English Extra - Podcasts and RSS feeds - English as a Second Language Podcast

A podcast for those wanting to learn or improve their English - great for any ESL or EFL learner. Visit us at http://www.eslpod.com.

Права: Copyright Center for Educational Development 2005

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563 - Reducing Household Expenses

Financial planning can be painful but necessary. Learn more in this episode. Slow dialogue: 1:25
Explanations: 3:30
Fast dialogue: 15:16 Roland: If we want to save enough money to buy a house, we need to get serious about our finances and do some financial planning. I think the first step is to create a household budget. Ginger: Okay by me. You know that I’m all about the bottom line. Roland: Yeah, right. I think we have a pretty good idea of our spending patterns, so it shouldn’t be too hard to come up with a budget that we can both live with. Ginger: Right. Roland: Okay, one thing we need to keep in mind is that we tend to underestimate our monthly expenses. If you look at our discretionary spending on this spreadsheet I created, you’ll be surprised at how much money we spend on nonessentials. Ginger: Okay, I can cut back on nonessentials. Roland: You can? Ginger: Sure, instead of getting my nails done every week, I’ll get them done only three times a month. Roland: Well, that’s a start… Ginger: And instead of buying a new 60-inch TV, we can get a 52-inch one instead. That should save us a lot of money. Roland: I think you need to do the math. If we don’t cut back much more drastically, we’ll be ready for retirement by the time we can afford a house! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #232

Topics: The Godfather ; Graceland and Elvis; to hinder versus to hamper versus to impede; the hunt is on; quick and dirty tips Words:
godparent
mafia
bribery
corruption
brutal
to legitimize
stillborn
sideburns
the rest is history
mansion
recording studio
artifact
to hinder
to hamper
to impede
the hunt is on
quick and dirty tips

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562 - Buying Fake Products

Be careful when you buy things that you are actually getting what you think you’re getting. Learn more in this episode. Slow dialogue: 1:22
Explanations: 2:53
Fast dialogue: 15:28 Lindsay: Look at this designer bag I bought. It was such a steal! Rafael: Let me see that. You do know that this is an imitation, not the real thing, right? Lindsay: What do you mean? Of course it’s real. Rafael: Where did you buy it? Lindsay: Well, there was a guy on the street selling all of these genuine designer bags. He said he got them straight from the factory, and that’s why he could sell them at such a markdown. Rafael: The reason he could sell it dirt cheap is because this is a knockoff. I know you’re a sucker for a bargain, but I can’t believe you fell for his line. Lindsay: How do you know this is a knockoff? Are you an expert on women’s handbags? I still think this is real, and I’m sure I didn’t get ripped off. Rafael: Whatever you say. As they say, there’s a sucker born every minute! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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561 - Being Forgetful

I would tell you what this episode is about, but I forgot. Learn more about being forgetful in this episode. Slow dialogue: 1:13
Explanations: 3:16
Fast dialogue: 15:25 Charlize: You won’t forget that we’re going over to the Wong’s for dinner tomorrow night, will you? Pete: It’s etched in my brain. I won’t forget. Charlize: It slipped your mind last week that we were meeting Donna at the movies, remember? Pete: I was preoccupied last week, but I won’t forget about tomorrow night. Charlize: I’m reminding you because the week before that, you forgot to cash that check at the bank. Remember that? Pete: I didn’t forget. I was just a little wrapped up in work that week. I’m not usually absentminded, you know. Charlize: Right. Do you want me to send you an email tomorrow morning to jog your memory? Pete: That won’t be necessary. I have the day, time, and even their address committed to memory. Do you want to test me? Charlize: No, I don’t, but I just want to make sure we don’t have a repeat of what happened last month. You were supposed to meet me at the Donnelly’s at 8:00 and you never showed up. Remember that? Pete: No, I don’t. I have amnesia. I won’t remember any other incident you want to throw in my face. I thought last week you said you would stop giving me a hard time about my bad memory. Remember that? Charlize: Uh, no, I don’t. Pete: I guess I’m not the only one who’s scatterbrained! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #231

Topics: Ask an American: social media and job searches; go ahead, make my day; years old versus year old Words:
to scratch the surface
there’s no telling
wild, wild west
tremendous
social media
to enhance
credibility
thought leadership
buddy
to dictate
to come back
permanency
immediacy
Go ahead, make my day
years old
year old

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560 - Learning Work Rules and Routines

Sometimes our jobs don’t give us much independence, but require following the rules exactly. Learn more in this episode. Slow dialogue: 1:27
Explanations: 3:30
Fast dialogue: 16:53 I was happy to finally get a job, but I wasn’t ready for a first day of work like this one.
... Boss: This is your first day and my job is to give you the rundown on how we do things around here. This is a well-oiled machine. Everybody has to pull his or her weight, or things don’t run smoothly. Got that? Olivia: Yes, I do. I’m here to learn and to get up to speed as quickly as possible. Boss: Good. I expect you to know the drill and be able to fall in line by the end of the week. Olivia: I will do my very best. Boss: We don’t like surprises around here, so we’ve built our workday around a lot of routines that every employee follows. We expect people to arrive at 8:30 on the nose. That’s our start time and there is no leeway whatsoever. If you’re habitually late, you’re out. Got that? Olivia: Got it. Boss: We’re no run-of-the-mill company. We have a tried and true system here and we expect all of our employees to follow lockstep. Got that? Olivia: Yes, sir.
...

I needed a job, but when I was offered this one, I didn’t know what I was letting myself in for. I didn’t have a new boss. I had a drill sergeant! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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559 - Ending a Restaurant Meal

Learn how to end your meal in a restaurant in English in this episode. Slow dialogue: 1:20
Explanations: 3:20
Fast dialogue: 15:11 Server: Can I clear these plates and get them out of your way? Alvin: Sure, we’re all done. Can I get the rest of that in a doggie bag? Server: No problem. I’ll wrap it up for you. Is there anything else I can get you? Did you leave room for dessert? How about some coffee or tea? Alvin: No, I’m stuffed. Just the check for me, thanks. Server: Sure, coming right up.
... Server: Here’s your check. I’ll take that when you’re ready. Alvin: Do you accept personal checks? Server: No, I’m afraid we don’t. Alvin: How about credit cards? Server: Yes, we do accept credit cards. Alvin: Here’s my Discover card. Server: Oh, we don’t accept that one. Alvin: Okay, here’s my American Express. Server: Sorry, but we don’t take that one either. We only accept Visa or MasterCard. Alvin: I don’t have a Visa or MasterCard. Server: We also accept cash, of course. Alvin: I don’t have any cash on me. Is there an ATM nearby? Server: There’s one about three blocks away, but you’ll need to leave something with us so we know you’re not running out on the check. Alvin: How about my doggie bag? Server: How about your cell phone or your driver’s license? Alvin: Okay, here’s my cell phone. I’ll be back ASAP. Server: No rush. I’ll be right here making a few calls to Bora Bora. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #230

