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ESL Podcast - Previous Episodes Podcast by Center for Educational Development

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Wonderful, December 07, 2007
Reviewer: mor2020

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699 - Dealing With the Paparazzi

Author: Center for Educational Development
Fri, Jul 01, 2011

Do you have photographers following you around wherever you go? If you do, then this episode will tell you what you need to know to talk about being so famous.

Slow dialogue: 1:06
Explanations: 2:39
Fast dialogue: 15:56

Fredo: I feel like a prisoner in my own home! I can’t step outside without the paparazzi snapping pictures of me. They stake out my house 24 hours a day.

Amanda: I suppose that’s the price of fame. You do have the most popular podcast in the world.

Fredo: But they’re such a pain in the neck! They don’t just take pictures. They chase me in my car and follow me into restrooms, trying to corner me. It’s an invasion of privacy.

Amanda: You’re right, but look on the bright side. The paparazzi give you plenty of exposure. They keep your name – and your face – in the spotlight.

Fredo: It would be fine if they just took a few candid shots while I’m at dinner or at the store, but they try to take photos when I’m out of town, trying to catch me doing something I shouldn’t.

Amanda: At least, that’s good news for your wife. She can call off that private detective she hired to follow you from city to city!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Presidents: Theodore Roosevelt; The Folk Tales of Uncle Remus; drug versus pill versus tablet; pronouncing ½; engagement versus commitment

Words:
sickly
disillusioned
spoils system
to declare
rough
trust
canal
at odds with
folk tale
fictional
dialect
tar
drug
pill
tablet
half (½)
engagement
commitment

Learn about racial and ethnic slurs in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:01
Explanations: 2:32
Fast dialogue: 15:47

Mike: Did you hear what Dan said? He called me a mick. What decade is he living in?

Patti: He’s just ignorant. I’m sure he wasn’t trying to be offensive.

Mike: Well, I take offense. And to add insult to injury, did you hear what else he said?

Patti: What?

Mike: He said that he was speaking on behalf of the Irish in the community when he said he liked the plan. How dare he speak for other people? It’s presumptuous.

Patti: He was trying to make a point and probably just got carried away. I agree that what he said could be insulting, but let’s give him the benefit of the doubt.

Mike: You can be magnanimous if you want to be, but I know an ethnic slur when I hear one.

Patti: It wasn’t an ethnic slur. It wasn’t the politically correct term, that’s all. He’s a little behind the times.

Mike: Behind the times?! He’d have to live to 150 to catch up to the present!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Are you between the ages of 6 and 18? Do you feel hungry? If so, then try eating a school lunch in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 2:56
Fast dialogue: 15:11

Chris: What are you doing? Let’s get into the hot lunch line.

Sybil: See this lunchbox? My mom made me brown-bag it today. She says that the lunches served at school aren’t nutritious enough.

Chris: That sucks. What did she make you?

Sybil: A salad.

Chris: Oh, gross. I really feel sorry for you. What else?

Sybil: Let me see. There are some carrot sticks, too.

Chris: Sucker! You should have thrown a fit. I wouldn’t have taken it lying down. Listen to me. You should ditch that lunch and buy lunch instead, like me.

Sybil: I can’t. I don’t have any lunch money. Do you want to trade some of yours for mine?

Chris: You’re dreaming. There’s no way I’m trading my pizza for your salad and carrot sticks.

Sybil: Not even if I do your math homework?

Chris: Math homework? Now you’ve got my attention.

Sybil: Only if you give me the entire slice of pizza.

Chris: You drive a hard bargain. How about this? I’ll split the pizza with you, if you’ll do my homework.

Sybil: You must really think I’m a sucker if you think I’d agree to that!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: McCarthyism and the House Committee on Un-American Activities; Famous Songs: Dixie; to overrate versus to overestimate; that versus so; the stakes are too high

Words:
McCarthyism
Red Scare
to play on
demagogue
hearing
to blacklist
to change (one’s) story
to gauge
sense of decency
Dixie
blackface
frost
to overrate
to overestimate
that
so
the stakes are too high

Get rich slowly by investing your money for your retirement. Find out how in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:24
Explanations: 3:28
Fast dialogue: 18:39

Karen: My company offers a 401(k) plan. Do you think I should have one?

Jimmy: Yes, definitely. I had a 401(k) account when I worked for McQ Corp, and when I started working on my own I converted it to an IRA.

Karen: I really don’t understand any of these investment options. I talked to an investment specialist at my bank, but I left her office just as confused as when I went in.

Jimmy: Look, you want to have a diversified portfolio of lower-risk and higher-risk investments. On the low-risk end, put money in bonds, CDs, or a money market account. You want to balance that out with some riskier investments that may bring a higher return, such as mutual funds and stocks.

Karen: Wow, all of that just went over my head. I don’t know a CD from a bond.

Jimmy: It’s really simple. Your choice ranges from a fixed return to a variable return, and the variable investments carry different levels of risk.

Karen: My head hurts. Are you sure I really need all of these investments?

Jimmy: Not all of them, but it would be smart to invest your money in something.

Karen: Not if I spend it all first, right?

Jimmy: Right. You know what they say: “A fool and his money are soon parted!�

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

You’re late! You’re late for a very important date! Hurry up and listen to this episode to find out how to talk about being late.

Slow dialogue: 1:05
Explanations: 2:24
Fast dialogue: 13:30

Eric: Let’s get a move on or we’ll be late – again!

Carmen: Hold your horses. I’m on the verge of being ready. Rome wasn’t built in a day, you know.

Eric: A day? I’d settle for a week. Why is it that every time we have someplace to be you’re always running late?

Carmen: That’s because I march to the beat of a different drummer. Life isn’t about watching the clock; it’s about living in the moment.

Eric: Okay, at this very moment, we’re late.

Carmen: Just give me a couple of minutes more and I’ll be ready. After all, none of our friends expect us to be punctual anymore. They all know better.

Eric: Yeah, and I should, too. From now on, I’ll start getting ready when you say you’re all set. Then I’ll just have minutes to wait – not hours!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans: Jesse Owens; National Science Foundation; plea versus appeal versus petition; somewhat versus somehow; Is that all?

Words:
track and field
Jim Crow law
segregation
obstacle
world record
to boycott
autograph
ticker-tape parade
to snub
grant
independent
merit
plea
appeal
petition
somewhat
somehow
Is that all?

If you have an accident and need to go to the hospital, you’ll probably go to the emergency room. Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:11
Explanations: 3:38
Fast dialogue: 19:19

Saturday, 9:35 p.m.

I arrive in the emergency room. I had been at a party earlier in the evening when I accidentally cut my finger. My finger wasn’t severed, but it did have a very deep cut and I thought I might need stitches. I check in at the admissions desk and I’m told to take a seat and wait.

Saturday, 10:40 p.m.

I’m still waiting to see a doctor. The waiting room is filled to capacity and I expect it to be a long night.

Saturday, 11:15 p.m.

Several ambulances pull up to the door and EMTs wheel in several people on stretchers. I hear that there had been a pileup on Freeway 215 and these were the victims. I can see a doctor performing triage and the most critical cases are taken into exam rooms and maybe directly into surgery.

Sunday, 1:25 p.m.

I decide to give up and go home. If I hadn’t bled to death by that time, I could probably wait until Monday to see my regular physician.

My evening in the emergency room wasn’t a total loss, though. I learned a valuable lesson: Never voluntarily go to the emergency room!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Sometimes a vacation seems like work. Learn about following rules for dressing in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:16
Explanations: 3:11
Fast dialogue: 16:39

Tae: What are you doing? Why are you taking all of my clothes out of my suitcase? I just finished packing that.

Nicole: You’ve packed all of the wrong things. We’re going on a luxury cruise and all you’ve packed are shorts and t-shirts.

Tae: I’m going on vacation and I don’t have to dress to impress.

Nicole: You’ve never been on a cruise like this one, but I have, and there’s a dress code. You’ll need formal wear for some of the dinners.

Tae: I’m not wearing a suit and tie on vacation.

Nicole: No, not a suit and tie. There’ll be a dance the final night of the cruise that’s black tie, so you’ll need your tuxedo. I’m bringing a few cocktail dresses myself. Don’t worry. You can go semi-formal the rest of the evenings.

Tae: This is ridiculous. I have to wear business attire 300 days out of the year and you’re making me dress up when I finally go on a vacation.

Nicole: You don’t have to dress up the entire time. You can go California casual during the day. I’m just asking that you look presentable a few hours each day. Is that so hard?

Tae: I knew there was a catch when you booked this vacation. It’s less a vacation for me than a dress-up party for you!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: The Lewis and Clark Expedition; Famous Authors: Anne Rice; to generate versus to create versus to make; a tad off target; run-on sentence

Words:
expedition
corps
to lay claim to
navigable
fur trapper
to split up
journal
manifest destiny
bicentennial
vampire
off-and-on relationship
to renounce
to generate
to create
to make
a tad
off target
run-on sentence

Be careful who you recommend for a job. Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:05
Explanations: 2:41
Fast dialogue: 16:26

Harry: I’ve put in a good word for you with my boss. He said to stop by the store at 4:00 today and he’ll interview you for the job.

Judy: Okay, I think I can make it around 4:00.

Harry: Not around 4:00. You need to be there at 4:00 sharp, got that? I’m sticking my neck out for you by recommending you for this job, so don’t let me down.

Judy: All right, I’ll be there. It’s not like it’s my idea to get a job at your store. I didn’t ask you to put your reputation on the line. I don’t think that job is a good fit for me.

Harry: You can’t afford to be choosy. You need a job and you need it right now.

Judy: I’m not in a hurry. I want to find a job that really suits my talents.

Harry: I’m sick of you sleeping on my couch and mooching off me. By the time you find a job that suits your talents, I’ll be in a nursing home – or an insane asylum!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Look out for that crazy driver! Learn how to end your life by driving dangerously on this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:16
Explanations: 3:12
Fast dialogue: 18:01

I do a lot of driving in my job. You would think that driving several hours each way would get old really fast, but I have ways of making an interminable drive seem much more exciting.

I like to drive fast on the freeways. I usually pass all of the slower cars by staying in the passing lane. When there’s a slow-moving car in the passing lane, though, I tailgate it until the driver moves over to another lane. If the driver doesn’t move over, I weave back and forth from one lane to another until I get around it. What can I say? I just don’t like anyone to keep me from the open road.

Sometimes, I encounter another driver who likes to drive fast and we have a drag race. I know how to bird dog the other car until I see a way to speed up and overtake it. That’s why I almost always win.

As you can see, I know how to spice up a boring drive. I hope to see you soon – on the road.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: driving while texting; ground versus soil versus land; as such; pupil versus people

Words:
eyewitness report
to lose control
apparent
median
to clip
to flip
distraction
visual
to glance
manual
cognitive
to take (one’s) mind off
ground
soil
land
as such
pupil
people

Hotel rooms are often more expensive when you have a good view. Find out about the different kinds of views and how to talk about them in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:09
Explanations: 3:04
Fast dialogue: 15:05

Andrea: Help me decide on which type of hotel room to book.

George: I want the one with a bed.

Andrea: Very funny. We have a choice of different views, and each one is a different price. For instance, a room with a city view is $175 a night and a panoramic view is $275 a night.

George: $275 a night?! That’s highway robbery!

Andrea: If you think that’s too steep, there are a few other options. We can get a courtyard room with no view for $120 a night or a room with an obstructed or peek-a-boo ocean views for $130 a night.

George: I don’t really care which type of room we get as long as we don’t end up with a room on the ground floor. I don’t like having people walking back and forth outside my window all night.

Andrea: Okay, I can request a room on an upper floor. You really don’t have a preference?

George: No, not really.

Andrea: There is a penthouse room for $400 a night.

George: What?! For that price, I’d better get a view of the Eiffel Tower, the Parthenon, and the Great Wall of China!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Tired of the same nonsense from politicians? Learn how to complain about in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:18
Explanations: 3:12
Fast dialogue: 16:56

Kylie: Can you understand a word he’s saying?

Ramis: I doubt if anyone can. He’s talking out of both sides of his mouth. First he says he’s fighting for the little guy, and then he says he’s a champion for businesses.

Kylie: I thought he’d be different, but he’s just like any other politician.

Ramis: He looks sincere and he sounds sincere, but when you actually listen to what he says, it’s nothing but double-talk.

Kylie: You’ve got that right. I wouldn’t trust him any farther than I could throw him. Now what is he saying?

Ramis: He says that he can cut taxes and increase government services. Now how do you suppose he could pull that off?

Kylie: He can’t. These are just campaign promises. Once he gets into office, he’ll renege on every one of those promises.

Ramis: Year after year it’s the same thing – broken promises and the same old same old. Why do we put up with it?

Kylie: Why? I have an answer for you. Do you want to run for office?

Ramis: Me?! Are you kidding? Not on your life.

Kylie: Right. That’s how I feel. I’m willing to sit back and let somebody else do the job. I guess we’ve dug our own graves.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Movie: 2001: A Space Odyssey; Bozo the Clown; kind of versus so-so versus more or less; firm versus company; to get + participle

Words:
odyssey
concurrently
plot
extra-terrestrial
cryogenically frozen
to read lips
to sneak
to coincide with
clown
wig
comedy sketch
kind of
so-so
more or less
firm
company

If something isn’t working in any relationship, sometimes the best thing is just to end it. Learn more about how this might work for businesses in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:22
Explanations: 3:16
Fast dialogue: 18:26

Jerry: Who’s going to break the news to Tech Experts?

Camila: You mean about pulling the plug on using their services?

Jerry: Yeah, the contract we signed with them last year is almost up, and as we decided last month, we’ll be going with another company.

Camila: I think we should hold off on telling them until after all of our current projects are done. We still have two more in the hopper.

Jerry: Okay, but I don’t want to drag our feet in telling them, even if we’re not happy with their service. As a professional courtesy, we should let them know soon.

Camila: That may be true with other companies, but Tech Experts has really let us down this past year. If we didn’t have an airtight contract with them, we would have switched companies long ago.

Jerry: Well, maybe they’ll learn from their mistakes. After all, they’ve been in business a long time.

Camila: Yeah, but old habits die hard. And if you ask me, the company is on its last legs. It’s only a matter of time before they lose most of their customers, at the rate they’re going.

Jerry: I don’t know about that, but I do know one thing. It’s a good thing you’re not their PR rep!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Televisions are getting bigger and bigger each year. Learn how and why to buy a HUGE TV in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:09
Explanations: 2:33
Fast dialogue: 13:26

Byung: This is what I’m talking about! It’s time to upgrade to a big-screen TV and this is the perfect place to buy one.

Nelly: They certainly have a large selection. These new TVs have pictures that are much sharper than our current one.

Byung: There’s no comparison. These new TVs have a much better resolution. Just look at the brightness and the contrast! Our old TV looks washed out by comparison.

Nelly: And listen to that sound quality. It’s like being in a movie theater with surround sound.

Byung: Yeah, it’s time we moved into the 21st century.

Nelly: According to what I’ve read, with a viewing distance of 10 feet, we should look for a screen size of about 40 inches.

Byung: I was thinking more like a 60-inch screen.

Nelly: A 60-inch TV?! That would take up the entire living room wall.

Byung: That’s exactly what I had in mind!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Presidents: Abraham Lincoln; to rise versus to raise versus to arise; rather than versus prefer; to tender (one’s) resignation

Words:
humble origins
log cabin
itinerant teacher
to fall into debt
oratorical
abolitionist
debate
to secede
reconstruction
to rise
to raise
to arise
rather than
to prefer
to tender (one’s) resignation

Meeting your loved one’s family for the first time? Make sure you know who is who by listening first to this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:07
Explanations: 3:15
Fast dialogue: 18:18

Larissa: I’m really nervous about meeting your family.

Vince: You don’t need to be. They’ll love you and you’ll fit right in.

Larissa: Okay, but I want to make sure I know everyone I’ll be meeting. Your Grandmother Celine is the matriarch of the family and your Uncle Nick is the black sheep of the family, is that right?

Vince: That’s right, but none of us let on that Uncle Nick is considered the prodigal son. He was really rebellious when he was young and left home when he was 17. He came back 15 years later, but nobody really knows what happened during that time. He’s always been a little eccentric.

Larissa: I’ll be sure to steer clear of Uncle Nick, in that case. Let’s see, you told me that he is the oldest and your Aunt Sue is the baby of the family. Where does your Aunt Lily come in?

Vince: She’s the middle child and is always the scapegoat for anything that goes wrong. At least that’s what my grandfather has told me all these years.

Larissa: That’s your Grandfather Albert, the patriarch of the family, right?

Vince: Yes, you’ve got it. I’m impressed you remembered so much about my family.

Larissa: If I’m walking into the lion’s den, then I want to be prepared.

Vince: Don’t think of it that way. They’re all going to love you.

Larissa: Famous last words!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Don’t worry if your writing in English isn’t perfect. Learn to understand a teacher’s comments on how to improve it in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 3:08
Fast dialogue: 17:33

Xica: I just got my paper back from Professor Rodriguez and it’s all marked up.

Lucas: Let me see. It doesn’t look too bad. This is a draft, right? His note at the top says to make revisions before handing in a final version. He’s trying to help you get a better grade.

Xica: Maybe, but there’s nothing he likes about the essay. Look at all of those comments in the margins. He underlined the entire introduction and wrote “run-on sentence� next to it.

Lucas: That’s easy to fix, and it is a run-on sentence, you know.

Xica: And in the body, he wrote that I had no transitions and that my arguments weren’t well supported.

Lucas: Well, transitions are easy to put in and you just need to cite a few more sources – that’s all.

Xica: Yeah, but that’s not all. Next to the conclusion, he wrote that I didn’t properly summarize my main points. See what I mean? There’s nothing he likes about this essay.

Lucas: I think you should take the constructive criticism as it’s meant – to help you.

Xica: It’s easy for you to say. You’re done with college. It’s kind of demoralizing to get your paper back all marked up.

Lucas: True, but you forget that I have my own battle wounds – lots of them!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans: Al Capone; The U.S. Military Academy at West Point; to crash versus to shatter versus to smash; how about you? versus what about you?; bite me

Words:
odd job
gang
mentor
scar
to bribe
to culminate
massacre
to lock (someone) up
tax evasion
notorious
nominated
cadet
to crash
to shatter
to smash
how about you? / what about you?
bite me

Do you want to know about the new man or woman at your work? Find out how to ask in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:29
Explanations: 3:13
Fast dialogue: 17:38

Amina: What’s the lowdown on the new guy?

Earl: Which new guy?

Amina: You know, the cute one. Fill me in. Is he single?

Earl: I don’t know. I have no idea.

Amina: You’re working with him side-by-side and you haven’t gleaned any personal information about him?

Earl: We talk about work. It’s not my job to pry into his personal life.

Amina: I need to get the scoop on Mr. Perfect and you’re my source.

Earl: You don’t know anything about him, so how do you know he’s perfect? Maybe when you get to know him, you’ll find out he’s a selfish, self-centered jerk.

Amina: Wait, catch me up on what’s going on here. Have other people asked you about him?

Earl: Yeah, maybe about a dozen of the women in this office. They’ve been bombarding me with questions.

Amina: Oh, sorry. I didn’t know.

Earl: Yeah, I’m not the guy’s social secretary. You women have to satisfy your own curiosity elsewhere.

