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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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475 - Hiring a Hitman

Author: Center for Educational Development
Fri, May 08, 2009

Slow dialogue: 1:10
Explanations: 3:00
Fast dialogue: 15:16

Gus: Are you Shirley?

Shirley: Yeah, thanks for agreeing to meet me here. I’m told you’re the best sniper in the business and you can be discreet. I need a hitman who can do a job, then make himself scarce.

Gus: I’m your man. Tell me about it.

Shirley: There’s someone who’s been a thorn in my side, keeping me up at night, and it’s time to take him out.

Gus: Taking care of problems is my specialty. I’ll need a down payment now and the balance when I finish him off. We shouldn’t meet again, so I’ll tell you later where to make a drop.

Shirley: All right.

Gus: Good. How will I be able to spot the target?

Shirley: Here’s a picture. He’s usually in the yard in the afternoons.

Gus: You want me to kill a dog?!

Shirley: Right, he’s my neighbor’s dog and he keeps me up every night. Is that a problem?

Gus: You bet it is. Who do you think I am? People are disposable, but dogs? They’re a man’s best friend.

Shirley: Are you kidding me? You won’t take the job?

Gus: Nope, I won’t. If you want to pay good money to take out a dog, then that’s your prerogative, but I have my standards!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Regulating monopolies and antitrust laws; American songs: Happy Birthday; whilst versus while; to blow away (something); using “do� for emphasis

Words:
monopoly
competitor
antitrust law
sanctioned
to break up
to appeal
lyrics
kindergarten
to catch on
copyrighted
royalties
commonplace
while
whilst
to blow away

Slow dialogue: 1:30
Explanations: 3:14
Fast dialogue: 13:57

Luis: So, how are the newlyweds doing?

Stevie: Oh, we’re great. I’m just a little tired.

Luis: Well, that goes with the territory, right?

Stevie: No, that’s not what I mean. Patrick has been keeping me up with his snoring.

Luis: Oh, that’s a bummer.

Stevie: Yeah, it really is. I’m usually awakened soon after I fall asleep, and then I toss and turn all night. That’s not all. Patrick also talks in his sleep.

Luis: Wow, that’s terrible. I’d make a beeline for some sleeping pills, if I were you.

Stevie: I took some one night last week, but I woke up groggy and disoriented. I’d rather have insomnia than load up on drugs.

Luis: Have you tried waking him up when he snores or talks in his sleep?

Stevie: I tried that one night, but he just ended up sleepwalking!

Luis: Geez, what are you going to do?

Stevie: I wish I knew.

Luis: It’s a little early in your marriage for separate bedrooms, but I wouldn’t rule it out.

Stevie: I’ll keep it in mind. If I don’t get a good night’s sleep soon, separate bedrooms will be the least of our problems!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:24
Explanations: 3:07
Fast dialogue: 12:41

Kadir: Stop that! Stop snickering! Gabriel Voltaire is an author of great acclaim. You should show a little reverence.

Melissa: Yes, but he seems to have a bad case of stage fright. I know it’s an honor to hear him speak, but it’s hard to show reverence when the man is sweating like a pig!

Kadir: He’s not sweating like a pig. He’s just talking passionately about his writing. I, for one, appreciate his level of dedication to his work.

Melissa: I admire his work, too, but he’s making a fool of himself. Really, who can pay attention to what he’s saying when he’s stuttering like that.

Kadir: Unlike you, I can listen to the genius of his words without worrying about a little stuttering.

Melissa: The man is making a spectacle of himself. I think he needs to stick to writing and give up public speaking.

Kadir: Shh! That’s enough. I won’t hear another word said against him.

Melissa: Whatever you say. I’ll leave you to your hero worship. For me, enough is enough!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: student exchange programs; begs the question; face value; at the time versus then

Words:
to test (one's) limits
TV production
wrestling
choir
to come down here
to host (someone)
famine
drought
to take (one’s) place
unity
begs the question
face value
at the time
then

Slow dialogue: 1:26
Explanations: 2:53
Fast dialogue: 11:49

Simone: They’re about to introduce you. You’re on next. Are you ready?

Gabriel: No...yes...no!

Simone: You don’t look so well. Are you all right?

Gabriel: I don’t know. My palms are clammy, I’m breaking out into a cold sweat, and my legs feel like jelly.

Simone: It sounds like a bad case of stage fright, that’s all. Just take a deep breath. You’ll be fine.

Gabriel: I have butterflies in my stomach and my mouth is dry. Where can I get a glass of water?

Simone: I don’t know and there isn’t time.

Gabriel: Oh God, if I go out there, I’m going to freeze up or get tongue-tied. I just know it.

Simone: Get a hold of yourself. You’re well prepared and you’ll do a great job. Okay, they’ve just announced your name. Get out there!

Gabriel: I can’t!

Simone: The entire audience is waiting for you. Pull yourself together and get out there!

Gabriel: Here goes nothing!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:23
Explanations: 3:26
Fast dialogue: 14:37

Erin: So I told Joey that I had no intention of letting him use my car again. Can you believe the nerve of that guy, after what he did?

Curran: That’s terrible, but I’m going to have to let you go. I have an appointment...

Erin: But I didn’t tell you what else he said. He said that running over my cat was just an accident. That’s bull. He said I should be thankful that he took Fifi to a veterinarian!

Curran: Yeah, I can see why you’re mad. I think I have a call on the other line...

Erin: Well, I’m glad you agree with me. I said to him that Fifi may be as good as new now, but that is no thanks to him! He’s never liked Fifi and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was gunning for her when he ran her over. He should count himself lucky he’s getting off scot-free for trying to kill my cat. I said...

Curran: Sorry to have to cut this short, but I really have to get going.

Erin: Oh, sure, but just let me tell you what I plan to do if he asks me again.

Curran: I really want to hear all about it, but...but...nature calls!

Erin: Oh, okay, call me back. I haven’t even told you what Sam told me about Ben yesterday. It’s a real shocker!

Curran: Uh...right. I can’t wait to hear all about it.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Cities: San Diego; tabloid press and U.S. libel/slander laws; under (someone’s) thumb; precision versus accuracy; coming to you from

Words:
moderate climate
urban renewal
defense
pharmaceutical
press
tabloids
headlines
shocking
slander
libel
to sue
to go over the line
under (someone’s) thumb
precision
accuracy
coming to you from

Slow dialogue: 1:27
Explanations: 2:57
Fast dialogue: 13:41

Lee: I’m reading this article about the new season of our favorite show. It’s premiering next week.

Kira: Don’t tell me anything about it, especially spoilers.

Lee: But don't you want to know which guest stars will be making appearances and the plot twists that are coming up?

Kira: No, I don’t! I don’t watch movie trailers and I don’t read reviews. It spoils the fun when you already know what’s going to happen. Where’s the suspense?

Lee: The blogs and reviews I read all have “spoiler alerts� and I avoid reading those sections. Let me just tell you one thing I read...

Kira: Stop right there! I’m covering my ears. I want to stay in the dark, completely in the dark. Got it?

Lee: Okay, I won’t let the cat out of the bag, but we’re in for a wild ride this season.

Kira: I’m not listening! I’m not listening!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:42
Explanations: 3:35
Fast dialogue: 14:35

Amy: I think rearranging the furniture will make the living room look more spacious. Don’t you?

Jacob: Uh, sure.

Amy: Can you help me move this couch against this wall?

Jacob: Okay, but are you sure you want it over there? Because it’s really heavy and a pain to move.

Amy: I’m sure. Let’s move the loveseat across from it. Now, can you move the recliner into the corner?

Jacob: Uh! Here?

Amy: Umm...a little to the left. Perfect!

Jacob: Are you sure?

Amy: Absolutely! Okay, the end tables go on each side of the couch, and the coffee table goes between the couch and the loveseat.

Jacob: Where do you want the ottoman and where do the lamps go?

Amy: Put the ottoman next to the loveseat. The table lamps go on the end tables and the floor lamp should go next to the recliner.

Jacob: There’s no room for the rocking chair.

Amy: Hmm…I guess the rocking chair can go into the guestroom.

Jacob: What about the credenza?

Amy: You’re right. This new configuration won’t work.

Jacob: You mean you want to put everything back to where it was?

Amy: Yup, we’re back to square one!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Taxes Americans pay; wedding/baby showers and gift registries; leverage, to dig, to guess versus to think versus to believe

Words:
property tax
appraised value
due
utility
sales tax
income tax
to throw (someone) a party
wedding/bridal shower
baby shower
gift registry
scanner
bar code
leverage
to dig
to guess
to think
to believe

Slow dialogue: 1:17
Explanations: 3:36
Fast dialogue: 14:10

I have a very disorganized office. My co-workers have been making jokes about my office for a long time, and my boss finally cracked down on me. He told me: “Get the office organized by Friday – no excuses!� What choice did I have?

I’ve always been a pack rat. I hate to throw anything out, but I was determined to turn over a new leaf. It’s true I’ve worked in the same office for four years and have accumulated a lot of paper, but if I put my mind to it, I’m sure I could get rid of all of the clutter.

There are piles of paper and files all over my desk and sorting them out won’t be easy. All I need to do, though, is to purge my filing cabinets of old files to make room for new ones. I also need to triage the papers on my desk, on the floor, and in my overflowing inbox. Then, I only need to make new files and label them. Finally, I’ll only keep those things on my desk that are essential and get rid of anything that isn’t.

That’s a pretty good plan, don’t you think? I’ve already made a to-do list. Now all I need to do is start on those tasks!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:20
Explanations: 3:18
Fast dialogue: 13:04

Francesca: Hurry up! Come out of that fitting room so I can see how the dress shirt fits.

Eddie: The first one didn’t fit at all. The sleeves were too short and it was too form fitting. I like my shirts to be on the roomy side. I’m trying on the second one.

Francesca: Come on, let me see. Okay, I think this one fits you pretty well. The collar is the right size, not too loose or tight. The cuffs on this one fall at just the right place, don’t you think?

Eddie: Yeah, it’s fine.

Francesca: Try on the T-shirts.

Eddie: Okay, but I’m not trying on the fancy ones with a V-neck. I like my T-shirts the old-fashioned way – with a crew neck.

Francesca: All right, but try on the short-sleeve and the long-sleeve ones, too. Hurry up.

Eddie: Hold on, I’m changing as fast as I can. Oh, geez. I’ve heard of oversized T-shirts, but this is ridiculous.

Francesca: Let me see. You’re right. You’ve got enough room in there for two people!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Native American casinos; YouTube; impact versus influence, created in/on/by; so far versus to date

Words:
to gamble
casino
autonomy
reservation
income
heritage
to upload
excerpt
to be copyrighted
to sue
offensive content
to flag
impact
influence
created by
created in
created on
so far
to date

Slow dialogue: 1:30
Explanations: 3:12
Fast dialogue: 14:35

Cho: I’m not sure I’m cut out to be a doctor.

Joy: I think you’ll be great. I’ve seen you with patients and you have a great bedside manner – not like Gregory.

Cho: Why? What’s wrong with his bedside manner?

Joy: I’ve seen him with patients and he can be really callous. For instance, I was in the room last week when he was telling one of his patients that she was taking a turn for the worse.

Cho: What did he say?

Joy: He just blurted it out. He told her the diagnosis, and he didn’t even try to soften the news when she asked about her prognosis. He did absolutely nothing to try to comfort or reassure her.

Cho: I feel sorry for the patient.

Joy: That’s the point. Gregory didn’t, and it didn’t seem to faze him that the patient was very upset and close to hysterics.

Cho: That’s terrible. I’ll try to remember to be more compassionate with my patients.

Joy: Don’t worry. It’s against your nature to be anything but considerate.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 2:58
Fast dialogue: 12:32

Ina: It was a great idea to split up to go see different movies. I really liked The McQuillanator!

Paco: I’m glad to hear it. You made a better choice than I did. The biopic I saw was mind-numbing. I was bored to death!

Ina: Really? My movie was great. It was action-packed and fast-paced. I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

Paco: I wish I had been. My movie moved at a snail’s pace and what was supposed to be dramatic was just repetitive. I can’t believe I sat through that entire thing. I’m sure I nodded off more than once.

Ina: That’s too bad. You should have abandoned your theater and joined me in mine. I’m still feeling the adrenaline rush.

Paco: Yeah, but instead I got a good nap. What a waste of money!

Ina: Just consider it a good lesson learned.

Paco: What lesson?

Ina: Let me pick the movies. I know a good bang for the buck!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans: Langston Hughes; childcare options in the U.S.; to totally own(ed) (someone); bad news

Words:
collectively
to be offended
ancient
soul
homemaker
dual-income
childcare
mobile
nanny
daycare
stimulation
babysitter
totally
to own (someone)
to owned (someone)
bad news

Slow dialogue: 1:27
Explanations: 3:45
Fast dialogue: 15:50

Foreman: Okay, people. Listen up.

This is your first day on the job in this warehouse and you need to know what we do here. This warehouse keeps all of the stock for the 10 stores in this region. We get merchandise from the supplier and it’s our job to organize it and store it until it goes to the retail outlets. One of the reasons our stores can offer such low prices is that they operate on the principles of economies of scale. This means that we buy in bulk and there’s a lot to catalogue and store. We even have some stock on consignment, so it’s all the more important that we’re able to keep track of any merchandise that comes through here. Any questions?

Carla: Yeah, are we the end of the supply chain or do we send merchandise to other warehouses?

Foreman: We are it. Merchandise comes to us from suppliers and we distribute it to the stores. Any other questions?

Carla: Does merchandise ever go missing?

Foreman: It better not go missing under my watch. That’s why we do an inventory twice a year. If anything is unaccounted for, I won’t be a happy camper. Okay, people, line up to get your assignments...

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:17
Explanations: 3:15
Fast dialogue: 13:44

I was driving down the road when I saw a group of teenagers holding up signs for a fundraising car wash for their school. My car was very dirty, so I pulled over and paid for a car wash and a wax.

I think that the students had more enthusiasm than car washing skills. Yes, they had hoses, buckets filled with soapy water, and sponges, but they seemed more interested in getting each other wet than in getting the dirt off the car. I kept wanting to jump up and say, “Hey, you missed a spot!� but I didn’t.

After washing the car, they rinsed it and dried it with towels. They also vacuumed the interior and washed the windows. At least the windows were spotless. Finally, they waxed and polished the car, and were finished.

I went over to inspect the washed car. All I can say is I’m glad this was a fundraiser to support their school. If these students do as well in their classes as they did on my car, they need all the education they can get!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: corruption in U.S. politics; have to versus must; what about versus how about; worthy versus necessary

Words:
public service
wheeling and dealing
to trade
campaign contribution
in exchange
bribe
extortion
conflict of interest
to pursue
public interest
to shape
to distort
have to
must
what about
how about
worthy
necessary

Slow dialogue: 1:27
Explanations: 3:15
Fast dialogue: 3:14

Charlotte: What are you doing in here? The entire wedding party is looking for you.

Chris: Yeah, I know.

Charlotte: Well, what’s the matter? You’re not getting cold feet, are you?

Chris: That’s just it. I’m really having doubts about getting married. What am I doing here? I think I’m about to make the biggest mistake of my life!

Charlotte: Whoa, slow down. You’re just a little freaked out right now. That’s understandable. Just don’t do anything rash.

Chris: I have an irresistible impulse to run. I’ve got to get out of here!

Charlotte: You’d better do some serious soul-searching before you decide to leave Kerry at the altar. It would be a life-altering experience for her and for you. She may never get over it.

Chris: You’re right, but what can I do? If I go through with this, I may regret it for the rest of my life.

Charlotte: Sit down and stay put. I’m going to get someone who’ll set you straight.

Chris: Who?

Charlotte: Kerry!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:17
Explanations: 3:19
Fast dialogue: 13:48

Nicki: Wow, did you buy out the bookstore?!

Tony: Very funny. I just got a few guidebooks for our trip to Vancouver. I want to study up on what the must-see sights are, and then decide whether we can do some self-guided tours or need to book guided tours.

Nicki: That’s very conscientious of you. The trip isn’t for three months.

Tony: I know, but I want to start sketching out an itinerary now. I’m going to start out by reading the orientation chapters so I get a feel for the city.

Nicki: Good, then at least one of us will know where to go and what to do.

Tony: After that, I’m going to read the helpful hints in the accommodations section. I want to make sure we stay in the heart of the city with plenty of nightlife. I’ll read the section on day trips, too, in case we have some extra time.

Nicki: It sounds like you’ve got it covered.

Tony: I do. I also want to spend some time learning some survival phrases so I can talk to the locals.

Nicki: Survival phrases? To visit Vancouver?

Tony: Yeah, we won’t be able to get around without learning some French, you know.

