English as a Second Language (ESL) Podcast - Learn English Online

English Cafe #403

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Topics: Famous songs: "Three Blind Mice"; Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park; incoming versus oncoming versus upcoming; featured; to fill in versus to fill out

Words:
nursery rhyme
round
to harmonize
carving knife
obscure
volcano
to erupt
lava
archipelago
caldera
awesome
to marvel
incoming
oncoming
upcoming
featured
to fill in
to fill out

904 - Working Overseas

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:15 -0700

If you’re considering working in another country, listen to this episode to find out how to talk about it.

Slow dialog: 0:16
Explanations: 3:15
Fast dialog: 17:13

Danielle: I’m so excited! I just got my new posting overseas. I can’t wait to live abroad and work as an expat.

Angus: I remember my first overseas assignment. It was interesting, but the adjustment took some time.

Danielle: I won’t have any problems. I already have my work permit and vaccinations, and I speak the language fairly well. And remember, I don’t have any family to relocate.

Angus: I didn’t think I’d have any problems either, but when I got to McQuillanland, I was in culture shock.

Danielle: I’m ready for the differences in the cost of living. I’ll be getting a housing allowance, which will offset the increase in living expenses.

Angus: I wasn’t thinking so much about the expense of living abroad. I was referring to a different pace of life and the many cultural differences that affect every facet of life.

Danielle: That’s what I’m looking forward to. It’ll all be so exciting.

Angus: I’m glad you’re in euphoria right now, but be prepared for some bumps in the road.

Danielle: No problem. To me, smooth sailing would be boring!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

903 - Listening to a Traffic Report

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Baby, you can drive my car, but you better check the traffic report before you go. Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:14
Explanations: 3:31
Fast dialog: 18:03

Every afternoon before I leave work, I listen to the traffic report to see if I should take my usual route home or make a detour. So today, like every day, I turned on my radio.

“It’s a tough commute today if you’re traveling on I-35 north. There’s a major slowdown due to an overturned big rig that’s blocking the number two lane.”

Oh no. That meant that I had to take the 40W instead.

“If you’re traveling on the 40W, you’ll find a lot of congestion. It’s down to one lane because of a pileup. Emergency vehicles are responding.”

Wow, that meant I might have to take surface streets all the way home.

“And if you’re thinking of taking Broadway Boulevard west from downtown, think again. There is a stalled vehicle blocking the right lane and construction all the way to Main Street.”

Well, I was in a no-win situation. Do I want to spend two hours in gridlock or two more hours at work?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #402

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Topics: Famous Americans: Nikola Tesla; the Three Stooges; king versus royalty; in an attempt to versus in an effort to; accuracy versus precision

Words:
telegraph
to resign
patent
x-ray
remote controlled
photographic memory
eccentric
mad scientist
penniless
stooge
slapstick
clumsy
king
royalty
accuracy
precision

902 - Being Chivalrous and Protective

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:15 -0700

That ain’t no way to treat a lady, no way to treat your baby. Learn how to behave like a gentleman in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:12
Explanations: 3:13
Fast dialog: 15:03

When I first met Lance, I thought he was the perfect guy. He was a real gentleman. He opened doors for me and pulled out my chair in restaurants. He was as chivalrous as they come. But after a while, I realized that he took chivalry a little too far.
...

Lance: Let me carry that box for you.

Guinevere: No, that’s okay. It’s not heavy.

Lance: It doesn’t matter. I’m your boyfriend and I can’t have you carrying a box when my hands are free.

Guinevere: Is that some kind of code of conduct I don’t know about?

Lance: It’s how a knight would treat his lady.

Guinevere: That’s nice, but I’m perfectly capable of carrying my own box, thank you.

Lance: Don’t argue. It’s my duty to show every courtesy to my girlfriend, so give me that box.

Guinevere: Are you saying that your code of conduct takes precedence over my preferences?

Lance: No, I’m just telling you that my job is to help and protect you, even if it’s against your will.
...

How can you argue with that logic?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

901 - Participating in a Clinical Trial

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Listening to this episode may not cure your illnesses, but it might improve your English.