Amina: Point taken, but do you know if he’s shown interest in any of the dozen women you’ve talked to?

Earl: Ugh!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Now everyone can be famous for 15 minutes. Learn how in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 0:58
Explanations: 2:48
Fast dialogue: 16:29

Melissa: You’re looking at the next overnight sensation. I’m uploading my video right now, and by this time tomorrow, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s had over 100,000 views. It’s going to go viral.

Frank: You and your amateur videos. Who is going to watch something with such low production value?

Melissa: You’d be surprised. I have my own channel on YouGube, with over 5,000 subscribers.

Frank: Are you sure that’s not because your username is AngelinaJolie?

Melissa: No, it’s because people enjoy my videos, mark them as their favorites, and share them with their friends. Word of mouth – that’s why I’m so popular.

Frank: But what about the comments on your videos? How many of those are positive and how many are negative?

Melissa: I don’t read the comments. I assume they’re all positive, and my videos have never been flagged.

Frank: All right, so is this another video of you dancing with your cat?

Melissa: No, my cat and I are dancing and singing. That’s why we’re both going to be the next big thing.

Frank: Right, I’ll get in line right now to buy tickets to your upcoming Vegas show.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Buffalo Soldiers; Famous Songs: Oh My Darling, Clementine; to be concerned about/in/with; to erase versus to delete; “how do you say...� for written English

Words:
buffalo
regiment
park ranger
prejudice
to disband
darling
miner
to drown
to excavate
alas
dreadful
to be concerned about
to be concerned in
to be concerned with
to erase
to delete

Ouch! If you often hurt yourself, you can learn how to describe all of your injuries in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:12
Explanations: 3:21
Fast dialogue: 17:12

Cherise: Rise and shine! Isn’t it a lovely day? I love getting back to nature. There’s nothing like going camping. How did you sleep?

Evan: That was the most miserable night of my life!

Cherise: Really? What happened?

Evan: I woke up in the middle of the night and thought I heard a bear. I got up, stubbed my toe, and tripped. I have scratches all over my arms, not to mention these bruises on my legs. See?

Cherise: Oh, don’t you know that there aren’t any bears this late in the year?

Evan: How should I have known that? This was my first time camping.

Cherise: All right. Why are you holding your neck like that?

Evan: I couldn’t get comfortable at all sleeping on the ground. I woke up with a crick in my neck.

Cherise: Stop moving around like that or you’ll really hurt yourself.

Evan: Oh, I have a cramp in my shoulder! It hurts!

Cherise: I told you not to twist around like that. Just let it work itself out.

Evan: All of this had to happen to me after getting a stitch in my side and a charley horse hiking five miles yesterday. I’ve had it! I’m going back to civilization.

Cherise: How are you getting there?

Evan: What do you mean? I’m walking.

Cherise: Without food or water? You’d better wait for me or you may end up bear bait after all!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Talking about someone’s religion can sometimes cause controversy. Learn what not to say in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 0:59
Explanations: 2:32
Fast dialogue: 16:26

Jim: You know that religion is a taboo subject, especially with Paul. Why were you baiting him all through dinner?

Tammy: I wasn’t baiting him. We have very different views on spirituality and I wanted to discuss the subject with him.

Jim: You were making disparaging remarks about his faith and some of the things he holds most sacred. I think you were trying to be provocative.

Tammy: I may have said a few things that were provocative, but I don’t understand how people can believe in superstitions.

Jim: There you go again! People’s religious beliefs shouldn’t be called superstitions.

Tammy: I’m just calling it like I see it. I didn’t know you were such a fundamentalist.

Jim: I’m not a fundamentalist. In fact, I’m an atheist, or at least an agnostic, but I still try to show respect for other people’s beliefs.

Tammy: Beliefs are made to be challenged. If you can’t defend your beliefs, you shouldn’t have them.

Jim: Ladies and gentlemen, behold the voice of tolerance.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: Artists as ambassadors; log versus timber versus lumber; to bump into

Words:
concept
narrative
partner
to realize
spiteful
collaboration
like-minded
creative
to sponsor
vision
to engage
propaganda
lasting
log
timber
lumber
to bump into

Sometimes the most important people in a project are the ones you never see or hear about. Learn about them in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:00
Explanations: 2:25
Fast dialogue: 15:42

Fumi: You may have everyone else fooled, but I know the real reason for the success of this project.

Issac: What?

Fumi: You. You’ve been working behind the scenes to bolster the people who weren’t up to the task. Without you, this project would have been sunk months ago.

Issac: That’s nonsense.

Fumi: No, it’s not. I know you don’t like the limelight, but you were the linchpin of this operation. Without you, we’d all have egg on our faces today.

Issac: You’re giving me way too much credit. I don’t want to hear another word about it.

Fumi: I’m not surprised at your reaction. Most unsung heroes like to keep a low profile.

Issac: What?! I’m nothing of the kind!

Fumi: Yes, you are. You’re far too modest. And soon, I won’t be the only one who thinks so!

Issac: What are you proposing to do?

Fumi: Don’t worry. I’m not planning a ticker-tape parade, but it’s time your contributions are recognized for what they are around here!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Are you feeling like you need a new look? Then you need a makeover! Learn how to get one on this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:08
Explanations: 2:40
Fast dialogue: 15:32

Kurt: Come with me.

Ellie: Where are you taking me?

Kurt: I’m giving you a makeover and you have no say about it.

Ellie: A makeover?! I don’t need a makeover.

Kurt: Yes, you do. I’m your best friend and this is an intervention. You’re so busy these days that you’ve let yourself go.

Ellie: I haven’t let myself go. I just don’t spend as much time as I used to primping and getting dolled up, that’s all.

Kurt: On that we agree. Your clothes are frumpy and your hairstyle is 10 years out-of-date. Come on. I’m taking you to get a new look. It’ll be a complete transformation.

Ellie: Okay, I admit that my appearance needs a little updating, but I’m not giving you free rein on what changes to make.

Kurt: I’m willing to let you have some say in that – if you’ll come quietly.

Ellie: And if I don’t?

Kurt: You’re getting this makeover one way or another, even if I have to drag you kicking and screaming!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Charles Manson and the Tate murders; air marshals; to reach versus to arrive; to go off; to be out of (one’s) league

Words:
troubled
armed robbery
following
conspiracy
death sentence
cult
air marshal
undercover
to disarm
in pairs
background investigation
to bump
to reach
to arrive
to go off
to be out of (one’s) league

One of the risks of traveling is that your suitcases can get damaged. Find out what to do when that happens in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:08
Explanations: 3:02
Fast dialogue: 16:42

I picked up my luggage off of the baggage carousel and noticed that the handle was broken and some of my clothes were falling out of the open zipper. The bag looked like it had been mishandled, but could someone have tampered with it, too? I went to the baggage claim office to report what I found.

Clerk: Next. How can I help you?

Jordan: I retrieved my bag and found that it’s been damaged.

Clerk: What’s the problem?

Jordan: The handle is broken and I think someone has gone through my bag.

Clerk: That was probably security. They may have searched your luggage.

Jordan: Yes, but my camera is missing and everything is in disarray. I’m not sure if other things are missing.

Clerk: Why don’t you make a more thorough inspection over there and then you can file a claim for anything that’s missing or broken.

Jordan: Will I be compensated for the damage to my luggage and for my missing camera?

Clerk: I really can’t say.

Jordan: How long will it take for someone to contact me?

Clerk: I really can’t say. Next!
...

I knew a blow off when I heard it, but I looked through my bag anyway and filled out the forms. Who knows? Miracles do happen, don’t they?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Are you difficult to please when it comes to food? Don’t come to my house! Instead, listen to this episode to learn how to talk about yourself as an eater.

Slow dialogue: 1:24
Explanations: 2:44
Fast dialogue: 14:34

Jeremy: It’s really nice of you to make dinner for me tonight.

Keeley: I’m glad to do it. You’re been so helpful to me, it’s only fair that I return the favor. I hope you’ve brought your appetite.

Jeremy: You bet.

Keeley: Great! Here’s the first course, a light soup. How do you like it?

Jeremy: It has an interesting flavor.

Keeley: You don’t care for it.

Jeremy: It’s just a little greasy for my taste.

Keeley: Sorry about that. Why don’t you try this dish? It’s an old family recipe. What’s wrong?

Jeremy: Oh, nothing. I just don’t think it’s agreeing with me. Maybe it’s an acquired taste.

Keeley: Okay, maybe I can whip up something else for you...

Jeremy: I don’t want to put you to all that trouble. Sorry to be so fussy.

Keeley: No, no trouble at all.
...

I like cooking, but with such a picky eater like Jeremy, I might be cooking into next Tuesday!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest; Joshua Tree National Park; to the extent that versus in light of versus in the face of; I’m going versus I’m going to; adverb placement - accidentally

Words:
cuckoo
asylum
to fake
to serve (one's) sentence
to antagonize
ward
deinstitutionalization
desert
species
geological feature
to rock climb
to the extent that
in light of
in the face of
I’m going
I’m going to
accidentally

Most Americans have the opportunity to change their health insurance plans once a year. Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 0.52
Explanations: 2.22
Fast dialogue: 19.35

Mikhail: What’s all this?

Carol: It’s open enrollment at my company and I’m thinking of switching health plans. I have an HMO right now and I’m thinking of switching to a PPO. That way, I can see doctors outside of my current network and still be covered.

Mikhail: I’m so glad I don’t have to worry about things like that. I’m still a dependent on my mother’s plan, at least for another year.

Carol: Lucky you. Look at all of this literature! How am I supposed to make heads or tails of this to compare one plan with another?

Mikhail: Wow, yeah, that’s really confusing.

Carol: Tell me about it. I want to know if these new plans have coverage for my pre-existing conditions and prescription drugs, and if not, what the out-of-pocket costs would be.

Mikhail: Don’t look at me.

Carol: And how am I supposed to figure out what my copay and deductible would be?

Mikhail: You’re on your own on this one. It’s all Greek to me!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

If you don’t have a big car or truck, you sometimes need the store to bring the things you bought to your house. Learn all about furniture delivery in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:21
Explanations: 3:20
Fast dialogue: 17:18

I was waiting patiently for the furniture store to deliver my new bed. I was given a window of 1:00 to 4:00. At 4:50, the delivery truck pulled up in front of my house.
...

Zuly: Hello.

Danny: Hi! We’re from Reliable Furniture. We’re here to deliver your new bed.

Zuly: I thought you’d never get here. The new bed should go in the bedroom. Follow me. You’ll haul away the old bed, right?

Danny: We will for an extra charge.

Zuly: I thought that was included in the price of the new bed.

Danny: Let me check the paperwork. Oh, I guess it is. We’ll take away the old bed and bring in the new one.

Zuly: Okay, this way. You can bring the bed right in here.

Danny: Okay, here you are. We’re all done.

Zuly: Aren’t you guys going to remove the bubble wrap, assemble the pieces, and set up the bed?

Danny: We can, but it’ll cost extra.

Zuly: I’m sure that’s included in the price of the new bed.

Danny: Let me check...Okay, I guess we’ll set it up. We’re just running a little late, that’s all. We got a late start from the warehouse this morning and it’s already past quitting time.
...

I wasn’t too happy, to say the least, but I was at their mercy and didn’t say anything. But as soon as they’re finished, I’ll be ready to give them a piece of my mind!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Prohibition; Famous Americans: Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.; I’m sorry versus I apologize; green thumb; elbow grease; to be screwed

Words:
Prohibition
temperance
to ban
underground
to bootleg
moonshine
speakeasy
legal realism
to defer
to dissent
pithy
to step down
to be sorry
to apologize
green thumb
elbow grease
to be screwed

Will Canada and the United States soon be at war against each other? Find out in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:13
Explanations: 2:39
Fast dialogue: 15:47

Tania: Did you see the news today? Canada has been doing military exercises near the Canada-U.S. border. I think they’re trying to send us a message.

Emilio: They’re just saber-rattling. They think we’re amassing weapons near the border and they’re posturing.

Tania: I don’t think they’re just posturing.

Emilio: Canada is no real threat. No one in the government wants to bear the responsibility of violating Canada’s treaty with us.

Tania: How can you say that? All of this military aggression makes me nervous. If Canada decides to attack, we would have no choice but to retaliate. Things could escalate very quickly.

Emilio: That’s why I’m well prepared.

Tania: Well prepared? How?

Emilio: Haven’t you seen me building my underground bunker? I’ll be safe there if Canada, or anyone else, strikes.

Tania: An underground bunker?

Emilio: Yes, and if you ask nicely, I’ll save a place for you.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Exercise does the body good. Learn all about walking and running in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:13
Explanations: 2:52
Fast dialogue: 16:08

Reina: Okay, I’m ready to walk my way to better fitness!

Lars: I’m glad you’re so enthusiastic about starting to exercise.

Reina: I’m totally psyched! Check out my new tennis shoes.

Lars: They’re brand new? You haven’t broken them in yet? I hope you don’t get blisters.

Reina: Stop worrying. Let’s go, I’m ready to work up a sweat!

Lars: Wait. There are a few things you need to know before we start. It’s a good idea to stretch and to warm up to avoid injuries.

Reina: I stretched already and as soon as we get started, I’ll warm up slowly. Let’s go!

Lars: All right, here we go, nice and slow.

Reina: Come on! How are we supposed to increase our heart rate if we walk this slowly? Pick up the pace!

Lars: I don’t want to get shin splints. It’s important that we start slowly and maintain a low-impact workout.

Reina: Forget it! I’ll race you. The last one to the park buys lunch. Ready, set, go!

Lars: Wait!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Authors: Edgar Allen Poe; women’s colleges; business versus commerce versus trade; thank goodness; to be keen on

Words:
tale
macabre
to lament
narrator
knock
raven
nevermore
descent into madness
calculated
model
co-educational
to question the relevancy
business
commerce
trade
thank goodness
to be keen on

Are you late finishing your project at work? Did you not have time to complete your homework at school? No problem! You can ask for more time after listening to this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:13
Explanations: 2:33
Fast dialogue: 17:13

Dan: Hello.

Marcia: Hi, Dan. What’s the status on the project? We’re still on schedule, right?

Dan: Uh, well, I’ve been meaning to call you about that. We’ve had a slight delay.

Marcia: What do you mean by “slight�? Are you saying that you won’t be able to meet the deadline?

Dan: Not exactly. I’m only asking that you grant us a short extension.

Marcia: How short?

Dan: A week or two, tops. We hit a minor snag, but we should have everything up and running in no time.

Marcia: If the project has come to a grinding halt, then it doesn’t sound like a minor snag. We’re running on a tight schedule and we don’t have a lot of time to spare.

Dan: I know that all too well.

Marcia: Good, then I don’t have to spell it out for you.

Dan: No, you don’t. My head is on the chopping block and the clock is ticking.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Thinking about your next vacation? Consider going to an island for some rest and relaxation. Learn all about it in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:04
Explanations: 2:39
Fast dialogue: 16:20

Mohsen: I need to get off this island. I’m getting island fever.

Ella: We’ve only been here two days. Give it a chance. We’re here to enjoy a slower pace of life, remember?

Mohsen: When you said we were going on an island vacation, I didn’t know we’d be so isolated. There isn’t a living soul within five miles!

Ella: This isn’t isolated; it’s secluded. We have privacy and serenity. Isn’t that what we wanted?

Mohsen: I wanted a vacation with all of the creature comforts.

Ella: That’s what we have, don’t you think? We’re staying in a very nice house.

Mohsen: Yes, but what about the creature comforts? I have no Internet access and no cell phone service. This is what I call roughing it.

Ella: We agreed that we both needed a little time away to unwind. The whole point of this vacation is for us to relax.

Mohsen: I’m cut off from civilization and I have no access to email and my favorite websites. What could be more stressful than this?!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: Louisville Slugger; globe versus sphere versus orb; on/by horseback; to hit one’s funny bone; to stub one’s toe

Words:
on average
peak production
spring training
butter churn
to prevail
Hall of Famer
to say it best
Louisville Slugger
anywhere from
season
batting practice
globe
sphere
orb
to hit (one’s) funny bone
to stub (one’s) toe

We all make mistakes. Learn how to talk about forgiving someone who has done you wrong in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:09
Explanations: 3:03
Fast dialogue: 19:42

Luc: You’ll never guess who called and left a voicemail message today.

Angela: Who?

Luc: Barbara!

Angela: Oh, really? What did she want?

Luc: She said she was calling to RSVP for our party this Saturday.

Angela: Did she?

Luc: Stop playing innocent with me. Did you or did you not invite her to our party this Saturday?

Angela: I may have. Okay, I did.

Luc: Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t you and Barbara have a knock-down, drag-out fight last month?

Angela: We may have.

Luc: And didn’t you say that you’d never speak to her again much less invite her over to our house?

Angela: That’s water under the bridge. You know what they say: “To err is human, to forgive divine.�

Luc: I can’t believe my ears. You ranted and raved for days that you’d hold against her for the rest of your life all of the terrible things she said about you.

Angela: I was being overdramatic. I don’t think I ranted and raved, actually. We just had a little spat. It’s best just to forgive and forget.

Luc: Unbelievable! Why can’t you have a selective memory when we have fights?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Americans avoid talking about politics and religion with strangers. Find out what happens when a husband and wife discuss such controversial topics in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:25
Explanations: 2:36
Fast dialogue: 17:30

Vivian: That news commentator should be fired for making such inflammatory comments. At least I won’t watch this show again until she is.

William: As usual, you’re making a mountain out of a molehill. She was just expressing her opinion, albeit a controversial one.

Vivian: Her opinion is offensive. Mark my words: Before the end of the week, a lot of people will be up in arms calling for her head on a platter.

William: I doubt it. It’ll all blow over. It’s just a tempest in a teapot.

Vivian: No way. She’ll never get away with it.

William: Oh, yeah?

Vivian: Yeah.

William: Do you want to make a bet?

Vivian: Sure, I’ll take that bet. What does the winner get?

William: Just the pleasure of seeing the other person eat her words.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Presidents: Thomas Jefferson; celebrity roasts; to splash versus to spray versus to sprinkle; hearing; to be of

Words:
swivel chair
mansion
colonist
delegate
alien
sedition
elective
epitaph
celebrity
roast
sense of humor
insult comic
to splash
to spray
to sprinkle
hearing

Running a small business isn’t always easy. Learn about what happens when the money is gone in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:23
Explanations: 2:45
Fast dialogue: 17:11

Kylie: I’ve just crunched the numbers and we’re not going to be able to meet payroll next month because of cash flow problems.

Miguel: That can’t be. The cash flow projections from last month showed that we’d be fine.

Kylie: We didn’t anticipate a shortfall in income this month and didn’t set aside enough cash to hedge against a cash flow problem.

Miguel: What can we do? We need a stopgap solution now.

Kylie: Well, we could try to extend our line of credit at the bank.

Miguel: We’re already overextended at the bank. I don’t want to push our luck.

Kylie: The other option is to hold off on paying our suppliers and hope that our income goes up next month, as predicted.

Miguel: Do you really think we can hold them off for that long?

Kylie: I’ll have a talk with our biggest suppliers and give them assurances that they’ll get paid. Let’s just hope they’re not having cash flow problems of their own!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

This episode is all about…what’s the topic again? I can’t remember it. Listen and find out for yourself.