Nicki: Really? Hmm. I think you’d better keep reading.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Cities (Territories): American Samoa; how to become a pilot in the U.S.; objective versus subjective, to be flanked by, power versus empowerment; to delegate versus to defer

Words:
territory
southern hemisphere
indigenous
to occupy
remote
cannery
solo
maneuvers
endorsement
flying hours
commercial pilot
military
objective
subjective
to be flanked by
power
empowerment
to delegate
to defer

Slow dialogue: 1:10
Explanations: 2:48
Fast dialogue: 13:35

Shivon: This bad economy is really taking its toll.

Lex: Tell me about it! My company has already laid off 20% of its workforce, and now the management is talking about cutting salaries. It goes without saying that there won’t be any bonuses this year.

Shivon: What are you complaining about? At least you still have a job. Try working as a freelancer. I’ve had to cut my hourly rate to compete with all of the people flooding the job market.

Lex: At least you’re still able to pick and choose your clients. I have to do what my bosses tell me, no matter what. If they say I have to work overtime, that’s what I have to do. I don’t even get compensated for it! You can bill by the hour.

Shivon: What’s the good of billing by the hour if I don’t have any clients? You don’t know how good you have it. I don’t want to hear another word until you walk a mile in my shoes!

Lex: Ditto!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:41
Explanations: 3:30
Fast dialogue: 12:44

Laura: I really don’t like these political commentary shows. They purportedly present both sides of an issue, but the commentator is always biased.

Joon: Oh, I don’t think so. Each show invites pundits on each side of the political spectrum. In this show, for instance, the pundits each take turns presenting their arguments.

Laura: You mean they each present the party line, right? I find it so predictable what each side will say, since they always invite people who have opinions that are poles apart.

Joon: That’s not always true. This other show has a roundtable format. Each person listens to the others and they debate the issues.

Laura: On that show, it’s not what they say, but how they say it. They treat the others’ opinions with such contempt. You can hear the loathing in their voices and they constantly talk over each other. I’m surprised you can bear to watch it.

Joon: I find it stimulating. I like a good fight.

Laura: I guess it’s better for them to do it on screen than on the streets!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Medical/dental tourism; warehouse club stores; yell versus shout; to be depended on; to last; kind versus kindly

Words:
health insurance
to give rise to
to be treated
regulated
inferior
warehouse
to pass the savings on
to afford
to carry
in bulk
unit price
pantry
to
to yell
to be depended on
to last
kind
kindly

Slow dialogue: 1:24
Explanations: 3:40
Fast dialogue: 17:57

My wife was out of town on business and our nanny was sick, so I took the day off from work to take care of our two kids: Livia, who is two, and Augustus, who is three and a half. I thought that going to the playground would be a good thing to do, but it turned out to be an accident waiting to happen.

When we got to the playground, the kids jumped out of the car. Livia got onto the merry-go-round, pushing it as hard as she could. The trouble was, there were a couple of toddlers playing on it and they fell backwards, getting the wind knocked out of them.

Augustus, on the other hand, ran straight for the swing set and almost got decapitated! Then he went over to the see-saw and almost got smashed when he tried to run under it! He ran out of my grasp and onto the jungle gym. He started hanging off the monkey bars. I caught him just in time as he fell!

When I turned around, I saw that Livia had got onto the slide and slid head first into the sandbox! Good thing she wasn’t hurt.

By this time, I realized my mistake. Far from a safe place to play, for two lively kids and one father, the playground was a deathtrap!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:20
Explanations: 4:44
Fast dialogue: 17:21

I really blew it last night. I finally asked my neighbor, Fatima, out on a date and she walked out on me in the middle of it.

I didn’t blame her. I wanted to make a good impression on her, but I felt I was floundering a half an hour into the date. I decided to liven things up a bit with a few drinks. I got carried away and got stinking drunk. What an idiot! I had to call her to apologize.

Fatima: Hello.

Rob: Uh, hi, Fatima. This is Rob calling.

Fatima: Oh.

Rob: Please don’t hang up. I need to apologize for my atrocious behavior last night. I was a real jerk and I’m really, really sorry.

Fatima: I appreciate the apology. Thanks, but I have to go now.

Rob: Hold on one second, please! I want to explain. I thought I was boring you at the beginning of the date and that’s why I started in on the drinks. I’m not normally a lush, really! I was nervous and worried that things weren’t going well, and I thought a couple of drinks would loosen me up.

Fatima: Okay, I understand that, but that doesn’t excuse the groping.

Rob: Groping? What groping?

Fatima: You don’t remember? You insisted on a goodnight kiss.

Rob: I did? It’s all a blur. I don’t remember anything after you called me a creep.

Fatima: You tried to kiss me and I walked out. Can you blame me?

Rob: No, I can’t. I deserved much worse. After that, I can also understand why you’d never want to speak to me again. Is there any way I can make it up to you?

Fatima: I really don’t know...

Rob: I promise not to have a drop of alcohol.

Fatima: I’ll have to think about it.

Rob: And I’ll have both of my hands tied behind my back the entire time.

Fatima: Maybe. Let me sleep on it.

At least it wasn’t a “no.� There’s a glimmer of hope for a second chance!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Anti-miscegenation laws; Silicon Valley and the Research Triangle; freeway, highway, and expressway; to sport; dosey doe

Words:
miscegenation
to frown upon
interracial marriage
slavery
to abolish
to repeal
high-tech
headquarters
venture capitalist
triangle
to recruit
affordable housing
to advance (one’s) career
freeway / highway / expressway
to sport
dosey doe

Slow dialogue: 1:29
Explanations: 3:46
Fast dialogue: 14:16

Maria: I need this package to arrive in Tulsa by next Wednesday.

Sam: Sure, I’ll send it UPS or FedEx using their ground service. It’ll be cheaper than sending it using their overnight service and we can still track it. Is it going to a business?

Maria: Yes, it is.

Sam: Okay, I’ll mark that it’s going to a commercial address.

Maria: That’s fine. I’ll also need these contracts to get to Tokyo by Friday. Send it to the home of the president of the company.

Sam: I’ll send it DHL and use the residential delivery service. This seems like a large package for just contracts.

Maria: I’m also including a gift for the president’s wife.

Sam: If it’s breakable, I’ll pack it really well and then get it insured. What’s the declared value?

Maria: It’s about $700. Oh, and I want this box to go to Olten, Switzerland, but just send it regular mail through the post office. Make sure I get delivery confirmation, though.

Sam: No problem. I’ll just need to fill out a customs declaration form. What are the contents?

Maria: They’re books.

Sam: Okay, I’ll take care of it.

Maria: Thanks. What would I do without you?

Sam: The real question is, what would the mail services do without you?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:18
Explanations: 3:40
Fast dialogue: 16:09

I was on a date from hell.

I agreed to go out with this guy who lives in the same apartment building as I do, but he’s turned out to be a real creep. He was nice enough at the start of the date, but then he started drinking. Now he’s drunk and I’m miserable.

I wanted to let him down gently since I’d be seeing him around the apartment building, but I didn’t want to spend another minute with him.

Fatima: Listen, Rob, I just don’t think we’re hitting it off. You’re a really nice guy, but I just don’t think we have much chemistry.

Rob: Are you kidding? I’m having the time of my life. We’re just getting started here. Bartender, another round!

I realized that I needed to be more straightforward with him in case I was giving him mixed signals.

Fatima: I’m sorry, Rob, but I think this is the end of the road for this date. Thanks a lot for the drinks and I’ll see you around.

Rob: What? You’re leaving? How about a goodnight kiss? Come over here and give me that kiss.

I wanted to keep my cool, but when he tried to kiss me, that did it!

Fatima: You’re stinking drunk and this date is over. Capisce?

I got up and left. What is it about alcohol that turns Prince Charming into a frog?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans: Sacagawea; NASCAR racing; to take its toll (on someone); you are/is; whatever versus whatsoever

Words:
to leave your mark on (something)
expedition
uncharted territory
trapper
to negotiate
racetrack
ratings
to sanction
series
prize money
trophy
collision
to take its toll (on someone)
whatever
whatsoever

Slow dialogue: 1:32
Explanations: 4:06
Fast dialogue: 16:49

My company sent me on my first business trip, and I was supposed to travel around the city in taxis. Having never ridden in a taxi before, I had problems from start to finish.

First, I had trouble hailing a cab. I didn’t realize that when the taxi’s light is off that the cabbie is off duty. No wonder they took no notice of me.

Then, a cab did pull over and I told him where I wanted to go. He said, though, that he wouldn’t take me because he wouldn’t be able to get a return fare!

I was looking around for a taxi stand when another cab pulled over, but my troubles didn’t stop there.

Cabbie: Where to?

Ignacio: I’d like to go the Hamilton Building downtown. There’s a flat rate, isn’t there?

Cabbie: No, we don’t have flat rates.

Ignacio: But a flat rate to downtown is required by law, isn’t it?

Cabbie: Do you want to go downtown or not? I’ve already started the meter.

Ignacio: Where are your posted rates?

Cabbie: We don’t have any. The first mile is $3.50 and each quarter mile is $2.00.

Ignacio: That doesn’t sound right to me. I think I’ll try another cab.

Cabbie: Suit yourself!

I remembered what my co-worker told me. She said to steer clear of private cabs, like this one. The cabbies don’t have licenses and some of them will really take you for a ride – and not the kind you want!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:29
Explanations: 3:09
Fast dialogue: 14:12

Operator: Emergency operator. State your emergency.

Dirk: We need an ambulance right away.

Operator: What is your name?

Dirk: Dirk, Dirk Omora.

Operator: Can you tell me what happened?

Dirk: There was a car accident.

Operator: Where are you?

Dirk: I’m not sure. I was driving in my car when I saw the pileup. I’m somewhere on Blossom Road. Can you trace my location?

Operator: Yes, we’ll try to do that. Can you see if anyone is hurt?

Dirk: One of the drivers is lying on the ground unconscious, and the other one is bleeding. There’s someone trapped in the back of her car, too. We need to rescue her before the car explodes! I’m going to see if I can help.

Operator: Sir, I need you to stay on the line. I’m sending an ambulance right now, and they’ll have the Jaws of Life and other equipment to do the job. The paramedics will be there very soon.

Dirk: Okay, but hurry!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: living in a tiny home; volume versus issue versus version

Words:
first and foremost
to free up
housework
to come in
to speak to (something)
to wonder
excess
to shift
to downsize
china
thought process
global warming
fluorescent
rethinking
volume
issue
version

Slow dialogue: 1:20
Explanations: 3:25
Fast dialogue: 13:48

Asa: I don’t know how we got stuck with reviewing employee complaints. This has got to be the worst job ever.

Samantha: This is important work, and somebody has to do it. Come on, let’s get started.

Asa: I think it’s bad for morale to allow employees to file complaints. We’re all overworked and underpaid, and most of us are burned out.

Samantha: How else are disgruntled employees going to voice their grievances?

Asa: Personally, I think it’s stupid for employees to put their complaints on paper. Aren’t they worried about retaliation from the management?

Samantha: I don’t think that’s going to happen. The whole point of having this system is to resolve any problems before they get blown out of proportion. It’s to everybody’s benefit to try to make this work.

Asa: On the contrary, I think it makes for a dysfunctional workplace, employees thinking of things to complain about and the management with their backs up against the wall. I just don’t get it.

Samantha: No, I guess you don’t. If you don’t like how things are done around here, I’ve got a suggestion for you.

Asa: What?

Samantha: File a complaint!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:25
Explanations: 4:04
Fast dialogue: 16:26

Agent: Hello, Krashit Insurance.

Jackie: Hi, I wanted to get a quote for car insurance.

Agent: Sure, I can help you with that. I assume you want liability insurance, but what other coverage would you like to get?

Jackie: Umm…I’m not sure. This is my first car.

Agent: In that case, let me make a few suggestions. You’ll definitely want collision insurance. It pays to fix your car if you hit another car or run into something.

Jackie: Okay, sure, I want that.

Agent: You’ll also want comprehensive insurance. It pays for damage to your car.

Jackie: How’s it different from collision insurance?

Agent: Well, it pays for damage to your car that’s not a result of an accident, like in the case of theft, weather damage, or vandalism.

Jackie: Okay, I want that, too.

Agent: You’ll want property damage insurance to pay for damage you cause to someone else’s property. On top of that, you’ll want uninsured motorist insurance in case the other driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to pay for the damage to your car.

Jackie: Umm…I guess I’ll take that, too.

Agent: And I don’t think you can do without medical payments insurance. It pays for your medical bills and those of your passengers in case of an accident. Should I get you a quote for all of this coverage?

Jackie: Why don’t you hold off on that? I’m not sure how I’m going to pay for all that and buy gas, too!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: The Innocence Project; Craigslist; percent versus percentage; the “in� crowd/place; to swear in

Words:
innocence
criminal
convicted
to exonerate
DNA testing
evidence
classified ad
personals
carpool
resource
to swear by
“in�
to swear in

Slow dialogue: 1:19
Explanations: 3:20
Fast dialogue: 13:27

Lance: Did you see Kim at the party last Saturday?

Paulina: Yeah, I saw her. Why?

Lance: She was wearing a skimpy dress and all of the men were leering at her all night. I used to think she was a nice girl. Isn’t she worried that she’ll get a reputation?

Paulina: A reputation for what?

Lance: For being…you know.

Paulina: No, I don’t know.

Lance: For being easy! It doesn’t take much for people to jump to the wrong conclusions when a woman is dressed like that.

Paulina: So based on one dress she wore to a party, you’re ready to consider her promiscuous.

Lance: No, not just based on that. The guys at the party were talking and one of them said he used to date her, and he said…

Paulina: Now you’re listening to some sleazy guy at a party boasting about his conquest. The question is, why are you so ready to give credibility to rumors like that?

Lance: Whoa, don’t go ballistic on me. I was only telling you what I heard. I thought you might be interested.

Paulina: Well, you thought wrong. I used to think that women were catty, but you men are much, much worse!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:23
Explanations: 2:57
Fast dialogue: 14:21

Aretha: Oh, here’s the instruction manual. I’ll read you the section on “getting started.�

Carl: No, you don’t need to do that. I know how to do the installation.

Aretha: But don’t you want to hear about the different functions and specifications?

Carl: There’ll be time for that after everything is hooked up and we program the machine.

Aretha: Okay, but the manual says that you shouldn’t plug in the power supply until you’re done with the installation.

Carl: I won’t. Hmm...where is the port for this cord?

Aretha: Do you want me to look it up in the manual? There’s a troubleshooting section.

Carl: No, I can figure it out myself.

Aretha: Look at this. It’s a diagram of the controls and this section has illustrations on how to use the different modes. Do you want me to read it to you while you’re hooking it up?

Carl: No. Now give me that manual. I work alone.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Appalachia; family arrangements in the U.S.; pain, ache, and sore; diehard; fruitcake

Words:
folk music
coal
mine
isolated
poverty
hillbilly
family arrangement
nuclear family
extended family
generation
empty-nester
DINK
label
pain
ache
sore
diehard (or die-hard)
fruitcake

Slow dialogue: 1:38
Explanations: 4:13
Fast dialogue: 16:34

Phan: Hi, Montel. Thanks for agreeing to meet with me.

Montel: It’s my pleasure.

Phan: Since I’m new here, I was hoping you might be willing to give me some pointers on how to get new clients. To be honest, I’ve never been on this side of the fence before and I’m a little out of my comfort zone.

Montel: Oh, sure, I’m glad to give you as much help as I can. Getting clients is a bit of an art, but the key is building relationships.

Phan: What do you mean?

Montel: Most of my clients come to me through networking. I get referrals from people who know me and know my track record.

Phan: Really? I was thinking that I needed to send out some direct mail or do some cold calling.

Montel: You may need to do that to start, but if I were you, I’d also spend time making connections in the business community. Go where you think business prospects may be. To woo new clients, you need to meet them first.

Phan: How do I find out where they’ll be?

Montel: Again, you make contacts. You’ve made the first step today by getting in touch with me. I’m going to a reception tonight and it will be a who’s who of the business community. Do you want to go?

Phan: Really? You’d let me tag along?

Montel: Sure, but there’s a quid pro quo. In the future, if you get invited to something like this, you invite me to go along.

Phan: That’s more than fair. I think I just got my first lesson in making business connections.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:22
Explanations: 3:08
Fast dialogue: 13:20

Carla: It’s freezing in here! Why is the air conditioner on?

Trent: I just finished exercising and I’m sweating like a pig.

Carla: That’s no reason to turn the A/C on full blast! I’m cold. I’m turning on the heat for a little while.

Trent: Are you crazy? It’s 70 degrees outside!

Carla: I’m no crazier than you are. How come you can turn on the A/C and I can’t turn on the heat?