Slow dialog: 1:07
Explanations: 2:45
Fast dialog: 14:40

Lucinda: You look tired. Are you all right?

Elan: I’m fine. It’s this clinical trial I’m enrolled in. I’m suffering from some side effects.

Lucinda: Are they serious?

Elan: No, they’re not too bad. I was told to expect some adverse reactions in the first weeks of the pilot study. I guess that’s why only a small group of volunteers is taking part right now. It’s so they can judge the drug’s effectiveness before the pharmaceutical company does a large-scale trial.

Lucinda: At least you know you’re not in the group getting a placebo.

Elan: Who knows? I hope not. If I successfully get through this first phase, I’ll get a full dose of the drug in phase two.

Lucinda: Then you may once and for all be rid of Podcaster’s Disease.

Elan: I really hope so. No one should go through life sounding like a podcaster.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #401

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Topics: Ask an American: Bilingual seniors; to keep in store versus to store up versus to reserve in store; which; think about versus think of

Words:
functional
basis
advantage
to activate
cognitive control
efficiently
senior
bilingual
magnitude
subject
to expend
to out-perform (someone)
monolingual
to keep in store
to store up
to reserve in store
to think about
to think of

900 - Simplifying Information

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Be careful about making your explanation too simple when presenting to a group. Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:17
Explanations: 3:17
Fast dialog: 15:39

Tara: How is your presentation coming along?

Stan: It’s okay, but I’m having trouble simplifying some of the key concepts without dumbing them down too much.

Tara: I think your instincts are right. You’ll be presenting to non-specialists, so it’s important to keep your presentation clear and simple.

Stan: That’s my problem. How do I capture the essence of all of this information without making it too simplistic?

Tara: My rule of thumb is to think about which concepts really jump out at me when I think about the topic and identify any patterns in the information. Then, I build my presentations around those things.

Stan: That’s a good idea.

Tara: I would also find a non-specialist and do a run-through and get his or her feedback. That’s the best way to know if you’ve nailed it.

Stan: That’s another good idea. What do I owe you for all of this good advice?

Tara: There’s a new restaurant across the street I’ve been meaning to try for lunch...

Stan: Say no more. Lunch is on me.

Tara: Really? Let’s go right now before you change your mind!

899 - Purchasing and Using and E-Ticket

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Get your ticket to the nightmare that is an American airport in this episode. Enjoy your flight!

Slow dialog: 1:06
Explanations: 3:23
Fast dialog: 17:04

I thought I would save time by purchasing my airline ticket online and checking in at the airport with my e-ticket. I went onto the McQ Air website and selected my flights. The screen then prompted me to pay with a credit card. After I typed in my payment information, I got a confirmation receipt with my ticket number and my itinerary. I printed out a copy of my e-ticket and I was ready to go – easy!

But when I got to the airport, it was a different story. I went up to a self-serve kiosk and swiped my credit card to bring up my account. The computer said that it couldn’t find my account. I flagged down an employee and she didn’t have any better luck, suggesting I stand in line at the check-in counter.

I got in the long line and 45 minutes later, the employee helped me check in and gave me my boarding pass. When I asked her what the problem was, she said she didn’t know and it was probably just a glitch in their computer system.

Well, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry, especially if technology is involved!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #400

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Topics: Movies: Patton; The Eagles; to swear versus to promise versus to vow; nice to come home to; enclosed versus attached

Words:
general
monologue
troops
to defy orders
to distinguish (oneself)
outspoken
fallible
score
to take it easy
to peak
to disband
to do (something) justice
to swear
to promise
to vow
nice to come home to
enclosed
attached

898 - People of Different Ages

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 27 May 2013 00:00:15 -0700

For kids from one to 92, we present this episode that explains how to talk about people at all stages of life.

Slow dialog: 1:05
Explanations: 3:06
Fast dialog: 16:05

Gloria: I’m surprised at the variety of people on this tour.

Andy: Oh, yeah? I hadn’t noticed.

Gloria: Well, we’ll be spending the next two weeks with these people so I thought I’d get to know some of them.