Slow dialogue: 1:25
Explanations: 2:58
Fast dialogue: 15:09

Randal: Hurry up. Rob will be here any minute.

Marjorie: I can’t remember the combination to this lock.

Randal: I thought you knew it by heart.

Marjorie: It’s on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t seem to remember the last two digits. It’s 73 or 63 or 38...

Randal: You said you had it down cold!

Marjorie: I do know it, but it’s just slipped my mind. I’ll figure it out. I used a mnemonic to remember those last two digits. I just need to jog my memory. The last digits have to do with my birthday, or is it Rob’s birthday...

Randal: I only let you in on this little joke we’re going to play on Rob because you said you knew the combination to the lock on his bike. I should have known you were lying through your teeth.

Marjorie: I wasn’t lying. I really do know it. If you’ll just stop talking so I can concentrate...

Randal: Too late. Here comes Rob. Run for your life, if you know what’s good for you!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: John Audubon and the Audubon Society; Famous Songs: “On Top of Old Smokey�; sign versus signal; figure out versus find out; to beat a dead horse

Words:
ornithologist
to sketch
naturalist
to illustrate
bird-banding
taxidermy
to become extinct
to court
grief
parody
spaghetti
to sneeze
sign
signal
to figure out
to find out
to beat a dead horse

Planning a nice vacation this year? Learn how to make it a bit more exciting in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:30
Explanations: 3:12
Fast dialogue: 16:39

Vanessa: Put away that guidebook. I want our vacation to be exciting and unique, not cookie cutter. Tourists all visit the same sites. I want to explore and go to some places off the beaten path.

Justin: That would be fine except we’ve never traveled to Podville before and we don’t speak the language. How are we going to make our way around if we don’t plan out our trip?

Vanessa: We’ll be fine. Stop worrying. We spend too much time planning. Let’s just fly by the seat of our pants.

Justin: You really want to just go unprepared? That’s just not sensible. Anything could happen.

Vanessa: I’m not going to lose sleep over it. We just need to meet some locals and they’ll be able to tell us about the hidden, secluded, and offbeat sites. Those are the ones I want to see.

Justin: You can explore all you like, but I’m bringing some insurance.

Vanessa: What insurance?

Justin: I’m bringing two guidebooks and this phone number.

Vanessa: Phone number for what?

Justin: The phone number for the American embassy. That’s where I plan to go for help when you get lost off the beaten path!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

What kind of sandwiches do you like? Learn how to talk about them in English on this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:07
Explanations: 2:32
Fast dialogue: 20:21

Geraldo: I am so hungry. When can we go eat?

Natasha: Just another minute and I’ll be finished here. What do you have a craving for?

Geraldo: I want a good sandwich, maybe a BLT or a pastrami on rye. Now that I think of it, a Reuben or a club sandwich would really hit the spot. I wonder if Nathan’s is still open.

Natasha: I doubt it. It’s really late.

Geraldo: In that case, maybe we can find a diner where I can get a French dip or a cheesesteak sandwich. I’d even settle for a tuna or chicken salad sandwich.

Natasha: The nearest diner is closed for renovations, remember?

Geraldo: What are we going to do?

Natasha: I know of a place that’s open and ready to serve.

Geraldo: Where?

Natasha: My place.

Geraldo: You can make me a good sandwich?

Natasha: You’ll have a choice of grilled cheese or peanut butter and jelly. What do you say?

Geraldo: I guess beggars can’t be choosers.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: The FBI; Famous Americans: Margaret Mead; shall versus should versus supposed to; beneath versus underneath; fo’ shizzle my nizzle

Words:
investigation
threat
to cross state lines
mail fraud
wiretapping
counterterrorism
g-men
anthropologist
to come of age
casual sex
to open (someone)'s eyes
role model
shall
should
supposed to
beneath
underneath
fo’ shizzle my nizzle

Learn about making a video resume for your next job application in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:20
Explanations: 3:45
Fast dialogue: 18:43

Katrina: Okay, I’m ready to hear all of your advice about what to put into a video resume.

Raj: All right. The first thing to remember is that your video resume doesn’t take the place of your traditional resume; it supplements it.

Katrina: Okay, I got it. I was thinking of talking about some of my outside interests and activities to show that I’m a well-rounded person.

Raj: I’d forget about that, if I were you. The point of the video resume is to make a good business impression. It’s not about showing your outside skills or interests. You’re marketing yourself as a business professional so you should wear business attire, something you would wear to an interview.

Katrina: Oh, so this outfit is out, I guess. I wanted to show them my personality.

Raj: I think that outfit would definitely knock you out of contention for any job. You have to get it out of your head that you’re going to get hired for your personality or charm. What counts are your qualifications, your skills, and how you handle yourself in a business setting.

Katrina: Oh, I was afraid you were going to say that.

Raj: Stop selling yourself short. Your qualifications and skills are as good as the next guy’s. You just have to believe in yourself.

Katrina: Right, I have to believe in myself...I have to believe in myself. Hey, I think I can do it!

Raj: Really? You think you can produce a video resume that’s professional and polished?

Katrina: Sure, it should be no problem. I know just the right person to hire as a stand-in!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Stop tweeting, texting, and talking long enough to listen to this episode on focus and concentration. Pay attention!

Slow dialogue: 1:16
Explanations: 2:52
Fast dialogue: 16:01

Vagner: Aren’t you supposed to be studying for the driver’s test?

Liesl: I’m supposed to be, but I keep getting distracted. Reading this manual is deadly.

Vagner: I know, but if you don’t study, you’ll never pass the test. Try to focus.

Liesl: I’ve tried to keep my mind on the rules of the road, but I’m having trouble concentrating. My mind keeps wandering and I’m almost ready to throw in the towel for today.

Vagner: No, you can’t do that. You have to buckle down and learn what’s in this manual. I’m here to crack the whip.

Liesl: What’s in it for you? What do you care if I pass the driver’s test or not?

Vagner: You can ask me that? I’ve been chauffeuring you around since I got my driver’s license and I don’t plan on doing it for one second more than I have to.

Liesl: All right, all right, I’ll study, but not because you’re telling me to.

Vagner: Oh, yeah? Then why?

Liesl: I want to see the look on your face the first time Dad gives me the car keys instead of you!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: The Graduate; Patty Hearst; embarrassed versus ashamed versus awkward; people versus persons; talk to the hand

Words:
to give (someone) a ride
to seduce
to have an affair
to set (someone) up with
magnate
notorious
to kidnap
urban guerrilla
fringe
hostage
to brainwash
to pardon
embarrassed
ashamed
awkward
people
persons
talk to the hand

Can you trust your doctor to keep a secret? Find out in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:26
Explanations: 3:32
Fast dialogue: 18:27

Dr. Green: Can I consult you on a case of medical ethics?

Dr. Hause: Sure, I’m not a lawyer, but I can give you my opinion as another doctor.

Dr. Green: That’s what I’m looking for, your honest opinion. I have a patient who has a medical condition that can be spread to her family, but she doesn’t want to tell them about it. I don’t want to breach doctor-patient confidentiality, but I think that at least her husband should know.

Dr. Hause: That’s a tricky one. We both know that the only way we can get our patients to divulge any sensitive information is if they trust us. We can’t easily put aside that confidentiality.

Dr. Green: I know, but if she doesn’t tell her family, then they are in danger of developing serious medical problems themselves. I took the Hippocratic Oath to do no harm. How can I keep her secret and adhere to the spirit of that oath?

Dr. Hause: I see what you mean. If I were you, I’d sit my patient down and tell her what you think her responsibilities are to her family. Maybe you can convince her to tell them.

Dr. Green: I’ve tried talking to her already, and she didn’t want to listen. I’ll try again. But what if she doesn’t agree?

Dr. Hause: Then you can either drop it, tell her family, or...

Dr. Green: Or what?

Dr. Hause: Hope your patient has a miraculous recovery.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

It’s not too late to apologize for the things you did wrong in life. Find out what happens when you don’t in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:32
Explanations: 2:54
Fast dialogue: 13:09

Vera: That was uncalled for. You owe me an apology!

Alvaro: Chill out. It was a joke!

Vera: It wasn’t funny and it crossed the line.

Alvaro: Why are you freaking out? Get over it. I was just joking.

Vera: You really hurt my feelings.

Alvaro: For God’s sake, I didn’t mean it. I take it back, okay?

Vera: You do?

Alvaro: Yes, I do.

Vera: And you’re sorry? You really regret what you said?

Alvaro: I’m sorry you heard my joke.

Vera: That’s not a real apology. You owe me a real apology. What you said was cruel.

Alvaro: I made a joke about you being over the hill. You’re clearly not over the hill, so it was clearly a joke. Okay?

Vera: Do you really think I’m old?

Alvaro: No, I don’t. But you know what you’re doing to me right now? You’re taking years off my life!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: Sleep-deprived teenagers; to buy versus to purchase versus to acquire; to burn the candle at both ends; Let’s versus shall we? versus why don’t we?

Words:
out of it
period
to stay awake
sleep-deprived
cranky
depression
astonishing
health center
admission
fatigue
tardiness
alert
to buy
to purchase
to acquire
to burn the candle at both ends
let’s
Shall we?
Why don’t we?

Be careful not to hurt yourself at work. If you do, then listen to this episode to find out how to talk about it in English.

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 3:22
Fast dialogue: 17:50

Darrelle: I just went to a seminar about work-related injuries. I really have to rethink my workspace.

Kim: Work-related injuries? It’s not like we’re doing heavy lifting every day. We sit at our desks all day.

Darrelle: That’s the problem. Look at how you’re slouching over your keyboard. Poor posture can cause a lot of problems over time. Aren’t you always complaining about back pain?

Kim: Yeah, but…

Darrelle: And look at how you squint at your computer monitor all day. Aren’t you always complaining about headaches? You’re probably suffering from eye strain.

Kim: It’s true that I sometimes have headaches.

Darrelle: It’s no wonder. Look at what we do all day, repetitive motion after repetitive motion. Aren’t you suffering from elbow pain right now?

Kim: I was this morning…

Darrelle: See what I mean? We need better ergonomics in this office.

Kim: Okay, where do we start?

Darrelle: I think we need to sign up for a seminar on how to prevent work-related injuries.

Kim: What do you have in mind?

Darrelle: How about this four-day seminar?

Kim: But that seminar is in Florida.

Darrelle: What better way to recover from any work-related injuries than spending four days and three nights in Florida?

Kim: Count me in!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Don’t let your love’s labors be lost! Keep searching for that special someone and contribute to the profits of candy companies by celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Slow dialogue: 1:12
Explanations: 2:41
Fast dialogue: 14:33

Tony: Another Valentine’s Day! I really hate Valentine’s Day.

Chelsea: What’s your problem?

Tony: I’m sick of seeing heart-shaped boxes, stuffed animals, and cupid decorations everywhere. Lovey-dovey couples on the street and nothing but sentimental movies on TV – that’s what I have a problem with.

Chelsea: You’re just jaded because you don’t have a valentine on Valentine’s Day.

Tony: Do you blame me? This is the third year I’m spending Valentine’s Day alone. That’s enough to make any man feel jaded.

Chelsea: There are plenty of women you could go out with. Just open your eyes and look around.

Tony: All of the women I know are either psycho or attached. I’ve given up on dating.

Chelsea: How will you find a Miss Right with an attitude like that?

Tony: I’ve told you. I’ve given up.

Chelsea: Well, I think you should open your eyes. Your valentine may be right under your nose!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Presidents: Richard Nixon; off-the-grid; on-the-spot

Words:
partner
combat
speculation
close
inauguration ceremony
peacemaker
to overshadow
to cover up
crook
impeachment hearings
pardon
comeback
off-the-grid
on-the-spot

If you enjoy writing, then you’ll probably enjoy it a little less after having your work judged by a group of strangers. Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:06
Explanations: 2:39
Fast dialogue: 14:22

Adelia: When I created this writing contest, I had no idea that we would get so many entries.

Omar: Good thing you have an impartial panel of judges to help you select the winner.

Adelia: Yes, good thing. I’m really grateful to all of you for giving up your time to help.

Omar: What criteria are we using to score each of the entries?

Adelia: We’re using a 10-point scale. Each of us will read an entry and give it a score. When we’re all done, we’ll average out those scores. Hopefully, there’ll be a clear winner.

Omar: And if not?

Adelia: If there isn’t, then we’ll take the top scorers and vote on which is best. Majority rules.

Omar: Okay, but are there reasons for disqualifying an entry? For instance, what if somebody didn’t follow the entry guidelines?

Adelia: I’ve already culled the entries for the ones that don’t meet the requirements. These are all eligible.

Omar: Okay, let’s get started. We’ve got our work cut out for us.

Adelia: You’ve got that right.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Learn about writing checks and having a checking account at a bank in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:04
Explanations: 3:20
Fast dialogue: 15:32

Marianne: I don’t understand it. I got a notice from the bank that two of my checks bounced. I’ve never had an overdraft in my life.

Jae: That doesn’t sound like you. You’re always so careful with your money.

Marianne: I am! I don’t understand what happened.

Jae: Let me take a look at your bank statement. Okay, here are your deposits and withdrawals from last month. Did you know that your bank charges you a fee just to have a checking account?

Marianne: It does? I didn’t know that.

Jae: It looks like you also have a minimum balance requirement. If you fall below that, you get charged a fee.

Marianne: I do?

Jae: If it’s like my checking account, you can avoid that by getting direct deposit for your paycheck. Did you also know that you get charged every time you use your ATM card to make a purchase?

Marianne: I didn’t know that!

Jae: Well, that’s what happened. Your bank is charging you fees for all of those things and after those fees were deducted, you were left with less money in your account than you thought.

Marianne: That’s so sneaky! How could they do that?

Jae: They count on you not reading the terms and conditions and not looking closely at your statements.

Marianne: I’ve had it! I’m moving banks. I’m taking my business elsewhere.

Jae: Oh, yeah? I know of a good bank.

Marianne: You do?

Jae: Sure, it’s called the Bank of Jae. No fees – ever.

Marianne: Yes, but would I ever see my money again?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Authors: Harriet Beecher Stowe; Death Valley National Park; idiom versus slang; a chunk of rural wilderness; the rest of (something)

Words:
abolitionist
slavery
livelihood
fugitive
to prompt
cabin
stereotype
to set aside
valley
arid
harsh
geological formation
idiom
slang
chunk
rural
wilderness
the rest of (something)

If image is more important than substance, then today’s episode will give you all you need to be successful.

Slow dialogue: 1:11
Explanations: 3:04
Fast dialogue: 18:26

Jermaine: How did the investor meeting go?

Teresa: That meeting has been postponed until next week. One of the potential investors is out of town.

Jermaine: In that case, can you help me with some of this work?

Teresa: I would, but I’m busy ordering stationery right now.

Jermaine: Stationery? You’re ordering stationery?

Teresa: Yes, of course. For us to be taken seriously as a new company, we have to project a professional image. Having good stationery is part of that.

Jermaine: I’m not sure...

Teresa: Look, we can’t go to business meetings without good business cards, right?

Jermaine: I guess so...

Teresa: If we have any correspondence with our potential investors, we need letterhead and envelopes, right?

Jermaine: I suppose...

Teresa: Okay, so I’m ordering those things. In the process, I’m ordering some embossed greeting cards and some promotional postcards. We’ll also need some notepads and...

Jermaine: Whoa! Aren’t you jumping the gun?

Teresa: Why do you say that?

Jermaine: First, we need to establish a company, and then we can start behaving like one.

Teresa: That’s where you’re wrong. If you build it, they will come.

Jermaine: You mean if we start behaving like a company, then the investors will come?

Teresa: Precisely!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

You don’t always need to stay in a hotel when you go on vacation. Learn about renting someone else’s house instead in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:25
Explanations: 3:04
Fast dialogue: 17:36

George: I’m kind of nervous staying in a vacation rental for the first time.

Marnie: Don’t worry. Before I booked this unit, I checked it out thoroughly. It’s pet-friendly and kid-friendly, and it sleeps six, so it’ll be perfect for the whole family.

George: But there won’t be the same amenities or services as a hotel.

Marnie: We won’t need any of those. Just think, we’ll have the run of the place and there are no adjoining units. The proximity to town is great and I got a last-minute price that’s even lower than their low season rate.

George: Everything sounds good, but…

Marnie: It’ll be our home away from home. Units this close to the beach are scarce, and this one is really affordable.

George: A little too affordable, if you ask me. You said that it’s just $60 a night?

Marnie: That’s right.

George: Are there any taxes or cleaning fees?

Marnie: I didn’t ask about that.

George: Do they require a refundable deposit?

Marnie: I didn’t check that either.

George: Then maybe it’s too good to be true. Before we get too excited, let’s go read the fine print.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: The English-Only Movement; Famous Songs: “The Yellow Rose of Texas�; kinda; to drink the Kool-Aid

Words:
movement
to date back to
to assimilate
cohesive
blow
symbolic
folk song
mulatto
to seduce
soldier
to break (one’s) heart
to march
kinda
to drink the Kool-Aid

Turn up your MP3 player so you can learn how to talk about sound and volume in English.

Slow dialogue: 1:00
Explanations: 2:33
Fast dialogue: 14:24

Delilah: Could you turn that down?

Josh: What?

Delilah: Could you turn your music down?

Josh: Oh, sure. Is there a problem?

Delilah: No, there’s no problem. I was just trying to do some reading and the ear-splitting music coming from your room made it hard to concentrate.

Josh: Sorry. I didn’t think it was that loud. I didn’t turn it up, I swear. The volume control is in the same place it always is, not one decibel higher.

Delilah: That may be true, but those high-pitched squeals coming out of your speakers are really grating. And what was that banging sound?

Josh: Oh, I was just using this hammer to fix my chair. I’m done.

Delilah: And what was that thumping noise?

Josh: Thumping noise? Oh, I was lifting weights and dropping them back down on the floor.

Delilah: I see. If you could please keep the volume to a moderate level, I would appreciate it.

Josh: No problem. I’ll be as quiet as a mouse – as I always am.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Try it before you buy it – or, if you can’t try it, at least read what other people think about that new TV you want to buy. Learn all about product reviews in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:23
Explanations: 2:57
Fast dialogue: 14:36

Dominic: Do you want some help with that box?

Andrea: Sure, thanks.

Dominic: What is it?

Andrea: It’s a new TV. My old one has been on the fritz for a week and I needed a new one.

Dominic: Is this a highly-rated model?

Andrea: Highly-rated? I just went to the electronics store and bought it. It was on sale.

Dominic: You mean you didn’t read up on it before you bought it? You didn’t look at the reviews?

Andrea: No, I never do that. I think that’s a waste of time. I go with my gut.

Dominic: But if you read the reviews, you’ll know which product gives you the best value, which is the most reliable and durable, and which company has good customer support. Nobody wants to buy something that’s defective or poorly designed. Don’t you care about those things?

Andrea: Maybe, but who has time to do that? Instead, I go to the store and see which one I like overall. If it’s on sale, that’s all the better. That’s worked for me so far.

Dominic: Is that how you bought your old TV?

Andrea: Yeah.

Dominic: Enough said.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans: John Dewey; the X Games; phrases used to talk about people’s jobs; for the lack of; be that as it may

Words:
reform
progressive education
theoretical
posthumously
medal
extreme sport
parachute
to snowmobile
steep
to flip
spectator
sponsor
for lack of
be that as it may

The world needs more advertising, don’t you think? No? Well, find out about it anyway in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:06
Explanations: 2:54
Fast dialogue: 17:19

Kam: Okay, the purpose of our meeting today is to listen to some ideas for our new advertising campaign. Gina, take it away.