Trent: I only turned on the A/C because it’s so humid outside, and it was taking a long time for me to cool down. If you’re cold, just open the windows and doors, and we’ll get some ventilation in here. It’ll heat up again pretty quickly.

Carla: What should I do in the meantime? Put on my winter coat or crawl under the covers?

Trent: Go sit outside. I’ll get myself a glass of iced tea and I’ll get you a cup of hot tea. How does that sound?

Carla: Leave it to you to come up with the best idea of the day!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: The song Amazing Grace; specialty cable/satellite channels; to slay, to kill, to murder, to slaughter; I love it versus I’m loving it; dollar versus buck

Words:
amazing
grace
sin
verse
wretch
channel
cable
satellite
specialty
cartoon
package
to slay
to kill
to murder
to slaughter
I love it
I’m loving it
buck

Slow dialogue: 1:27
Explanations: 3:27
Fast dialogue: 14:08

Paige: I think we can get everything we need to fix up the house in one trip. What do you think?

Vern: We can try. It seems like everybody had the same thought when they woke up this morning: Go to the home improvement store!

Paige: Yeah, it’s a little crowded, but I still think we can get all we need today.

Vern: To do that, I think we need to split up. Let’s look at our list and divvy it up.

Paige: Okay, we need to get some wiring to install the new lights. I’ll go to the electrical department for that.

Vern: All right. We need lumber for the new fence, so I’ll go to the building materials department.

Paige: What about the pipes and fixtures we need for the bathroom? Can you go to the plumbing department for those, while I go to the hardware department for the tools?

Vern: Okay, I can do that, but aren’t you feeling tired already? I know I am.

Paige: Come on. How are we supposed to be weekend warriors if we can’t even do some simple shopping? We’ll meet in the garden department afterwards, okay?

Vern: Whatever you say.

Paige: Ready, set, go!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:31
Explanations: 4:03
Fast dialogue: 14:37

Suzanne: Don’t take that! I’m reading an article in the newspaper about all of the drugs and medical devices that have been recalled in the past year and you wouldn’t believe how long this list is.

Abdul: I’m just taking something for my headache. I’m sure this medicine is fine.

Suzanne: Don’t be so sure. I’m just reading about this drug that was contaminated and before it was recalled, it caused 13 deaths.

Abdul: Contaminated drugs are one in a million. Now can I take my medicine?

Suzanne: Listen to this. Over 400 people had terrible side effects before this drug was recalled, and a drug recalled six months ago causes birth defects. Here’s a medical device for people with heart problems that’s defective and eight people died as a result.

Abdul: Okay, I’ve heard enough.

Suzanne: No, wait, there’s more. You’ve got to see this list of alerts that the government issued warning people against over-the-counter drugs like the one you’re about to take. You’d better check to see if it’s on this list.

Abdul: Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve been taking this for months. If there were something wrong with it, don’t you think the pharmaceutical company would have taken out full-page ads in the papers?

Suzanne: I doubt it. Do you think they want to encourage litigation?

Abdul: Here, you check it against that list. If you find it on there, you can say you’ve saved my life!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans: Barack Obama; presidential inaugurations; common versus ordinary versus normal; darling and dear; full-fledged

Words:
president-elect
prestigious
achievement
remarkable
race relations
public speaker
campaign
optimistic
inauguration
oath
address
parade
common
ordinary
normal
darling
dear
full-fledged

Slow dialogue: 1:12
Explanations: 3:11
Fast dialogue: 15:30

Paulina: Did you get your Social Security statement? I just got mine in the mail. If I keep working at this rate for the next 20 years, between Social Security and my savings, I should be sitting pretty for retirement.

Carlos: Yeah, I should be okay when I retire, too. I’ve been contributing to a 401(k) through my work for years, and my company gives a matching contribution.

Paulina: Really? I never bothered with a 401(k).

Carlos: A 401(k) really adds up over time. I also have an IRA, which is tax-deferred, and I have my money in a portfolio that is split between stocks and bonds. All of these investments are for the long haul, of course. How about you? What’s your retirement plan?

Paulina: I have money stashed away in a nice little nest egg.

Carlos: Where do you have your money invested?

Paulina: It’s safe and sound, don’t you worry.

Carlos: [Laughs] You make it sound like you have it stashed under your mattress.

Paulina: A mattress is a very safe place for your money!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:17
Explanations: 3:19
Fast dialogue: 15:35

Russ: Mom says you’re having a slumber party next Saturday.

Irene: I’m just having a few friends over for a sleepover and it’s none of your business.

Russ: Don’t be like that. How many people did you invite?

Irene: I’m not telling you anything. I know what you’re thinking. You want to pull pranks on us.

Russ: No, I don’t. I just want to know how many giggling girls in sleeping bags I’ll have to step over to get to the kitchen.

Irene: You’re not going to get anything out of me. I can see right through you.

Russ: Are you going to wear your pajamas with feet?

Irene: Don’t be stupid! I haven’t worn those since I was six!

Russ: Can I be part of the pillow fight?

Irene: No way! You’re not invited!

Russ: But you’re going to stay up all night and watch movies, aren’t you? I want to do that, too.

Irene: You’d better stop teasing me or I’m going to tell Mom.

Russ: I’m not doing anything. I’m only trying to help you plan your party.

Irene: Right! You want to help me? It’s more like you want to wreck my party.

Russ: Ah, you’ve hurt my feelings.

Irene: I doubt it. Now leave me alone!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

ESLPod.com and the Center for Educational Development present to you, Introduction to the United States, a 100 episode course that will teach you about life in the United States, including its government and history. This course is based upon the 100 questions used by the U.S. government in its citizenship examination, and includes basic information about the U.S. and its people.

Each episode of the course begins with a basic question about the U.S., followed by a short answer, and then a detailed explanation of that answer. Each episode is first presented at a slow speed, and then at a normal rate of speech. All of the episodes include a special Learning Guide that contains the complete transcript of the episode, as well as vocabulary definitions and sample sentences using the new terms.

We hope you enjoy this special course!

Topics: Ask an American: forecasting the future; offhand; off the top of one’s head; out with the old, in with the new; using “more� versus “-er� to form the comparative

Words:
desalination
shortage
nanotechnology
to associate (something) with (something)
water-stressed
to thrive
ideally
leisure
ironic
perceived
roughly
bright
spot
informed
to fit with (something)
offhand
off the top of one’s head
out with the old, in with the new

Slow dialogue: 1:26
Explanations: 3:17
Fast dialogue: 14:51

Sue: I just made airline reservations for our trip. Do you want to look over the itinerary before I purchase the tickets?

Alex: Which airline is it?

Sue: It’s McTse Air.

Alex: Oh, no, I don’t want to fly on that low-cost airline! We don’t get assigned seats and all of the passengers rush the gate when boarding begins. I hate that!

Sue: Not having assigned seats is a small price to pay for low fares. The service may be stripped down, but I don’t think the experience is that bad.

Alex: I don’t mind a no-frills flight, but I don’t want to fly out of some tiny airport that’s an hour away. Which airport would we be departing from?

Sue: It’s the Burbank Airport. Yes, I know it’s less convenient to fly out of a secondary airport, but I don’t see what the big deal is.

Alex: Okay, hand it over. I’m taking over the planning for our vacation. I’m not willing to sacrifice comfort to save a few bucks.

Sue: Fine, be my guest.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 3:05
Fast dialogue: 16:02

Marissa: How can I help?

Juan Carlos: Um...why don’t you iron the tablecloth and set the table?

Marissa: I already did that. I want to help with the cooking.

Juan Carlos: Okay, you can scrub these potatoes, peel the carrots, and rinse these grapes.

Marissa: All right, I’ll do that, but I think you’re just giving me the scut work. I want to do some real cooking.

Juan Carlos: Well okay, I guess you could cut up this chicken and then chop these vegetables. After that, you can sauté the vegetables in this pan.

Marissa: Great! Now, how do you sauté? I’ve never done it before.

Juan Carlos: What?! Forget it. You can steam the vegetables instead.

Marissa: Okay, just show me how.

Juan Carlos: Never mind. Here, just beat these eggs and slice these onions. When you’re done, you can toss that salad.

Marissa: But I want to whip up some gourmet dishes. When can I cook?

Juan Carlos: That’s a good question. Ask me again when you’ve learned how!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: America's Most Wanted; buying a first home; similar to but distinct from; on the side; a fair extent

Words:
wanted
criminals
to reenact
tip
resources
grants
down payment
mortgage
tax credits
to shop around for
real estate agent
to make an offer
similar
distinct
on the side
a fair extent

Slow dialogue: 1:25
Explanations: 3:30
Fast dialogue: 15:43

Edgar: What a crock!

Ann: What is it?

Edgar: I’m reading an article about successful business people who were self-made men and women. I don’t believe a word of it.

Ann: What don’t you believe?

Edgar: These people didn’t pull themselves up by their bootstraps. They were all born with silver spoons in their mouths.

Ann: Not all successful people were born into money and privilege.

Edgar: That’s true, but it gets me riled up when people who grew up at the country club claim to have had humble beginnings.

Ann: Just because some people were born with a leg up doesn’t mean they didn’t work hard to get where they are.

Edgar: Where would that hard work have gotten them if they didn’t have backers with deep pockets, or if they didn’t know people in high places? I know plenty of hard-working people who aren’t hobnobbing with the rich and famous.

Ann: That’s true enough. Who needs the rich and famous? I’ll take my hard-working man over any of them any day.

Edgar: That’s why I married you – a woman with beauty and brains!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:37
Explanations: 3:53
Fast dialogue: 14:00

The school that my daughter attends is trying to decide whether or not to ban certain books, which some parents think are inappropriate. The school called a parents meeting to talk over the issue.

At the meeting, one woman said: “The books on this list are obscene! I don’t want my children reading that filth!�

Another parent responded: “That’s absurd! Haven’t you ever heard of free speech? Banning books violates everything we Americans believe in.�

Another parent said: “I don’t like the way this book portrays history. To me, it’s morally objectionable.�

Still another parent complained: “There is too much graphic violence in these books and I won’t allow my son to be exposed to it.�

A parent stood up and yelled: “People who want to ban books are fear mongering. They don’t give our kids enough credit.�

The meeting turned into a shouting match. If you ask me, I’m very glad that none of the students were at this meeting. They would be learning an important lesson, but not one that any parent would want!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans: Weird Al Yankovic; Alcoholics Anonymous; figure out versus realize; kind of; noun + --ee and --er

Words:
weird
parody
to make light of
relevant
alcoholic
addicted
anonymous
to break an addiction
sober
support group
to abstain
mentor
to figure out
kind of

Slow dialogue: 1:17
Explanations: 3:37
Fast dialogue: 15:22

Heather: Hi, are you the apartment manager? I saw the vacancy sign outside and I’m looking for an apartment.

Sam: Yes, I’m Sam. We have one unit available right now. When are you looking to move in?

Heather: The lease on my apartment is up soon, so I’d like to move in the first of the month.

Sam: Okay, follow me and let me show you the unit. Each unit gets one parking space in the garage, and there are laundry facilities on the first floor. The landlord pays for the gas, but the tenant pays for all other utilities. Here’s the unit. Take a look around.

Heather: Oh, this is nice. Is this a furnished unit?

Sam: It can be furnished or unfurnished, your choice. Since it’s an end unit, there’s only one common wall.

Heather: This apartment is exactly what I’m looking for. How much is the rent?

Sam: It’s $900 a month and we require a 12-month lease. To move in, you’ll need to have the first and last month’s rent, plus a security deposit.

Heather: How much is the security deposit?

Sam: It’s $450.

Heather: Okay, I’ll think it over and get back to you. Thanks for your time.

Sam: These units go fast, so if you’re interested, I suggest that you jump on it.

Heather: Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:08
Explanations: 3:24
Fast dialogue: 15:59

Lucy: I’m so excited! My friend, Marlene, is coming to town for a visit.

Buddy: Have I met Marlene?

Lucy: No, I don’t think so. We grew up together and we were always joined at the hip.

Buddy: When I was little, I had a friend like that. We were blood brothers.

Lucy: Yeah, Marlene and I did everything together and she was my confidant about everything.

Buddy: She sounds like a great friend.

Lucy: Yeah, she always had my back and I could always count on her to give it to me straight.

Buddy: A friend like that is hard to come by. Are you still close?

Lucy: Not as close as I’d like. We live in different cities and it’s hard to keep up with what’s happening in each other’s lives.

Buddy: I can see that. Does she know you’re getting married?

Lucy: No, I wanted to break the news to her face-to-face.

Buddy: Why? I would have thought you’d want to tell her the good news right away.

Lucy: Well, I want her to be my maid of honor and I’m not sure how she’ll react to the dress she’ll have to wear.

Buddy: Is it that bad?

Lucy: My future mother-in-law picked it out and I can’t say “no.� Here’s a picture of it.

Buddy: Well, I’m glad she’s such a good friend, because if anything can break up a friendship, it’s that dress.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Alternative energy; Monticello; criticize versus chastise versus chasten; please inform versus please be informed; to denominate

Words:
alternative
nonrenewable resources
environmentally friendly
documentary
political spectrum
to advocate for
estate
on display
to waste
plantation
slaves
to inherit
to criticize
to chastise
to chasten
please inform
please be informed
denomination

Slow dialogue: 1:38
Explanations: 3:52
Fast dialogue: 12:49

Shawna: Hello, Shawna Davis.

Monty: Hello, Shawna. This is Monty Lofti at BMC. I need to talk to you about our ad that ran in your newspaper yesterday.

Shawna: Sure, Monty. Was there a problem?

Monty: Yes, there certainly was a problem. Instead of the picture of our model, there was a picture of a dog!

Shawna: That’s awful! I wasn’t aware of the substitution. On behalf of the newspaper, I sincerely apologize for the error.

Monty: I don’t think you understand the magnitude of the problem. Our slogan is: “Look in the mirror and this could be you!� Now do you get it? Our store is a laughingstock!

Shawna: I can’t tell you how sorry we are for this egregious mistake. We will certainly run a correction in tomorrow’s paper, and we will run a corrected version of your ad. That’s the least we can do. Is there anything else we can do to make amends for our mistake?

Monty: Yes, there is. I’d like the person responsible to be called on the mat for this.

Shawna: Rest assured. We take this matter very seriously. We’ll find out who is responsible and heads will roll.

Monty: Good. That’s what I wanted to hear.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:16
Explanations: 3:22
Fast dialogue: 15:04

Nivia: Why are you walking funny?

Michael: Oh, I pulled a muscle in my right leg while playing with my kids last weekend. It’s hard to walk without feeling a twinge of pain.

Nivia: I’m sorry to hear that. Why are you sitting in that awkward position?

Michael: I strained my back while exercising. Initially, I felt a sharp pain and I thought it was something serious, but it doesn’t hurt much now. There’s just a dull pain when I sit up straight. That’s why I’m sitting like this, leaning to the side.

Nivia: That’s too bad. Why are you holding your arms that way?

Michael: I got up in the middle of the night last night to go to the bathroom and bumped into the door. I got a huge bruise on my arm. It feels better if I hold it over my head.

Nivia: Why are you shaking your fingers that way?

Michael: I helped my daughter finish her science project for school. I – I mean we – glued over 100 wooden sticks together. My fingers are really sore and stiff, and they won’t stop throbbing.

Nivia: I’m afraid to ask you any more questions. I don’t think any man could survive any more injuries than what you already have!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Cities: Detroit; wills, living wills, and advance healthcare directives; solution and solve vs. resolution and resolve; family vs. household

Words:
waterfront property
synonymous
unemployment rate
to cross racial lines
last will and testament
beneficiaries
minor
trust
assets
estate
artificial life support
organ donor
solution
to solve
resolution
to resolve
family
household

Slow dialogue: 1:12
Explanations: 3:51
Fast dialogue: 17:00

Torsten: What are you doing, clipping coupons? That’s a waste of time.

Cindy: You can think what you like, but these days, we have to cut corners wherever we can.

Torsten: No one actually saves much money using coupons.

Cindy: That’s what you think. The last time I went to the grocery store, I saved over $20 just by using coupons.

Torsten: How can you keep track of all of the expiration dates and the terms and conditions? It’s not worth the trouble.

Cindy: Do you feel that way about rebate offers, too? A month ago, I bought our new TV and saved 20 percent. And yesterday, I bought a pack of DVDs for just $2.

Torsten: Are you putting me on? A pack of DVDs for $2?

Cindy: Yeah, it was a great offer, but it was only for one day. I had to cut out the UPC code, fill out a form, and mail it in with the receipt to the manufacturer. Then, I sent a copy of the receipt to the retailer and got another discount. That’s how I got the DVDs for next to nothing.

Torsten: You might save money with rebates, but you have to sit around forever waiting for the rebate check.

Cindy: It’s true that the turnaround is often 8-10 weeks, but some of the offers are worth the wait.