Andy: That’s nice.

Gloria: Did you see that thirty-something couple with a toddler and an infant? I’m really surprised they’re on this tour.

Andy: I’m sure they know what they’re doing.

Gloria: And how about that group of seniors? Some of them look like they’re in the mid- to late-seventies.

Andy: They seem pretty spry to me.

Gloria: But what really surprises me is that group of middle-aged couples with their tween and teenage children. They’ll be a handful.

Andy: They seemed pretty well behaved to me.

Gloria: And did you notice that woman in her early-forties and the forty-ish man each traveling alone? She seemed nice, but he didn’t seem too friendly.

Andy: Maybe he’s using his time to size up everybody like you are.

Gloria: Well, I wish there were more young adults in this group. I like talking to young people.

Andy: I think there will be plenty of people for you to talk to these two weeks when you’re not sightseeing.

Gloria: Sightseeing? Oh yeah, sightseeing.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

897 - Cooking a Meal

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:15 -0700

What’s for dinner? Find out in this episode about cooking (and don’t forget to invite me).

Slow dialog: 1:07
Explanations: 3:01
Fast dialog: 15:46

Emeril: Can you hand me that pan?

Rachel: This pot?

Emeril: No, that pan over there. I need to pan-fry these vegetables.

Rachel: Wouldn’t be healthier if we steamed the vegetables or grilled them?

Emeril: Maybe, but for this meal, I’m frying them in this pan.

Rachel: Okay, do you want me to heat this sauce in this saucepan?

Emeril: No, I’m going to microwave that right before I serve it.

Rachel: Have you considered simmering it in a saucepan to get a better consistency?

Emeril: We don’t have time for that. Slice this meat and marinade it before I broil it.

Rachel: Maybe we could bake it at a lower temperature so that the meat won’t get dried out.

Emeril: We’ll try that another time. Can you get that cutting board and chop these carrots and dice these onions?

Rachel: Sure, but don’t you think...?

Emeril: What I think is that there will be six hungry children coming through that door in an hour and I need to finish dinner. You’re here to help, right?

Rachel: Yes, of course. That’s exactly what I was trying to do.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #399

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Topics: Famous Playwrights – David Henry Hwang; patent medicines; to get to versus to have got to; weird versus strange; to thumb a ride

Words:
preeminent
trilogy
fresh off the boat
to branch out
librettist
misnomer
cure
panacea
exotic
swamp
medicinal properties
to reap the benefits
to get to
to have got to
weird
strange
to thumb a ride

896 - Preparing a Speech

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Feeling nervous about giving a speech in English? Learn about how to prepare in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:11
Explanations: 3:10
Fast dialog: 14:56

Lourdes: I need help.

Valery: Sure, what’s up?

Lourdes: I’m supposed to give a speech at the start of the conference next month and I don’t know what to do.

Valery: It’s not that hard to plan out a speech. You start with an attention getter using humor or telling a personal story.

Lourdes: Okay, I guess I can do that.

Valery: After that, in your introduction, you should tell the audience what your speech is about in a thesis statement. Along the way, you should establish your credibility by mentioning why you’re qualified to talk about this topic.

Lourdes: All right.

Valery: Then, in the body of your speech, you want to state your main points, using supporting ideas, giving examples, and maybe using visuals.

Lourdes: Okay.

Valery: And finally, in the conclusion, you restate your main points and make some closing remarks. Simple, right?

Lourdes: Yeah, simple. One last question.

Valery: Shoot.

Lourdes: What are you doing the morning of June 20th, and how do you feel about standing in for a coworker who plans to be deathly ill?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

895 - Government Reactions to Protests

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:15 -0700

We’re going to have a revolution. It will not be televised, but it might be tweeted. Find out how to talk about overthrowing your government in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:12
Explanations: 3:09
Fast dialog: 15:10

Tom: Have you seen the news?

Marianne: No, what’s happening?

Tom: People in McQuillanland are rising up against the dictator and rallying against his government.

Marianne: Wow, this is big. I thought the dictator would order a media blackout and we wouldn’t hear any news out of McQuillanland.