Gina: Thanks, Kam. I’m going to talk today about outdoor advertising. I know that it’s a new area for us and it hasn’t been on our radar in the past, but I know it’ll work well for our new campaign.

Kam: Can we talk specifics?

Gina: Sure. There are several types of outdoor advertising. One is the billboard, both the traditional kind and the digital ones. Advertising on ones in high-traffic areas will give us a lot of exposure. To get even more exposure all over town, we can use mobile advertising.

Kam: You mean advertise on buses?

Gina: Yes, more and more, products are being advertised on buses and cars. These wraps can also be put on the side of buildings and other structures. There really are a lot of outdoor advertising options, from bench ads to skywriting.

Kam: That’s all very interesting, but which of these methods do you recommend?

Gina: I think we should use all of them – blanket the city with our new ads.

Kam: All of them?

Gina: Yes, all of them. You know what they say: “Go big or go home.�

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

No one needs therapy more than a psychologist...I mean, a psychologist's patient. Learn how to talk about common psychological disorders in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:17
Explanations: 3:42
Fast dialogue: 16:05

Brett: Hi, Dr. Mollie. Could I speak to you for a few minutes?

Dr. Mollie: Certainly. Have a seat.

Brett: I’m really enjoying your psychology class and I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions.

Dr. Mollie: Sure, go ahead.

Brett: Well, I have a friend who is nervous all the time, especially around other people. Could he have a serious problem?

Dr. Mollie: It’s hard to say without knowing your friend, but he may have an anxiety disorder or some type of phobia.

Brett: I was afraid of that. Well, I have another friend who has mood swings all the time and washes his hands 50 times a day.

Dr. Mollie: Again, I don’t know your friend so it’s hard to make a diagnosis, but he may have a bipolar disorder and may also be obsessive-compulsive.

Brett: That sounds really serious. Well, I have another friend who doesn’t eat and sits around all day playing with fire. That’s bad, isn’t it?

Dr. Mollie: It could be. Your friend may have an eating disorder and his interest in fire may indicate that he has pyromania, but it’s very hard to say.

Brett: Did I mention that he likes to steal things, too?

Dr. Mollie: People who feel compelled to steal may have kleptomania. Who are all of these friends you’re talking about? Do I know them?

Brett: No, definitely not.

Dr. Mollie: Hmm, would your “friends� like to make an appointment with a therapist? It sounds like it may be a good idea.

Brett: No, no. My “friends� wouldn’t like that. He has a real fear of doctors.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: Commuting; start versus begin versus start off versus start on; a place to live versus a place to live in; might-have-been

Words:
congestion
central
public transportation
to switch over to
gradually
rush hour
peak
in excess
air pollution
fuel
emissions
pollutant
air quality
to start
to begin
to start off
to start on
a place to live (in)
might-have-been

Why go to the movie theater when you can watch it all in your own home? Find out how in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 3:07
Fast dialogue: 16:50

Cameron: What did you get for Christmas?

James: I got a box set of my favorite TV show of all time, the McQ Files. It contains all five seasons of the show, deleted scenes, and outtakes. I can’t wait to watch it all!

Cameron: Didn’t you see the entire series when it was shown on TV?

James: I did, but the bonus features make it a must-have for a big fan like me.

Cameron: I just don’t see why people spend good money buying shows they’ve already seen.

James: Hey, wait a second. Didn’t you run out and buy the Podinator trilogy box set when it went on sale last month?

Cameron: Uh, yeah, but that’s different. Those are movies, not TV shows. The Podinator box set had the director’s cut and commentary, not to mention never-before-released scenes.

James: Hadn’t you seen all three movies when they were shown in the theaters?

Cameron: Yes, but…

James: And don’t you own all three movies on video already?

Cameron: Well, maybe I do but…

James: Then I don’t see why you needed to buy the box set. I think it’s best that you give it to me.

Cameron: Touché.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

I never liked my brother’s girlfriend. Find out why in this episode. (And, no, I won’t say which of my eight brothers I’m talking about!)

Slow dialogue: 1:22
Explanations: 3:16
Fast dialogue: 17:28

Georgia: So I thought Carla was nice.

Andy: You did? I didn’t get that impression at all. I don’t know what Brian sees in her.

Georgia: Really? I thought she was really trying to make a good impression.

Andy: Yeah, she was trying too hard. She laughed too loudly at my jokes and complimented you too much on your cooking.

Georgia: Maybe she was a little too eager, but that just shows that she really likes our brother. What’s wrong with that?

Andy: Nothing is wrong with that, but did you see how clingy she was? She wouldn’t leave Brian’s side for a minute, spoke for him, and finished his sentences. I just found that really annoying.

Georgia: Brian didn’t seem to mind and that’s what really counts. Maybe he likes having an attentive girlfriend.

Andy: There’s attentive and there’s smothering. She just seemed really possessive, that’s all.

Georgia: Methinks the gentleman doth protest too much.

Andy: What do you mean by that?

Georgia: I think you might like Carla a little too much for your own good. Shame on you, being interested in your own brother’s girlfriend.

Andy: Are you crazy?! Didn’t I just tell you that I didn’t like her at all?

Georgia: Yes, but you said it with such passion!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Presidents: George Washington; SeaWorld; power versus force; The Hurt Locker and Inglorious Basterds; How bad can it get?

Words:
colonel
to resign
to boycott
unanimously
to set precedent
hatchet
dentures
sea
ride
roller coaster
attraction
in captivity
power
force
hurt locker
inglorious
bastard
How bad can it get?

Dennis thinks he is a great salesman. Find out if you are buying what he’s selling in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:17
Explanations: 3:00
Fast dialogue: 16:04

Dennis: I just got a new sales job and I’m going to be making a bundle.

Irene: What kind of job is it?

Dennis: I’ll be working strictly on commission. The more I sell, the more I earn. It’s a great opportunity for someone with my talents in sales.

Irene: I know you’re great at sales and I’m sure you’ll do well, but you can’t coast in a job based on commissions. You’ll have work really, really hard.

Dennis: I’m not worried. For me, selling is second nature. I’ll barely have to lift a finger and the profits will come rolling in.

Irene: But isn’t your paycheck going to be in flux all the time? You’ll never know what your take-home pay will be.

Dennis: There’s no cap on how much I can earn, so the sky’s the limit.

Irene: That’s not exactly what I meant. Some weeks, it may be hard to live on what you earn, don’t you think?

Dennis: What? Do I hear a hint of uncertainty in your voice?

Irene: No, it’s just that...

Dennis: Put your mind at ease. I could sell ice to Alaskans!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

All the cool kids are getting smartphones. Find out if you should get one, too, by listening to this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:25
Explanations: 2:52
Fast dialogue: 16:11

Hitomi: What are you unboxing?

Jason: This is my new smartphone. It has every feature under the sun!

Hitomi: Every feature?

Jason: It has a high quality camera and video camera, and it’s a videophone. It has a great GPS program, too. The touch-screen and the keyboard are easy to use and everything is so intuitive. Even a child could use it.

Hitomi: Yeah, but a child couldn’t afford the expensive price tag, right?

Jason: True enough, but it has a removable SIM card and is Bluetooth compatible. I can even use it as an e-book reader, and download apps for just about anything I want to do. No child’s toy could do all of those things.

Hitomi: Yes, that’s true, but I have just one question.

Jason: What?

Hitomi: Can you make a telephone call on it?

Jason: A telephone call? You mean a regular phone call? Yes, I think so.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Authors: Emily Dickinson; the Lindbergh Kidnapping; sure versus of course versus certainly; either; Imma be

Words:
poet
to rhyme
prolific
recluse
eccentric
ahead of (one’s) time
to kidnap
ransom
sensational
fingerprint
to be sentenced to death
to confess
sure
of course
certainly
either
Imma be

Learn to talk about disabilities and serious medical injuries in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:26
Explanations: 3:12
Fast dialogue: 15:59

Elena: How do you like your new job at the Veteran’s Hospital?

Wieland: I like it a lot. It’s really rewarding.

Elena: What do you do there, exactly?

Wieland: My job is to help returning vets who have been physically injured adjust to living with their medical disabilities.

Elena: You mean people who have lost limbs?

Wieland: Yes, some of the vets have had one or more limbs amputated. But that’s only one of the many disabilities we see at the hospital. For instance, this week I’m working with a vet who suffered serious hearing loss and a woman who has developed a visual impairment.

Elena: It sounds like a very hard job.

Wieland: It can be, but it’s also inspiring sometimes. I’ve seen people who are paralyzed – paraplegics and quadriplegics – overcome their disabilities and lead full and happy lives. With the help of wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, seeing-eye dogs, and modified cars, a lot of people with disabilities can learn to be independent. That’s part of my job.

Elena: Then you’re just the person I need to help my brother.

Wieland: Is he disabled?

Elena: Yes, he has a serious case of paralysis, caused by extreme laziness. Is there any help for him?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Shaving is one of the things most men have to do every day. Find out how to talk about it in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:09
Explanations: 3:25
Fast dialogue: 16:53

I forgot to set my alarm last night and I woke up later than usual. I was tempted to skip my morning shave, but I hate having long stubble all day. I like to be clean-shaven every day. I’m the kind of guy who gets a five-o’clock shadow early in the afternoon, so if I skipped my morning shave, I’d look like I was growing a beard by the end of the day.

I went into the bathroom and picked up my shaving cream. I lathered up my face and checked to see that my razor was sharp and that I didn’t need to replace the razor blades. There’s nothing worse than trying to shave with a dull razor. I tried using an electric razor for a while, but I could never get a close enough shave.

I tried to focus on shaving my neck, chin, and cheeks. I was in too much of a hurry, though, and nicked myself on the neck. I hate it when that happens! I knew I was in too much of a hurry, but I was going to be really late. Oh, I did it again! This time I nicked myself on the chin. “Okay,� I said to myself, “slow down. You’d rather be a little late to work than to end up with a face full of potholes, right?�

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: It's a Wonderful Life; Cape Cod; backward versus backwards; to agree with versus to agree to versus to agree on; howdy

Words:
unselfishness
fraud
to take (one's) anger out on (someone)
to commit suicide
guardian angel
inspirational
cape
year-round
bed and breakfast
vineyard
to swell
sign language
backward / backwards
to agree with
to agree to
to agree on
howdy

Don’t be nervous about giving a presentation. Learn what happens when you are successful in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:06
Explanations: 2:35
Fast dialogue: 14:14

Event organizer: Do you hear that? It’s a packed house and your presentation was a hit. People are clamoring for more.

Herman: I can’t believe it. I wasn’t expecting that kind of reception. The audience really seemed to like it.

Event organizer: Like it? They were on the edge of their seats.

Herman: The presentation actually started slowly, but it seemed to gain traction in the middle.

Event organizer: You had the audience hooked from the start. You could have heard a pin drop in there when you were going over your main points. Your presentation is undoubtedly the highlight of the conference.

Herman: Thanks. I’m still in shock. Maybe if I tweaked it a little, I could give this presentation at the national conference.

Event organizer: You’ll have time later to think about that. Right now, you need to get out there for the Q&A. They’re waiting for you.

Herman: But I don’t have anything else to say.

Event organizer: Just get out there. Your adoring public is waiting for you!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Right, left, or center? Whatever your political opinions, you’ll learn how to talk about them in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:23
Explanations: 3:15
Fast dialogue: 15:49

Bill: Why are you reading that rag?

Rachel: I enjoy reading it. I like its news coverage and its incisive commentaries.

Bill: That’s nothing but a liberal propaganda rag. You can’t believe a thing they print in there.

Rachel: That’s not true. The news stories are objective and unbiased. This magazine isn’t like the newspapers and news websites you read. Those are run by ultraconservative reactionaries, who only know how to write diatribes. If I only read the news sources you read, I would think that this world was being ruled by liberals.

Bill: The world is being ruled by liberals, at least by the liberal press.

Rachel: You’ve got to be kidding! Our politics and our financial system are run by staunch conservatives, who ignore any point of view other than their own. Those of us who are enlightened...

Bill: You call yourselves enlightened? All you and your dyed-in-the-wool liberals want to do is to tear down old traditions.

Rachel: Yes, we do want to tear down old traditions, old traditions that keep us from making progress toward...

Sophia: Mom, Dad, what’s going on in here? Why are you yelling?

Rachel: Oh, it’s nothing, honey. Go back to sleep. Your Dad and I are just having a friendly little talk.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Songs: God Bless America and Kate Smith; The American Girl Dolls; provided that versus as long as; “g� as in “gansta�; to suck

Words:
patriotic
to set (something) aside
prayer
to bless
to stand beside
foam
rendition
seventh-inning stretch
line
doll
child labor
accessory
provided that
as long as
“g�
to suck

Learn to talk about everyone’s favorite topic, windows and doors, in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:21
Explanations: 3:47
Fast dialogue: 18:22

Vern: I really think we’ve bitten off more than we can chew. I like do-it-yourself projects, but installing a new window and a new door isn’t as easy as it looks.

Genevive: What we don’t know, we’ll learn as we go. Okay, we’ve removed the old window. This new double-paned one is going to be great and it’ll slide open and close easily, unlike the old one. We just need to put in a new frame first, and then we can move it into place.

Vern: You make it sound so easy. Is the screen going to fit? It looks too big.

Genevive: Oh sure, it’ll fit.

Vern: This latch doesn’t seem to be working.

Genevive: It’ll work once it’s installed. Come on, give me a hand. Hmm...the new window doesn’t seem to fit exactly. I’m not sure what the problem is. Let me think about it. Let’s move on to the door and come back to it later.

Vern: Are you sure?

Genevive: Sure, I’m sure. Installing the new door will be easier and we can get it out of the way.

Vern: Maybe we should wait until the window is installed. If we can’t finish installing the window and the door before nightfall, it’ll be a very cold night in the house.

Genevive: Don’t worry. Let’s see, first we have to remove the old door without damaging the jamb. The hinges are rusted; it seems to be stuck. Oh, I think it’s finally coming off.

Vern: See? Replacing the door isn’t going to be as easy as you thought, is it?

Genevive: I got it off in the end, didn’t I?

Vern: Yes, but will you be able to put in the new one before I die of frostbite?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

It’s always nice to share. Learn how to talk about it in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:04
Explanations: 2:45
Fast dialogue: 16:31

Benny: Mom says we’re supposed to share.

Julia: I know. I’m divvying up the candy right now. Just hold your horses.

Benny: I want to do it. I want to make sure I get my fair share.

Julia: I called dibs on dividing up the candy, remember? You snooze you lose.

Benny: That’s not fair! I wasn’t here when Mom came home.

Julia: Bummer for you. Okay, I’m done. Here’s your share and here’s mine.

Benny: Hey, the two piles aren’t equal. You definitely got the lion’s share. You do that to me every time. That’s not fair!

Julia: What are you going to do about it?

Benny: I’m going to tell!

Julia: You’re such a baby. Okay, if you don’t run to Mom, I’ll let you call shotgun the next time we go anywhere in the car.

Benny: You will? You promise?

Julia: I cross my heart and hope to die. Okay?

Benny: All right, but I still want my fair share of the candy.

Julia: Okay, I’ve evened out the piles. Satisfied?

Benny: Yeah. And can I do the divvying up next time?

Julia: Don’t push your luck!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: Latinos in Higher Education; per se; it pays to (be)

Words:
role model
to look up to (someone)
to drop out
to hit the exit doors
to retire
to follow in (one’s) footsteps
vacuum
scholarship
to integrate
mentor
to keep in touch
constantly
per se
it pays to (be)

Don’t trust everyone who says they want to help you. Find out why in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:36
Explanations: 3:03
Fast dialogue: 15:37

Javier: I saw Terry cozying up to you this morning. What was that about?

Floriane: He was just offering me some advice on my first proposal.

Javier: Sure, he was. What were his true intentions?

Floriane: I think he was being upfront about wanting to help a new employee. I don’t think he had an ulterior motive.

Javier: I wouldn’t take Terry at face value. He has a reputation around the office of being two-faced. He’ll try to get to know you under false pretenses and then stab you in the back.

Floriane: I don’t get that feeling from Terry. He seemed genuine and open. By the way, was there something you needed?

Javier: Me? No. I was just trying to watch out for you.

Floriane: In that case, I’d better get back to work, and I’ll keep your warning in mind. I’ll beware of anyone giving me advice who may have an ulterior motive.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

No soup for you! Oh, just kidding. Learn how to talk about soups and salads in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:34
Explanations: 3:30
Fast dialogue: 18:19

After a long tiring day at work, I stopped at a restaurant nearby for a quick meal.

Server: Hi, I’m Ursula. Can I get you something to drink?

Paulo: Yes, I’d like an iced tea and I’m also ready to order. I’ll just have a bowl of soup and a salad.

Server: Sure, no problem. What kind of soup would you like? We have chicken noodle, minestrone, and cream of mushroom.

Paulo: Do you have something that’s hearty?

Server: If you want something hearty, I would suggest our clam chowder or beef stew.

Paulo: I’ll take a bowl of beef stew.

Server: Great! What kind of salad would you like: a chef salad, Caesar salad, or Cobb salad?

Paulo: I’ll just have a garden salad.

Server: Okay, what kind of dressing would you like?

Paulo: What kind do you have?

Server: We have French, Italian, ranch, Thousand Island, and vinaigrette.

Paulo: Do you have blue cheese?

Server: Oh yes, I forgot to mention blue cheese. Okay, that’s a bowl of beef stew and a garden salad with blue cheese dressing. Will that be all?

Paulo: Yes, that’s all.
...
By the time I had finished placing my order, I was even more tired. Do you sometimes feel that life gives you too many choices?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans: Eleanor Roosevelt; Renaissance fairs; admit versus confess; mix versus blend; chick flick

Words:
paralyzed
to stick by (one’s) side
First Lady
role
newspaper column
press conference
civil rights
delegate
instrumental
period costume
reign
living history
to admit
to confess
to mix
to blend
chick flick

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Learn all about both in this episode on fire and firefighters.

Slow dialogue: 1:30
Explanations: 3:20
Fast dialogue: 17:19

Rebecca: Look, there’s smoke coming from six stories up.

Hugh: Yes, I know. Didn’t you hear the fire alarm go off upstairs a few minutes ago?

Rebecca: No, but I’m really glad there’s a fire station only a few blocks away. Hey look, there’s the fire engine. Here come the firefighters!

Hugh: Yeah, let’s get back to work. I’m sure they’ll have the blaze under control pretty quickly.

Rebecca: How can you work with all of this excitement? Maybe I should get the fire extinguisher from the hallway and go upstairs to help.

Hugh: I think that’s a really bad idea. You can see for yourself that the firefighters are getting ready to fight the fire. They’re getting the ladder out and attaching the fire hose to the hydrant. Anyway, it’s probably just a false alarm.

Rebecca: If the smoke detector went off then I’m sure there’s a fire. We’ll know if we start to see something burning near a window or ashes coming down.

Hugh: I’ve never seen you like this before. Why are you so excited?

Rebecca: I wanted to be a firefighter when I grew up. I’ve always had a fascination with fire.