Torsten: Do what you like, but I’m too busy to mess around with coupons and rebates.

Cindy: That’s why you married a penny-pincher. If I left it up to you, we’d be in the poorhouse by now!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:31
Explanations: 3:12
Fast dialogue: 13:20

Adriana: Shhh, I’m trying to listen to the radio.

Ralph: How can you listen to that radio station? All of their deejays have such funny voices.

Adriana: That’s precisely why I like it. Take this guy, Kevin. He has a deep, husky voice that I find really sexy.

Ralph: This guy? His voice is so monotone that it lulls me to sleep every time I hear it.

Adriana: Well, if you don’t like his voice, how about his sidekick, Lisa May? Her voice is music to my ears.

Ralph: She has a nice lilt in her voice, but it’s so high-pitched and squeaky. It can really be grating to listen to her for more than a few minutes.

Adriana: Okay, if you don’t like their voices, what kind of voices do you like?

Ralph: I like a gravelly voice, speaking softly and saying...

Adriana: I’m not talking about your fantasies. I don’t want to know anything about those!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: underage drinking; to chalk (something) up to; fluke; quite; ain’t; domino effect and chain reaction

Words:
access
consistency
rebellious
binge drinking
DUI
DWI
assault
date rape
to model
sexually transmitted disease
unintended
addiction
go ahead
to lower
to chalk up to
fluke
quite
ain’t
domino effect
chain reaction

Slow dialogue: 1:25
Explanations: 3:00
Fast dialogue: 14:23

Tim: Damn it!

Pam: What’s the matter?

Tim: It’s this copier. My original didn’t come out of the feeder and there’s a paper jam.

Pam: Let me see if I can clear it. This machine is really temperamental.

Tim: Tell me about it.

Pam: Okay, I found your original, but it’s stuck. I’m afraid if I pull too hard, it’ll tear.

Tim: Let me try. I got it! Okay, I need to shrink the first page and adjust the contrast so that it’s more readable. Then I need to enlarge the second page. After that, I need to make 20 collated copies.

Pam: Oh, oh, don’t look now, but the toner light is on. You’ll need to put in a new cartridge.

Tim: Is there anything else that can go wrong with this stupid copier?!

Pam: Don’t tempt fate. It could be worse. The whole thing could break down!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:26
Explanations: 3:13
Fast dialogue: 10:54

Silvia: What are you watching?

Hermann: I’m watching a show about the health problems in developing countries.

Silvia: Don’t we have enough healthcare problems here, in this country?

Hermann: We do, but there are countries that have a lot more acute problems than we do.

Silvia: Oh, those kids are so cute.

Hermann: Yeah, but a lot of them are going to die of malnutrition and infectious diseases, things that are preventable.

Silvia: I thought the biggest problem was the spread of AIDS and HIV.

Hermann: Those are huge problems, no question about it, but a lot of people die of other preventable diseases, too, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and measles. Believe it or not, we’ve had immunizations for measles for over 40 years!

Silvia: That’s terrible. I can see why you’re studying medicine. I wish I could be a doctor.

Hermann: You could, but first, you’ll need to get over your fear of blood.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Brown v. Board of Education; yearbooks in American schools; indeed; none of them is/are; down to the wire

Words:
case
party
landmark decision
inferior
to rule
to enroll
to desegregate
yearbook
keepsake
peers
hairdos
autograph
indeed
none of them is/are
down to the wire

Slow dialogue: 1:10
Explanations: 2:39
Fast dialogue: 14:12

Maggie: What did you think of the book you started last week?

Kurt: Oh, I liked it well enough.

Maggie: Wow, that’s a glowing recommendation.

Kurt: Well, it started off with a bang and the suspense in the first half was great. I couldn’t put it down. Then, the pace changed in the second half and it was an effort to finish it.

Maggie: Really? I read it a few months ago and I loved it. I thought the characterization was really good. I could really relate to the two main characters.

Kurt: Yeah, that’s true enough, but the plot dragged, don’t you think? The author just couldn’t pull it off and the ending was laughable.

Maggie: I really liked the ending! I can’t wait for the sequel.

Kurt: Well, that makes one of us.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:14
Explanations: 3:07
Fast dialogue: 12:35

Part of my job as school principal is to hand out awards and scholarships to students. We recently had a ceremony to do just that.
_________

Principal: Miguel, I want to commend you for your work this year and congratulate you for winning the science award. It is well deserved.

The recipient of this year’s community service award is Monique for her outstanding achievements. My heartiest congratulations to you, Monique.

I am also very proud of another one of our students, Yugo, who has been awarded the ESL Podcast award. This prestigious award honors the achievements of outstanding students. Yugo, a job well done.

Finally, we are also honoring one of our teachers today. For her dedication to her students and to the school, we are recognizing the achievements of Ms. Niehbur. I cannot imagine a more deserving teacher. Please accept my sincere congratulations.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: U.S. Mint; how auctions work; cache versus cash; listen to versus listen for

Words:
mint
coins
circulation
worn out
to melt down
to deface
pennies
auction
high-end
antique
bid
cash
cache
cachet
to listen to
to listen for

Slow dialogue: 1:30
Explanations: 3:17
Fast dialogue: 12:11

Tandia: Do you want these want ads after I’m finished with them?

Hank: No, I’m not going to find my dream job in the classifieds. I’m going to have to get more creative with my job search.

Tandia: What are you looking for?

Hank: I want a job that’s rewarding and fast-paced, and with good growth potential, but all I see are dead-end jobs.

Tandia: I know what you mean. I’m looking for something that’s challenging, but also with flexible work hours. All of my friends have great jobs. Why can’t I land one of them?

Hank: Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we need a better game plan.

Tandia: What do you have in mind?

Hank: I’m not sure, but we need to get noticed.

Tandia: Why don’t you take out a billboard? That should get you noticed.

Hank: Hey, that’s really thinking out of the box.

Tandia: I was joking!

Hank: I’m not. That’s an inspired idea. Now what should we put on the billboard?

Tandia: You’re crazy!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:35
Explanations: 3:42
Fast dialogue: 14:04

Becky: I want to thank all of you for coming today. I think we all agree that we need to organize a protest...

Pedro: Hold on, Becky. We all want to voice our opinion that we oppose what is going on here, but I’m not sure a protest is the answer.

Becky: With all due respect, Pedro, I think a rally is the best way to do that.

Pedro: That may be, but I think we need to consider a few things first. Taking to the streets means coordinating a lot of people. That means getting them to show up, to march, and to hold up signs. I’m not sure we have enough time to pull it all off.

Becky: Don’t get me wrong. I’m not in favor of doing anything half-assed. If we decide to protest, we want to do it right so that we get a lot of media coverage. I’m confident that we have enough people and time to get it all done.

Pedro: Okay, but another thing we should be ready for is a counter protest. The other side isn’t going to take things lying down.

Becky: You’re right, and we’ll take that into consideration. Is there any more discussion before we start on the planning? No? Okay, let’s get down to business.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Naming Rights; Famous Americans: Cesar Chavez; Why Americans have middle names; future perfect tense; American versus U.S. as an adjective

Words:
naming rights
donation
connotations
deal
civil rights leaders
migrant farm worker
charismatic
to protest
pesticide
boycott
to fast
legacy
middle name

Slow dialogue: 1:17
Explanations: 2:53
Fast dialogue: 13:54

Brenda: It’s fun shopping for a new cell phone, don’t you think?

Yoji: Sure, but I just need one with the bare basics.

Brenda: Not me. I want one that’s top-of-the-line. My old phone was cheap and flimsy, and it started acting up after only a few months.

Yoji: I want something that’s good quality, but I don’t think I should have to pay top dollar for it, especially since I don’t need the bells and whistles.

Brenda: The bells and whistles are the best part!

Yoji: I like this one. It seems sturdy and it should last me for years.

Brenda: That is one ugly phone!

Yoji: I don’t care about its looks. I just want something functional and that won’t fall apart.

Brenda: I’m not arguing for style over substance, but that phone is hideous.

Yoji: I’ll get over it.

Brenda: Yes, but I’m not sure I will!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:13
Explanations: 3:19
Fast dialogue: 14:01

Agency employee: Tell me why you’d like to sign up with our employment agency.

Kurt: Well, right now I’m working in a dead end job. There are no opportunities for advancement. I’m already at the top of the pay scale, so there’s no chance of another pay raise.

Agency employee: Okay, I’d like to find out a little more about your employment history. Tell me about your last job.

Kurt: Oh, that was a mind-numbing position. I did menial work all day and I burned out in six months.

Agency employee: What about the job you had before that?

Kurt: The problem with that job was that there was a glass ceiling. They would never promote a person like me.

Agency employee: And what about the job you had before that?

Kurt: I only took that job as a steppingstone to the next one, but it turned out to be a stumbling block instead. My boss didn’t like me and wouldn’t give me a good reference.

Agency employee: Okay, so you were not happy with any of the jobs you’ve had.

Kurt: No, they weren’t right for me. I don’t want to be trapped in a dead end job. I want something that will give me personal satisfaction.

Agency employee: I see. Well, we’ll do the best we can. Have you considered working at an employment agency? I’m looking for a new job myself.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: D.B. Cooper; the Underground Railroad; extend versus expand; God forbid; brown-bag lunch

Words:
to hijack
threat
unsolved mystery
flight attendant
bomb
parachute
in exchange for
frayed
unconvinced
slave
to escape
to be sympathetic toward
to extend
to expand
God forbid
brown-bag lunch

Slow dialogue: 1:44
Explanations: 4:34
Fast dialogue: 16:25

Brett: Hi, Mom. Come in. Welcome to my new place. My roommates aren’t here right now or I’d introduce you.

Mom: Hi, dear. This is...uh...nice.

Brett: It is, isn’t it? I know you were a little worried about me moving out and into a house with five roommates. But as you can see, this is a nice place. Let me give you a tour.

Mom: Oh, okay. Isn’t it a little cramped in the house with six people?

Brett: No way! Come on. I’ll show you the rest of the house. Let’s go this way to the kitchen. Watch out for that hole in the floor. I don’t want you to trip. And don’t worry about the “Do Not Cross – Police Line� tape. It’s just a joke.

Mom: This is the kitchen? Why are all of your dishes on the floor? What do you keep in your cupboards?

Brett: Be careful opening them! We’re short on closet space so some of the guys keep their clothes and shoes in them. You never know what you’ll find if you open one. We just have to watch our step when we walk around the kitchen. Come on, I’ll show you the bathroom.

Mom: You only have one bathroom for six people?

Brett: We’re guys so we don’t really need more than one bathroom. I just have to pay attention to when people take showers if I want enough hot water for my own shower. Watch your head!

Mom: Too late for the heads up! Something just fell on my head.

Brett: Oh, it’s nothing. It’s just a little problem with the ceiling.

Mom: Look out! I think the ceiling is falling down! This place is dangerous!

Brett: It’s nothing. Don’t worry. As long as we stay alert, this is a great place to live.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:21
Explanations: 3:11
Fast dialogue: 15:48

Svetlana: Tomorrow is the first day of junior high. Are you ready?

Quinn: Sure, it’s not that big a deal. I already put some supplies in my new backpack.

Svetlana: Let’s see. You have some folders, a three-ring binder, and a pen. Is that all you’re bringing to school?

Quinn: I don’t have my books yet. I’ll get those tomorrow morning. What else do I need? I’m not in the second grade. I don’t need things like glue, crayons, and construction paper.

Svetlana: No, but you’re missing a lot of stuff. I should know. You have a pen, but no pencils. You have no erasers or highlighters. You have a three-ring binder, but you don’t have any ruled paper or a notebook.

Quinn: I don’t need all of that stuff on the first day!

Svetlana: You want to be prepared, don’t you? Where are your index cards? Don’t you have a calculator? You’ll need it for your math class.

Quinn: Are you kidding me?! If I carry all of that plus my books, who will carry me to class?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: Tattoos; to cover up, talk versus say versus speak, pronouncing certain consonants in the middle of words

Words:
buzz
tattoo parlor
tough guys
broken heart
to commemorate
new born
angst
to put out there
to hop in/into
intricate
to cover up
to speak
to say
to talk

Slow dialogue: 1:30
Explanations: 3:35
Fast dialogue: 15:23

Bernie: Oh, I’m in so much pain! Where is the medication we got from the pharmacy?

Gloria: It’s right here, but we need to read the label first. Okay, these are the active ingredients and they seem okay. This warning says that we need to watch out for any allergic reactions. It also says to ask your doctor before using it if you have heart problems.

Bernie: I don’t. Can you just give me the medication?

Gloria: I’m checking to make sure the seal under the cap isn’t broken, just to be on the safe side. I also need to read the dosage information so you’ll know how much to take. It says, “Adults (12 years or older): Two tablets every four hours; do not exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours.�

Bernie: That’s fine. That’s fine. Where is the prescription medication from my doctor?

Gloria: Here it is. This one has several warnings. It says that it may cause drowsiness or dizziness. It also says, “This drug may impair your ability to drive.�

Bernie: I don’t plan to drive today or any day soon. Now will you please give me my medication?

Gloria: I will as soon as I get this childproof cap off.

Bernie: I may be dead by then!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:13
Explanations: 3:03
Fast dialogue: 12:58

Anya: I don’t know how I’m going to get all of this work done before I go on vacation.

Estevan: What you need to do is to delegate. Stop being a control freak and get other people to help you with your work.

Anya: I’ve tried to delegate before, but I ended up having to redo the work myself. It was no timesaver at all. It definitely wasn’t worth the trouble.

Estevan: That’s because you have to delegate in the right way. You can’t just assign a project to one of your employees. You have to give them explicit instructions and measurable goals.

Anya: I did that. I gave my employee detailed instructions and she still let me down.

Estevan: I bet you didn’t ask her to report back to you periodically, did you? To get results, you have to tell your employees to give you progress reports. That way, you can make sure she’s on the right track. See what I mean?

Anya: Okay, maybe you’re right. I know one thing. If I don’t get some help soon, I’ll be spending my vacation at my desk!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Cities: Chicago; The Star-Spangled Banner; just versus only versus mere; to kick butt

Words:
windy
magnificent
skyscraper
public transportation system
gangster
Prohibition
league
anthem
dawn
twilight
patriotic
mere
to kick butt

Slow dialogue: 1:37
Explanations: 3:51
Fast dialogue: 14:19

Ginger: It’s really nice of you to come with me to buy my computer. This is the desktop I’m thinking about.

Kevin: This is okay, but if I were you, I’d buy a laptop. It’s more versatile. You can travel with it.

Ginger: I’m not sure about getting a laptop. The screen is so small.

Kevin: No problem. You can get a separate monitor. This is a good one. You just need a connector and a cable to hook it up to your laptop. Here’s a monitor stand, too, so you can elevate it if you want to.

Ginger: The speakers on the laptop aren’t very loud.

Kevin: You can get these great speakers. You plug them into your laptop and the sound is amazing.

Ginger: I’m not sure about the battery.

Kevin: It comes with a battery that lasts three to five hours, but you can always buy a spare. Of course, it comes with a power cord, too, so you can just plug it in if your battery runs low.

Ginger: The keyboard is a little cramped, too.

Kevin: That’s what a full-size keyboard is for. You can buy a separate keyboard and mouse and attaching them to your laptop. It’ll be just like having a desktop.

Ginger: Then why don’t I just buy a desktop?

Kevin: If you do, you won’t be able to buy all of these great accessories. That’s half the fun of buying a new computer!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:32
Explanations: 3:29
Fast dialogue: 15:00

Dale: I didn’t know you read that forum. What’s your screen name?

Jessie: It’s “jessiegirl,� but I don’t post very often. I like to lurk and follow the different threads, but I prefer to keep a low profile.

Dale: Really? I post all the time. I just put my new web address on my profile, and check this out. It’s my new avatar.

Jessie: That’s cool. I’ve been trying to figure out how to upload a picture for my avatar. Are there instructions in the FAQs?

Dale: I’m not sure, but I can show you how to do it. Have you been following the thread about the presidential campaign?

Jessie: Yeah, I had been...until today.

Dale: Why’s that?

Jessie: I stopped reading when this one guy, “bigman,� started to flame everybody, saying that anyone who didn’t agree with him is an idiot.

Dale: Oh, really?

Jessie: Yeah, he started posting replies, writing in all caps and letting people have it. He quoted people out of context and attacked them. What a jerk!

Dale: Yeah, that guy sounds like a jerk.

Jessie: Hey, what did you say your screen name is?