Tom: There is a media blackout, but people are using social media to tell the world what’s going on. Hundreds of thousands of protesters are clashing with police, and the government is having no success putting down the protests.

Marianne: Has it been violent?

Tom: It’s early days yet, but the government has already used tear gas and fired into the crowd. It’s hard to say how many people have been hurt.

Marianne: So this may be the end of tyranny in McQuillanland.

Tom: Don’t bet on it. The dictator has ruled with an iron fist and won’t hesitate to use any means necessary to stay in power.

Marianne: Well, the protesters have a fighting chance and I’m betting that they’ll topple the government and that ruthless tyrant!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #398

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Topics: American Authors: Ayn Rand; Adirondack Park; to get versus to gain versus to obtain; to have (someone) do (something) versus to get (someone) to do (something); giving an apple to a teacher

Words:
screenplay
fountainhead
triumph
collectivism
magnum opus
to be set in
dystopia
objectivism
pursuit of happiness
to merit
logging
to erode
to get
to gain
to obtain
to get (someone) to do (something)
to have (someone) do (something)

894 - Understanding Modern Art

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:15 -0700

If you can understand what you’re looking at in a modern art museum, you might be doing something wrong. Find out more in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:27
Explanations: 3:06
Fast dialog: 15:56

Stephan: What’s that?

Livia: It’s my latest artwork. It’s experimental.

Stephan: It’s, um...

Livia: Abstract. It’s part of a performance art piece I’m putting together. It’ll really challenge people’s perceptions of reality.

Stephan: I don’t really understand contemporary art. Is it supposed to represent something?

Livia: It’s my interpretation of how the rich oppress the poor.

Stephan: Really?

Livia: Yes, from a postmodern perspective.

Stephan: Oh, I see.

Livia: You do?

Stephan: No, not really. I don’t think I’m cut out for modern art. I prefer art to be representational. I just can’t wrap my head around this.

Livia: That’s the point. It’s supposed to challenge you and make you think.

Stephan: Well, it’s certainly made me think.

Livia: It has?

Stephan: Yeah, it’s made me realize that I’ve underrated paint-by-numbers all these years.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

893 - Sports-Related Injuries

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Playing sports can be dangerous. That’s why I never do. Learn why you shouldn’t either in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:13
Explanations: 3:08
Fast dialog: 15:13

Grace: What happened to you?!

Paul: I had a little accident at the game today.

Grace: Little accident?! You’re limping and obviously in pain!

Paul: I just pulled a muscle in my back and aggravated my runner’s knee, that’s all. It’s nothing to worry about.

Grace: And you’re still recovering from the sprained ankle, concussion, and neck strain from three weeks ago. Don’t you think you should sit out of the game for the next few weeks?

Paul: I might have to, but these aren’t serious injuries. They’re just part of playing sports.

Grace: I hate to bring this up again, but you’re not a 20-year-old anymore. Maybe your ligaments, tendons, and joints aren’t what they used to be.

Paul: Don’t start with me. I’m in the prime of my life and in perfect physical condition. Don’t try to tell me I’m over the hill just because I get an injury or two now and then.

Grace: I’m not saying you’re over the hill. I just worry that you can’t sit, stand, or lie down comfortably.

Paul: Who says I can’t...ow!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #397

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Topics: American Presidents – Warren G. Harding; wet versus muggy versus humid; intense versus intensive; such a

Words:
to make a bid
fence sitter
isolationism
normalcy
campaign
telemarketer
corruption
graft
veteran
to hold true to
disarmament
affable
wet
muggy
humid
such a

892 - Preparing for a Busy Season

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Hurry up! Everyone will be arriving soon for the new season and you’re not even ready. Get prepared by listening to this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:20
Explanations: 3:18
Fast dialog: 15:54

Yuko: What’s all this?

Reza: We’re gearing up for the busy season. We don’t want to get caught with our pants down like we did last season.

Yuko: Last season, we had an unusual number of visitors because of the unseasonably warm weather. We can’t expect lightening to strike twice.