Topics: Woodstock; Walter Reed Army Medical Center; a lot versus a load of; indicate versus signify; Hispanic versus Spanish Words:
to be billed as
concert-goer
hippy
mud
bell-bottoms
documentary
flagship
veteran
wounded
in battle
rehabilitation
neglect
a lot
a load
to indicate
to signify
Hispanic
Spanish

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558 - Being a Strict Parent

Your mother is telling you to be quiet and listen to this episode about parental discipline, so listen up! Slow dialogue: 1:25
Explanations: 3:39
Fast dialogue: 18:03 Allison: I’m almost ready for my granddaughter’s visit. She’ll be here tomorrow and I want everything to be perfect. Ola: What do you have planned? Allison: I’m going to spoil her rotten. My daughter is very strict and doesn’t allow her to do anything that a normal 10-year-old wants to do. Ola: Like what? Allison: Well, her time is very structured and regimented. She’s never allowed any time for just frivolous fun. Ola: And you’re taking off the shackles. Allison: That’s right. She can play as much as she wants to for the next week. I don’t want her to miss out on any experiences just because her mother is overprotective. There will be no curfews and no time schedules. Ola: Are you sure that’s a good idea? I’m sure your daughter has instructions about how your granddaughter should behave and the punishments she should get if she misbehaves. Allison: You’re right about that. I’m expecting a long list of rules for my granddaughter while she’s here, but she shouldn’t expect me to toe the line. I’m the grandmother after all, so I have special privileges. Nobody tells me what to do with my own granddaughter. Ola: How did a free spirit like you end up with a daughter who is so uptight? Allison: Beats me. Ola: She’s not going to thank you for spoiling her daughter, you know. Allison: I know, but I’m her mother and there’s still a thing or two I can teach her about raising a daughter! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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557 - Applying for a Passport

Getting a passport is more work than you think. Learn more in this episode. Slow dialogue: 1:14
Explanations: 3:15
Fast dialogue: 16:45 Clerk: Yes, can I help you? Orlando: I want to get a passport. Clerk: Have you filled out the application? Orlando: No, I haven’t. Clerk: Come back when you’ve filled it out. Orlando: Okay, I’ve completed the application. Clerk: Let me see it. You need to fill in your Social Security number here and you need to provide evidence of your citizenship. Have you ever had a passport before? Orlando: No, I haven’t. Clerk: In that case, you’ll need to submit a copy of your birth certificate, or if you were born outside of the country, a copy of your Naturalization Certificate or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Orlando: I don’t have those documents with me. Clerk: Come back when you do. Orlando: Okay, I’m back. I have a copy of my birth certificate. Clerk: All right. Let me see some identification. Orlando: Identification? Clerk: Yes, I need to see a valid driver’s license, a government ID, or a military ID. Orlando: I’ll be right back. Clerk: Yes? Orlando: Here’s my military ID. Clerk: Where are you passport photos? Orlando: Passport photos? Clerk: Yes, you need two identical passport photos. Orlando: I’ll be right back. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #229

Topics: American Cities: Milwaukee; Neighborhood Watch/Citizen’s Arrest; to look versus to look like; not by the hair of my chinny-chin-chin; pretty + (adjective) Words:
brewery
on the shores of
waterway
per-capita
violent
crime
suspicious
to intervene
citizen’s arrest
felony
sign
to deter
to look
to look like
not by the hair of my chinny-chin-chin
pretty

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556 - Scheduling an Appointment

You don’t need to make an appointment to listen to this episode, which tells you how to make an appointment in English. Slow dialogue: 1:25
Explanations: 3:33
Fast dialogue: 15:45 Ann: Hello. Serge: Hi, Ann. It’s Serge. I’m calling to make an appointment for LeeAnn. She wants to meet with Miles next week sometime. Ann: Let me take a look at his appointment schedule. Let’s see, can LeeAnn be here on Tuesday at 2:00? Serge: No, she’s tied up all Tuesday afternoon, but I could shuffle around some of her commitments to free her up on Tuesday morning, if that helps. Ann: Unfortunately, Tuesday morning is out. I could bump someone on Wednesday afternoon at 3:00. Can LeeAnn be here at that time? Serge: She has an appointment at 2:30 in this office, but it shouldn’t last more than a half hour. She should be able to make it by 3:00 if she’s not running late. Better yet, I may be able to finagle something, maybe push back that appointment until she gets back to the office. Why don’t you pencil her in for now? Ann: Okay, I’ll do that, but can you confirm with me by Monday? Serge: Sure, I’ll give you a heads up no later than noon on Monday if I can’t push back her other appointment. Ann: Okay, sounds good. Tell me, do you ever feel like we’re spinning our wheels, spending our days making, changing, and canceling appointments? Serge: Yeah, every single day! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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555 - Lying and Telling the Truth

This episode is about how to win a million dollars. Would I lie to you? Slow dialogue: 1:19
Explanations: 2:50
Fast dialogue: 14:22 Elizabeth: You’re full of it! Leo: I’m telling you the God’s honest truth. Why would I eat the last piece of cake when I know that you had your heart set on it? Elizabeth: That’s the question, isn’t it? Why would you go behind my back and eat it, and then try to put one over on me? Leo: Would I be able to look you in the eye if I were lying? Look at me. I’m the picture of Honest Abe. Elizabeth: Do you expect me to believe that? Leo: There’s not a dishonest bone in my body. I may tell a white lie here and there, but I would never try to tell you a bald-faced lie like this. Elizabeth: Oh, really? Do you swear? Leo: I swear that I didn’t eat the last piece of cake. Elizabeth: There’s something fishy about the way you said that. Leo: I don’t know what you mean. Elizabeth: You didn’t eat the last piece of cake, but you know who did. Leo: I’m pleading the Fifth. Elizabeth: Spill it, Abe! Leo: Not on your life! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #228

Topics: Patriotic songs; Carnegie Hall; grande versus venti (at Starbucks); troop versus troops; (something) is ghostwritten Words:
patriotic
to bless
prayer
national anthem
prairie
foam
ocean current
hall
to seat
acoustics
to be lined with
to be engaged in
grande
venti
troop
troops
ghostwritten