Hugh: Ah, that explains it. Would it make you feel better if I lit up a cigarette?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

If you are good at gardening, we say you have a green thumb. Get your green thumb on in this episode that will explain how we talk about flowers and trees.

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 3:15
Fast dialogue: 16:47

Zuly: Hurry up! Mom will be home any minute and we’re not done planting.

Eric: Whose idea was it anyway to plant a garden for Mom for her birthday? We’ve been working under this hot sun all day and the smell of the fertilizer is really getting to me.

Zuly: It was our idea, remember? We both wanted to give Mom something special this year. Look, we’re almost done. We’ve already picked the weeds, prepared the soil, and dug the holes for the new seeds and flowers. I’m taking the flowers out of their pots now and I’ll have them in the ground in a minute. After that, all we have left to do is to plant the new tree. Keep digging!

Eric: Are you sure the hole needs to be this deep?

Zuly: Yes, the book says that the roots need to have room to grow. That’s the perfect place for it, too. It’ll get a lot of direct sunlight.

Eric: Great, but my arms are so tired, they’re about to fall off.

Zuly: Move over. I’ll dig for a while. Why don’t you water the new flowers?

Eric: Sure, right after I take a little break. In the meantime, I’ll supervise. Come on. Keep digging. You’re almost there...

Zuly: I think you’d better keep your mouth shut, or I’ll think of some new uses for that fertilizer!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Minimum wage; cyber crime; I will want to versus I would want to; except for; conversely

Words:
wages
subject to
indexed to inflation
consumer price index
opponent
to nickel and dime
cyber
to hack
identity theft
copyright infringement
handle
victim
I will want to…
I would want to…
except for
conversely

Are you feeling tired from working all day? So am I! But before I fall to sleep, let me tell you that this episode is about being tired and energetic. Okay, now let me sleep…

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 2:54
Fast dialogue: 14:16

Carmen: Wake up! You’re supposed to be working.

Elias: Shhh, I’m trying to sleep. The boss is out of the office today, so I consider it a holiday. Today, I can be a little out of it if I want to be.

Carmen: Out of it? You’re sleeping on the job – literally!

Elias: So what? Aren’t you feeling a little tired on a Monday morning?

Carmen: I admit I’m a little sluggish, but that’s no reason to fall down on the job. We both have work to get done and I’m doing it.

Elias: What’s wrong with you? Why are you so hyper? I’m as hard working as the next guy, but I’m not going to jump through hoops when the boss is away.

Carmen: You, hard working? Don’t make me laugh! You’d better get back to work or when the boss gets back, he’ll call you a slacker again.

Elias: Okay, I’m learning by your example. I’m now as energetic and productive as you are.

Carmen: Yeah? Doing what?

Elias: Telling my co-worker she’s a pain in the neck!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

You have your airplane ticket. You have your hotel reservation. Now how are you going to get from the airport to the hotel? Learn how to find out in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:07
Explanations: 3:30
Fast dialogue: 17:39

My wife and I bought a vacation package and we thought that it included everything. We should have double-checked that it included airport transfer to our hotel as well. Hindsight is 20/20, they say.

My wife wanted to take a taxi, but I nixed that idea. It would cost an arm and a leg. I wanted a cheaper option so we went to ask about it at the airport information desk.
...

Don: Hello, my wife and I need to get to our hotel downtown. What are our options?

Clerk: Well, you could take a taxi.

Don: We’re hoping to find a cheaper option.

Clerk: Okay, in that case, a limo service would be out, too. There are private shuttle services, but since you’re so far from downtown, you’ll be making a lot of stops and it will take a long time to get there. You could also take public transportation – the bus or the subway – but that’ll take even longer. Doesn’t your hotel have a courtesy shuttle?

Don: I never thought of that.

Clerk: Many downtown hotels do. Call your hotel and they’ll be able to tell you. They’ll probably have the best suggestion on how to get there, too, if they don’t have their own shuttle. If you decide on a private shuttle service or to take public transportation, come back and I’ll give you more information.

Don: Thanks a lot. I’ll give the hotel a call right now.
...

Lucky for us, the hotel had a courtesy shuttle and it was on its way. Good thing, too, since I didn’t relish spending any more time at the airport after a long red-eye!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Authors: Stephen King; Traffic School; cost versus charge versus fee; in a New York minute; couple

Words:
horror
psychic
clown
series
to follow the book
lifetime achievement
traffic school
driver’s ed
to speed
to lose (one’s) driver’s license
driving record
correspondence course
cost
charge
fee
in a New York minute
couple

Do you have your father’s chin and your mother’s nose? Then you need to learn how to talk in English about looking like your parents with the help of this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:25
Explanations: 3:34
Fast dialogue: 17:06

Khaled: Hi, what are you looking at?

Susanna: Your photo albums. Your roommate let me in and said I could make myself comfortable while I waited for you.

Khaled: There are some really incriminating pictures in there. You’d better give those back to me.

Susanna: Not yet! I’m looking at your baby pictures and your family portraits. You’re the spitting image of your mother.

Khaled: That’s not my mother. That was our neighbor.

Susanna: Oh, now that I look a little closer, I can see that you resemble your father. You’re a chip off the old block.

Khaled: That’s not my father. That’s my father’s friend. Now, why don’t I take those...

Susanna: Wait! These candids of your birthday parties are so cute! You were so adorable!

Khaled: Right. When I was a kid, I had a face only a mother could love.

Susanna: That’s not true! You have a great profile. I’d expect to see your likeness in paintings and on statues.

Khaled: Okay, enough with the brown-nosing. What do you really want?

Susanna: I don’t want anything...okay, just one little thing. My cousin is in town. I want to go out with Rick tonight and I thought we could double date. Me, Rick, my cousin...and you. What do you say?

Khaled: I knew it had to be something. Does she look like you?

Susanna: We are like two peas in a pod.

Khaled: Then, forget it!

Susanna: Hmph!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Are you moving in or moving out? Either way, learn how to talk about moving to a new place in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:29
Explanations: 3:21
Fast dialogue: 16:13

[A knock on door.]

Andre: Hello. Is anyone here?

Ellie: Yes, can I help you?

Andre: I saw your door open and I just wanted to make sure everything was okay. Did you just move in?

Ellie: No, I’m moving out. As you can see, I’m doing last-minute packing. I think I’ve used up 10 rolls of packing tape!

Andre: This looks like a major undertaking. Are you moving yourself?

Ellie: No, the movers are coming with the moving van tomorrow morning. I’m moving a few things into storage, and I’ll take a few of the perishables and essentials in my car, but they’ll be doing the heavy lifting. No loading for me. Before they come, though, I need to disassemble this desk and this bookcase. It’ll be a long afternoon.

Andre: I can see that. Are you moving far?

Ellie: No, I’m only moving about a mile from here to another apartment.

Andre: Oh, so you’re not moving out of the area.

Ellie: No, I’m not.

Andre: I’m glad to hear that. Let’s make a deal: I’ll help you disassemble your furniture if you’ll promise to invite me over to your new place sometime.

Ellie: Really? Are you sure you’re willing to do that?

Andre: Sure. Hand me those tools and I’ll have it done in no time.

Ellie: Boy, am I glad I left my door open.

Andre: Yeah, so am I.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Video-game violence; ROTC; should have done versus should have to do; just versus only; to learn as (one) goes

Words:
realism
insensitive
arcade
minor
rating system
console
officer
branch
ranking
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
gay
should have done
should have to do
just / only
to learn as (one) goes

Learn how to talk about negotiating a business deal in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:19
Explanations: 2:50
Fast dialogue: 15:29

Gia: Why are the negotiations on this deal taking so long? I thought we would be putting the finishing touches on it by now.

Logan: The other side is holding out for more concessions. I don’t know what they’re thinking. They made some pretty big demands at the start and I think we’ve given in to most of them. Now they’re countering with even more demands.

Gia: They probably know that they have us over a barrel. After all of the time and money we’ve put into this deal, they know that we don’t want to walk away.

Logan: That’s true and that’s why we’re still at the table, but they may be pushing too hard. In the end, I don’t think we’ll cave on those additional concessions.

Gia: So the entire thing is touch-and-go right now?

Logan: That’s how I would characterize it. If I were you, I wouldn’t make any long-term plans.

Gia: Duly noted. I won’t run out and buy that new house and those three new cars.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Make sure your website is unique - just like everybody else! Learn how to talk about it in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:21
Explanations: 3:14
Fast dialogue: 19:22

Keiko: The layout of your webpage is so lame. Why don’t you customize it?

Al: Why bother? I don’t want to spend the time or the energy.

Keiko: Let me show you my page. Check out this background. Don’t you think it’s great?

Al: Yeah, it’s great. Can I get back to my book now?

Keiko: You haven’t even looked at my page. Look at this. You can add all kinds of graphics and you can use the profile editor to list information about yourself: your hometown, your likes and dislikes, your relationship status, your mood, everything! You can link to or upload photos and videos, too. I even have a custom cursor and this scrolling text across the top

Al: Yeah, it’s all great, but kind of dizzying.

Keiko: You haven’t even seen my animated gifs. This funny baby will dance across the page, look!

Al: Thanks for the suggestions, but I think I’ll stick to a simple, uncluttered page. How long did it take you to do all of that?

Keiko: How long? Maybe a few hours.

Al: I’d rather spend a few hours reading a good book.

Keiko: Suit yourself. Maybe that’s why you have 22 “friends� and I have 200.

Al: Clearly your time has been better spent.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: minority doctors; if I were; I wish I were; near versus close; to hold (something) against (someone)

Words:
study
to establish
practice
outcome
credibility
health professional
to result
compliance
prescription
exchange
truly
makeup
culturally competent
near
close
to hold (something) against (someone)

If you’re feeling sick, you should go see a doctor. Learn how to understand what the doctor says to you in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:21
Explanations: 2:45
Fast dialogue: 15:39

Terrell: Where have you been?

Sally: At the hospital, again. My doctor is putting me through another battery of tests.

Terrell: She still hasn’t been able to zero in on the cause of your pain and make a diagnosis?

Sally: No, she hasn’t. Part of the problem is that my symptoms are intermittent, and they seem to flare up only when I’m not under observation. The symptoms themselves are ambiguous, so finding the root cause hasn’t been easy.

Terrell: I can see how that would be mystifying and frustrating. Are you still in a lot of pain?

Sally: The mild pain in my legs seems to be chronic, but the severe pain in my back is occasional.

Terrell: I guess you’re not up for going out tonight.

Sally: After a day of being poked and prodded like a guinea pig, all I want to do is to curl up with a hot cup of tea and a good book!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

How do you handle a hungry man? Find out in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:28
Explanations: 3:00
Fast dialogue: 14:54

Steve: I’m finally home and I’m hungry. What’s for dinner?

Brandy: I’m making a new dish. I think you’re really going to like it.

Steve: Oh, good. Bring it on.

Brandy: Well, I miscalculated the cooking time a little and it’s going to take longer than I originally planned. I know you’re famished. Here’s a snack for you to munch on while you wait.

Steve: I’m half-starved. I skipped lunch and had to work late.

Brandy: I know, but I also know you’re dying for something really good. I promise that it’ll be worth the wait.

Steve: Okay, but I could eat a horse right now. Bring me something else to snack on.

Brandy: Don’t be too greedy and eat too much. I don’t want you to spoil your appetite. I know that what I’m cooking is something you’ve been craving for a long time, and you want to save your appetite for it.

Steve: All right. I’ll wait. How much longer will it be?

Brandy: Oh, maybe another hour or a little longer...

Steve: Another hour?! I’ll be dead and buried by then!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: The Extension Courses System; Famous Americans: Lizzie Borden; Boston accent/dialect and the Boston Brahmin; to speak out of turn

Words:
to be enrolled
hobby
offbeat
palm reading
certificate
step-
hatchet
prime suspect
sensational
to speculate
detective
motive
to convict
dialect
Boston Brahmin
to speak/talk out of turn
identical twins
fraternal twins

Did you hear about the latest, greatest products being developed by America’s most famous companies? Neither did we, but find out how to describe new products in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:07
Explanations: 2:48
Fast dialogue: 16:13

Augie: Today’s the day. I’m giving you the heads up. Our company is rolling out its new line of cell phones.

Lillian: I can see you’re excited about it. What’s so special about the new products?

Augie: This line of phones has state-of-the-art technology and never-before-seen features. It’s been in development for over a year and it’s been really hard keeping it under wraps.

Lillian: I thought information was leaked weeks ago.

Augie: Those were just rumors, and the company put a clamp on those pretty quickly.

Lillian: Wasn’t the new line supposed to come out next month?

Augie: That was the original plan, but since McQ Corp. is coming out with its own line of phones soon, we wanted to get a jump on them.

Lillian: And steal their thunder.

Augie: Yes, and steal their thunder. We had to scramble to get the phones ready ahead of schedule, but I think it was worth it. They’re really going to make a splash.

Lillian: I hope so. I hope all of this hype has been justified.

Augie: Oh, it will be. I’ll know soon enough.

Lillian: How?

Augie: You’ll be begging me to get you one.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Plan ahead for just about anything, including your love life. Impossible, you say? Not after you listen to this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:16
Explanations: 3:18
Fast dialogue: 16:57

Mariela: Wow, it looks like you’re working on a big project. What are all these pages and pages of notes for?

Will: I’m preparing for my date with Christine. I want everything to be well-planned and to go without a hitch.

Mariela: Okay, but I still don’t understand why you’re making such detailed plans.

Will: I want to be ready for every contingency. For instance, I planned a picnic, but if it rains, I’ll take her to lunch at the Garden Cafe instead.

Mariela: Don’t you think you’re taking the spontaneity out of your date? Why don’t you play it by ear? I know you don’t like to fly by the seat of your pants, but maybe she’ll have some ideas about what she’d like to do.

Will: Oh, I’ve taken her preferences into account. If she wants to do something active, we can go bowling or take a long walk. If she prefers something more passive, we’ll go to a movie.

Mariela: Well, it sounds like you’ve mapped out every possible alternative. Hey, what’s this?

Will: Give me that!

Mariela: I see you’ve mapped out more than just your date. You mapped out the entire trajectory of your life together: Get married in two years, have your first child two years after that...

Will: That is not meant for you. And plus, it’s just a tentative plan...

Mariela: You mean Christine will have some say in it?

Will: I may let her pick our children’s names. Now, get out of here, will ya?!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: On the Waterfront; Famous Songs: “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot�; bet versus wager versus gamble; U.S. versus U.S.A.; can’t help (doing something)

Words:
waterfront
mob
union
deed
whistleblower
to give away the ending
uplifting
slave
to do (something) justice
chariot
to swing
bound
to bet
to wager
to gamble
U.S. / U.S.A.
can/could not help

Learn how to send someone money internationally in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:19
Explanations: 4:16
Fast dialogue: 21:30

Mahmoud: My brother emailed about an emergency situation. He needs $300 by tomorrow, but how can I get cash to him within 24 hours if I’m here in Mexico City and he’s in New York?

Sharon: That’s easy. You can wire him the money from here and he can pick it up immediately there.

Mahmoud: You mean wire him money through the bank? I already checked with my bank and it’ll take at least five days for them to process the wire.

Sharon: You can just use a private wire service like Western Union and the money will be available to him immediately. I wire money all the time using Western Union. Here is blank form. I can help you fill it out if you want me to.

Mahmoud: That would be great. Hey, this form is for a money transfer. Is that the same thing as a wire?

Sharon: Yes, it’s the same thing. Fill out the receiver or recipient information here and the sender information there.

Mahmoud: Can I pay in local currency? I don’t have that much cash in U.S. dollars.

Sharon: Sure. When you go to the Western Union office, they’ll calculate how much you’ll have to pay according to the current exchange rate.

Mahmoud: Is there a fee?

Sharon: Yeah, there is, and it’s a little higher if you want the money to be available immediately. If you had more time, you could save a little by using the slower service that makes the money available in three business days. All done?

Mahmoud: Yeah, I think so. Now what?

Sharon: Now you take this to the nearest Western Union office. They’ll give you a copy of this form with a control number. Your brother can use that control number to pick up the money from any Western Union office in New York.

Mahmoud: Sharon, you’re a lifesaver.

Sharon: So, what’s the emergency?

Mahmoud: Tickets go on sale tomorrow for my favorite baseball team. My brother and I have to get tickets.

Sharon: That’s the emergency?!

Mahmoud: For us, it’s a matter of life and death.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

A lot of people nowadays want to become famous. Become famous yourself by listening to this episode!

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 2:45
Fast dialogue: 16:07

Erik: Why are you wearing that getup?

Juliana: I’m trying to stay under the radar. I don’t want to create a mob by going outside without a disguise. People are going to recognize me.

Erik: So? Are you trying to tell me that you think you’re famous after being in one play?

Juliana: Of course! I’ve had my name in lights and I have to expect people to know who I am. Losing my privacy is the price of fame. Everybody knows that.

Erik: I think you may be overestimating the size of your adoring public. How many people went to see your play?

Juliana: Enough. By tomorrow, the newspapers will have my picture plastered across their pages and I will have to say good-bye to my anonymity.

Erik: If the papers don’t come out until tomorrow, why are you going around incognito?

Juliana: I’m just getting ready to meet my fans.

Erik: Depending on whether the reviews are good or bad, you may be famous – or infamous.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Cities: Albuquerque; Survivor Reality TV Show; yet; differentiation versus distinction; so near and yet so far

Words:
desert
to settle
to occupy
Old West
outlaw
folklore
hot-air balloon
reality television
stranger
shelter
reward
alliance
yet
differentiation
distinction
so near and yet so far

Being born into a rich family can have many benefits. Find out more in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:26
Explanations: 3:14
Fast dialogue: 19:19

Andy: Doesn’t it make you sick? We bust our butts around here and the boss brings in his nephew to be the new manager.

Nia: You never know. He may be a good boss.

Andy: I doubt it. He’s getting this opportunity just because he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He didn’t have to pull himself up by his bootstraps like the rest of us.

Nia: I’m going to wait and see how he is as a manager. I’m hoping to be pleasantly surprised.

Andy: If you’re a blue blood like he is, born into privilege and old money, you can do no wrong.

Nia: That’s not true. He’ll be held accountable for how this department performs.

Andy: But when does somebody like me get a break? Okay, I was born on the wrong side of the tracks. I grew up in a white trash neighborhood. So what? I’ve worked hard to get where I am now. That guy hasn’t paid his dues like I have.

Nia: You can complain all you want, but it doesn’t change the situation. He’s the new boss and we work for him. Get used to it.

Andy: Get used to it?! Not on your life!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Some people drive too fast, and some people don’t take responsibility for their mistakes. Learn the result of combining those two things in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:22
Explanations: 3:43
Fast dialogue: 20:06

Flora: What happened to my car?!

Saul: I saw it happen. A car came around the corner and hit the back of your car.

Flora: Didn’t the driver stop?

Saul: No, it was hit-and-run. The driver just took off. He was driving like a bat out of hell. It looks like he caused some damage.

Flora: Some damage?! My car is totaled. I hope whoever it was gets his license revoked. Better yet, I hope the judge throws the book at him and he does jail time. But how are the police going to catch someone who leaves the scene of the crime like this? That guy must be a real jerk!

Saul: Take it easy. Maybe he just panicked. It’s probably his first offense. Maybe he’s young and just learning how to drive.

