Bejiing - Tony LaRussa, a trucker from Hoboken, has become a celebrity in China for his hit show "Learn English with Tony."
The show has taken off with the Chinese allowing viewers to master English in a fun and friendly manner at home rather than learning thousands of words in a classroom setting.
"It's easy" says Tony, "I teach them to speak like our family, who wants to go to school?"
"Instead of trying to learn everybody's name you just call someone Hey Buddy! or Knucklehead or Hey Lady!, unless it's your mom and you wanna get a swat."
"We don't even teach people how to count, we just say if you want something ask for some, lots, all-you-got or nuttin. If you want to get fancy or particular you can ask for deeze, dat or doze."
"When people ask when you want something you ask them "What do you think - Yesterday?"
"Once we get over the basics like that we teach conversation. Being oriental we tell them nobody expects you to say too much so just say "You're kidding?" now and then and let the other guy do all the talking."
"After you let the other guy go on for ten minutes or so its usually time to get down to business so keep its simple like,"
"I think I know him, he's Arturro's boy."
"You're my friend right?"
"Why you busting my balls?"
"We'll be coming to get it this afternoon."