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554 - An Emergency Airplane Landing

Bad news: There may be a plane crash in this episode. Worse news: You’ll be able to understand what’s going to happen after listening to it. Slow dialogue: 1:10
Explanations: 3:18
Fast dialogue: 16:22

I was nearly asleep in my seat when I heard this announcement: “Folks, this is the captain speaking from the cockpit. We are experiencing a lot of turbulence and I’m turning on the fasten seatbelt sign. Please remain in your seats.” I didn’t think anything of it until a few minutes later when I heard this announcement: “This is your captain speaking again. Due to extreme weather conditions, we may need to make an emergency landing. The cabin crew will review the emergency procedures, and give you instructions on how to use the floatation devices and the oxygen masks. Please stay calm.” This is when I started to freak out. What if we crash-land? What if we dive into the ocean? Who would rescue us here in the middle of nowhere? Then, I heard this announcement: “Ladies and gentlemen, this is the captain again. It seems that we had an instrument malfunction, and no emergency landing will be necessary. Sorry to alarm you, and please go back to sleep.” Go back to sleep?! Is he kidding? How can anyone sleep after that?! I’m still watching my life flash before my eyes! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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553 - A Homeowners’ Association

Being the leader of a homeowners’ association can result in a lot of headaches. Learn more in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:19
Explanations: 2:33
Fast dialog: 14:19 Cuca: What possessed you to agree to become the head of the homeowners’ association? Emiliano: I’m just tired of all of the waste and not having a say. Our dues keep going up and there seems to be special assessments every year. I’m not even sure the association is following the bylaws anymore. I just felt I had to step up. Cuca: That’s really admirable, but I hope you know what you’re getting into. There’s been a lot of mismanagement, and you’ll have to do battle with some entrenched members. They’re not going to look kindly on the tough questions you’ll be asking. Emiliano: Believe me, I’m not looking forward to it, but it’s got to be done. Cuca: Talk about a thankless job. Emiliano: Don’t I know it. I guess I’m just a glutton for punishment! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #227

Topics: Vampires; The Second City (comedy group); to sway versus to persuade versus to convince; get a life!; to ramp up Words:
vampire
to suck
stake
genre
trilogy
to be torn between
to slay
craze
to crave
improv
to rehearse
scripted
to sway
to persuade
to convince
get a life!
to ramp up

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552 - Reviewing Job Applications

Get off your couch and get a job! Learn about how employers review job applications in this episode. Slow dialogue: 1:33
Explanations: 3:08
Fast dialogue: 14:56 Missy: Okay, let’s sort this stack of applications into three piles: good candidates, those worth a second look, and definite “no’s.” Jonathan: Well, that didn’t take long. With this poor economy, I thought we’d get an embarrassment of riches, but these applications are pretty pathetic. I only see two of these people as employee material. Missy: Yeah, well, it might have something to do with the salary we’re offering. Not everybody is willing to work for peanuts. Jonathan: Isn’t that the truth! Some of these applicants have never held down a job before and don’t have a single reference. These others don’t seem to be able to hold on to a job, job-hopping every few months. Missy: Well, at least we have these two standouts. They both have the right educational background and level of experience. Should we call them in for interviews? Jonathan: Yeah, and I hope they haven’t already been snatched up by another company. Missy: You and me, both. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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551 - Scheduling a Medical Appointment

Learn how to make an appointment to see the doctor in English in this episode. Slow dialogue: 1:36
Explanations: 3:57
Fast dialogue: 15:33 I needed to make an appointment with a doctor so I called my health plan’s phone number for new patients. Before I could schedule my appointment, I had to listen to several recorded messages to be routed to the right medical office. The recording said to stay on the line for assistance. Clerk: Hello, Western Medical Group. Damien: Hello, I’d like to make an appointment with Dr. Gupta. Clerk: Are you a new patient or a returning patient? Damien: I’m a new patient. Clerk: Who referred you to Dr. Gupta? Damien: No one. One of the health benefits of my plan is that I can self-refer to some specialists. Clerk: What is the name of your plan and your medical record number? Damien: It’s Waiser and my medical record number is 23456789. Clerk: It looks like Dr. Gupta is booked up for the next three weeks. She has an opening on March 2nd, at 4:30 p.m. Damien: I was hoping to get an early morning appointment. Clerk: The next morning appointment won’t be until March 18th, at 11:00. You’ll need to check in at 10:45 to fill out paperwork. Should I put you down for that? Damien: Is it possible to get an even earlier appointment? Clerk: Dr. Gupta doesn’t begin seeing patients until 10:30. Damien: 10:30? Isn’t that pretty late? Clerk: Dr. Gupta likes to play golf in the mornings. Damien: Why do you think I want an early morning appointment? Doesn’t she know that some of her patients prefer late-morning golf? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #226

Topics: Ask an American: The meaning of work; apart from versus in terms of; off the cuff; also versus as well Words:
to earn a living
to come down to
paycheck
hustle
greatly
debt
to pay off
chain
defined
imaginative
apart from
in terms of
off the cuff
also
as well

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550 - Differences in Male and Female Friendships

Men and women differ in many ways, including in their friendships. Learn more in this episode. Slow dialogue: 1:22
Explanations: 3:41
Fast dialogue: 17:00 Lauren: Did you see what Stephanie was wearing? She looked like a wet dog! Quentin: Why do women do that? Lauren: Do what? Quentin: Why do women put other women down? Is it to make themselves feel superior? Lauren: It was only a joke. I didn’t mean anything by it. Quentin: Do you really think she would find it funny if she had heard you? Lauren: What about you men? You guys are always bantering and trying to one-up each other. Aren’t you guys trying to see who’s superior and who’s inferior? Quentin: Women are catty and talk behind each other’s backs. We men make fun of each other in a good-natured way while we’re together. That’s the difference: You women are laughing at each other and we men are laughing with each other. Lauren: Oh yeah? Was Tim laughing with you guys when you threw him into the lake last weekend? Quentin: That was very funny, and yes, he thought it was funny, too. What you women don’t understand is that we give as good as we get. Next time, Tim will play a trick on someone else. Lauren: So it’s a vicious cycle of pranks. Quentin: Yeah, you could say that. That’s how men bond. That’s something you women don’t seem to understand. Lauren: We understand, all right. You take turns torturing each other and call it male bonding. Quentin: See what I mean? You women stick to your ways and we’ll stick to ours. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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549 - Using a Camera