Dale: Never mind.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans: Amy Tan; Americans with Disabilities Act; to take convincing, full-fledged, dude

Words:
descent
to fight
to give (someone) the silent treatment
promise
life-changing event
expectation
act
disability
to enact
discrimination
accessibility
wheelchair
elevator
ramp
exception to the rule
bars
to take convincing
full-fledged
dude

Slow dialogue: 1:27
Explanations: 3:43
Fast dialogue: 15:06

Lyla: Okay, here’s a hypothetical. You ask a girl for her number, but wait two weeks to call her. What gives?

George: Well, that depends. Why?

Lyla: Well, I met this guy two weeks ago at a party. We spent the entire evening talking and I thought we really hit it off. We had a lot of chemistry and we had a ton of things in common. He asked for my number and he said he’d call me the next day. And then, I didn’t hear hide nor hair of him until yesterday, 10 days after we met. How come?

George: What did he say when he called? What was his pathetic excuse?

Lyla: I didn’t talk to him. I wasn’t home and he left a voicemail message. I haven’t called him back yet.

George: Why don’t you just call him and find out?

Lyla: He just called yesterday and I don’t want to seem desperate.

George: Oh, come on. He probably just lost your number and found it yesterday.

Lyla: That’s possible.

George: Or he had to go out of town and just got back.

Lyla: I suppose.

George: Or maybe he was nervous about calling you and just got up the nerve.

Lyla: Do you really think so?

George: Maybe. Or maybe he’s playing hard to get or he’s just not that into you.

Lyla: Oh.

George: But you won’t know if you don’t call him back.

Lyla: I guess that’s true.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:38
Explanations: 3:47
Fast dialogue: 15.25

Candace: Hello.

Mehdi: Hello, may I speak to Candace Cho, please?

Candace: Speaking.

Mehdi: Oh, hello Ms. Cho. My name is Mehdi and I’m interested in applying for the job as assistant manager. Your name was listed as the contact person. Am I calling at a bad time?

Candace: No, not at all. I’m the administrative assistant and I’m fielding calls for the person doing the hiring. What can I do for you?

Mehdi: Well, I read the job description and I think I would be a good fit, but I was wondering if there are any special qualifications not mentioned in the description.

Candace: Well, requirements are spelled out in the description, and I don’t have much to add, really. But I do know that the person doing the hiring is looking for someone to start immediately. Can you do that?

Mehdi: Sure, that’s no problem. I’ll be sure to mention that in my cover letter. Thanks.

Candace: If you’ve had experience managing a large staff, be sure to emphasize that in your résumé. Any other questions?

Mehdi: No, no other questions. Thank you very much for your time. You’ve been very helpful.

Candace: Your questions show a lot of initiative. I’m sure you’ll do fine.

Mehdi: Thanks, I really appreciate the vote of confidence.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: The CIA; how to become a court interpreter and/or an interpreter for the U.N.; haunting versus haunted; completion versus completeness; to take (somebody) on

Words:
intelligence
foreign
advisor
clandestine
to tap a phone
to bug
to infiltrate
espionage
implication
interpreter
court
to polish
haunting
haunted
completion
completeness
to take on

Slow dialogue: 1:46
Explanations: 3:55
Fast dialogue: 15:28

Janine: Okay, we need to find one more act for this year’s show. How many more people are waiting to audition?

Calvin: There are two more. Should I call in the first one?

Janine: Yup. Let’s get this over with.
...

Calvin: What did you think of that performance?

Janine: I thought she was flawless. She plays with a lot of passion.

Calvin: Yeah, that’s true, but I wouldn’t call her a virtuoso. The piece she played was pretty rudimentary.

Janine: True enough, but I still think she’s a winner.

Calvin: Let’s hear the next one.
...

Calvin: Well?

Janine: He certainly played with a lot of flair.

Calvin: He has amazing chops, I think. I haven’t seen anyone play with such artistry in a long time.

Janine: Nobody can fault him on mastery of the music, but don’t you think he lacked originality and expressiveness?

Calvin: No, I don’t. I think he’s a winner.

Janine: It’s clear that it’s a stalemate. I want the first performer and you want the second. What should we do?

Calvin: I think we should duke it out and the winner gets his or her choice.

Janine: I have a better idea. We add them both to the bill.

Calvin: That’s brilliant! That’s why they pay you the big bucks.

Janine: I would be flattered if we weren’t all volunteers!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:21
Explanations: 3:18
Fast dialogue: 14:53

Olivia: Dad, can I ask you a question?

Dad: You just did.

Olivia: I mean, can I ask you another question?

Dad: Ask away.

Olivia: Where do babies come from?

Dad: What? Where did you come up with that one?

Olivia: I don’t know.

Dad: Let me tell you. That’s for grown-ups to know. You’re just a pipsqueak. You mind your own business and I’ll tell you when you’re a little older.

Olivia: Why can’t you tell me now?

Dad: No comment.

Olivia: Dad, what does no comment mean?

Dad: That’s confidential.

Olivia: Why is it confidential?

Dad: That’s personal.

Olivia: Dad, just tell me.

Dad: Never you mind.

Olivia: But I want to know!

Dad: And I want to know why I can’t get some peace and quiet in this house.

Olivia: Oh, Dad.

Dad: Don’t “oh, Dad� me. Just wait and see. You’ll get all the answers you want when you’re older.

Olivia: But Dad, I want to know now. Where do babies come from?

Dad: I’m out of answers. Go ask your mother.

Olivia: I did. Mom said to ask you.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Jeff: Hello and welcome to ESL Podcast’s third anniversary video podcast. We are now three years old, and as we do every year we are recording a short video podcast for you. This year, we asked you to send us some questions to answer, and in this podcast I and Lucy will be answering some of your questions.

So, the first question is: “How did the podcast get started?� Well, back in the spring of 2005, three years ago, I read about podcasting in the newspaper and I decided to investigate it and learn about it. It sounded very interesting, a very good way to reach many people directly, and I wanted to do some more English teaching over the Internet. And on July 22nd, 2005 we had our first ESL Podcast episode, and here we are three years later.

The podcast originally was done by me during the first week or two, and then Dr. Lucy Tse came and started writing the scripts and helping produce the podcast, and basically making it more professional, and Lucy and I now work together as a team to do that.

We also have other people that help us now with the podcast in different ways. Adriano, our webmaster, is an excellent technical person, and he helps us with all of the website information that we need. We have Jessica, who does a lot of our writing, especially for the Learning Guides, and she also now does some customer service. She helps us with our communications with you, the listener. And we also have Sue, who does what we call postproduction. She does all of the editing and putting the audio together and making sure everything sounds good, and she also does some video editing. So, Sue is an expert in many things. And, we are very lucky to have someone as talented as Adriano, someone as smart and as creative as Jessica, and someone who’s such an expert in all things technical, that being Sue.

Next question is: “How did we think people would receive the podcast? Did we think it would be a success?� And the answer is absolutely not. We were very surprised, shocked when we got 100 listeners, and then 500 listeners, and soon after 1,000 listeners. Now we have thousands and thousands of listeners all over the world, and we are very happy but very surprised, and we have always been surprised by that.

Someone asked: “How long does it take to record and produce the podcast?� Well, if you start from the writing of the script, which Lucy does, and the Learning Guides, and recording, and the editing, and the web work, and all the rest, it’s probably a total time for all of us together of somewhere between 10 and 12 hours per episode – each episode. So, we do three episodes a week plus we do special courses, so it’s – it’s a very big job, but we love doing it. We really enjoy it.

Someone was commenting on my reading of the scripts and wanted to know if I had an acting career – if I was an actor. Well, I live here in Hollywood, in Los Angeles, and actually I was an actor many years ago, more than 20 years ago. I was in a movie, you may have heard of it, called Star Wars with Harrison Ford. Harrison’s a great guy! I was the character called Chewbacca, who was the big gorilla with all the hair all over his body. That was me! And unfortunately, as you can see no more hair, so no more acting jobs for me.

When did Lucy and I first meet? Well, Lucy and I met more than 15 years ago. We met in graduate school. We were both studying here in Southern California and we met at, I think, the first class we had together. We were studying the similar subject. We also worked in the same building, teaching English to international students at the university. So we’ve known each other for a very long time.

Now, some of you have also asked questions of Lucy, and many of you wanted to see what Lucy looks like. So, I’m going to invite Lucy. Lucy, would you like to come and sit down?

Lucy: Sure. Hi Jeff. Hi everybody.

Jeff: Hi Lucy. Thank you for coming.

Lucy: Um...Jeff, you’re the tech expert, but are you sure the camera is on both of us?

Jeff: Yeah, let me see here. Yup, there it is. It’s there, it’s there.

Lucy: Okay. Some of you asked questions of me as well, so I’ll answer a few of those. One of you wanted to know how I came up with the script ideas for the podcast.

To me, the scripts are just a small part of the podcast, really. Jeff does all of the hard work. Coming up with the script ideas isn’t that difficult. I try to think of situations that are common or that may be helpful, and then I write a script around that. Some of the script ideas are sent to us from the listeners, like you, and I want to thank all of you for your suggestions. Those are very, very helpful to me. For me, writing the scripts is one of the best parts of my job; it’s really fun to do.

Another question is: “What is it like working with Jeff?� As Jeff said, we have known each other for many, many years. In the old days, when we were graduate students and then later as professors, we worked with each other quite a lot doing research and doing writing projects. We both have strong opinions, but since Jeff has all the good ideas, and he’s always right, it’s great working with him. There’s a saying: “What you see is what you get.� Jeff, on the podcast, is the way he is in real life. He’s very funny, and he sings just as well as he does on the podcast. I know, because my office is right next to his!

And the last question we’re going to be answering is for both of us. A listener wanted to know if we get tired of doing the podcast. What about you, Jeff?

Jeff: No, I don’t get tired of doing the podcast. I love doing the podcast. I love doing the recording and all of the other things. So no, I have not and do not get tired of the podcast.

Lucy: Me, neither. I like the creative part of it, thinking of new ideas, the writing part of it, and I love hearing from our listeners. So, I can imagine doing this for the next...oh...20 years. Right Jeff?

Jeff: 20? 20 years?

Lucy: 20 years.

Jeff: Um...sure, yeah! 20 years, absolutely.

Lucy: Yeah.

Jeff: Mmhmm.

Lucy: I think we’re out of time. Like Jeff, I want to thank all of our fabulous listeners for their support, especially our members and our donors who make it possible for us to continue our work and allow us to continue producing these podcasts. So, Jeff, would you like to do a little singing for us before we leave?

Jeff: Well...uh...I would. Thank you, Lucy, for asking me. And I want to thank Lucy Tse, here, for coming on, and especially for being on camera like this, and so people can see you. I think that’s really important.

Lucy: Now that everyone sees what I look like, there’s no mystery anymore.

Jeff: Right. You’ll be recognized everywhere now. So...um...now I would like to sing, but my [clears throat] my voice is a little sore today. So, I promise I will do more singing, though, on the regular podcast.

So, from Los Angeles, California, I’m Jeff McQuillan...

Lucy: And I’m Lucy Tse.

Jeff: And we thank you for watching.

Topics: The Chinese Exclusion Act; Library of Congress and the public library system; I thought versus I think; anyway versus however; to make (someone) earn (something)

Words:
Immigration
to resent
act
to exclude
citizen
ethnic
to repeal
library
to check out books
Congress
collection
significant
anyway
however
to make (someone) earn (something)

Slow dialogue: 1:31
Explanations: 3:03
Fast dialogue: 13:36

Frank: Hand me that bag of potato chips.

Katie: Here. You mean you’re still hungry after two burgers and French fries?

Frank: Yeah, I am. I’m a growing boy. Where’s the popcorn?

Katie: I can’t believe we’re eating all of this junk food. I’m supposed to be watching what I eat.

Frank: Forget about it. Who can watch a football game without stuffing their faces? It’s an American tradition.

Katie: Where did you get those candy bars?

Frank: Some kids were selling them door-to-door and I thought it was my duty to buy some.

Katie: It was your duty to buy 10 candy bars?!

Frank: What can I say? I’m a softy.

Katie: I’m getting another soda. Do you want one?

Frank: No, thanks. But while you’re up, can you hand me the phone?

Katie: Sure, why?

Frank: I’m ordering a pizza.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:40
Explanations: 3:55
Fast dialogue: 17:38

Joachim: I’m really having second thoughts about hiring a firm to do corporate spying for us. I don’t want to do anything that’s ethically questionable.

Dawn: We have no choice but to do it. All of our competitors conduct corporate espionage.

Joachim: I can understand spying on our competitors, but I draw the line at having us snoop on our own employees.

Dawn: We wouldn’t unless our backs were against the wall. I know you’re thinking about Hewer Placket hiring investigators to find a leak in their company. I’m sure it was a hard decision for them, but they couldn’t allow anyone in their own company to leak trade secrets.

Joachim: True, it was necessary, but I don’t like being deceptive with our own employees. I won’t allow wiretaps or any invasion of privacy.

Dawn: Our first priority would be damage control, not privacy. In any case, we’re not making a decision to spy within the company right now. We’re only after our rival’s information. The investigators we’re hiring know the difference between legal and illegal spying. They’ll schmooze at trade shows, scour legal records, and do other things like that. They’ll know where to draw the line.

Joachim: I hope you’re right. I don’t want to end up on the front page of the Times!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: childhood obesity; besides vs. furthermore vs. moreover; wink-wink; thrill

Words:
to be doing
veggie
grass-fed
organic
salad bar
to line up
to segue
processed food
refined
high fructose corn syrup
whole food
with an eye in the long run toward...
furthermore
moreover
besides
to give the wink-wink
thrill

Slow dialogue: 1:17
Explanations: 3:15
Fast dialogue: 13:55

Andre: Mom, I can’t believe I got stuck with Matt as my lab partner in school.

Josephine: Matt? Do I know Matt?

Andre: He lives down the street. He’s Mr. and Mrs. Kemp’s son. He’s a total airhead.

Josephine: Oh, I remember him. He was at your birthday party.

Andre: Yeah, when I was nine years old! That guy is so dense!

Josephine: Matt was always considered a gifted child. He seemed bright and perceptive, and his parents thought he’d go far.

Andre: If you ask me, he’s not all there. Every time I look over at him in class, he’s staring off into space. He doesn’t seem like the kind who’s very quick on the uptake.

Josephine: You know, some very smart people can seem spacey to the rest of us. Maybe he’s just thinking when he stares off into space.

Andre: Maybe. All I know is that my science grade is riding on how we do in the lab, so I hope he shapes up.

Josephine: I’m sure he will. And even if he doesn’t, you’re clever enough to still do well in the class.

Andre: Thanks, Mom, but I wouldn’t bet on it!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:27
Explanations: 3:20
Fast dialogue: 17:04

Ben: Why are you squinting like that?

Lauren: I left my glasses at the office.

Ben: You mean you can’t see?!

Lauren: I can see pretty well. What was that yellow sign we just passed?

Ben: It said, “Dead End.� Stop! Turn around.

Lauren: I can’t. That sign says, “No U-turn.�

Ben: Okay, but we can’t keep going. Those signs say, “Do Not Enter� and “One Way.�

Lauren: Okay, fine. I’ll just pull off the road and you can drive.

Ben: You can’t. That sign says, “No Stopping.� Hey, you just made an illegal U-turn!

Lauren: What else could I do? Anyway, we’re back on track now.

Ben: Watch out for those speed bumps! You really are blind without your glasses. You’re going too fast. According to that sign, this is a school crossing zone. The posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour.

Lauren: That’s only true when the lights are flashing. Is that a “Detour� sign?

Ben: I can’t believe it. Will I never get home?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Cities: Salt Lake City; university admissions; within versus inside versus interior; so much for; to want out

Words:
to persecute
temple
canyon
to be home to
admissions
to get a feel for
due
rank
top-tier school
back-up school
to enroll
deferred admission
interior
so much for
to want out

Slow dialogue: 1:26
Explanations: 2:58
Fast dialogue: 15:09

Ray: My mother is coming for a visit, which means we need to do some spring cleaning this weekend.

Debra: I’ll get the duster, if you’ll get the broom.

Ray: I’m serious. You know how nit-picky my mother is and I want our house to be neat and tidy.

Debra: Fine, fine, I understand. You don’t want her to know we live in a pigsty.

Ray: I’m not saying we live in a pigsty, but the house is a little messy and dusty. It wouldn’t hurt to straighten up a little bit, that’s all.

Debra: I’m willing to pitch in, but I’m not going to spend the entire weekend slaving away to get this house spotless. Your mother won’t love you any less if you’re not a neat freak.

Ray: You don’t know my mother very well.

Debra: I know her well enough. I don’t want to spoil her fun. If she can’t complain about our dirty house, what will she complain about?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:18
Explanations: 3:25
Fast dialogue: 14:20

Hello, business students. I’m here today at your professor’s request to talk to you about the importance of finding your own niche in business. Conventional wisdom says that people in business need to diversify their skill sets so that they can be the most flexible in whatever field they decide to enter. While there is some truth to this, that’s only half of the picture.