Reza: We have to prepare for every contingency. If we get a flood of visitors, we need to be able to handle the surge in traffic. These three months are our peak months anyway, so we should expect an upswing in business soon.

Yuko: But what if people don’t come in large numbers as you’re anticipating? All of these extra supplies will go to waste.

Reza: No, they won’t. Most of this stuff isn’t perishable, so we’ll just save it for the next time we get a rush of visitors. Or, maybe, I’ll just invite my buddies over at the end of the season and we’ll have a party.

Yuko: So when you said that we have to plan for every contingency, this was what you meant.

Reza: Exactly!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

891 - Checking on the Status of an Application

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Waiting to hear about whether you were successful in applying for a job or position can be stressful. Learn how to talk about it in English in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:16
Explanations: 3:09
Fast Dialog: 14:34

Leo: Here’s the mail.

Denise: Did I get anything?

Leo: No, sorry. Are you expecting something?

Denise: Yeah, I’m waiting for a decision letter about my application to the McQ program. I should hear any day now.

Leo: Have you thought about calling and checking on the status?

Denise: I called last week and my application was still under review. I was told that a decision was still pending.

Leo: I’m sure it was just awaiting approval. There is no chance it’ll be rejected. You’re an ideal candidate and you’re sure to get good news in a day or two.

Denise: I hope you’re right. In the meantime, I’m on pins and needles. Every time the mail carrier walks by, my heart skips a beat.

Leo: I know this is important to you, but you’ve got to keep it in perspective. It’s not a life-or-death situation.

Denise: I am keeping it in perspective. If I don’t get into this program, it’s only the end of my career, my dream, and my future – that’s all!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #396

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Topics: Ask an American – “Battle Hymn of the Republic"; to outweigh versus to be outweighed by; full versus whole versus entire; a lot of versus several

Words:
vision
battle
marching troops
verse
glory
the coming of the Lord
to trample out
vintage
grapes of wrath
swift
sword
to march on
hallelujah
to outweigh
to be outweighed by
full
whole
entire
a lot of
several

890 - Enjoying Nature

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:15 -0700

There’s nothing better than a walk through the forest or on the beach. Or is there? Find out in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:11
Explanations: 2:51
Fast Dialog: 13:48

Charles: This is what I call the great outdoors. Look at that stunning view!

Rachel: This is truly jaw-dropping. We’re in the middle of one of the most pristine areas of the world where wildlife lives in its natural habitat.

Charles: It’s almost like living in the middle of the wilderness, isn’t it? I bet those ponds and forests have amazing biodiversity.

Rachel: It is beautiful, and it’s great to be away from all of the pollution of the city. I’ve never seen foliage like this. This is truly a majestic landscape.

Charles: You really can’t appreciate the outdoors until you come to a place like this.

Rachel: You’re right. I feel like I’m at one with nature here.

Charles: Should we leave the hotel and go for a walk?

Rachel: A walk? Why? We have the best view of nature right here. We don’t want to spoil the effect by getting too close.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

889 – Taking Up a New Hobby

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:15 -0700

If you have a lot of free time, why not start a new hobby? Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:13
Explanations: 3:34
Fast dialog: 15:08

Eric: Who were you talking to on the phone?

Melissa: My mother. I was commiserating with her about Dad’s retirement.

Eric: Your father retired two months ago. That was a good thing, right?

Melissa: Well, it’s good that he doesn’t have to work anymore, but he’s driving my mother up the wall. He putters around the house and gets in her way. She retired last year, so she’s had a year to establish her new routine. He’s still kind of lost.

Eric: Why doesn’t he take up a hobby? That would give him something interesting to occupy his time.

Melissa: Believe me, my mother has tried to interest him in gardening, woodworking, and even scrapbooking, but nothing has worked.

Eric: Those sound too sedentary for somebody as active as your father. How about encouraging him to take up bird watching or golf?

Melissa: He wouldn’t be interested in those hobbies. I think he needs something more challenging, maybe playing chess or doing genealogy. Maybe he could even learn to play a musical instrument.