Flora: Maybe...Hey, why are you defending the driver?

Saul: Well...

Flora: You know the person driving the car, don’t you? You’re not an innocent bystander. You’re trying to talk me out of calling the police!

Saul: Well, I have this nephew who sometimes borrows my car, and he drives too fast. He did hit your car, but it’s a simple fender bender.

Flora: Fender bender?! My car is totaled.

Saul: I’m sure it’s not as bad as it looks. If you don’t call the police, I’ll make sure it’s repaired. It’ll be as good as new.

Flora: Are you trying to pull a fast one on me?

Saul: No, not at all. I’ll get your car fixed, right after I wring my nephew’s neck!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous authors: Maya Angelou; Universal Studios; wise versus savvy versus clever; delicatessen; to end up versus to wind up

Words:
cage
racism
highly acclaimed
to ban
honorary degree
ritual
lecture circuit
studio
theme park
ride
set
façade
wise
clever
savvy
delicatessen / deli
to end up
to wind up

This episode is dedicated to my neighbor’s screaming children. Learn how to describe the little monsters in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:28
Explanations: 3:31
Fast dialogue: 17:32

Josephine: Hello.

Ray: Hi, Josephine, it’s Ray. We have a meeting today at 10 a.m. and I was wondering if you would mind if I brought my kids with me. Their babysitter didn’t show up.

Josephine: Oh, sure. That’s no problem. Your children are so well-behaved. Even at their age, they have impeccable manners.

Ray: Well, they’re not always little angels, but they’re not too much of a handful, thank goodness.

Josephine: You know what they say: Girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice...

Ray: It is probably a little easier with two girls. I feel sorry for my mother who raised six boys.

Josephine: Six boys!

Ray: Yeah, and before we were born, my father thought that children should be seen but not heard. Was he in for a rude awakening! We were all very unruly. Imagine six boys only one year apart. We got yelled at a lot for being naughty.

Josephine: But that’s how boys are, aren’t they? Girls are different. They’re quiet, sweet, and even-tempered. What’s that noise?

Ray: That noise is my daughters creating a ruckus fighting tooth and nail over a toy. So much for quiet, sweet, and even-tempered!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

If you’re looking to fight, you’ve come to the right episode. Learn how to get yourself involved in physical violence – in English!

Slow dialogue: 1:08
Explanations: 3:58
Fast dialogue: 18:35

I was sitting at my local bar waiting for my friends to arrive to watch the game. Two guys sitting a few seats away kept giving me strange looks, and one of them said, “What are you looking at?� I looked around to make sure that he was speaking to me, and before I could respond he said, “You want a piece of me? You and what army? Let’s take it outside.�

By this time, I realized that this guy was trying to pick a fight with me and I wasn’t sure what to do. I was hoping that I could make peace with him or at least hold him off until my friends got there.

I said to him, “I’m just sitting over here minding my own business. I’m not trying to get in your face. I don’t have a problem with you. Let’s just chill out and I’ll buy you and your friend a drink.� He didn’t seem to like what I’d said.

“Chill out?� he said. “I don’t need to chill out. Those are fighting words. Let’s take this outside. I want to see you running with your tail between your legs.� He got up and started to walk toward me.

Just then, my friends arrived. When the man saw my six friends walking toward me, he stopped in his tracks. I think he was weighing his odds and doubting his own chances. He turned around and said something to his friend, and then they both got up and walked out the door.

That was a narrow escape. I had never been so happy to see my friends as I was at that moment. Needless to say, the first round was on me.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Yelp; Book Review: The Road; advocate versus lawyer versus attorney; any; salmon and count/mass nouns

Words:
yelp
social networking
profile
review
recourse
escapism
spare
apocalypse
deserted
dog-eat-dog
to grip
quotation mark
advocate
lawyer
attorney
any
salmon

If you make a decision quickly, you may spend a lot of time regretting it. Learn to describe making decisions in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:24
Explanations: 3:05
Fast dialogue: 16:13

Courteney: Which of these vendors do you think we should go with?

Dante: I’m really hesitant to make a decision until we’ve pondered the options a little longer. We don’t want to make any rash decisions.

Courteney: We’ve sat on this for long enough, don’t you think? I know you’re of two minds about whether we should be switching vendors in the middle of the year, but I think it’s the right move. We had sound reasons for doing this, remember?

Dante: Yes, yes, I know that it wasn’t a split-second decision, but whether it’ll really save us money is debatable.

Courteney: I have to disagree with you there. We’ve both seen the reports and I don’t think there are any ifs, ands, or buts about it. We’re going to save money.

Dante: Okay, I’m willing to make a tentative decision to go with GreatDeal Corp. as our new vendor, as long as that decision isn’t set in stone. We’ll revisit this decision in six months to see if they’re working out.

Courteney: I can live with that. Now, can we discuss my raise?

Dante: Raise? That’s definitely something I’ll need to ponder a lot more.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

If you’re leaving on a jet plane, and don’t know when you’ll be back again, then you better bring a lot of clothing. Learn all about it on this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:49
Explanations: 3:17
Fast dialogue: 17:43

Nick: Aren’t you done packing yet? We need to leave for the airport in 15 minutes.

Mariah: I’m almost done. I just need to finish packing my garment bag.

Nick: You’re bringing a garment bag? What for?

Mariah: For my dresses, of course. I don’t want them to get wrinkles in them. I have a bag for shoes, belts, handbags, and other accessories; two suitcases for clothes, swimsuits, underwear, and socks; and a carry-on for my makeup and toiletries.

Nick: What do you need all that for?!

Mariah: I’m preparing for all contingencies. You never know what situation you’ll be in when you travel, and I want to be equipped with anything I’ll need.

Nick: I should have expected this when I married a clothes horse. I’m surprised you didn’t bring your entire wardrobe.

Mariah: I was thinking about it. I’m sure I can make room. All of my bags are expandable.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans: Evel Knievel; Colonial Williamsburg; to devote versus to dedicate; the title “Dr.�; between now and then

Words:
daredevil
stunt
to pop a wheelie
odd jobs
to clear
to go south
exhibit
authentic
era
living history
firearm
street theater
to devote
to dedicate
Dr.
between now and then

Sometimes where you eat is as important as what you eat. Learn how to tell the difference in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:23
Explanations: 3:26
Fast dialogue: 19:09

Russell: Why aren’t you eating? Is there something the matter with your food?

Nadia: No, the food is fine.

Russell: What’s wrong?

Nadia: I’m not sure how to put this. I really like going to diners and hole in the walls with you, and I love mom and pop restaurants as much as you do. For me, it’s the food that counts, not the ambiance, but...

Russell: I thought you’d love this place. It’s my favorite greasy spoon.

Nadia: I do like it. It’s just that when you invited me out for my birthday and said that it would be something really special, I thought you might take me somewhere else.

Russell: Is that why you wore that nice new dress? You thought I was taking you to a fancy restaurant, with tablecloths, mood lighting, and snooty waiters.

Nadia: Well...

Russell: This is much better, don’t you think? We get to sit in this comfortable booth, listen to the jukebox, and watch our food being cooked behind the counter. I can’t think of a better dining experience. Don’t you agree?

Nadia: Uh, sure.

Russell: And don’t think you’re not getting something special for your birthday. I planned it all ahead of time.

Nadia: You did? Really? What is it?

Russell: I ordered you a whole pie!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Is your bathroom missing something? Find out what it might be in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:14
Explanations: 2:57
Fast dialogue: 15:49

Jan: We’re almost done. We just need to get some bathroom supplies for Kimberly.

Tim: Okay, here are some towels, a bathmat and a bathroom scale. Don’t forget the cleaning supplies. She’ll need some rubber gloves, disinfectant, bowl cleaner, and a plunger.

Jan: All right. We have all that. Where are you going?

Tim: She’ll need a soap dish and a toothbrush holder. She’ll need a trashcan, too.

Jan: Okay, I think we’re all done. Kimberly is moving into an apartment with college roommates, not starting her own bathroom supply store. Let’s not go overboard.

Tim: I just need to get a couple more things.

Jan: What?

Tim: I’m buying her 10 packages of toilet paper and 20 boxes of Kleenex. She’ll be living on her own for the first time and she’ll need all that.

Jan: Ten packages of toilet paper and 20 boxes of Kleenex?! She can shop for herself, you know. You don’t need to buy her a six-month supply.

Tim: Clearly you don’t know college students. They’ll go through that in a week!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Famous Songs: Oh! Susanna; whichever versus whatever; tar-and-feather; mutually exclusive

Words:
smoke
old-growth forest
salamander
settler
log cabin
banjo
true love
still
nonsensical
dialect
from memory
whichever
whatever
tar-and-feather
mutually exclusive

If you want to become successful in business, there’s no better place to start than talking to someone who has already achieved success. Learn more about mentoring in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:16
Explanations: 3:15
Fast dialogue: 19:00

Alex: Where are you going?

Kenya: I’m going to meet my business mentor.

Alex: Your business mentor? What do you do with a business mentor?

Kenya: Well, my mentor is like an advisor. We meet regularly and I get her feedback and guidance with my ideas on starting a business.

Alex: Oh, so you’re her protégé?

Kenya: No, I’m not. I simply go to her with my ideas and she helps me hash them out. She’s a successful entrepreneur and I’m there to learn from her experience.

Alex: How did you get her to be your mentor? Were you already friends?

Kenya: No, I contacted her out of the blue, actually. I’ve read about her company and her many successes, and I wrote her a letter telling her about me and what I hope to accomplish. She agreed to meet with me, and at that first meeting, we really clicked and now we meet once a month.

Alex: That’s very generous of her. What does she get out of it?

Kenya: I’m not sure, but I think she enjoys giving me pointers and sharing her expertise. I’m very appreciative and she says I remind her a lot of herself when she was my age. I take that as a huge compliment.

Alex: You should. If you’re like her, you’ll be a multi-millionaire in no time flat.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

If you have nothing to live for, then you must be watching a daytime talk show. Learn how to describe it all in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:27
Explanations: 2:46
Fast dialogue: 18:32

Sally: Why are wasting your time on your day off watching these daytime talk shows?

Jerry: I think they’re entertaining.

Sally: You’ve got to be kidding. The only people who are booked as guests on those shows are losers or exhibitionists who want attention.

Jerry: No, they’re not. These shows are all about human drama and tragedy, something we can all relate to.

Sally: Give me a break! The people who appear on these shows want fame at any cost and the producers of the shows exploit them for ratings. They’re full of salacious details that nobody should talk about in public, and that I certainly don’t want to hear.

Jerry: I completely disagree. If you get off your high horse for a minute, you may learn something.

Sally: Like what?

Jerry: Like how to get rid of an annoying wife and get away with it!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Singing in the Rain; the Federal Reserve; among versus between; of no use

Words:
musical
silent film
talking picture
leading lady
to dub
exclusive
branch
board of directors
turbulent
to stave off
criticism
accountability
among
between
of no use

Do you feel the earth move under your feet? You may be experiencing an earthquake. Learn how to talk about it in English before it’s too late.

Slow dialogue: 1:28
Explanations: 3:34
Fast dialogue: 19:24

Jamal: Did you feel that?

Keisha: Was that an earthquake?

Jamal: Yes, I think so. Turn on the news.

Newscaster: “Reports are coming in about an earthquake that occurred at 4:35 p.m. in the downtown area. We spoke with a seismologist at the Earthquake Center and learned that the earthquake had a magnitude of 3.2 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was near downtown, along one of the major faults, and the seismologist warns that there will be some aftershocks.�

Keisha: Phew! I’m glad the earthquake wasn’t a high-intensity one. I wish they could predict more accurately when those earthquakes are going to happen.

Jamal: Yeah, me, too. I’ve looked around the house and don’t see any damage, though. I guess our house won’t be declared a disaster area.

Keisha: Don’t be too sure. Considering the mess you’ve made in kitchen, it could easily be called a disaster area.

Jamal: In that case, will you be sending aid? I think I’m too tired to do the dishes.

Keisha: You won’t be getting any aid from me. If you’re hoping for a relief effort, you’d better ask the UN.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Having your first child can be hard on parents. Learn how to talk about all the things you have to do in English on this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:35
Explanations: 3:28
Fast dialogue: 19:21

Zuly: Hello.

Ricardo: Hi, Zuly. How are you?

Zuly: Oh, Ricardo, it’s you. I’m doing okay. How are you?

Ricardo: I wanted to call and congratulate you on the birth of your new baby.

Zuly: Thanks a lot. Carla was born three weeks ago, and she was 8 pounds, 3 ounces.

Ricardo: That’s great! How does it feel to be a first-time parent?

Zuly: It’s really overwhelming taking care of a newborn. I’m learning everything from scratch, everything from how to breastfeed and bottle-feed, to burping her, to putting her to bed, to using a car seat and a stroller.

Ricardo: You sound overwhelmed. I remember when Adam, our first child, was born.
There were the feedings in the middle of the night, and all of those diapers!

Zuly: Exactly. I’m exhausted all the time. In fact, I find myself dozing off at all hours of the day.

Ricardo: I really sympathize with you, but these days will pass quickly, and then you’ll have such great memories. Have you had much sleep?

Zuly: Zzzzzzzz!

Ricardo: Zuly? Zuly?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus; New York Fashion Week; predict versus forecast; foretell versus remind versus recall; polite phrases used before meals

Words:
circus
acrobat
clown
ringmaster
clean
reach
collection
what’s in/out
star-studded
invitation-only
to sponsor
runway
to predict
to forecast
to foretell
to remind
to recall

Introducing someone who is giving a speech is always easier than actually giving the talk. Learn how to do it in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:37
Explanations: 3:07
Fast dialogue: 16:53

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?

It is my great honor to introduce our guest speaker today. Our speaker is actually a person who needs no introduction, since she is well known in our field as one of its great innovators. Edwina Litton has been called a revolutionary thinker by those in our field. That’s because she has strived to bring attention to those issues that we believe are so important.

Dr. Litton holds four advanced degrees and has an honorary doctorate from Harward University. In her much-anticipated speech today, she will address what she sees as the future of our field.

Without further ado, please join me in welcoming Dr. Edwina Litton.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Parents want to protect their children, even when they grow older. Sometimes the children, however, don’t want the protection. Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:39
Explanations: 3:29
Fast dialogue: 18:18

Dad: Where are you going?

Eva: Out.

Dad: Out where?

Eva: Dad, I’m nearly a grown woman. You don’t need to be so overbearing. You give me the third degree every time I leave the house.

Dad: As long as you live under my roof, you’ll live by my rules. Now, where are you going?

Eva: I’m going over to Damien’s house to hang out. I’ll be home before curfew.

Dad: I don’t like that guy, Damien. He’s not good enough for you. He’s a troublemaker. Mark my words: That kid is going nowhere fast. Is this a date?

Eva: No, Dad, we’re just going to watch a movie.

Dad: Alone? With no supervision? What is this world coming to?

Eva: Dad, we’re not kids anymore. We’re both 17.

Dad: That’s exactly the right age to get into the most trouble.

Eva: What are you doing?

Dad: I’m putting on my coat.

Eva: Why?

Dad: You and Damien need a chaperon.

Eva: No way, Dad! I’m not going over to Damien’s with you tagging along as our chaperon. That would be humiliating.

Dad: Good, then you’ll stay home. So, what movie should we watch tonight?

Eva: Huh!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: Chocolate; dispute versus disagreement versus conflict; using “times� in comparing amounts; use of infinitive “to� phrases as adjective, adverb, or noun

Words:
comfort food
to melt in (one’s) mouth
sensation
hot off the presses
to tend to
refrigeration
prevalent
to secure
delectable treat
delicacy
to speak to (something)
soul
there’s nothing better
dispute
disagreement
conflict
times

There are lots of things you must do before you are ready to travel. Learn how to talk about them in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:29
Explanations: 3:50
Fast dialogue: 17:54

Shannon: It looks like you’re ready for your trip. You must be psyched.

Ignacio: Yeah, I am. I’m almost ready. I’ve gone to the post office and filled out a form so they’ll hold my mail while I’m gone.

Shannon: I could pick up your mail for you.

Ignacio: Thanks, but it’ll just be easier this way. I’ve also called the newspaper office to have my newspaper delivery suspended. Tomorrow I’ll arrange for my bank to automatically pay my bills so I won’t have my utilities cut off or accrue any late fees.

Shannon: I could pay your bills for you. I don’t mind.

Ignacio: It’s nice of you to offer, but I’ve got it covered. This morning, I took my plants over to my neighbor’s house. He agreed to water them for me while I’m gone.

Shannon: I could have come over and watered your plants. That wouldn’t have been a problem at all.

Ignacio: Thanks for being willing to do that. As always, you’re so helpful.

Shannon: Oh, I try my best...

Ignacio: I was wondering if I could ask just one favor from you.

Shannon: Of course you can. Just name it!

Ignacio: You know my dog, Rex...

Shannon: Oh, no...

Ignacio: I could board him at a kennel, but he’s had bad luck at kennels. Could you look after him while I’m gone?

Shannon: No way!

Ignacio: Why?

Shannon: Why don’t you ask the people who worked at those kennels where Rex has been? I’m willing to pitch in, but I’m no sucker!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Looking to buy a new car? Find out what different types of cars are called in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:10
Explanations: 2:46
Fast dialogue: 16:15

Robert: Hi, I’m Robert. What are you in the market for today?

Mary: I want to buy a new car, but I’m not sure what I want.

Robert: Well, you’ve come to the right place. We have a very large selection of cars and trucks – just about any type of vehicle you can think of. Why don’t I show you around?

Mary: Okay, that would be great.

Robert: Over here, we have some nice compacts and mid-size cars. We have 2-door or 4-door sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks. We even have this beautiful convertible sports car. What do you think?

Mary: It’s very nice, but I want something a little bigger for my family.

Robert: Okay, no sweat. Walk this way and you’ll see our station wagons, mini-vans, and SUVs. These seat anywhere from six to 10 people. We even have pickups.

Mary: I’m not sure if any of these will fit my family?

Robert: How many children do you have?

Mary: Eleven.

Robert: Eleven? In that case, you might want to buy two!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Authors: Laura Ingalls Wilder; college secret societies; no one versus nobody versus anybody; Do you feel as though...?; rent versus lease

Words:
pioneer
homesteader
deed
to draw on (one’s) experiences
prairie
drought
rerun
skull
to tap (someone)
old-boy network
rumor
to deny
no one
nobody
anybody
Do you feel as though...?
rent
lease

Learn how to format your documents in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:30
Explanations: 3:20
Fast dialogue: 20:11

Chad: Okay, this report is finally finished.

Pamela: Oh, not quite. I’m still working on the formatting.

Chad: We used the standard formatting for this type of report. I don’t think we should play around with the text.

Pamela: Standard is boring. I want our report to be special. I’m putting a nice border on the cover, adding some shading, and centering some of the text.

Chad: No, I really think that’s a bad idea. All of the text should be flush left, and nobody else puts shading in their reports. It cuts down on readability.

Pamela: Readability is secondary to presentation. Look, I’m just putting some of the titles in caps and underlining them, adding some bullets, and putting some of the important sections in bold or italics. This will all make each page look more professional.

Chad: I don’t think it’s going to have your intended effect.

Pamela: Really?

Chad: Yes, instead of thinking we’re being professional, they’ll think we’ve gone off our rocker.