Not familiar with the new digital cameras? Learn all about them in English in this episode. Slow dialogue: 1:17
Explanations: 2:49
Fast dialogue: 12:32 Ingrid: I don’t mind lending you my camera for the trip, but first, let me show you how to use it. Deng: No need to do that. I took a photography class in high school, and I pretty much know all there is to know about taking pictures. Ingrid: Wasn’t that a long time ago? This is a digital camera with some new features. For instance, this camera has auto zoom, image stabilization, and a memory card. Deng: It can’t be that different from the camera I used 15 years ago. This looks like a point-and-shoot. You look through the viewer and push the button, right? Ingrid: Well, not quite. You can adjust the flash and shutter speed, see? You can also attach a lens for wide-angle or close-up shots. You can even review your photos, saving the ones you like or deleting the ones you don’t want anymore. Deng: Okay, I got it. By the way you’re talking, you’d think I was born yesterday. Just show me where to load the film! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #225

Topics: Gay Rights Issues: Gay Marriage and “"Don't Ask, Don't Tell”"; Famous Americans: Oprah Winfrey; sneak preview; instead of versus rather than; a lot versus lots Words:
gay
rights
spouse
civil union
to object
military
sexual orientation
media personality
talk show
influential
to endorse
philanthropic
sneak preview
instead of
rather than
lots / a lot

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548 - Working for an Impossible Boss

Is your boss impossible to work with? I know mine is. Learn how to fight back in this episode. Slow dialogue: 1:46
Explanations: 3:55
Fast dialogue: 18:09 Mr. Mann: Why are all these people milling around doing no work? Laura! You’re in charge when I’m out of the office and you’re incompetent! Laura: Mr. Mann, we need to talk in private. Let’s go into your office. Mr. Mann: What is this about? Laura: Mr. Mann, I’ve tried to do my job the best I can, but I won’t tolerate your verbal abuse any longer. Mr. Mann: Verbal abuse?! I’m just telling it like it is. It’s my…it’s my…management style. This is business. If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen. Laura: If I thought this was about my performance, I would certainly take any constructive criticism, but this is really about your inappropriate behavior. Mr. Mann: What inappropriate behavior? You’re questioning my behavior? Laura: Yes, I’ve held my tongue long enough. Every day, you come back to the office tipsy from a three-martini lunch, and you go off on me in front of the other employees. That undermines my authority and puts me in an impossible position. Mr. Mann: I’m your boss and you have no right to question the way I run this house…I mean, department. Laura: With all due respect, this is no way to run a department. Mr. Mann: And how dare you suggest that I’m drunk? You don’t know who you’re dealing with. Laura: Oh, yes I do. You’re my ex-boss. I’ve had enough. I quit! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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547 - Shopping for a Hat

Learn about buying a hat in English in this episode. Slow dialogue: 1:20
Explanations: 3:15
Fast dialogue: 16:16 Christine: What do you think of this one? Eric: We’re here to buy hats to protect us from the sun while we’re on vacation. Do you think a beret will do that? Christine: No, but it looks great on me, don’t you think? Isn’t it great to be getting away to the beach in the middle of winter! I already picked out a straw hat with a wide, floppy brim, so I’m all set for the trip. Eric: In that case, help me pick one out. How about this baseball cap? Christine: Well, the brim gives your face plenty of shade, but it leaves the back of your head exposed. How about this helmet? Eric: Very funny. Do you want me to suffocate in this thing? Okay, hand me that cowboy hat. Christine: That looks cute on you, but it’s huge and it’s going to get squished in the luggage. Hey, try these two hats on! Eric: Stop messing around. I don’t need a top hat, and that one looks like a bonnet! Christine: Okay, okay, how about this straw hat? Like mine, it’s soft enough to travel in a suitcase. Eric: Hey, this one isn’t bad. How do I look? Christine: Just like the tourist that you are, but that makes two of us. Eric: I couldn’t care less. I don’t care if I look cool on vacation as long as I am cool! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #224

Topics: Hip Hop Culture; The New York Stock Exchange; effectiveness versus efficiency; jilted; hence versus thus Words:
hip hop
DJ
to rap
graffiti
breakdancing / breaking
oppressive
stock exchange
stock
trading floor
NYSE Composite Index
base value
panic
effectiveness
efficiency
jilted
hence
thus

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546 - Having an Open House

Slow dialogue: 1:43
Explanations: 4:07
Fast dialogue: 18:39 Kyoko: We’re not supposed to be here. I think we should leave and let our real estate agent hold the open house without us looking over her shoulder. Ernie: We’re not looking over her shoulder. I just want to sit in this car to see how many people go in and out. Kyoko: You know, there’ll be a lot of lookie-loos. And plus, there’ll be a sign-in sheet, so we’ll be able to see afterwards how many people stopped in. Ernie: Hey, someone’s coming in now. Kyoko: That’s the stager. She’s making some last-minute changes. Ernie: She really doesn’t need to do anything else. We did everything our agent told us to do. We made cosmetic repairs, painted, and de-cluttered. What more could they ask for? Kyoko: She’s just doing some minor landscaping, putting some plants along the front path and around the front door. Let’s get out of here before people start showing up. I don’t want to seem like I’m spying on my own house. Ernie: What does it matter? Hand me the fact sheet for our house. I want to read it through again to make sure the agent didn’t miss anything. Okay, the square footage on the house and the lot are correct, she noted that our addition is permitted, and she mentioned the upgrades – good. Where are you going? Kyoko: I’m not going to sit in this car for the next four hours. Let’s go to visit our neighbors’ open houses. Ernie: Good idea. We’ll see what our competition is and maybe we can steal some of their open house ideas! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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545 - Getting Around Without a Car

Slow dialogue: 1:30
Explanations: 3:17
Fast dialogue: 15:28 Caitland: How are you planning on getting to school and to your job without a car? Bruno: I’ve got it covered. I have my skateboard. Caitland: Your skateboard won’t be any use on those dirt roads. Bruno: No big thing. I’ll just take my bike. Caitland: Your bike was stolen, along with your rollerblades, remember? Bruno: Oh, yeah. Maybe I’ll save up and buy a Segway. Caitland: Those things are really expensive. What’ll you do in the meantime? Bruno: Maybe I’ll take the bus. Worst case scenario, I give myself more time and I walk. Why are you so interested in how I’m going to commute? Fess up. Caitland: I care about your well-being, that’s all. Bruno: Oh, yeah? I don’t buy it. There’s got to be an ulterior motive. Caitland: Well, I do have an old scooter that would be just what you need to get back and forth from school and work. It uses very little gas and I’ll let you have it for next to nothing. Bruno: I knew it. You’re trying to pawn off that old scooter on me. Forget it! Caitland: I’m just looking out for your best interest, that’s all. Bruno: Isn’t that what all con artists say? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #223