Eric: Maybe your Dad just needs time to find his footing again. Given time, he’ll figure out what he wants to do with his newfound free time.

Melissa: Maybe. But what does my mother do in the meantime?

Eric: She can take up a new hobby, too – out of the house!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #395

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Topics: The Joy of Cooking by Irma Rombauer; Famous songs: Little Bunny Foo Foo; science of versus knowledge of; good versus not bad

Words:
cookbook
recipe
a wide spectrum of
cuisine
hand motion
to scoop up
to bop
goon
poof
moral
play on words
hare
science of
knowledge of
good
not bad
script
transcript

888 – Advertising in TV and Movies

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:15 -0700

How do you force people to see your advertisement? Put it into a movie or TV show. Find out how in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:13
Explanations: 3:42
Fast dialog: 16:09

Victoria: [clears her throat] Congratulations are in order. I just scored a product placement for our brand in the latest McQuillanator movie. Thank you, thank you very much.

Gerard: Really? That’s great! Will it have a prominent place in the movie?

Victoria: Well, you know how these things are. Our logo goes by in the blink of an eye, but millions of people are going to see it.

Gerard: So will the star be wearing our logo on his shirt or something?

Victoria: Something like that.

Gerard: But not that.

Victoria: No, it’s a little more subtle than that, but it’ll be embedded into an important scene.

Gerard: But where are they going to see it?

Victoria: Is that really important? The important thing is that our brand will be associated with a major Hollywood movie. What more could we ask for?

Gerard: Stop beating around the bush. Where in the movie will our logo appear?

Victoria: All right. It’ll be on the bottom of the star’s shoes, on the sole, and the audience will be able to see it when he’s running.

Gerard: Only if he’s running in slow motion, but he won’t be, right? If it goes by that quickly, it’ll be more like subliminal advertising.

Victoria: Exactly! I hadn’t thought of it that way, but hordes of people will be going out to buy our products and they won’t even know why. I’m even more of a genius than I thought!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

887 – A Destructive Storm

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it. Hear more talk in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:12
Explanations: 2:58
Fast dialog: 16:06

Allen: Are you all right?

Monica: Yes, we’re fine, but that blizzard really caught us off guard, especially this time of year. Have you seen the news?

Allen: I just watched it. Overnight, the storm felled over 30 trees in and around the town and toppled utility lines. City officials are saying that some residents may not get their electricity restored until the weekend.

Monica: That’s terrible, especially with these unseasonably cold temperatures. I heard the ferocious storm last night, but I didn’t expect that homes would actually be in danger of washing away.

Allen: I don’t know if any will actually be washed away unless we continue to get steady rain and snow, but those downed trees wrecked plenty of homes. It’ll take months for us to fully recover from this storm.

Monica: They’re calling it “The Storm of the Century.”

Allen: Well, if we just get one of these storms this century, then that’s more than enough!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #394

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Topics: The rise of home shopping; Mammoth Cave National Park; quick versus fast; tremendous versus enormous; basic needs

Words:
catalog
to take off
to showcase
line
allure
customer base
bricks-and-mortar store
cave
mammoth
extinct
lantern
to mine
to spelunk
quick
fast
tremendous
enormous
basic needs

886 – Driving Through a Speed Trap

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:15 -0700

If you drive too fast, you may get into trouble. Learn how to avoid that in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:10
Explanations: 2:42
Fast dialog: 15:39

Angel: Why are you driving at a snail’s pace?

Georgina: This is an infamous speed trap. I don’t want to get a ticket – again.

Angel: I don’t see any squad cars along the road. Are you sure this is the right stretch of road?

Georgina: I’m sure. Those cops are crafty. They hide out behind big rocks or a bend in the road, and as soon as you let your guard down and go over the speed limit, they nab you.

Angel: But you’re not exceeding the speed limit. In fact, you’re driving way under the speed limit.

Georgina: You can’t be too careful. You never know if those speed guns are accurate, and I don’t want there to be any doubt that I’m being a law-abiding citizen.

Angel: But at this pace, we could get home faster if we walked!