Those who diversify too much run the risk of being a jack of all trades and master of none. Not having a focused set of skills may also be seen as indecisive from the standpoint of a potential employer, and your application may fall by the wayside as a result. Having a niche will help you stand out in the crowd.

In business, it’s a balancing act between having the general skills that any company will want, and also possessing specialized skills that will make you the go-to person in your organization. Keep this in mind and you’ll go far.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans: William Randolph Hearst; what to call people from the top five cities/states in the U.S.; please as the magic word; using an apostrophe (‘) for possessive cases, remember versus remind

Words:
magnate
publisher
to put a lot of something into something
municipal
corruption
circulation
yellow journalism
influence
population
to drop
to learn by heart
to leave it at that
please
to remind
to remember

Slow dialogue: 1:29
Explanations: 3:27
Fast dialogue: 16:18

Joyce: We need to apply for our passports now if we want to have them in time for our trip to McQuillanland.

Steven: I have a passport.

Joyce: Yes, but it expired last year. You need to renew it before you can get a visa. McQuillanland requires a visa and vaccinations before they’ll allow entry into the country.

Steven: Okay, okay, where is the application? I thought U.S. citizens could travel freely in McQuillanland.

Joyce: That used to be true, but their policies have changed. We also need to bring our applications to their consulate in person, with all of the supporting documents.

Steven: Fine. The application asks which visa classification we’re applying for. Should I check student or tourist?

Joyce: Even though we’re taking a language course while we’re there, we’re asking for a tourist visa. We can stay for three months on a tourist visa.

Steven: What are they going to do if we overstay our visa, deport us?

Joyce: Yes they will, and you don’t want to deal with the McQuillanland authorities. They’re not known for being kind to lawbreakers.

Steven: Those McQuillanlanders are my kind of people.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:23
Explanations: 4:20
Fast dialogue: 16:33

Buck: I’m never going to that coffee house again!

Star: Why? What happened?

Buck: It’s the third time in a week that I’ve had lousy service. I don’t expect five-star treatment, but I do expect service industry employees to be at least civil.

Star: What happened this time?

Buck: I walked in and went up to the counter to place my order. The woman working there was talking to her friend, another customer. I stood there, clearly needing to be waited on and she couldn’t have cared less.

Star: You mean she didn’t even acknowledge you?

Buck: Are you kidding? She didn’t stop talking for one second. When she finally took a breath, I told her my order. She gave me a dirty look and finally turned around to get my coffee. She practically threw it at me!

Star: Well, maybe she was having a bad day. At least you got your coffee.

Buck: I got a cup of coffee, but not the kind I ordered. When I realized it, I went back to the counter and she was still talking to her friend. I interrupted her and told her that I got the wrong order. She had the chutzpah to try to tell me that I had made a mistake in telling her my order. Not only did she not take responsibility for her mistake, she tried to tell me that it was my fault!

Star: That’s really infuriating. What are you going to do?

Buck: One good thing about her talking with her friend for so long is that I got her name. I’ll be calling the manager to complain.

Star: Aren’t you overreacting?

Buck: No, I’m not. She’s lucky I didn’t pour the coffee over her head!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Cook-offs and bake-offs; public health codes; a software evangelist; to look forward to; sandwich versus hamburger

Words:
to grill
competition
judge
chili
recipe
to sample
sponsor
code
sanitary
inspection
grade
to revoke
evangelist
to look forward to
sandwich
hamburger

Slow dialogue: 1:14
Explanations: 3:03
Fast dialogue : 12:52

Joni: Smell that!

Giuseppe: Smell what?

Joni: Smell that fresh air. Aren’t you glad I got you to help me plant this garden? We’re going to have so much fun today.

Giuseppe: Uh huh. I’m glad to help, but I don’t exactly have a green thumb.

Joni: That’s okay. As long as you can tell a shovel from a lawn mower, you’ll be fine. Let’s start by moving these pots next to the bushes.

Giuseppe: Okay, your wish is my command.

Joni: Oh, this bag of fertilizer is so heavy.

Giuseppe: Let me get that.

Joni: Thanks. I didn’t know we had so many large bags of seeds, too.

Giuseppe: Do you want me to help you with those?

Joni: Thanks a lot. I’ll also need someone to help me hoe this soil.

Giuseppe: I guess I could do that.

Joni: And how am I going to pull all of these weeds?

Giuseppe: Honestly, I think we need reinforcements.

Joni: Good idea. You start working and I’ll go see if I can round up more help. [She leaves.]

Giuseppe: I start working while she leaves? Hmm...I think she just pulled a fast one on me.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:27
Explanations: 3:25
Fast dialogue: 14:20

Lon: What’s this?

Abigail: It’s a memo about a safety inspection scheduled for next week.

Lon: A safety inspection? How are we ever going to pass a safety inspection?

Abigail: What do you mean? This isn’t an unsafe workplace. We’ve had a good record. None of our employees have had on-the-job injuries this year and we’ve never had a fatality. I don’t understand why you’re so worried.

Lon: From what I’ve heard, the inspectors don’t just look at injury rates. They look for the smallest hazard that may be remotely dangerous. If we get cited, we may be shut down.

Abigail: With all due respect, I don’t think that’s how it works. Yes, the inspector will look at our work environment and our gear and machinery to make sure there are no hazards or toxic substances.

Lon: That’s what I’m worried about.

Abigail: But, if they find a violation, we’ll get a chance to fix the problem. They won’t shut us down without giving us a chance to comply with their safety standards.

Lon: I sure hope you’re right.

Abigail: Me, too. We’ll know after next week’s inspection.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Registering to vote and efforts to get out the vote; the G.I. Bill; growl, groan, and mutter; personnel and other collective nouns; to be fond of

Words:
election
mandatory
to register to vote
to fill out
democracy
to get out the vote
voter drives
soldier
veteran
benefits
economy
social legislation
growl
groan
mutter
personnel
to be fond of

Slow dialogue: 1:24
Explanations: 3:33
Fast dialogue: 16:59

Kevin: I know a lot of people are doing it, but I’m not so sure about trying an Internet dating service.

Eun: What do you have to lose? This website says that it screens all of its members. Let’s look at some of the profiles.

Kevin: All right. We have to select the criteria for a search. Let’s see...gender – “female�; location – “Los Angeles�; age range – “26 to 35.�

Eun: Wow, you got 243 hits. I think you’d better narrow down the search criteria.

Kevin: Okay, I’ll search for people who live within a 50-mile radius. That gives us 72 hits.

Eun: Click on that one. Let’s see. This woman is 29 and she’s an accountant. She’s very pretty.

Kevin: Do you think people would upload any photos that weren’t flattering?

Eun: Still, I think she’s promising, don’t you? Anyway, who doesn’t tell a few white lies in their dating profile? It’s not like you’re misrepresenting yourself. If you sign up for a trial membership, you’ll have to do the same thing.

Kevin: Will I? What will I need to lie about?

Eun: Nothing, nothing. You’re perfect just the way you are.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:35
Explanations: 3:53
Fast dialogue: 19:19

Kerry: We’re almost done with the shopping. We just need some underwear for you and some unmentionables for me.

Russell: It’s perfectly acceptable for women to buy men’s underwear, but do I have to go into the lingerie store? All of the women in the store laugh at me.

Kerry: No, they don’t. I just need a few things. Here we are. Okay, I need a new bra with underwire, and I need a strapless one, too. Do you see any in a B cup?

Russell: I’m not helping you look. I’m standing over here where nobody can see me.

Kerry: Fine. Let’s see, I need some panties and a slip, too. Oh, these pantyhose are on sale.

Russell: Can you please hurry up? That woman over there is snickering.

Kerry: She’s only laughing because you look so uncomfortable. Okay, I’m done. Let’s go get your underwear.

Russell: Thank God! I just need some new boxers with a comfortable waistband and a button fly.

Kerry: I thought you liked the boxer briefs I bought before, you know, the seamless ones.

Russell: I tried them, but they were too small. I think I’d actually like to try some regular briefs. Here are some over here.

Kerry: You’d better look again. Those are g-strings. If you insist on buying those, it’ll be my turn to hide.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: cults; can versus could; will versus would; freedom versus liberty

Words:
cult
imaginary
satanic
to spread
to brainwash
megalomaniacal
deluded
to impose
connotation
sect
at a crossroads
structure
unpaid bill
mainstream
predominant
wide open
constraint
innovation
freedom
liberty

Slow dialogue: 1:36
Explanations: 3:40
Fast dialogue: 15:02

I never read food labels until I started going out with Wendy. She’s studying to be a nutritionist. When we go grocery shopping, she reads every label.
_____________

Wendy: You’re not buying that, are you?

Ichirou: Well, I was thinking about it. Why?

Wendy: Each serving size has 30 grams of fat, and 10 of those are trans fat. The sodium level is through the roof, and it’s full of carbohydrates. Do you really want to put that in your body?

Ichirou: Um, I guess not.

Wendy: What are these cookies doing in the basket?

Ichirou: Those are my favorite. I always get them. I got the low-fat kind, see?

Wendy: Even so, they’re full of calories. They may be reduced fat, but they’re not low fat. You don’t eat this kind of cereal do you?

Ichirou: Yeah, I do.

Wendy: Look at the percent daily values. You get nearly no nutrients and no dietary fiber, and it’s full of sugar.
_____________

I really like Wendy, but I’m not sure how long I can take this. She has the best of intentions, but will my stomach ever forgive me if I keep going out with her? That’s the question.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:25
Explanations: 4:18
Fast dialogue: 15:50

Chang: I don’t mean to be nosey, but all of those bills are red or pink. Are you behind on all of those bills?

Ilya: I am, but it’s no big deal. I can catch up on them next month.

Chang: You know that being late on bills is bad for your credit score, right? You also have to pay exorbitant interest if you have credit card debt.

Ilya: Don’t worry about it. Everything will be fine.

Chang: I’m only speaking from experience. When I first started working, I had a loan that I defaulted on and I ran up my credit cards. I had to borrow money from my family and friends to pay my bills. I was so desperate at one point, I even went to see a loan shark.

Ilya: Did he lend you money?

Chang: I decided against borrowing money from him after talking to my brother about it. With his help, I found a good credit counselor and got my finances under control. My two main creditors agreed to defer payment for a couple of months, but not before I sold my car and most of what I owned to raise money.

Ilya: Maybe I can do that.

Chang: Do what?

Ilya: Work with a credit counselor so I don’t have to pay my bills.

Chang: You’ve got it all wrong. It took me years to pay off those bills. I just didn’t have debt collectors calling me at all hours of the day, that’s all. A little advice: A little restraint now will save you a lot of pain.

Ilya: Okay, okay. I got the message. Remind me never to pay my bills in front of you again!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Make-a-Wish Foundation; American Cities: Key West and the Florida Keys; must versus ought to versus need to; nuts and bolts; to buy

Words:
foundation
wish
to come true
to grant
to be (something) when one grows up
honorary
archipelago
hurricane
ecotourism
scuba diving
cruise ships
seashell
southernmost point
must
have to
ought to
need to
nuts and bolts
to buy

Slow dialogue: 1:19
Explanations: 3:32
Fast dialogue: 14:27

Spencer: I’m practicing making drinks for the party tonight. Do you want to try one?

Heidi: You’re the bartender? I didn’t know you knew how to mix drinks.

Spencer: I can hold my own. Okay, name it and I’ll make it – any mixed drink or cocktail.

Heidi: Okay, I’ll have a Screwdriver.

Spencer: A Screwdriver? Hmm...what’s in that?

Heidi: Aren’t you supposed to know, Mr. Bartender?

Spencer: I’ve never made one of those before, that’s all. Try something else.

Heidi: How about a Bloody Mary?

Spencer: A Bloody Mary, a Bloody Mary...do you want that on the rocks?

Heidi: Sure, that’ll be great.

Spencer: Here you are – a Bloody Mary in a highball. Enjoy!

Heidi: [Makes a gagging sound] This doesn’t taste like a Bloody Mary. It tastes like you poured an entire bottle of alcohol into this.

Spencer: Oh, come on. It’s not that bad. Here, I’ll add a little soda, and oh, I forgot the garnish.

Heidi: I don’t think that’s going to help. Can I give you some advice? Stick to shots and drinks served straight up.

Spencer: Ah, don’t lose faith in me. Let me make you one more drink.

Heidi: Okay, but make it virgin. My mouth is still on fire from the last one.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:11
Explanations: 3:04
Fast dialogue: 16:15

My best friend, Saul, is getting married. As the best man, it was up to me to plan a bachelor party he’d never forget. All of the groomsmen were chipping in, so we went all out.

I invited everybody over to my apartment. Instead of going to a strip club, we hired a stripper. Before the stripper arrived, we played some drinking games and we gave Saul some gag gifts. We all started to get pretty bombed, but we weren’t thinking of the hangover we’d have the next day.

When the stripper arrived, we told “her� to give Saul a lap dance. He had never had one before and he was really embarrassed! But the best part was when Saul saw the stripper: It was a man! Everyone had a good laugh, and we took some pictures so we’d have incriminating evidence. We poked fun at him for the rest of the night.

And as best man, what was my most important job of all? It was not letting his fiancée find out what happened that night – at least not before the wedding!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans: Great Jazz Artists Josephine Baker and Ella Fitzgerald; the Amish; to be honest versus as a matter of fact; why don’t you versus let’s

Words:
jazz
pearl
world-famous
to drop out
civil rights movement
first lady
improv
postage stamp
buggy
suspenders
strict
to pray
to be honest
as a matter of fact
let’s

Slow dialogue: 1:23
Explanations: 3:08
Fast dialogue: 15:15

Tanya: We’ve been here for three days and I’m still getting lost.

Darren: Here’s a map. These are the residential neighborhoods. See? This is where we’re staying.

Tanya: I know, I know. But where were we today? The tour bus went down so many alleys that I lost my bearings after 10 minutes. I thought we were going in circles.

Darren: Look, we drove through downtown first, past the financial district. Next, we drove past the housing projects to the historic district.

Tanya: I remember all that.

Darren: Okay, then. From the historic district, we drove through uptown. Got that?

Tanya: Yeah, that’s where things get a little hazy. How did we get to the outskirts of town? One minute we were in uptown, and the next minute, we were at the city limits.

Darren: We took one of the back roads along here. See? Now do you understand the lay of the land?

Tanya: Yup, definitely. Ask me anything. I know this city like the back of my hand.

Darren: No, thanks. That’s like the blind leading the blind!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 2:00
Explanations: 3:53
Fast dialogue: 16:00

Oscar: How are you adjusting to being a single parent?

Penny: It hasn’t been easy, but Paul and I are trying to be as civil as possible. We worked out joint custody so that Mina will get quality time with both of us. Still, it’s been an adjustment for her.

Oscar: I’m sure, and for you and Paul, too. Will you get to see Mina when she’s with her father?

Penny: We each have visitation rights. Fortunately, Paul and I both want what’s best for Mina, so we’re working hard to make the right decisions.

Oscar: If you don’t mind my asking, how are you managing financially?

Penny: Neither of us is paying alimony to the other so that was never an issue, but Paul will be paying child support since I’ll have Mina most of the year. Paul had no objections. He’s been amenable to anything that would be good for Mina.

Oscar: How has Mina been reacting to the whole thing?

Penny: She has been acting out, which is to be expected. Paul’s parents and my mother have been very supportive, and we’re all trying to give her as much stability as possible.

Oscar: It sounds like you’re doing all you can.

Penny: We’re trying our best, under the circumstances.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: U.S. zoning laws; how to become a TV or movie screenwriter; unless versus if, in versus at for locations, persecute versus prosecute

Words:
zoning law
urban sprawl
mixed-use zoning
high-density neighborhood
exclusionary
affordable housing
strip club
adult shop
screenwriter
show business
blindly
agent
unless
to persecute
to prosecute

Slow dialogue: 1:23
Explanations: 3:08
Fast dialogue: 14:41

Jasinda: Was that your friend Mitch?

Thomas: Yeah, he and I had lunch today to talk about some business opportunities.

Jasinda: What line of work is he in?

Thomas: Well, I guess you could say he’s in the import/export business.

Jasinda: Hmm…Why are you being so shifty? Isn’t his business on the up and up? He doesn’t deal in the black market, does he?

Thomas: Let’s just say that he takes full advantage of a free market and there’s nothing wrong with the gray market.

Jasinda: You’re not telling me he deals in stolen goods, are you?

Thomas: No, no, nothing like that. Don’t be so naive. There is an entire underground economy in this country, which serves an important purpose. It gets people what they want.

Jasinda: Is he a smuggler? Does he deal in counterfeit or pirated goods? Is that it?

Thomas: I’m not saying another word.