Topics: Social networking; government-run lotteries; the use of “on” with the days of the week; to travel in/by; individual versus personal Words:
social networking
application
post
to keep in touch
privacy
discreet
lottery
scratcher / scratch-it ticket / scratch card
chance
jackpot
lump sum
annuity
to travel by/in
individual
personal

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544 - Working from a Home Office

Slow dialogue: 1:20
Explanations: 3:27
Fast dialogue: 13:58 Adrina: So this is your new home office. It’s nice. Victor: It’s functional, and I like it. When my company decided to lower its overhead by decentralizing, it gave employees the option to work from home. When I heard that, I didn’t think twice about making the change. Adrina: I’m not surprised. Lots of people would kill to work from home. Did you have to get dedicated phone and fax lines? Victor: No, I already have a company cell phone, and I mainly use email to communicate with the office. Adrina: I assume you get to set your own schedule. Do you find it hard to concentrate on your work? I know I’d be distracted all the time if I had a home office. Victor: It’s true that there are a lot more distractions at home, but I try to block them out. For me, it’s not getting down to work that’s a problem, it’s getting myself to stop thinking about work all the time! That’s one of the drawbacks of working where you live. I’m more productive, but I’m also more work-centered. Adrina: I can see that, though I’d still take working from home over working at the office any day. Victor: I thought you had a home office for your real estate business. Adrina: I do, but it’s not very conducive to getting any work done. Victor: Why’s that? Adrina: My home office doubles as the guestroom and the kids’ playroom! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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543 - Describing Different Smells

Slow dialogue: 1:12
Explanations: 3:05
Fast dialogue: 14:52 Giles: Do you really think we’ll be able to renovate this place and turn it into a restaurant? Julia: It’s not so bad. I know it smells a little stale and musty in here, but all we need to do is air it out. Giles: Air it out? This place needs a lot more than an airing out. The kitchen smells putrid. I wonder what died in there. Julia: There is a faint smell of something nasty in there, but I don’t think it permeates through the rest of the building, do you? Giles: No, but there are different nasty smells in other parts of the building. Oh! There’s a really strong burnt, smoky smell in this corner. Hold your breath! Julia: This is a restaurant. I’m sure a thorough cleaning will make all the difference. Giles: That might be true for the kitchen, but what will you do in the dining room? An entire truckload of scented candles or bottles of perfume couldn’t mask those foul smells. This place just stinks, from top to bottom! Julia: All right, I’ll look for another building, but this place is cheap and within our budget. Giles: Yes, but if I had to work here, I’d first have to lose my sense of smell! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #222

Topics: The Mormon/LDS Church; school lunches; using “in” or “on” with body parts; fall off versus fall down; a dollar down and a dollar a week Words:
denomination
angel
revelation
polygamy
mob
to distance (oneself) from
afterlife
tithe
missionary
to go hungry
surplus
corndog
to punch
to smack
to touch
to tap
to fall off
to fall down
a dollar down and a dollar a week

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542 - Renting a Movie

Slow dialogue: 1:18
Explanations: 3:26
Fast dialogue: 16:12 Brenda: I have to return these movies in the drop box today or I’ll have late fees. Can I get you anything while I’m out? Jang: Are you still renting movies from the video store? I use a service that delivers the movies to my mailbox. There are never any late fees. Brenda: I’ve thought about subscribing to one of those services, but I think I would really miss browsing at the video store. I like checking out the new releases and staff picks, and you never know what you’ll find to buy in the bargain bins. Jang: Renting movies online is so much quicker and easier. I can browse the titles quickly, read the descriptions, read reviews, and sometimes even watch a trailer. Then, all I need to do is put the movie in my queue, and as soon as I mail one movie back, they send me another one. It’s that simple. Brenda: It does sound easy, but not everything that’s easy is better. Some of us like to take our time to make our selections. Jang: Whatever. If you want to spend your time looking for movies rather than watching them, that’s your prerogative. Brenda: Are you really going to let me off so easily? I thought I was in for another one of your lectures. Jang: You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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541 - Reporting the News

Slow dialogue: 1:07
Explanations: 2:52
Fast dialogue: 15:09 I have always wanted to be a news reporter. When I was about 10 years old, I would write my own news stories and publish them in my own newspaper. In reality, the newspaper was just a piece of paper on which I’d written my stories and drew my pictures, but it was my first taste of the power of the press. When I got to college, I worked on the university newspaper and started out as a copy editor, editing stories and writing headlines. Then, I began to cover news events, getting my first bylines. I can’t tell you how excited I was to see my name in print for the first time! Since then, I’ve worked at several newspapers. I started out at the bottom, writing obituaries and news briefs. Then, I got a regular beat and wrote some features and investigative reports. I’ve even written the occasional editorial. What next? You never know in the newspaper business, but I’m shooting for a Pulitzer! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #221

Topics: Ask an American: Watching TV on the Internet; to search versus to look for versus to seek; pushing up daisies; do you have any idea? Words:
dominant
programming
to turn to (something)
as opposed to
to cut across generational lines
tech-savvy
I can’t say
probability
indestructible
to come on the scene
to search
to look for
to seek
to push up daisies
Do you have any idea…?

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540 - Promoting a New Product