Georgina: Don’t exaggerate. You might be able to run home faster, but not walk.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

885 – Talking to a Bank Teller

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Rich man, poor man – everyone goes to the bank at some point. Learn how to talk to someone at your bank in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:08
Explanations: 3:22
Fast dialog: 15:44

Bank Teller: Can I help you?

Antonio: Yes, I’d like to deposit this check.

Bank Teller: Please fill out a deposit slip and be sure to endorse the check on the back.

Antonio: Here you are. I’ve already filled out a slip and signed the check. I’d also like to cash this other check.

Bank Teller: Sure, I can help you with that. Here you are. Here’s a receipt for your deposit and I’ve cashed your check. Let me count out your $100: 20, 40, 60, 80, 100.

Antonio: Thanks. Could I also check my bank balance for my other account?

Bank Teller: No problem. You just have to swipe your ATM card and enter your PIN. It looks like you have a balance of $1,752. Will that be all?

Antonio: Oh, I have that much? I’d like to withdraw $80.

Bank Teller: All right. You’ll need to fill out a withdrawal slip. Why don’t you step aside while you do that so I can help the next customer, and when you’re done, come back to this window and I’ll help you.

Antonio: Okay, I’ll do that. And if I want to transfer money between accounts?

Bank Teller: You’ll need to fill out a withdrawal slip for the first account and a deposit slip for the second.

Antonio: Got it. This might take awhile.

Bank Teller: No problem, sir. We’re here all day – at least until 5:00.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #393

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Topics: American Movies – The Manchurian Candidate; blue laws; expression versus term versus idiom; What name do you go by?; en masse

Words:
thriller
prominent
to brainwash
assassin
to incriminate
sleeper agent
nightmare
to commission
blue law
Sabbath
to reserve
to repeal
car dealership
expression
term
idiom
What name do you go by?
en masse

884 – Types of Meetings

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:15 -0700

What could be more fun than going to a lot of meetings? Learn how to talk about different kinds of business meetings in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:08
Explanations: 2:58
Fast dialog: 14:31

Susanna: All right, then. This meeting is over. We’ll meet again next week for a status update.

Juan: Hey, do you have a few minutes to talk about tomorrow’s teleconference?

Susanna: Sorry, I’ve got to run. I’m late for my department’s weekly brainstorming session. Can it wait?

Juan: Sure, how about a lunch meeting?

Susanna: I can’t. I’m holding personnel meetings over lunch all this week. It’s the only way I can fit them in.

Juan: Okay, how about at 3:00 this afternoon?

Susanna: Sorry, I have a standing meeting with the directors once a month at that time. Can you come by after the pitch meeting at 4:30?

Juan: I wish I could, but our department head has called an emergency meeting for this afternoon to do some damage control after the shareholder meeting debacle last week. Well, how about a dinner meeting?

Susanna: Only if we can have dinner at 9:30. I won’t be finished here until then.

Juan: Do you ever get a breather?

Susanna: A breather? I think I’m due for one...in 2030.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

883 – Taking Care of a Willful Child

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Modern parenting can be a real disaster. Learn why in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:19
Explanations: 3:50
Fast dialog: 15:53

Mrs. Mason: So, how did things go?

Carl: Well...

Mrs. Mason: What’s the matter? Didn’t you and Jason have a good time while I was away?

Carl: It was interesting. He was a little willful.

Mrs. Mason: Yes, he can be a little strong-willed at times, but if you just do what he wants or give him what he wants, he’s just fine.

Carl: He wanted to eat all of the cookies and I told him no. He threw a tantrum.

Mrs. Mason: A tantrum? My son can be stubborn, but he never throws tantrums. What did he do exactly?

Carl: Well, he threw his toys against the wall, jumped on the couch while shrieking at the top of his lungs, and he tried to bite my hand.

Mrs. Mason: Oh, he was just expressing his displeasure, that’s all. You don’t want children to bottle up their feelings. You should just have given him the cookies to pacify him.

Carl: Really? I didn’t want to spoil him, and eating all of those cookies wouldn’t be good for him. He seemed to have too much energy already, and he didn’t need another sugar rush.