Jasinda: You did say that you were having lunch to talk about business opportunities. You’re not thinking of going into business with him, are you?

Thomas: It was just talk. Nothing is set in stone – yet.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:35
Explanations: 3:15
Fast dialogue: 14:27

Mary Lou: Am I too late for the opening ceremony?

Jesse: No, it’s just starting. The runner is just coming into Olympic Village with the torch.

Mary Lou: Oh, this is so exciting! I love the summer Olympics. Track and field, gymnastics, swimming – I can’t wait!

Jesse: Oh, here come the athletes from each country, with their flag bearer in front. Look at all those gold, silver, and bronze medalists.

Mary Lou: Isn’t it funny that that country only has one competitor?

Jesse: No way! Can you imagine the accolades you’d get as the only athlete from your country that’s of Olympic caliber? I’d trade places with her any day.

Mary Lou: This schedule says that the track and field events begin tomorrow.

Jesse: Yeah, but those are just the qualifying heats. The real races don’t start for three days. What’s that?

Mary Lou: My flag. I’m cheering on the U.S. team.

Jesse: From the living room?

Mary Lou: Sure, why not? It can’t hurt, can it?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: American Cities: San Francisco/Bay Area; the ACLU; using ‘back’ to refer to the past; failure versus error versus mistake

Words:
image
strait
bay
living expenses
steep
cable car
liberal
costume
civil liberties
litigation
to lobby
to infringe upon
back
failure
error
mistake

Slow dialogue: 1:24
Explanations: 3:22
Fast dialogue: 15:04

Danica: Calm down! Stop throwing things! Have you gone berserk?

Neil: Calm down?! Calm down?! You don’t know what just happened.

Danica: I’ve never seen you lose your temper like this before. Take a deep breath and tell me what happened.

Neil: Okay, you know that I like Samantha, right? Well, I told Malik last week. I just found out today that he’s dating her.

Danica: Malik? But he’s your best friend. He wouldn’t do that.

Neil: Do you think I’d be having a fit if I weren’t absolutely certain?

Danica: How can you be so sure? Did he tell you?

Neil: He didn’t have to. I saw him with Samantha together after work. He had his arm around her! I was ready to go off the deep end when I saw the two of them together.

Danica: How do you know he wasn’t sweet-talking her for you? He could have been putting in a good word for you, you know.

Neil: That’s bull! That guy is a traitor and I despise him. And I’m such a schmuck for trusting him.

Danica: Well, I still think you may have gotten the wrong idea. Are you going to talk to him about it?

Neil: You bet I am, just as soon as I stop foaming at the mouth.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:34
Explanations: 3:43
Fast dialogue: 15:24

Rajid: What are you doing?

Nicole: I’m putting my garbage into the garbage can. Why?

Rajid: Don’t you recycle? You’re supposed to separate out your recyclables and put them in a separate bin.

Nicole: I know, I know, but who has the time? I don’t have that much trash anyway.

Rajid: Oh, yeah? The dump is full of food containers that aren’t biodegradable from people who didn’t have the time.

Nicole: Come on. Don’t blow things out of proportion. It’s not like I’m going to save the environment all by myself.

Rajid: No, you’re not, but if everybody thinks the same way you do, we’re going to use up all of our natural resources.

Nicole: When did you turn into an ecologist? I don’t see you conserving energy. You have your lights on all night. I can see them through your window.

Rajid: I use energy-efficient bulbs. Besides, I take my recyclables to the recycling center, I have energy-efficient appliances, and I turn down my thermostat.

Nicole: I’m just saying that you’re not doing everything you can to save the environment. Okay, okay. Put your money where your mouth is and help me separate out my recyclables.

Rajid: Me? You want me to help you sort through your garbage?

Nicole: Since you’re the expert, I need you to show me how.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: Drive-in Theaters
to wind someone up, you don’t say, how about you versus what about you

Words:
to wedge
talkative
to block someone’s view
to be in the comfort of
sprawling
cranky
to disrupt
passion
family fare
second-rate
tinny
concession stand
fattening
risqué
to wind someone up
You don’t say!

Slow dialogue: 1:08
Explanations: 2:54
Fast dialogue: 12:31

Vicky: Did I imagine it or did you just give Gavin the cold shoulder?

Gerard: You didn’t imagine it. I’m not too happy with him.

Vicky: Why? What did he do?

Gerard: He’s two-faced, that’s why. Last week, he told me he was going to put in a good word for me with the manager for a promotion.

Vicky: So that sounds like a nice thing to do.

Gerard: I thought so, too. But as it turns out, I heard from Elanda that he was bad-mouthing me behind my back.

Vicky: Are you sure?

Gerard: I’m sure. He told Elanda that he thought I had gone pretty far in the company for someone who had dropped out of college. That’s a backhanded compliment, if I’ve ever heard one.

Vicky: That sounds pretty nasty. At least the manager wasn’t around.

Gerard: She wasn’t, but who’s to say what he told her behind my back?

Vicky: You know, the manager is pretty sharp and nothing gets by her. I’m sure she’ll put two and two together and realize that Gavin isn’t trustworthy.

Gerard: I hope so. With friends like him, who needs enemies!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:08
Explanations: 2:46
Fast dialogue: 14:27

Delia: Oh, my feet hurt! We must have walked for four hours straight today. I have blisters on my heels and bruises on my toes. Where are my band-aids?

Yoshi: Yeah, your feet look bad. I told you not to wear new shoes on vacation, but you wouldn’t listen.

Delia: Oh, yeah? Look at you! I told you to put on sunscreen, and did you? Your face and neck are sunburned. Your skin is going to be red and peeling tomorrow.

Yoshi: I’ll be fine. If it weren’t for my stomachache, I’d be ready to walk another four hours.

Delia: I told you not to eat food from street vendors.

Yoshi: My stomach is just feeling a little irritated and I have a little diarrhea. It’s nothing serious.

Delia: You probably have salmonella or food poisoning.

Yoshi: No, I don’t! Don’t be ridiculous. Here are some band-aids. Now leave me in peace.

Delia: Fine. I’ll let you suffer in silence. I won’t say another word.

Yoshi: Will miracles never cease?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans: Annie Leibovitz; home shopping cable channels and celebrity product lines; come versus go; via versus through

Words:
portrait
the arts
big break
to be named
chief
celebrity
channel
cable
host
product line
affiliated with
name recognition
via
through

Slow dialogue: 1:23
Explanations: 3:32
Fast dialogue: 15:33

Tony: Who did you invite over for dinner Saturday?

Carmela: I invited Keith, Sung, Stephanie, and Luis.

Tony: You didn’t!

Carmela: I did. Why?

Tony: You’re going to have a hard time cooking for them. Keith is a vegan and only eats food that’s organic. Sung is lactose intolerant and his doctor put him on a low-salt diet.

Carmela: Really? I didn’t know. How do you know so much about their diets?

Tony: I went on a trip with them and I’ll never do it again. We could never agree on a restaurant.

Carmela: What about Stephanie and Luis?

Tony: Stephanie is a health nut, and doesn’t eat anything with saturated fat, added sugar, or artificial flavors. She also doesn’t eat red meat. And Luis, he can only eat gluten-free kosher foods.

Carmela: This is a disaster. How am I going to cook for all four of them?

Tony: Beats me. Maybe you can turn it into a potluck. At least each of your guests will have one dish they can eat.

Carmela: I can’t invite my friends over for dinner and then tell them to bring their own food!

Tony: Well, you wanted a solution and beggars can’t be choosers.

Carmela: You’re right. Desperate times call for desperate measures!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:27
Explanations: 3:02
Fast dialogue: 14:26

Walt: What’s the matter with you?

Irene: I have a bad cold.

Walt: Why didn’t you stay home from work? You’re probably contagious!

Irene: I had no choice. I have an important presentation this afternoon and I can’t play hooky.

Walt: You can’t give a presentation in your condition. Your nose is running, your eyes are red and puffy, your voice is hoarse, and you look like you’re running a fever.

Irene: Gee, thanks. I know I look terrible, but I’ll get through it. I’m taking a nasal decongestant, I’m using eye drops, and I’m taking cough medicine and sucking on throat lozenges. I should be better by the time of the presentation. Ahchoo!

Walt: Oh, geez! You just sneezed all over me. You’ve contaminated me for sure!

Irene: Sorry. Where’s the Kleenex? I need to blow my nose.

Walt: I’m out of here! You’re a walking germ machine.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Advanced Placement courses and tests; Legos/Legoland and Hot Wheels; might versus maybe; judgment call; no-brainer

Words:
placement
college-level
subject area
to gear up
financial aid
college credit
interlocking
kit
theme park
replicate
track
to collect
maybe
might
judgment call
no-brainer

Slow dialogue: 1:31
Explanations: 3:00
Fast dialogue: 14:13

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for coming to today’s seminar. We’re going to talk about how to invest your money and how to maximize those holdings.

First, we’ll talk about market trends and where to find the best opportunities right now. Getting in on the ground floor and getting the highest appreciation is what we all want. A good investor also knows when to divest, and we’ll talk about how to read the warning signs.

Many of you have money in savings, but you want a better rate of return, and you’re willing to speculate a little to get it. We’ll discuss how to diversify your portfolio to minimize risk while maximizing your return.

Are you ready to make some money? Let’s get started!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:23
Explanations: 3:07
Fast dialogue: 13:22

Kathy: Thanks for inviting me to see your team. Who’s your best player?

Brad: That would be Sarah. She’s a natural. No one comes close to her speed and dexterity. She has good instincts and a flair for getting out of difficult situations.

Kathy: She sounds promising. Anyone else I should be keeping an eye on?

Brad: Mollie is a good player, too. In terms of scoring points, she can almost do it in her sleep. She’s also very good at being a leader to the other players, and she has a knack for getting along with even the most difficult teammates.

Kathy: As you know, we recruit only first-rate players for the national team, and this year, we hope to be head and shoulders above any of the other teams. The days of making do with mediocre players are over.

Brad: I understand that. We have a game this Saturday. Why don’t you come out and judge for yourself? I think you’ll be impressed with the talent you see.

Kathy: I’m sure I will. I’ll be here on Saturday ready to be dazzled.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Saturday Night Live; Howard Stern and shock jocks; using “to� in who, what, where, when, why questions; state of the art; ways to say “good job!�

Words:
live
cast
celebrity
sketch
news anchor
current events
big break
controversial
shock jock
offend
fine
on the air
state of the art

Slow dialogue: 1:21
Explanations: 2:58
Fast dialogue: 15:56

Xavier: Look out! Put your foot on the brake!

Brandy: I am braking.

Xavier: No, your foot is on the gas pedal!

Brandy: Oh. There’s the brake.

Xavier: You just took 10 years off my life. I was sure you were going to hit the median or the railing. I didn’t know what I was getting into when I agreed to teach you how to drive.

Brandy: Relax. I’m really getting the hang of this. Shifting gears isn’t as hard as I thought it would be, it’s cool to parallel park, and driving in reverse is fun!

Xavier: Would you please keep your hands on the steering wheel, instead of playing with the radio? Keep your eyes on the speedometer and stop using the rearview mirror to look at yourself.

Brandy: And you stop working yourself into a tizzy. I’m a fine driver.

Xavier: I don’t think those people you’re about to hit would agree with you.

Brandy: If they don’t like the way I drive, they should get off the sidewalk!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:06
Explanations: 2:50
Fast dialogue: 12:38

Jae: Hi, are you done with this weight machine?

Sally: Yeah, I am. I was just trying it out. I think I must be doing something wrong. My muscles are aching already.

Jae: Maybe I can help. I’ve been working out on these machines for a few months, so I’m pretty used to them.

Sally: I just joined the gym this week. I usually do a cardio workout on a treadmill or stationary bike, and I’ve used free weights at home before. But now it makes sense to do my strength-training here.

Jae: Have you thought about getting a personal trainer? When I joined, I signed up for a trainer for a few sessions and she helped me set up a good regimen.

Sally: That’s a good idea.

Jae: If you want help with those machines, though, I’m usually here every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Sally: Thanks, I’ll definitely look out for you. I’m Sally.

Jae: I’m Jae. Nice to meet you.

Sally: You, too. I think I’ve sweated enough today. I’m off to the locker room.

Jae: Yeah, me too. See ya!

Sally: Bye!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Harley Davidson; Famous Americans: Jesse Jackson; because versus since, yikes, speaking of which

Words:
loyal
logo
engine
reputation
pejorative
mid-life crisis
reverend
civil rights
activist
segregated
march
shadow senator
because
since
yikes
speaking of which

Slow dialogue: 1:25
Explanations: 4:03
Fast dialogue: 15:30

Danny: Are you sure we should start accepting credit cards from our customers? We’ve always been a cash-only business.

Katy: I think we need to for the convenience of our customers. It won’t be as big a nuisance as you think, with this new cash register.

Danny: The instructions say the merchant has to swipe the cardholder’s card at the POS. What’s that?

Katy: That stands for point of sale. For us, that’s the cash register. All you have to do is take the credit card and swipe it through here, making sure that the magnetic strip is facing you. It’s simple.

Danny: Do I have to write down the credit card number, the expiration date, and the security code on the back?

Katy: No, the cash register does that for you automatically. It will save you a lot of time.

Danny: What if the customer goes over his or her credit limit?

Katy: In that case, their card is declined and we tell the customer to call the issuing bank.

Danny: What if a customer disputes the charges?

Katy: The credit card company will investigate, and if we have double-charged a customer or made a mistake, we’ll have to do a chargeback. We can do it easily with the cash register. Everything can be done with this machine. It’s great.

Danny: What if it doesn’t work?

Katy: What if what doesn’t work?

Danny: What if the cash register breaks down?

Katy: Um...I guess you’ll have to write down all of the information and process it when the machine is working again.

Danny: Not such a timesaver, huh?

Katy: But you only have to do that if it breaks down, and it won’t break down...very often.

Danny: We’ll see about that!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:30
Explanations: 3:20
Fast dialogue: 12:44

David: Why has Joyce been moping around all week? What’s wrong with her?

Victoria: She’s suffering from a broken heart. Her boyfriend broke up with her over the weekend. They had been together for two years.

David: Did she tell you the gruesome details?

Victoria: Not really. She just said that she’s feeling depressed and she didn’t want to talk about it, but you can see the grief all over her face.

David: I can think of a way to cheer her up. I’ve always wanted to go out with Joyce. Maybe I’ll ask her out.

Victoria: Wait a second. I think she’s feeling pretty vulnerable right now, and there’s no way she’s ready to date yet. I think you’re jumping the gun.

David: There’s nothing better to help someone bounce back from a failed relationship than the promise of a new one.

Victoria: Maybe, but I think it might backfire. If you just want a fling, she might not be able to recover from rejection – twice.

David: Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing. I’ll just distract her from her misery for a while until she starts to recover.

Victoria: Just tread carefully.

David: Leave it to the master.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: Getting Old
brethren versus brothers, would versus used to, I can’t wait anymore versus I can’t wait any longer

Words:
hip
fracture
balance
to stub
to go flying
to fall flat
incompetent
nursing home
to keep something to oneself
emergency room
acute care
rehab
to be discharged
brethren
anymore

Slow dialogue: 1:45
Explanations: 3:32
Fast dialogue: 15:35

Jamal: Have you found a place for us to stay in Chicago?

Erin: I’m still exploring the options. Instead of a run-of-the-mill chain hotel, I thought we could do something different.

Jamal: How different?

Erin: I thought we might stay in a cabin near the lake.

Jamal: A cabin? That sounds a little too rustic for me. My days of roughing it in hostels or fleabag motels are over. A cabin sounds like it would be in the same league.

Erin: Oh, I don’t know. There are some very nice cabins, and even if they’re less than luxurious, I don’t mind staying in a modest place. We can’t afford an expensive boutique hotel, you know.

Jamal: I know that, but there are a lot of other options. We could stay in a bed and breakfast or a vacation rental. Remember the bed and breakfast we stayed in in Montreal?

Erin: Yeah, that was nice. Okay, you win. I was trying to appeal to your adventurous spirit.

Jamal: My adventurous spirit is still here. It just needs the right inducement.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:45
Explanations: 3:32
Fast dialogue: 15:35

Jamal: Have you found a place for us to stay in Chicago?

Erin: I’m still exploring the options. Instead of a run-of-the-mill chain hotel, I thought we could do something different.

Jamal: How different?

Erin: I thought we might stay in a cabin near the lake.

Jamal: A cabin? That sounds a little too rustic for me. My days of roughing it in hostels or fleabag motels are over. A cabin sounds like it would be in the same league.

Erin: Oh, I don’t know. There are some very nice cabins, and even if they’re less than luxurious, I don’t mind staying in a modest place. We can’t afford an expensive boutique hotel, you know.