Slow dialogue: 1:36
Explanations: 3:52
Fast dialogue: 16:24 Zoila: I haven’t seen you around lately. What have you been up to? Leo: My business partners and I have been putting the final touches on our new line of energy drinks. Zoila: Really? I didn’t even know that you were in the beverage business. Leo: Yeah, we’ve branched out into a few other areas. We’re going to start promoting the new drinks very soon. We’re working with an advertising agency and we’ll start with sponsoring a couple of sporting events. Zoila: Wow, when am I going to start seeing ads on TV? Leo: I don’t think we’re going to go that route just yet. Zoila: Are you taking the new products to trade shows? Leo: No, no trade shows for us. We’re working on product placement in some music videos and maybe a TV show or two. Zoila: That’s great. What about tie-ins with other products or with a movie? I see those everywhere. Leo: We’re considering it. We’re working on a couple of endorsement deals right now. Once we have some celebrities on board, we’ll do even more. Zoila: It would be great if you could get Jeff McQuillan to endorse your products. Everybody knows he’s the greatest baseball player who ever lived. With him plugging your energy drinks, sales will go through the roof. Leo: Yeah, but I think we’d be shooting too high. We might have to settle for someone a little less famous – like David Beckham or Lance Armstrong. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse Cat: Business
Image: Business 12/21/09
Some people will do anything to sell their product. Learn how you can do it, too, in this episode. Slow dialogue: 1:36
Explanations: 3:52
Fast dialogue: 16:24 Zoila: I haven’t seen you around lately. What have you been up to? Leo: My business partners and I have been putting the final touches on our new line of energy drinks. Zoila: Really? I didn’t even know that you were in the beverage business. Leo: Yeah, we’ve branched out into a few other areas. We’re going to start promoting the new drinks very soon. We’re working with an advertising agency and we’ll start with sponsoring a couple of sporting events. Zoila: Wow, when am I going to start seeing ads on TV? Leo: I don’t think we’re going to go that route just yet. Zoila: Are you taking the new products to trade shows? Leo: No, no trade shows for us. We’re working on product placement in some music videos and maybe a TV show or two. Zoila: That’s great. What about tie-ins with other products or with a movie? I see those everywhere. Leo: We’re considering it. We’re working on a couple of endorsement deals right now. Once we have some celebrities on board, we’ll do even more. Zoila: It would be great if you could get Jeff McQuillan to endorse your products. Everybody knows he’s the greatest baseball player who ever lived. With him plugging your energy drinks, sales will go through the roof. Leo: Yeah, but I think we’d be shooting too high. We might have to settle for someone a little less famous – like David Beckham or Lance Armstrong. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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539 - Spending Time with Family

Slow dialogue: 1:22
Explanations: 2:52
Fast dialogue: 12:53 Claus: Go home. You need to spend more time with your loved ones before they report you missing. Marcia: This is the busy season. Do you think I have time to stop to smell the roses when I have work coming out of my ears? Claus: It’s true we’re busy, but you get too wrapped up in your work. How old are your daughters? Marcia: They’re six and nine. Claus: Right. Before you know it, they’ll be grown and you’ll have missed out on their childhood. Take it from someone who knows. Don’t take your family for granted. Marcia: I know you’re right. I need to spend more quality time with them – just as soon as the busy season is over. Claus: Time slips by while you’re not paying attention. Look at me. I worked my butt off to get where I am now, but at what cost? My wife and I are practically strangers and I barely know my children. You don’t want to end up like me. Marcia: So I should see you as a cautionary tale? Claus: Yup. Consider this a public service announcement. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #220

Disneyland; government property seizures and auctions; state; on the prowl; pronouncing the vowel “i” and the vowel combinations “ee” and “ea”; time after time Words:
theme park
ride
fantasy
frontier
to seize
property
tied to
to make way for
auction
bid
surplus goods
proceeds
state
to be on the prowl
time after time

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538 - Finding the Perfect Gift

Slow dialogue: 1:07
Explanations: 2:40
Fast dialogue: 12:00 Fae: Help! I still need to buy a gift for my mother and I can’t seem to think of the perfect present, something that’ll really knock her socks off. Pablo: Why don’t you just get her a gift certificate or a gift card? That way, she can pick out her own gift. Fae: Oh, she would hate that. She would think that I didn’t put any thought into buying her a present at all, while I’ve been racking my brain to think of something she’ll like. Maybe I should buy her a car! Pablo: Now, don’t get carried away. You get like this every year. I know you want to please your mother, but remember, it’s the thought that counts. Fae: I wish that were true. If I get her the wrong gift, I’m afraid she’ll be disappointed, or worse, she’ll hold it against me for the rest of my life. Pablo: It boggles my mind how you can work yourself up like this every year. Fae: How can I not? You know my mother. Pablo: Yes, I do, and I have one piece of advice for you: Buy her a gift she can return. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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537 - Types of Bank Accounts

Slow dialogue: 1:24
Explanations: 3:30
Fast dialogue: 17:56 Luiz: Where are you going? Iona: I’m going to the bank to open an account. Luiz: What kind of account: a savings account, a checking account, or a CD? Iona: Um, I’m not sure, but I’m sure someone at the bank can help me decide. Luiz: You’ll also need to decide if you want an interest-earning account or not, and don’t forget to ask for free checking. Pick a bank that doesn’t have monthly service charges. Iona: Okay, thanks… Luiz: And make sure you know if there’s a minimum balance required, because if the account dips below that minimum, you’ll be charged a fee. Iona: Yes, right, I’ll be sure to do that. Well, I’d better get going… Luiz: You probably want to open a checking and a savings account, so make sure you link those accounts. That should give you overdraft protection, in case you ever bounce a check. Iona: Okay, I’ll definitely keep all of that in mind. I’d better go. Samil is waiting for me. Luiz: Are you thinking of opening a joint account with your boyfriend? Iona: We’re considering it… Luiz: Pool your money and open a CD. That way, you’ll lock in a good interest rate and neither of you can touch the money until the CD matures. Iona: We’ll think about it. Thanks. Luiz: Oh, and… Iona: Would you like to come with us to the bank and help us open our accounts? Luiz: Really? But I don’t want to interfere. Iona: You, interfere? I can’t imagine you ever trying to interfere. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #219

Topics: The medical marijuana controversy; Famous Americans: Woody Allen; sky versus skies; meltdown and crack down; less is more/more is less; pronunciations of live Words:
medical properties
chemotherapy
nausea
appetite
to prescribe
dispensary
cannabis club
screenwriter
one-liner
stand-up comedian
caption
dark
sky
skies
meltdown
crack down
more is less
less is more

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536 - Using a Computer Keyboard

Slow dialogue: 1:32
Explanations: 3:17
Fast dialogue: 15:16 Leslie: This keyboard is so hard to use. I can’t find where anything is! Dave: It’s a standard QWERTY keyboard. The layout may be a little different, with the function keys on the right-hand side instead of on the top, but you’ll get used to it in no time. Leslie: That’s what you think. I don’t need an ergonomic wireless keyboard. I liked my old one. Dave: Everybody in the office is getting one, so you weren’t singled out. Okay, let me give you a quick orientation. This keyboard has a built-in number pad, and all you need to do is press the “num lock” key to use it. The escape (“esc”) key is over here, and the “control,” “alt,” and “shift” keys are on the bottom. Leslie: Where’s the “caps lock”? Dave: It’s on your left. Leslie: But my old keyboard had a bunch of hotkeys. What am I supposed to do without them? Dave: You can program your function keys to act as hotkeys. Do you want me to show you how to do that? Leslie: I guess so. Since I’m stuck with this keyboard, I guess I have to live with it. Dave: That’s the spirit! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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535 - Describing Speed and Pace

