February 2nd, at 11:00 AM. I confirm my attendance. I will bring all the prepared vacation schedules of the people under my supervision.

Sincerely, Andreu Soriano, Human Resources Manager.

Key International Trade and Logistics Terms

  1. Freight Forwarder or Forwarding Agent: Plans, coordinates, and monitors all necessary operations for the transport of goods, including auxiliary services and communication.
  2. Consignor/Consigner: A person or company that sends goods to someone, usually the seller.
  3. Consignee: The person or company a consignment is sent to; usually the buyer.
  4. Carrier: Company that transports goods and/or people by air, land, or sea.
  5. Consignment: Property sent for sale, storage, or shipment.
  6. Bill of Lading (B/L): Document issued by a carrier, or its agent, to the shipper as a contract of carriage of goods. It is also a receipt for cargo accepted for transportation and must be presented for taking delivery at the destination. It serves as proof of ownership (title) of the cargo.
  7. Letter of Credit (L/C): A promise by a bank on behalf of the importer to pay the exporter.
  8. Shipping Company: The legal owner of a vessel or vessels.
  9. Notify Party: Usually the importer; the party to be contacted upon the shipment’s arrival.

“Say” vs. “Tell” in English

  1. Can you tell me what time he arrived?
  2. Every time he sees me, he says that he wants to leave the company.
  3. I couldn’t tell the difference.
  4. Did you say where you live?
  5. I’ll tell you what.
  6. Just because I say so!
  7. Last day the teacher told him to leave the room.
  8. He said to me that he was tired.
  9. He told me that he was tired.
  10. My granny loved telling incredible stories.
  11. Say no more; you’ve convinced me.
  12. I can’t tell Japanese kanji from Chinese characters.

Modal Verbs: Usage Examples

  1. Obligation/Necessity: Students must attend all lessons. (have to)
  2. Prohibition: You can’t smoke indoors. (mustn’t)
  3. No Obligation & No Prohibition: Once the vaccines work, we needn’t wear masks. (don’t have to)
  4. Permission: Students may go to the bathroom. (are allowed to)
  5. Probability: All students could pass the subject. (might)
  6. Advice: We should speak English every day. (ought to)

Legal Terms

  • Hereof: In this document.
  • Null and Void: Without legal effect.
  • In Witness Whereof: And to so attest.