Pamela: Don’t be so stodgy. Hey, I think adding some clip art would really jazz things up, don’t you?

Chad: Oh, God!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Getting too many phone calls? Learn how to fix the problem in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:35
Explanations: 3:24
Fast dialogue: 19:19

Gisele: Our phone has been ringing off the hook all weekend. What’s the deal?

Nobu: I think it’s Jeanine.

Gisele: Jeanine…Jeanine…Is that the woman you’ve been going out with?

Nobu: Yeah, it’s her. I tried to let her down easy, but she’s not taking the hint.

Gisele: I see. That’s why you’ve been screening calls. Why don’t you just talk to her and tell her that you don’t think you’re right for each other, take the direct approach?

Nobu: I figure if I don’t take her calls for a few more days, she’ll get the message.

Gisele: Are you sure? There are 14 new voicemail messages. How many of those do you think are from Jeanine?

Nobu: All of them. I let calls go to voicemail if I see her phone number on caller ID. I guess I should listen to those messages – sooner or later.

Gisele: Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.

Nobu: I was thinking of taking the phone off the hook for the rest of day. What do you think?

Gisele: You do that and she’ll be on your doorstep to make sure nothing bad has happened to you. Listen, you don’t want to be honest with her, but you want her to stop pestering you, right? In that case, you only have one option.

Nobu: What?

Gisele: Tell her you’re moving to Timbuktu!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans: Scott Joplin; American Cities: Memphis; picture versus image versus photo; a versus an

Words:
composer
ragtime
talent
to be well-received
largely
posthumous
lumber
mule
these days
cargo
to be associated with
barbecue
picture
image
photo

Learn how to read a bus schedule in English on this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:18
Explanations: 3:59
Fast dialogue: 18:56

This was my first visit to McQuillanville. I wanted to avoid driving, so I decided to take the bus around the city. However, I was having some trouble figuring out the bus schedule.

Louisa: Excuse me, could you help me read this bus schedule?

Curt: I can try. Where do you want to go?

Louisa: I want to go downtown, but I’m not sure which bus to take.

Curt: Let me see that bus schedule. Here’s a listing of the route numbers on the back of this schedule. Look for a bus that goes downtown.

Louisa: Oh, I see. That’s great. Tomorrow, I want to arrive at the Podcast Museum at 10 a.m. when it opens. Which bus will I have to take?

Curt: Let me look at this bus schedule. That’s simple. All you have to do is find the stop closest to the museum, then look down the column to find the arrival time of 10 a.m. or before, and work backwards to see what time that bus passes the stop at your starting point. Got it?

Louisa: I think so, but I don’t think there’s a bus that goes directly from here to downtown.

Curt: In that case, it says on the schedule that you’ll need to get a transfer from the driver of the first bus so you can ride for free on the second bus. Just take the additional time into account. Mornings are peak times, and according to this schedule, the buses run more frequently to accommodate commuters, so it shouldn’t take you a lot longer. It also says here that you’ll need to have a bus pass or exact change for the fare when you board.

Louisa: Thanks a lot for all the help. Do you know how much the fare is?

Curt: I have no idea. I’ve never ridden the bus before in McQuillanville.

Louisa: Then how do you know so much about riding the bus?

Curt: I can read.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Keep reaching for the stars in this episode, while keeping your feet on the ground.

Slow dialogue: 1:23
Explanations: 2:52
Fast dialogue: 13:24

Dad: What are you working on, honey?

Mariko: It’s a project for school about the Earth and its place in the universe. I have to write a report and build a model of what scientists can see with a telescope in space.

Dad: I can help you with that. I was always good in science, especially astronomy.

Mariko: Okay, Dad. If I need help, I’ll ask you.

Dad: Is that the report you’re writing right now?

Mariko: Yes.

Dad: Make sure you include all of the planets in the solar system.

Mariko: I plan to, Dad.

Dad: Don’t forget to talk about the Big Bang. Oh yeah, and talk about traveling through space and how many light years it would take. Are you going to include stars, asteroids, and other galaxies in your model?

Mariko: No, the teacher didn’t say we had to.

Dad: Yes, but including some of those would set your project apart from the others, don’t you think?

Mariko: Sure, Dad.

Dad: It would be out of this world!

Mariko: Right, Dad.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Chinatown; famous songs: "Home on the Range"; that way versus in that way versus in such a way; neither here nor there; suffer versus suffer from

Words:
to be inspired by (something
conspiracy
corruption
to reveal
to flee
warrant for (someone’s) arrest
range
antelope
seldom
discouraging
to idealize
state song
that way
in that way
in such a way
neither here nor there
to suffer
to suffer from

Learn how to protect your good reputation, or fix your bad one, in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:23
Explanations: 3:07
Fast dialogue: 14:57

Alex: Good morning. What’s with the gloom and doom?

Paige: Have you seen this morning’s newspaper?

Alex: No, I haven’t.

Paige: You’d better read this. It’s an article about our company.

Alex: Let me see that. This is outrageous! How can anybody print such lies? We’re not on the verge of going under. How did they get a hold of so much misleading and outright wrong information?

Paige: What I’m irate about is what it says about you, as the owner. The article is full of innuendos about your background. It’s nothing short of character assassination. We’ll sue the paper for defamation of character.

Alex: I’m not worried about my personal reputation. I’m more concerned about the company’s image. I’m going down to that paper and making them print a retraction.

Paige: How’re you going to do that?

Alex: After I call the reporter a no-good mudslinger, I’ll give him the facts, the ones he neglected to include in this story.

Paige: Be careful what you say to him, especially in front of his coworkers. You don’t want him suing you for slander!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Learn how to talk about a great performance in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:18
Explanations: 2:39
Fast dialogue: 14:39

Claudia: Oh, that was so good. I’ve never seen anything better. Bravo! Bravo!

Javier: There’s no need for a standing ovation and stop gushing. The performers did a passable job. It was nothing to write home about.

Claudia: You are so jaded. That performance was genius. It took my breath away.

Javier: I thought the first number was okay, and none of the dancers embarrassed themselves, but that’s all I can say about it.

Claudia: I’m sure they’d thank you for that faint praise. Me? I’ve never seen anything better.

Javier: Now how can you say that? That’s just over the top.

Claudia: If I can’t be effusive, who can? How many times will we see our granddaughter in a school play?

Javier: She’s seven years old and she played a tomato!

Claudia: Yes, but don’t forget: she played the lead tomato!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Authors: Raymond Chandler; the Pony Express; to be involved in versus to be involved with; to make sense; hard on its heels

Words:
genre
free time
hobby
to make ends meet
screenwriter
unsentimental
cynical
relay
wiry
orphan
can-do
trademark
to be involved in
to be involved with
to make sense
hard on (one’s/someone’s) heels

If you have a medical emergency, you may need to call an ambulance. Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:20
Explanations: 3:22
Fast dialogue: 14:11

Brad: Are you all right?

Lydia: What...what happened?

Brad: You lost consciousness and someone called 911. My name is Brad and I’m a paramedic. Can you answer a few questions for me?

Lydia: I’ll try.

Brad: Have you ever blacked out before?

Lydia: No, I don’t think so.

Brad: Do you have a history of medical problems? Do you have any allergies to medication?

Lydia: Not that I know of.

Brad: Okay. Where are you hurt? Are you in any pain?

Lydia: I think I hit my head when I fell down. Oh, it’s bleeding. Oh my God, I’m bleeding!

Brad: Stay calm and let me examine the wound.

Lydia: Oh my God, I’m going to bleed to death!

Brad: Try to stay still. The wound doesn’t look too serious, but we’ll get you to the hospital to get checked out. We’ll get a stretcher so we can get you into the ambulance and take you to the emergency room. Try to stay clam.

Lydia: Calm? How can I stay calm when I’m bleeding to death? I need a helicopter to take me to the hospital right away. Call medivac!

Brad: Ma’am, you don’t need a helicopter. I’m just going to give you a little injection to help you with the pain and to help you relax.

Lydia: I’m going to die...I’m going to...

Brad: Phew!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Most people call or write before they visit their friends and family, but some like to go unannounced. Find out why that can be a bad idea in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:24
Explanations: 3:22
Fast dialogue: 15:46

Lorraine: Hi, this is a surprise. To what do I owe this pleasure?

Terrance: Can’t I just drop in on my little sister unannounced to see how she is? I was just in this neck of the woods and thought I would pay you a visit.

Lorraine: Sure you were. Of course, I’m glad to see you, but this is just a little out of the blue.

Terrance: What do you mean?

Lorraine: I haven’t seen you in over five months, and you just happened to be in the neighborhood?

Terrance: Well, I wasn’t exactly in the neighborhood, but I wanted to see my favorite sister.

Lorraine: Your only sister. Okay, out with it. What are you doing here?

Terrance: Uh, well, I was thinking of taking a year off from school to pursue my art. I really feel I need to devote some time to my painting to see if I can make it as an artist.

Lorraine: Mom and Dad are not going to like that.

Terrance: I know and that’s where you come in.

Lorraine: You want me to run interference for you with Mom and Dad.

Terrance: Yeah, they would take it a lot better coming from you, don’t you think?

Lorraine: No, I don’t.

Terrance: You’ve always been the responsible one...I’m just saying...

Lorraine: And I’m just saying that I’m not going to do your dirty work for you!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: Obsolete; regarding versus concerning versus as for; can't be bothered; How you doing?

Words:
block
soundtrack
to tote
ghetto blaster
forefinger
knob
cultural reference
next door
otherwise
to Tweet
terse
to water down
regarding
concerning
as for
can't be bothered
How you doing?

If you can’t read this, then put on your glasses and listen to this episode on having bad eyes.

Slow dialogue: 1:07
Explanations: 2:45
Fast dialogue: 15:19

Sue: This medication I’m taking is messing with my vision. Everything is blurry.

Hamed: That’s a good reason for you to stay home from work today.

Sue: I can’t. I have to give a presentation this afternoon and I can’t flake out on my coworkers.

Hamed: What good are you to them if you’re blind as a bat?

Sue: Everybody else will have crystal clear vision, so all I have to do is to put in an appearance. Things may not be as sharp as I’d like them to be, but I can still make out people and objects – as long as they’re really big.

Hamed: I don’t think your coworkers are going to want you to blindside them today with your strange behavior. You’re going to do more harm than good.

Sue: I can see well enough. I only see double if I move my head like this. Whoa…

Hamed: At this point, I don’t care if you have X-ray vision. That medication is affecting more than your vision. It’s impairing your better judgment!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Learn to talk about summertime clothing in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:35
Explanations: 3:01
Fast dialogue: 13:14

Spencer: I would love to see you in this outfit: a tank top and a miniskirt.

Lauren: No way! I wouldn’t look anything like that mannequin. I’m too shy and I’d make a fool of myself wearing such revealing clothes.

Spencer: That’s where you’re wrong. You would look great on the beach in that outfit with a bikini underneath.

Lauren: I haven’t worn a bikini in years. I always wear a one-piece now. In fact, I’d feel more comfortable in a T-shirt, cut-offs, and flip-flops.

Spencer: Why would you want to hide that figure? If you want to do that, why don’t you just wear this Hawaiian shirt and these board-shorts. Then no one will know you’re a woman!

Lauren: Don’t get mad. Okay, you can pick out an outfit for me and I promise to wear it for you. Okay?

Spencer: Fine, but I’m warning you: I want to see some skin!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Comic-Con; Famous Americans: Houdini; I just versus I have just; suit versus match versus fit; levity

Words:
convention
comic book
animation
autograph
fan
magician
escape artist
handcuffs
to debunk
supernatural
medium
séance
to suit
to match
to fit
levity

How do you end a date that isn’t going well? Find out what to do - and not to do - in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 3:15
Fast dialogue: 15:48

Brittany: [slurring her speech] I had a really nice time.

Tri: I’m glad to hear it. It was nice of Marie to set us up.

Brittany: Yeah, she told me that you would be my soul mate, and she was right! You’re dreamy...

Tri: Uh...well, thanks. It was really nice meeting you, but I’d better be going.

Brittany: What? Why are you leaving so soon? Don’t you want to come in for a nightcap? Let’s have a drink, or two, or three. I’ll make it worth your while...

Tri: I think we’ve both had enough to drink tonight, don’t you? I’ll just take a rain check.

Brittany: Don’t go yet. The night is young. Don’t you want to see my apartment?

Tri: Sure I do, but let’s make it another time. I really do have to go.

Brittany: Spoilsport!
...
Brittany seemed nice when I first met her, but that impression didn’t last long. It only took 15 minutes for me to realize that she and I had nothing in common, and then, I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. You might think I’m crazy because she really was drop-dead gorgeous, but I had no intention of taking advantage of a drunk woman!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Have you ever wanted to describe the way something feels when you touch it? Learn how to do it in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:17
Explanations: 2:58
Fast dialogue: 14:31

Tommy: It’s just our luck that there’s a major power failure while we’re shopping in this outdoor bazaar.

Louisa: How are we going to find our way back to the hotel?

Tommy: Follow me and stay close. I’ll lead the way.

Louisa: This road is so rough. I keep tripping over the stones. Ah!

Tommy: What happened?

Louisa: I just fell into something wet and sticky. Gross! I don’t know what it is. It has a weird texture.

Tommy: Don’t think about it. If you’re not hurt, then try to get up and keep moving. Give me your hand. Ugh, it’s all slimy!

Louisa: Yeah, and my dress is all greasy, too. You know what? I think I did hurt myself. My foot feels all tingly, like it’s asleep.

Tommy: Try to walk the best you can and let’s try to make it back to the hotel. The road is smooth, not too bumpy, on this side. Let me help you.

Louisa: Thanks. I think I’ll be okay. Well, I guess if we don’t get to see very much more of the city, we’ll at least know what it feels like.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Hate Crime Legislation; State Fairs; shop versus store versus department store; relative to versus related to; Down Under

Words:
hate crime
prejudice
criminal offense
sexual orientation
brutality
to trigger
state fair
livestock
ride
funhouse
ribbon
textile
shop
store
department store
relative to
related to
Down Under

Many governments give money to people who lose their jobs. Learn how to get some in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:38
Explanations: 2:50
Fast dialogue: 13:54

Agency Employee: Hello, state unemployment agency.

George: Hello, I’d like to apply for unemployment benefits.

Agency Employee: Okay, give me your address and I’ll send you an application.

George: How much can I get?

Agency Employee: That depends. Your benefits are calculated based on your quarterly earnings. You were laid off from your job?

George: Yes, I was. I qualify, don’t I?

Agency Employee: People who work part-time jobs or are self-employed aren’t eligible. If you worked in a full-time position, you should qualify. Fill out the application and we’ll let you know.

George: What else does the application ask for?

Agency Employee: You have to affirm that you’re able to work and that you’re actively seeking employment.

George: I’m definitely doing that. I’ve been meaning to ask you, are you hiring?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Allergies are no fun, but this episode is! Learn how to talk about this medical condition in English.

Slow dialogue: 1:27
Explanations: 2:55
Fast dialogue: 14:40

Victor: Oh, doctor, you’ve got to help me!

Doctor: Try to relax. What seems to be the problem?

Victor: I’m sneezing all the time, and my eyes are itchy and watery.

Doctor: Tilt your head back so I can take a look at your nasal passages. You’re very congested.

Victor: My sinuses are killing me! I have headaches all the time and nothing I do seems to help.

Doctor: What is this on your skin?

Victor: I don’t know. I’ve had red spots all over my body.

Doctor: They look like hives to me. Are you experiencing any shortness of breath?

Victor: Well, my chest feels constricted and it’s hard to breathe.

Doctor: I think you may be experiencing a severe allergy attack. I’m going to refer you to an allergist. What were you doing right before you started experiencing these symptoms?

Victor: I started my first job.

Doctor: That could be your problem.

Victor: I knew it! I’m allergic to work!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Area 51 and Roswell; American Cities: Baltimore; that versus which; right away versus straightaway

Words:
conspiracy theory
civilian
tight-lipped
UFO
extraterrestrial
to recover
cultural center
Midwest
philanthropist
refurbished
black history
Super Bowl
that
which
right away
straightaway

Learn how to talk about the true nature of competition and games in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 2:22
Fast dialogue: 14:22

Olga: Are you going to take me on, or are you chicken?

Apollo: Me chicken? No way! Bring it on!

Olga: Okay, but get ready to get trounced. I’m going to teach you a thing or two about how this game should be played. Ready for some humiliation?

Apollo: Stop trash-talking and get over here. What are we playing for? How about 20 or 30 dollars?

Olga: Those stakes are too high. Let’s say that the champion will get bragging rights.

Apollo: Bragging rights?! If I can’t have a cash prize, I was hoping for at least a trophy or a medal.

Olga: Yeah, right. You want a medal for winning at thumb wrestling?!

Apollo: As far as I’m concerned, thumb wrestling should be an Olympic sport!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Most children have to go to school, but some find clever ways to avoid it on certain days. Learn more about it on this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 3:06
Fast dialogue: 16:01

Carin: We’re going to be late for school. Hurry up!

Hwan: I’m not going to school today. I’m sick.

Carin: You’re not sick. You’re playing hooky. You’re not going to put one over on Mom. She’ll know you’re faking. Get up! Let’s go!

Hwan: No, she won’t, and why are you giving me such a hard time? It’s not like you’ve never played hooky before.

Carin: I may cut class now and then, but I have a foolproof way of doing it so I don’t get caught.

Hwan: You mean you forge notes from Mom to let you get out of class for doctor’s appointments and things like that. I know all about that.

Carin: Who told you?

Hwan: I keep my eyes and ears open. I pick things up.

Carin: If you know so much, then you should know that pretending to be sick never works. Mom will make you go to school anyway. There are better ways to get an excused absence.

Hwan: How? I have a test in biology today and I have to get out of it. Help me!

Carin: I suppose I could, out of the goodness of my heart.

Hwan: Come on. If you do, I’ll owe you one, a big one.

Carin: All right. You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. Here’s what you have to do...

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Psycho and Alfred Hitchcock; The Gettysburg Address; to get the most out of versus to take advantage of; who versus whom; status quo

Words:
thriller
to adapt
proprietor
swamp
to trace
turning point
cemetery
dedication
to keep (one’s) spirits up
founding fathers
to prevail
patriotic
to get the most out of
to take advantage of
who
whom
status quo

You can’t run. You can’t hide. There are thieves even on the Internet. Learn how to talk about hackers in English on this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:02
Explanations: 2:26
Fast dialogue: 13:08

Valerie: You’ll never guess what happened over the weekend.

Bill: What?

Valerie: Our website was attacked by hackers, and nobody could access it.

Bill: You’re kidding! What did they do?

Valerie: They got access to our server and embedded some malicious code that caused the site to be redirected to their own website.

Bill: But I thought our site had really good security. Didn’t we hire a programmer last year to encrypt the database and patch any vulnerabilities?

Valerie: That’s what we should have done. So now, we’re paying the price.

Bill: The site seems to be back up, though.

Valerie: Yeah, we brought in a specialist on Friday and she’s been working on it 24/7. Let’s hope she puts in the security measures we should have had all along, and this will never happen again.

Bill: Right, at least until some creative hacker comes up with a new way to wreak havoc.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Drive carefully, or you may get a ticket from the police. Find out what to say in English if it happens to you.