Slow dialogue: 1:33
Explanations: 3:06
Fast dialogue: 14:16 Chiu: Come on, slowpoke, hurry up! We’ll never get to the top of the hill if you don’t get a move on. Sarah: There’s no way you’re going to get me to move at breakneck speed. I’ve gone up at least 500 steps already, and my legs are about to fall off. Tell me again why we’re trudging up this hill? Chiu: It’s the only way to the ruins and the view from there will really be worth your while. Trust me. Pick up the pace or we won’t get there before sunset! Sarah: It’s not like I’m dawdling here. I may be moving at a snail’s pace, but this is as fast as I can manage without keeling over. If you’re in such a hurry, you can sprint up there by yourself. Go ahead. Impress me with your blinding speed. Chiu: I’m not about to leave you here all by yourself. Sarah: Why? Do you feel sorry for me? Chiu: Yes, I always feel sorry for the physically challenged. Sarah: Oh, yeah? Better physically challenged than mentally challenged! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #218

Topics: Explaining TV show names; Mount McKinley and mountaineering; highest versus tallest; CEO versus CFO versus CIO Words:
sitcom
scrubs
on the fringe
widow
weed
trek
mountaineering
to climb
peak
route
summit
to stretch
highest
tallest
CEO
CFO
CIO

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534 - Types of Guns and Weapons

Slow dialogue: 1:16
Explanations: 2:45
Fast dialogue: 15:33 Bobbie: I’ve always pegged you as the non-violent type. What’s with your fascination with guns and that sort of thing? Emmanuel: I come from a long line of military officers and I grew up with all of it. Believe it or not, I learned how to fire pistols and rifles before I was 10 years old, and by the time I was 14, I was a pretty good shot. Bobbie: I hope you fired at targets and not at people. Emmanuel: No, not people. We did do some hunting when I was young, but I mainly honed my skills with target practice. Bobbie: I’d like to try target practice – with a machine gun or a grenade launcher! I’m sure I’d at least hit something. Emmanuel: Yeah, right. What really interests me are the big weapons, like missiles – you know, like antiballistic missiles and torpedoes. Bobbie: You can have all of the missiles you want. I’ll be hiding in the tank! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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533 - Making Funeral and Burial Arrangements

Slow dialogue: 1:24
Explanations: 3:02
Fast dialogue: 15:44 Reiko: When I die, I want a big funeral. The more mourners the better! Lucas: Not me. I’m just the opposite. I don’t want any kind of funeral or wake. I just want to be cremated and have my ashes scattered. Reiko: What? You don’t want to be buried in a beautiful casket with a big headstone? Better yet, how about being interred in a mausoleum? Lucas: You’ve got to be kidding me! Why would I all want all of that hoopla? I’m dead. What difference would it make to me? Reiko: It’s not for you. It’s for the mourners. Having a ceremony and a burial will help them grieve. Lucas: Not my friends and family. The less fuss the better for them. Most of my family is buried in simple gravesites in non-denominational cemeteries. Reiko: What’s the fun in that? Lucas: I think you’re forgetting one thing: we’re talking about death. It’s not supposed to be fun and games! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #217

Topics: Ask an American: sleep and weight gain; to slip through (one's) fingers; drink versus beverage; individually versus separately versus independently Words:
pretty much
anecdotally
largely
half-eaten
buffet
to shift
to graze
shift worker
disruption
metabolic change
to slip through (one's) fingers
drink
beverage
individually
separately
independently

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532 - Using an Online Email Program

Slow dialogue: 1:29
Explanations: 3:35
Fast dialogue: 15:58 Luigi: What do you think of this new email program? Selma: I don’t know yet. I just started using it. The interface is pretty intuitive, but I haven’t figured out how to sort my inbox by date. Luigi: That’s easy. Let me show you. All you have to do is hit one of these buttons and it’ll sort automatically. Selma: Oh, I see. Let me try to compose a message. I’ll cc: myself and I’ll bcc: you to make sure it goes through. It looks like if I don’t want to send it right away, I can save the message as a draft. If I do send it, does it save a copy? Luigi: Yes, it should. Refresh the page and it should show up in “sent mail.” Selma: Oh, yeah, there it is. Let’s see, I can also archive messages or mark them as junk or send them straight to trash. How do I add contacts? Luigi: You can put contacts into your address book by dragging an email address into your “contacts” folder, like this. Selma: Okay, one more thing: I want to set up spam filters and some other filters to block unwanted emails. Luigi: You can do that in this window, see? Whose emails are you blocking? Selma: Yours, if don’t stop forwarding all of those stupid jokes every day. Luigi: And deprive you of the fun? Never! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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531 - Describing Fabric Patterns

Slow dialogue: 1:20
Explanations: 2:48
Fast dialogue: 13:59

Ruth: Now that we’ve picked out a new couch, we need to pick out an upholstery fabric. What do you think of this checkered one? Gerry: That’s an eyesore. I prefer something a little more subtle. Ruth: Subtle? What’s fun about subtle? I want something bold and that’ll make a statement. How about this one with the polka dots? Gerry: You’ve got to be kidding! That pattern is so busy, if I had to look at that every day, I’d go crazy. Ruth: All right, what do you think of this one with the stripes? Gerry: I’m not crazy about it, but it’s not as tacky as the others ones. Ruth: Okay then, you pick one out. Gerry: Fine. Let me see…Now this is a sight for sore eyes! Ruth: But that has no pattern at all! It’s a solid blue color, and a boring shade of blue to boot. Gerry: That’s right. That’s what I call a classic. Ruth: And that’s what I call dull! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #216

Topics: Steroid use and other doping in professional sports; The Juilliard School; shell-shocked; way to go; be good Words:
performance-enhancing drug
steroid
bodybuilder
dose
acne
to cheat
to dope
prestigious
audition
humanities
to rehearse
composer
shell-shocked
way to go
be good

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530 - Exterior Parts of a Car