Jamal: I know that, but there are a lot of other options. We could stay in a bed and breakfast or a vacation rental. Remember the bed and breakfast we stayed in in Montreal?

Erin: Yeah, that was nice. Okay, you win. I was trying to appeal to your adventurous spirit.

Jamal: My adventurous spirit is still here. It just needs the right inducement.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Classic children’s television: Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood; American Cities: Washington, D.C.; mix, combine, stir, and beat; stock photography

Words:
series
episode
animation
puppet
make-believe
values
founding fathers
Congress
free and open to the public
monument
memorial
bike path
to mix
to combine
to stir
to beat
stock photography

Slow dialogue: 1:08
Explanations: 3:51
Fast dialogue: 15:17

Bethany: I just talked to Steve about hiring replacements for Cyril, who quit last month and for Megan, who is leaving at the end of this week. Do you know what he told me? He doesn’t want to hire permanent replacements. He wants to make do with temps!

Enrique: I can see it from Steve’s perspective. The economy isn’t so good right now and maybe he’s not sure if we can afford full-time replacements.

Bethany: But how am I suppose to staff the office to cover all of the work that needs to be done with temps!

Enrique: Don’t undervalue temps. Many of them are very skilled and you may be surprised at how well they do. I should know. I worked as a temp right after graduating from college.

Bethany: You did? I didn’t know that. But you went to a great school. I’m surprised you had trouble landing a full-time job.

Enrique: Actually, I was offered a full-time job before I graduated, but I turned it down. I decided I wanted to test the waters in a few different companies before deciding on where I wanted to work. In retrospect, it was the best thing I could have done.

Bethany: You didn’t miss the job security?

Enrique: Yeah, I did, but there are other perks to working as a temp. I got offered permanent jobs with two of the companies I temped for. That’s how I got my first full-time job. Working there was the best way to get my foot in the door.

Bethany: Well, thanks for the fresh perspective. Maybe working with temps won’t be so bad.

Enrique: I hope not. And if they get out of line, just tell me and I’ll set them straight.

Bethany: Yeah, right.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:26
Explanations: 3:07
Fast dialogue: 13:24

Julia: Aren’t you nervous about your surgery next week?

Hugh: No, it’s a routine procedure. I don’t even need to be admitted overnight.

Julia: But aren’t you going under general anesthesia? It’s not the same as local anesthesia, you know.

Hugh: Yes, I know. This is an out-patient procedure. If the doctors don’t think I can go home the same day, they’ll just keep me under observation.

Julia: All the same, there may be complications.

Hugh: It’s supposed to be a low-risk procedure. If there are post-op problems, I’m sure the doctors will take good care of me.

Julia: But what if they release you too early from the hospital. I’ve heard that these days doctors are under pressure to free up beds as soon as possible.

Hugh: It’s true that I may be impaired after the procedure, but my daughter will be there and I trust her judgment. I’m sure she’ll make sure I’m fine to go home before I’m discharged.

Julia: But what if...?

Hugh: Don’t worry. Nothing bad is going to happen. If it does, you can say, “I told you so.�

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: New York Theater District/Broadway shows; Barbie dolls/G.I. Joe; I don’t have versus I have no, in the street versus on the street, identifying yourself on the phone

Words:
district
mainstream
controversial
cutting-edge
lucrative
figurine
infant
voluptuous
to distort
accessory
action figure
armed force
I have no

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 3:05
Fast dialogue: 12:38

Juanita: What time is it?

Chuck: It’s a quarter to 12. Why?

Juanita: At noon, on the dot, I’m supposed to meet James.

Chuck: On the dot? What if you don’t get there until a few minutes past four? Will you turn into a pumpkin?

Juanita: Knock it off. I have good reason to be on time. I was supposed to meet him at the movies at 8:30 last Saturday and I didn’t turn up until 10 ‘til 9:00. We missed the first 10 minutes of the movie.

Chuck: That doesn’t sound too bad.

Juanita: You don’t know the half of it. The week before that, I was supposed to pick him up from work at a quarter after 5:00, and I didn’t show up until nearly 20 minutes to six. To add insult to injury, James’ boss saw that he was still in the office and gave him an extra assignment to do that night and he didn’t finish until well after 10:00.

Chuck: I can see why he’s pissed off at you.

Juanita: What time is it now?

Chuck: It’s 12:03.

Juanita: Oh my god! I’m late again! What am I going to tell him?

Chuck: Tell him it was all my fault. My incredible charm made you lose track of time.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 2:58
Fast dialogue: 12:35

Kenji: Hello, my car was stolen and I want to report it.

Officer: Where was it when it was stolen?

Kenji: It was parked outside of my apartment building. I went outside this morning to drive to work, and it was gone.

Officer: Okay, you need to fill out this form. Put down the make and model of the vehicle, the year, and the color. You’ll also need the license plate number. Do you know the vehicle’s VIN number?

Kenji: No, I don’t.

Officer: That’s okay. Just fill it out and we’ll launch an investigation.

Kenji: What do you think the chances are that I’ll recover my car?

Officer: That’s hard to say. If it was stolen by some kids who wanted to take a joyride, they’ll abandon it afterwards and you may get it back in one piece. If it was taken by professional car thieves, that’s a different story. They usually strip the cars of their parts and sell them to chop shops. You may not want your car back after it’s been stripped.

Kenji: I’ll just have to wish for the best.

Officer: We’ll notify you if we have some news.

Kenji: Thanks. In the meantime, I’d better get used to hoofing it around town!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Native American reservations/Trail of Tears; retirement communities, the possessive “s,� to be subject to, to be subjected to, hedge trimming

Words:
ancestor
settler
reservation
forced relocation
trail
tribe
retirement
Social Security benefits
retirement community
clubhouse
to deteriorate
to cherish
to be subject to
to be subjected to
hedge trimming

Slow dialogue: 1:34
Explanations: 3:45
Fast dialogue: 12:04

Store owner: Hello.

Karin: Hello, is this Joe’s Shoe Repair?

Store owner: Yes, how can I help you?

Karin: I’m calling to find out your business hours.

Store owner: We’re open 24/7.

Karin: Really? You’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week?

Store owner: Yes, we are, more often than not. Of course we close for major holidays.

Karin: Is that all?

Store owner: We also close the first and third Monday and every other Sunday of each month, except the fourth Sunday, when we’re always open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., unless we have extended hours.

Karin: Oh, okay. If I brought in a pair of shoes to be fixed today, how quickly can you have them ready?

Store owner: Normally, we can have shoes repaired in three or four days, but not this week.

Karin: Why?

Store owner: We’re closed Wednesday through Friday for renovation.

Karin: Okay, what if I brought them in next week?

Store owner: That’s no good either. The exterminators are coming in and we’re closed Monday through Thursday.

Karin: Are you pulling my leg?

Store owner: Of course not! This is a respectable business. I never joke about business.

Karin: How about the week after next?

Store owner: Sorry, but you’re out of luck. The week after next we’re closed for vacation.

Karin: When do you actually open 24/7?

Store owner: We’re always open 24/7 – with just a few exceptions.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:07
Explanations: 3:11
Fast dialogue: 12:08

Doris: Hello.

Telemarketer: Hello, may I speak to the lady of the house?

Doris: What is this regarding?

Telemarketer: I’m calling from Cheetam Cable Company and we have a very special offer. This month only, you can get a bundle of services for the low, low price of $69.99! This offer...

Doris: Thank you, but I’m not interested.

Telemarketer: But that’s because you haven’t heard the rest of the offer yet. If you sign up today, you will get at no extra charge, all of the equipment you’ll need to switch to our cable company.

Doris: As I said, I’m not interested. I’m also on the national do-not-call registry and I want to be taken off your call list.

Telemarketer: If you’re on my list, it means that you have a prior relationship with our company and telemarketers are allowed to call you. Now about that special offer...

Doris: I don’t want to hear your sales pitch. I demand to be taken off your call list and I don’t want to get any more calls from your company.

Telemarketer: Is that a “no� on the special offer?

Doris: Yes, that’s a “no� on the special offer and a “no� on getting any more calls from your company. Do I make myself clear?

Telemarketer: Yes, very clear. If you’re not interested in our special offer, I can tell you about our other services...

Doris: No you can’t! [Hangs up the phone]

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Famous Americans: Grandma Moses
GED Tests, since versus from, is to do (something), calligraphy versus penmanship

Topics: Ask an American: Starving Artists
as a matter of fact, process versus procedure, to haggle

Topics: Ask an American: Working as an actor in Los Angeles
nevertheless versus despite versus even though, to screw up

Find out about how to talk about the military services in this episode.Slow dialog: 1:23
Explanations: 2:52
Fast dialog: 14:30

Chantelle: Attention! Aren’t you supposed to salute?

Robert: You’re not my superior officer. Stop goofing around. I’m busy.

Chantelle: You’re packing already? You don’t need to report to duty for two days. Are you afraid they’ll think you went AWOL?

Robert: I just want to be prepared. Now, leave me alone so I can finish packing.

Chantelle: Am I dismissed? Maybe I want to enlist, too? I think I would look good in camouflage make-up and fatigues.

Robert: Being in the military is no laughing matter. Do you really think that the most desperate recruiter would want you?

Chantelle: That’s not very nice. I have as much discipline as you do...about some things. You may find yourself in a foxhole with me someday.

Robert: Whatever deployment you’d get, I’d make sure I’m on the other side of the world!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Not everything can go perfectly. Find out about how to describe bad experiences in English in this episode.Slow dialogue: 1:14
Explanations: 3:12
Fast dialogue: 15:36

Caterina: I can’t believe I let you rope me into seeing this performance. It was so lame!

Oliver: Okay, you’re right, it was the pits. I had no idea it was going to be amateur hour. When I saw the ad in the paper describing this as an experimental play, I thought it might be interesting. Was I wrong!

Caterina: I didn’t understand that play at all. The music, if you can call it that, was atrocious. How can anyone be expected to listen to that for more than three seconds without going crazy? I wish I could get those two hours of my life back!

Oliver: Yeah, it’s left a bad taste in my mouth, too. Let’s go see something else. I want to put this whole experience behind me.

Caterina: Benjamin’s Bar is having open-mic tonight. Do you want to check it out?

Oliver: No way! Wild horses couldn’t drag me to another amateur show. How about a movie instead?

Caterina: Okay, I’d go to a movie.

Oliver: You’d better pick one, though. Look what happened when I was left to pick a play.

Caterina: Forget about it. We’ll just chalk it up to temporary insanity.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: The Betty Ford Center; poker; to be short on time versus time is running out, past year versus last year, supervisor versus manager

Words:
addiction
rehab
painkiller
intervention
residential
counselor
hand
tournament
champion
endorsement
to show (one’s) hand
poker face
to raise the stakes
to be short on time
time is running short
past year
last year
supervisor
manager

Slow dialogue: 1:34
Explanations: 3:23
Fast dialogue: 13:31

Caridad: Look at this! The president of McQuillan University is stepping down. He submitted his resignation this morning after an undergraduate student made allegations that they had an affair and that she’s pregnant with his baby.

Nate: That’s terrible. Maybe they were in love.

Caridad: In love? He’s married and has four kids, and when she first went public about the affair, he denied it and said that she had made up the whole story. Would someone in love try to cover up something like this?

Nate: Who knows? The president of a major university is a person with a lot to lose. I’m not making excuses for him, but maybe he lost his head.

Caridad: Of course he had a lot to lose. Anyone who is in the public eye like he is shouldn’t be playing with fire. He’s an embarrassment to his family and to his university.

Nate: I still think there could be extenuating circumstances. All you know you’ve learned from one newspaper article.

Caridad: That much is true, but I know one thing: Whatever happens to him, it serves him right!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:20
Explanations: 4:28
Fast dialogue: 15:36

Wanda: I can’t take it anymore. I try to put up with Robert, but I’ve had enough!

Dana: I’m not surprised. That guy is a big bully and it’s time somebody stood up to him. What has he done now?

Wanda: This was the last straw. We’re both managers and we’re supposed to work together, but Robert looks for every opportunity to put me down in front of our employees. This morning, I presented an idea about upgrading our computer equipment and he jumped down my throat.

Dana: What did he do?

Wanda: He said that the idea was stupid and that he couldn’t understand how anyone could propose it. He said this in front of everybody. I was too stunned to respond, so I just stood there.

Dana: That’s totally inappropriate and unprofessional.

Wanda: He’s arrogant to everybody, but especially to me. He always says he’s just being honest when he makes a biting remark, but I’m realizing that that’s just his excuse to be rude. He treats everyone with contempt. I really don’t know what to do.

Dana: I know people like Robert. They’re so insecure that they have to belittle everyone else to make themselves feel better. They have really poor social skills and don’t know how to have a conversation or to disagree without being a jerk.

Wanda: That may be, but what should I do about him?

Dana: There’s only one way to handle a bully.

Wanda: How?

Dana: You have to call his bluff. If he criticizes your plan, ask him to back it up with evidence or a specific reason. If you disagree with him, keep your cool, but tell him why. Most bullies back down when someone stands up to them.

Wanda: Okay, it’s worth a try. I’ve been trying to keep calm and maintain a professional atmosphere in the office, so I haven’t confronted him, but I will if you think it’ll help.

Dana: I do. And if that doesn’t work, tell him to act his age, not his shoe size!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Ask an American: Bluegrass music; résumé versus curriculum vitae, the number 0 versus the letter O, one over the other

Words:
to bring over
to pass down something
to flatten
bridge
basically
roots
origins
melody
acoustic
fiddle
banjo
bass
résumé
curriculum vitae

Slow dialogue: 1:16
Explanations: 3:17
Fast dialogue: 12:03

Order clerk: Hello, Torino’s Restaurant.

Nancy: Hello, I’d like to place a delivery order.

Order clerk: Can I have your address and the major cross streets, please?

Nancy: It’s 1212 Main Street, and the nearest cross streets are Speedway and Highland.

Order clerk: Okay, it looks like you’re in our delivery area. What would you like to order?

Nancy: I’d like an order of spaghetti. Does that come with any sides?

Order clerk: You have a choice of soup or salad.

Nancy: I’ll have the salad.

Order clerk: Is that all? We have a $15 minimum for delivery orders.

Nancy: In that case, I’ll also take an appetizer sampler plate.

Order clerk: Okay, that’s one order of spaghetti and an appetizer sampler plate. You’re still $3 short. Would you like a drink or some dessert?

Nancy: I’ll take an iced tea.

Order clerk: All right, but you’re still a dollar short.

Nancy: What can I get for a dollar?

Order clerk: There’s nothing on the menu for a dollar, ma’am.

Nancy: And you won’t deliver my $14 order?

Order clerk: That’s our policy, ma’am.

Nancy: All right, you win. Give me an order of bread. How long will that take?

Order clerk: You should get your food in about an hour.

Nancy: An hour?!?

Order clerk: Yes, ma’am. You’ve ordered a lot of food and it takes time for us to prepare it.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Slow dialogue: 1:27
Explanations: 3:30
Fast dialogue: 15:43

Rafael: They’re playing Pomp and Circumstance and the graduates are filing in. Do you see your daughter? I don’t see my son.

April: No, we’re too far from the field and everybody is wearing a cap and gown. It’s hard to see who’s who.

Rafael: Oh, there’s the dean and I think that’s the commencement speaker behind her. You must be really proud of your daughter. I know I would be if my son were valedictorian.

April: I’m very proud of her, but your son is graduating cum laude, with honors. Those are great accomplishments.

Rafael: It’s a proud day for both of us. I just hope that the graduates will keep this a dignified ceremony. I don’t want to see any shenanigans.

April: What do you mean?

Rafael: Last year when my other son graduated, a group of rowdy students started singing an offensive song as the graduates went up to get their diplomas.

April: Hey, what’s that over there?

Rafael: Where? Oh, that’s a beach ball! How dare they throw a beach ball around while the dean is speaking!

April: Don’t look now. Those students are doing something strange with their tassels.

Rafael: Shame on them! Shame on every one of them!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Topics: Monster truck shows and races; blue jeans and Levi Strauss, to be up against the wall, liability versus responsibility, pronouncing “either�

Words:
monster
pickup truck
destructive
to crush
track
obstacle
freestyle
to root
blue jeans (or jeans)
denim
ranch
Gold Rush
miner
durable
to be up against the wall
responsibility
liability

Topics: American cities: Honolulu
fantasy sports camps, to freeze a bra, coupon versus voucher, illicit versus illegal

Topics: Ask an American: Raising children
one of those, reply versus answer, customer versus purchaser

Topics: American cities: Nashville
Grand Ole Opry, school fund-raisers, to hold on to your hat, to be put inside, a blow-by-blow account

Topics: American folklore: Bigfoot
Who’s on First?, to tear apart, Cliff Notes, to fall out of love