Slow dialogue: 1:08
Explanations: 3:01
Fast dialogue: 16:16

I was having a great day until I saw the police car behind me with its loud siren and lights flashing. I pulled off the road and waited for the officer to approach my car.

Officer: May I see your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and car registration, please?

Lindsay: Let me get them out of my glove compartment. Here they are. What did I do wrong, officer?

Officer: Didn’t you see that stop sign back there?

Lindsay: Stop sign? What stop sign? I didn’t see any stop sign.

Officer: Sit tight and I’ll be right back.
...

I guess he was running my driver’s license and license plate numbers to make sure there are no outstanding warrants for me or for my car. He came back after a few minutes.
...

Officer: You ran a stop sign back there and I’m going to have to give you a citation.

Lindsay: Is that really necessary, officer? I’m really sorry I ran the stop sign and I’ll be more careful next time.

Officer: I suppose I could let you off with a warning, just this once.

Lindsay: Oh, thank you so much!

Officer: Drive more carefully in the future.

Lindsay: I will. I definitely will.
...

Phew! That was close. Good thing I tossed the incriminating evidence out the window before I pulled off the road!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: Father Damien and leprosy; bring versus take; And you?; trustworthy versus honest

Words:
beacon
to despair
faith
to exile
to shun
legacy
affection
on (one’s) behalf
bottom line
to bring
to take
trustworthy
honest

Flying in an airplane is getting more and more expensive. Find out why in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:14
Explanations: 3:35
Fast dialogue: 15:37

Justine: So that’s the plan. We drive to San Francisco, then to Portland, then to Seattle, and then to Vancouver.

Howie: What? Why are we driving to Vancouver instead of flying?

Justine: Haven’t you noticed all of the fees the airlines are tacking on these days? First, there were the fuel surcharges and now, there is a whole slew of added fees.

Howie: Like what?

Justine: Well, there’s a checked baggage fee, for one. On some airlines, you have to pay to check just one bag, and each additional bag is another fee. If you have oversize or overweight bags, that’s another fee.

Howie: Okay, I don’t like fees either, but I don’t think that justifies driving all the way to Vancouver.

Justine: Well, let me tell you about some of the other fees. Do you want a snack or a meal on the flight? You’re going to have to shell out for those now. Do you want to fly standby? Yes, it used to be free, but not anymore. Do you want to make your reservation by phone instead of on the Internet? That’s another fee. Do you want a pillow or a blanket for your long flight? Okay, but that’s another fee!

Howie: Okay, don’t get worked up. I see what you mean. They really know how to nickel and dime you. Once we add all of those fees to the base fare, I guess flying isn’t such a good deal. But do you really want us to drive three days to get to Vancouver?

Justine: What’s the problem with driving?

Howie: Oh, I don’t know, maybe it’s the fact that I only have a week for vacation? As soon as we get to Vancouver, we’ll have to turn back!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. Find out how to talk about it in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 2:54
Fast dialogue: 15:08

Mother: Doctor, this is my son Danny. I brought him in so you could look at his rash.

Doctor: Okay, Danny. Have a seat on the exam table. How long have you had the rash?

Mother: My son has had that rash for about two weeks. It started out as a blister, and then it got really itchy and turned red. Could it be an infection?

Doctor: I’ll need to take a closer look at it first before I can tell you that.

Mother: I hope it’s not anything serious. I hope it’s not skin cancer!

Doctor: Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Okay, let’s take a look...

Mother: While you’re at it, could you look at this bump on Danny’s neck? I think it’s a mole.

Doctor: That looks like a birthmark, but I’ll take a look.

Mother: And could you look at this wart? If you remove it, will it leave a scar?

Doctor: I’m not sure it is a wart. Let me examine it first, and I’ll tell you what treatment I recommend.

Mother: Oh, and Doctor, could you look at Danny’s pimples? He just started getting them. I had really bad acne when I was his age.

Doctor: Is there anything else?

Mother: Well, since you asked...

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: The Grand Canyon; Famous Americans: Georgia O’Keefe; shanty versus apartment versus tenement; alert the media; now what?

Words:
canyon
steep
to erode
outdoorsman
livestock grazing
sightseeing
boundary
discouraged
exhibit
magnifying glass
landscape
desert
shanty
apartment
tenement
alert the media
now what?

Need some extra work done for your business? Learn how to talk about hiring an independent contractor in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:22
Explanations: 3:20
Fast dialogue: 16:31

Erica: So your suggestion is to hire outside consultants to handle the extra work associated with the expansion.

Stefan: I think there are a lot of benefits: we get someone with the right expertise quickly, we can use him or her as needed, and we can save on employment taxes and benefits. What’s not to like?

Erica: I’m just not sure that’s the right move right now.

Stefan: To me, it’s a no-brainer. We call the shots. If we don’t like the consultant’s work, then we can terminate our relationship at any time.

Erica: Yes, but that also means that the consultant won’t feel any company loyalty and could quit working with us whenever he or she wanted to, leaving us in a lurch.

Stefan: That’s true, but that’s also true of any employee. Company loyalty is a thing of the past. I really think we should move ahead.

Erica: Well, I think we should take it one step at a time. Start with contracting consultants for smaller projects and see how they do before we have them work on this big one.

Stefan: Okay, I can live with that, as long as we don’t drag our feet in getting people started on the big project.

Erica: Don’t worry. If I drag my feet, I know you’ll tow me along.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Not everything is what is seems to be. Learn to express your inevitable disappointment in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:20
Explanations: 3:14
Fast dialogue: 16:39

Daniela: I did it. I finally met Mandy Timpkin.

Tony: Mandy Timpkin, your idol?

Daniela: Yeah, I stood in line for two days at her book signing and finally met her. It was a big disappointment.

Tony: Really? I thought she could do no wrong, as far as you’re concerned.

Daniela: Well, that was before I met her. I have always wanted to be just like her. She had everything going for her: a great life and a great career. I emulated her in so many ways. I thought she must be a paragon of virtue and a great person to be around. I walked into that bookstore with all of these preconceived notions.

Tony: What happened to shatter your image of her?

Daniela: While I waited in line, I saw what kind of person she really was. She was rude to everybody and made ridiculous demands of her assistants. It wasn’t how I pictured her at all. She was a real diva.

Tony: So meeting her really burst your bubble.

Daniela: Yeah, it really did. I guess it was my own fault for putting her on a pedestal.

Tony: Well, you’re not the only one. Celebrities wouldn’t be celebrities if we didn’t idolize them.

Daniela: True enough, and I’ve learned my lesson. Nobody’s perfect, least of all celebrities!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ellis Island; The Rat Pack; lots of versus a lot of; sleep versus asleep, wake versus awake, rise versus arise; alpha male

Words:
immigration
to undergo
inspection
unsanitary
family tree
pop culture
desegregation
impromptu
to sell out
to rule
brat
coming-of-age
lots of / a lot of
sleep
asleep
to wake (up)
awake
to rise
to arise
alpha male

Dreaming of an old love? Find out if she (or he) will ever take you back in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:27
Explanations: 2:58
Fast dialogue: 15:56

Grace: What are you doing?

Yuji: I’m working on a plan to get April back.

Grace: I think that’s a lost cause. You guys broke up three months ago. There’s no way she’ll take you back.

Yuji: Watch me prove you wrong. When I tell April about all of the ways I’m going to change and to make her happy, she’ll let bygones be bygones.

Grace: You’re dreaming. She won’t be duped by a bunch of empty promises.

Yuji: They’re not empty promises. I really am going to change, within reason.

Grace: Do you really think April is going to forget all of the things you’ve done to her in the past?

Yuji: I’m not going to rake up the past. I’m going to show her the new me, and she’ll know I’m sincere. After all, she used to be crazy about me. I’m sure it’s just a matter of me making the effort.

Grace: Pride comes before a fall, you know. I think you’d have a better chance if you got down on your knees and begged her for mercy!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

So I was telling my friend about this thing but then I thought of something else so I…what was I saying? Anyway, learn how to tell a story clearly in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:27
Explanations: 3:03
Fast dialogue: 14:05

Laurent: So I’m confused. Who’s David again?

Bethany: David is my roommate’s friend’s brother. Haven’t you been listening?

Laurent: I have, but how am I supposed to keep all of these people straight? Your stories are always so convoluted, with too many twists and turns. Why don’t you try telling a straightforward story for once?

Bethany: My stories are only confusing for people who don’t pay attention or who can’t deal with complexity.

Laurent: Complexity? Is that what you call going off on tangents and including completely irrelevant information? Half the time the end of the story contradicts the beginning!

Bethany: You just don’t appreciate intricate plots. My stories are crystal clear to anyone who pays attention. Good stories have lots of detail. Just ask Shakespeare.

Laurent: Talk about delusions of grandeur! When you start comparing yourself to Shakespeare, it’s time for you to seek professional help!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous TV Animals; Niagara Falls; closed caption versus subtitle; meanwhile versus meantime; using the colon (:)

Words:
to capture (one's) heart
storyline
courage
stunt
warden
hydroelectric power
honeymoon
barrel
mist
chapel
luxury hotel
aphrodisiac
closed caption
subtitle
meanwhile
meantime
colon

If you’re sick, you need to take a day off from work. Find out how to tell your boss in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:06
Explanations: 2:51
Fast dialogue: 12:50

I was fed up with work and wanted the day off. I decided to call in sick. I wasn’t prepared, though, to be peppered with questions.

Peter: Hello, this is Peter. Is this Magda?

Magda: Yes. This is Magda.

Peter: Hi, Magda. I won’t be coming in today. I’m not feeling well. I think I’ve come down with something.

Magda: Hmm, what seems to be the problem?

Peter: The problem? Oh…I’ve been up all night throwing up and I feel terrible.

Magda: Didn’t you have something like this two weeks ago when you called in sick?

Peter: Two weeks ago? No, I had food poisoning two weeks ago.

Magda: And what about a month ago when you called in sick?

Peter: That was a 24-hour bug.

Magda: Didn’t you just take a day off from work because of a death in the family?

Peter: Yes, I had to go to the funeral.

Magda: I see. That’s one day off from work a week, four weeks in a row. [long silence]

Peter: Uh, I’ll be in within the hour.

Magda: I’m glad you’ve had a miraculous recovery.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

It’s time to relax, and there’s no better place than a spa. Learn how to talk about it in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:12
Explanations: 2:59
Fast dialogue: 13:58

Jan: This is the life! Spending the day at a spa is my idea of paradise.

Tim: Yeah, it’s great.

Jan: Aren’t you enjoying yourself?

Tim: The massage was okay, but why do I have to get a facial and a body wrap? I’m a guy!

Jan: Men need rejuvenating, too. These are all holistic treatments and you’ll feel like a new man when you’re done. Just enjoy the pampering.

Tim: I feel like an idiot. How am I supposed to relax?

Jan: Why don’t you get a body scrub or a scalp massage instead? Maybe that’ll calm your nerves.

Tim: I don’t need a body scrub or another massage. I just want to get out of here. When will we be done?

Jan: After this, all we have left are manicures and pedicures.

Tim: What?! I’m not getting a manicure or a pedicure.

Jan: You did promise to go with me to the spa if I agreed to have your four college friends stay in our house for two weeks, remember?

Tim: Yes, I remember. All right, let’s get this over with.

Jan: Just be glad I didn’t sign you up for waxing!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Preventing Violence in Schools Post Columbine; American Territories: U.S. Virgin Islands; although versus even though; lite; rate versus rank

Words:
campus
massacre
outcast
bullied
minor
to claim
clique
to retaliate
Caribbean
inhabitant
exotic
diving
destination wedding
cruise
although
even though
lite
to rate
to rank

Go to a parent-teacher conference to talk about your child’s performance in school in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:29
Explanations: 3:35
Fast dialogue: 15:46

Ms. Vasquez: Hello, Mr. Polo. I’m Ms. Vasquez. Please have a seat.

Mr. Polo: Thank you.

Ms. Vasquez: In this parent-teacher conference, I want to go beyond Marco’s report cards and his standardized test scores to talk about his general performance in the classroom.

Mr. Polo: That’s great. I want to know how he’s doing.

Ms. Vasquez: Marco is a good student. He’s attentive in class, a hard worker, and hands in his homework on time. Here’s his portfolio, if you want to take a look at his classroom work.

Mr. Polo: This is great. Are there any areas he needs to work on?

Ms. Vasquez: Marco is a good student, but he does sometimes misbehave. He often has disagreements with other students and loses his temper. I think he needs to work on his social skills.

Mr. Polo: Well, I don’t think that’s the most important thing, do you? His academics are the most important and he seems to be doing well in his subjects.

Ms. Vasquez: It’s true that academics are important, but learning to work cooperatively with other people is important, too, if he wants to get ahead in life, don’t you think?

Mr. Polo: I’ll have a talk with him. I’m sure you’ll see an improvement.

Ms. Vasquez: I appreciate you taking this seriously. Again, Marco is a good student and it’s a pleasure to have him in my class.

Mr. Polo: I’m glad to hear that. Good-bye.

Ms. Vasquez: Have a good afternoon.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

It helps to be able to read a map if you’re going to travel. Learn how in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:30
Explanations: 3:30
Fast dialogue: 15:34

Greg: What are you doing with that map and that globe?

Julianna: I’m trying to keep track of Carmen as she travels from country to country. I just got another postcard from her today.

Greg: I’m not sure I like the idea of my daughter traveling around the world with a group of people for three months. It’s not safe.

Julianna: She can take care of herself. You know she’s the adventurous type. Give her a compass and she can find her way around anywhere. Help me find Nauru on this map. I don’t even know what continent it’s on. I was never any good at geography.

Greg: All right. You look above the equator and I’ll look below it, but couldn’t you just look it up on the Internet? It would be easy to find the latitude and longitude of this place.

Julianna: This is more fun. I sort of feel like I’m on an adventure myself.

Greg: I can’t make heads or tails of this map. It’s not to scale and this legend is all wrong!

Julianna: It doesn’t matter. We just need to find the place name, and then I can put a pin in this map showing where’s she’s been.

Greg: I have a better idea. I’ll look it up on the Internet and get you all of the vital statistics you’d want, like its location, okay?

Julianna: Forget it. Sometimes it’s more fun doing things the hard way.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: The Princess and the Frog; pronouncing “address�; to cut the bull/ bullshit; outspoken versus vocal

Words:
fairy tale
extension of (one’s) disbelief
dreamland
hand-drawn
down here
to break (someone’s) heart
merger
to bring back
the norm
period
Americana
to open a new chapter
to address
to cut the bull/bullshit
outspoken
vocal

Learn how to talk about retirement in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:21
Explanations: 3:12
Fast dialogue: 15:53

Meredith: Are you going to Stanley’s retirement party?

Oscar: Sure, I want a glimpse of the future. I can’t wait to retire.

Meredith: It’ll be a long time before you get the golden handshake. Me? I may be ready for early retirement.

Oscar: Are you seriously thinking about taking the early retirement package the company is offering?

Meredith: I’m thinking about it. My health isn’t getting any better, and I don’t want to spend the rest of my days in this office.

Oscar: But can you afford it?

Meredith: The early retirement package is pretty generous, and I’ve saved up a nice little nest egg over the years.

Oscar: Then what are you waiting for? If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t hem and haw about it. I’d make the decision to retire now – today!

Meredith: Why are you getting all worked up? Are you after my job?

Oscar: No way! I just can’t stand to see someone who can retire stay at this job. I’d trade places with you in a minute.

Meredith: I doubt that – not if it meant being a card-carrying member of AARP. You’re too young to be thinking about retirement.

Oscar: I didn’t say I was ready for retirement. I’m just thinking about it – all the time!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Learn how to ask in English where someone is from, and to introduce yourself in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:36
Explanations: 3:14
Fast dialogue: 16:23

Cora: Hi, I’m Cora.

Antonio: I’m Antonio. Nice to meet you.

Cora: Same here. Are you from around here?

Antonio: No, I’m originally from Arkansas. How about you?

Cora: I’m a native Californian, but I grew up in the Middle East. My parents were in the military, so we moved quite a bit, but mainly around the Middle East.

Antonio: That’s really interesting. I spent some time in Jordan myself a few years ago doing research for my company. But I’ve lived in Los Angeles for over 10 years and consider it my adopted hometown.

Cora: Isn’t that funny? Even though I was born here, I only moved back here two months ago. I’m sure you know the city much better than I do.

Antonio: I’d be happy to show you around, to help you get reacquainted with L.A.

Cora: I was only eight years old when my family moved away, so I have a lot of catching up to do.

Antonio: Let’s start next weekend. I’ll show you some of the places where the locals like to hang out.

Cora: That sounds great. Is this how all Angelinos treat newcomers?

Antonio: Absolutely! I’m the city’s one-man welcome wagon.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: DUIs and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers; Famous Americans: Martha Stewart; traffic versus transit; at all versus not at all; describing someone who works from home

Words:
influence
impaired
sobriety
penalty
to lobby
non-profit
fatality
business magnate
empire
homemaking
insider information
perfectionism
traffic
transit
at all
not at all
telecommuter

Eat some good food made by Chef Mom in this episode. It’s delicious!

Slow dialogue: 1:25
Explanations: 3:26
Fast dialogue: 16:36

Louise: What’s the matter with you?

Gil: I just got off the phone with my mom and she says they’re planning a welcome-home party for me next week – at a restaurant!

Louise: What’s wrong with that?

Gil: After living abroad for a year, I was really looking forward to a home-cooked meal.

Louise: Why didn’t you just tell your mother that?

Gil: I didn’t have the heart to do that. She was so excited about the party, and who am I to tell her she has to slave over a hot stove to cook me a lavish dinner?

Louise: I’m sure she wouldn’t mind. It’d be a labor of love.

Gil: You don’t know my mother. She doesn’t cut corners and makes everything from scratch. She uses these recipes that were passed down to her from her mother. She can make the most intricate dishes, but what I’m craving are the comfort foods she always made for us when we were kids. It makes my mouth water just thinking about her cooking.

Louise: After a year of living on instant noodles and take-out food, I’m not surprised you want something home-cooked. I tell you what. After the party, come over to my house and I’ll have a home-cooked meal ready for you.

Gil: You, cook for me? Thanks, but no thanks!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Let’s go to a magic show and talk about it in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:18
Explanations: 2:47
Fast dialogue: 13:18

Patricia: This is the best magic show I’ve ever seen. Have you ever seen so many amazing magic tricks in your life? They’re blowing my mind!

Sergio: They’re all just illusions. It’s nothing but smoke and mirrors.

Patricia: I don’t know how you can say that. We’ve seen some really impressive sleight of hand tricks and that escape artist seemed to do the impossible.

Sergio: Couldn’t you see that it was just misdirection? While you weren’t looking, the magician left through the trap door.

Patricia: Maybe that’s how that trick was done, but how do you explain the mind reader? How did he know what I was thinking if he couldn’t really read my mind?

Sergio: I’m sure any supernatural powers these magicians and entertainers claim to have have been debunked by somebody. Maybe he used the power of suggestion. Who knows?

Patricia: And maybe you’re just jaded.

Sergio: And maybe you’re the most gullible person who ever lived!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: The CIA; The Wizard of Oz; deliverable; stress versus pressure; “you had me at ‘hello’�

Words:
intelligence
peacetime
secretive
speculation
espionage
covert
torture
regime change
wizard
tornado
scarecrow
plot
deliverable
stress
pressure
“you had me at ‘hello’