Slow dialogue: 1:14
Explanations: 3:05
Fast dialogue: 14:10 Ethan: You missed a spot. Marie: Hold on. When we made our bet for the loser to wash the winner’s car, it didn’t include the other person being there and being a pain in the neck. Ethan: I’m just here to make sure everything gets washed properly, from the hood to the taillights. Marie: Don’t you worry. See how carefully I’m washing the windshield, side mirrors, and headlights? I bet they’ve never been cleaner. Ethan: When are you going to get to the tires and the hubcaps? And I think you forgot the tailpipe. Marie: Will you get lost? I’ll do a better job without you looking over my shoulder. Ethan: I doubt that. If I weren’t here, who would remind you to clean the roof rack and the windshield wipers? I bet you would have forgotten those, for sure. Marie: I’m going to forget about this whole thing if you don’t shut up. Ethan: Nah uh. That’s not an option. When you lose a bet, you have to pay the price. Marie: Well, I’m willing to be a graceful loser if you’ll stop gloating. Ethan: Not a chance! Don’t forget the grills! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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529 - Insulting Other People

Slow dialogue: 1:16
Explanations: 3:08
Fast dialogue: 14:49 Lourdes: Do you see those teenagers over there? They’re making trouble again. Nick: Those kids are just messing around. When they get bored, they’ll pipe down and go home. Lourdes: They’re really getting on my nerves, playing loud music and making all that noise. They’re a disgrace. Nick: Get away from that window before they see you. If they see that they can’t get a rise out of us, they’ll move along. What are you doing? What are you planning to do with that broom? Lourdes: I’m going to use it to wave them off. Nick: I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Teenagers can be unpredictable. You don’t know if a small slight might set them off. Insult them and you’re asking for trouble. Lourdes: I don’t care. I’m doing it anyway. Nick: Great! Now you have their attention. They’re flipping us off! Lourdes: Yeah, well, two can play that game. Take that! Nick: Are you crazy?! Lourdes: No, I’m just giving as good as I get. Look what they’re doing now! Nick: They’re mooning us! Lourdes: Well, two can play that game, too! Nick: What?! Are you nuts?! You can’t moon them back. Lourdes: Oh, no? Watch me! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #215

Topics: American Cities: Houston; how to become a police officer; incredible versus unbelievable; to rule the roost; to sort out Words:
to be named after
oilfield
cultural offering
urban sprawl
lot size
low/high urban density
forensics
ride-along
endurance
drug test
background check
police academy
incredible
unbelievable
to rule the roost
to sort out

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528 - Negotiating Salary

Slow dialogue: 1:25
Explanations: 4:19
Fast dialogue: 16:09 Renaldo: Hello, may I speak to Simone Otto? Simone: This is Simone. May I ask who’s calling? Renaldo: This is Renaldo Garcia at Cinetect. You interviewed for a position with me last week. Simone: Oh, yes, of course. How are you? Renaldo: I’m doing well. The reason I’m calling is that I was very impressed with you last week, and I’d like to offer you the job. Simone: Thank you very much. I’m delighted to hear it. I really appreciate the job offer. Renaldo: I think we now need to talk about salary. What are your salary requirements? Simone: Well, for this type of position, I would be looking for a salary range between $60,000 and $65,000. Renaldo: Hmm, that’s a bit higher than I was thinking, given our budget constraints. Perhaps we can give you an attractive compensation package if the salary isn’t quite what you’re looking for. Simone: I’m certainly open to negotiations, though I think that the salary range I named is comparable to that of similar positions in the field. Renaldo: All right. Why don’t you consider this: I can give you a salary of $50,000 and I’ll increase your annual vacation time from two weeks to three weeks. Simone: Hmm, I’ll need to think about that... Renaldo: In this economy, it’s a salary that many people would jump at. Simone: I understand that, but I also know that I have a lot to offer your company. Renaldo: That’s certainly true, and I don’t you to walk away from this job if there’s any way we can close the gap in salary. Simone: If you’re willing to up the offer to $60,000, then I think it may be doable. Renaldo: Well, $60,000 is really the ceiling for that position. I’ll have to give it some thought and call you back. Simone: Please do, and again, thank you very much for the offer. It would be an honor to work with you and to work at Cinetect. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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527 - Describing Men's Bodies

Slow dialogue: 1:13
Explanations: 2:32
Fast dialogue: 16:11 Justin: What are you ogling at? Katrina: I’m watching those guys working across the street. Justin: Those construction workers? Katrina: Yeah, those prime examples of manhood. There’s not a flabby gut in the bunch. Justin: I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t appreciate you watching them as though they were pieces of meat. Hasn’t anyone ever told you not to objectify the opposite sex? Katrina: What? I’m not objectifying anybody. I’m just admiring their six-packs and guns. Look at those long, lean bodies. Justin: Stop it! It’s demeaning, and on behalf of all men out there, I’m really offended. It’s disgusting. Katrina: Is it disgusting to have a picture of Megan Fox on the wall in your office? Justin: That’s different! Katrina: How? Justin: It’s her personality I admire. Katrina: You could’ve fooled me. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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English Cafe #214

Topics: Psychological pricing; daytime soap operas; target versus objective versus purpose; the silent “b”: slumber versus plumber; there, there Words:
whole number
to make change
to round up/down
chain
soap opera
longest-running
bizarre
plot twist
clone
to come back from the dead
of all time
coma
target
objective
purpose
slumber
plumber
there, there

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526 - Talking About Age

Slow dialogue: 1:17
Explanations: 3:18
Fast dialogue: 13:12 Gabby: Another birthday! I’m going to stop celebrating. What’s there to celebrate – getting old and decrepit? Cherif: Are you kidding me? We’re in the prime of our lives. Who’s decrepit? I’m not. Gabby: If I’m in my prime, then why do I feel so middle age? Cherif: It’s a matter of perspective. It’s true that we’re not spring chickens anymore, but who wants all of the angst of youth? Not me. I like living these mature years without the insecurity and uncertainty of youth. Gabby: It’s not that. I don’t miss the awkwardness of my teenage years, and I definitely don’t miss the struggles I had to go through in my 20s. What I miss is the excitement of seeing and experiencing things for the first time. If I’m nostalgic, then I’m nostalgic for the innocence of youth. Cherif: Come on. There’s nothing stopping you from seeing and trying new things now. Don’t tell me that you’ve seen and done everything. Gabby: No, I haven’t. Cherif: Then you’ll come with me next Saturday, and I guarantee you a new experience. Gabby: What new experience? Cherif: Have you ever tried skydiving? Gabby: No, I haven’t and I don’t plan to now. I may be old, but I’m not ready to kick the bucket yet! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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ESLPodcast Introduction - What is ESLPodcast?

Begin with this introduction to ESLPod.com's English as a Second Language Podcast.

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Happy birthday, ESL Podcast! Listen to an interview of Dr. Jeff McQuillan by Dr. Lucy Tse.

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