Mrs. Mason: Next time, you should just do what he wants. He’ll grow out of this willful stage soon.

Carl: Next time?

Mrs. Mason: Yes, didn’t you say you could babysit Jason again on Saturday night?

Carl: Oh, I’d made a mistake. I have another commitment on Saturday night.

Mrs. Mason: That’s too bad. We’ll call you the next time we need a babysitter.

Carl: Sure, I can’t wait.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #392

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Topics: American Presidents – Dwight D. Eisenhower; path versus route versus track; stuff; anon

Words:
combat
invasion
affable
D-day
to set the stage
to fit in
in a landslide
down-to-earth
to balance the budget
desegregation
Eisenhower doctrine
military-industrial complex
path
route
track
stuff
anon

882 - Playing a Practical Joke

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Be the guy people hate by playing practical jokes on everyone you meet today. Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:13
Explanations: 2:51
Fast dialog: 14:32

Patricia: What are you doing?

Luis: I’m setting up a practical joke for Bobby. I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he walks outside and finds his bike in pieces. It’ll be the best prank ever!

Patricia: You’re not really going to take apart his bike, are you?

Luis: I’ll let you in on the joke. He’ll just be looking at spare parts. I’ve hidden his bike in the garage.

Patricia: He’s really going to freak out when he thinks that you’ve run over his bike with the car, though. I think this is more cruel than mischievous.

Luis: Lighten up! When he realizes he’s the butt of the joke, he’ll think it’s hilarious, trust me.

Patricia: Couldn’t you just play some other kind of practical joke, maybe with a whoopee cushion?

Luis: A whoopee cushion? That’s child’s play. This practical joke is worthy of a master prankster!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

881 – Eating Genetically Modified Foods

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Will eating genetically modified foods improve your English? Find out the answer in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:15
Explanations: 3:04
Fast dialog: 14:10

Ralph: What’s that?

Nicky: It’s a bigger and better tomato. It’s been genetically modified.

Ralph: You’re not going to eat that, are you?

Nicky: Of course I am. I’m making a salad. Want one?

Ralph: No way. I don’t want to eat something that’s been genetically engineered in a laboratory. Who knows what kind of strange DNA it has.

Nicky: It’s perfectly safe. It’s been modified to grow faster, have more nutrients, and be resistant to disease and pests.

Ralph: And it may contain strange mutations as part of its genetic makeup that they didn’t tell you about. I really wouldn’t eat that if I were you.

Nicky: Where did you get this aversion to genetically modified foods? Scientists and farmers have always used selective breeding with animals and crops to bring you bigger and better food. This is nothing different.

Ralph: Of course it is. And just because it’s bigger, doesn’t mean it’s better. I’ll eat food that’s been modified by the only person I trust.

Nicky: Who’s that?

Ralph: Mother Nature!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #391

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Topics: Ask an American: Inventing Frozen Foods; prize versus accomplishment versus award versus reward; what the heck?; wholesale

Words:
canned food
disaster
freezing point
block
to rot
to thaw out
mushy
to bar
freezer
infrastructure
distribution
notion
prize
accomplishment
award
reward
what the heck?
wholesale

880 - Forming a Union

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:15 -0700

We’re going on strike here at ESL Podcast very soon. Listen to this episode to find out why.

Slow dialog: 1:08
Explanations: 2:55
Fast dialog: 15:29

Norma: What is this?

Jimmy: It’s a flyer for a meeting I’ve called to talk about forming a labor union here.

Norma: Here? Do you think the management will let us?

Jimmy: They can’t stop us. We’re working longer and longer hours and we need to demand higher pay. We also need better work conditions and a say in hiring and firing procedures. All of us need to band together to have better bargaining power.

Norma: I don’t know. I want to be better paid and to have job security like everybody else, but I’m afraid of what will happen when we start agitating.

Jimmy: I’ll tell you what will happen: The management will finally hear what we have to say. With collective bargaining, the rank and file will get what we deserve, at long last. Are you in or out?

Norma: I’ll have to think about it.

Jimmy: He who hesitates is lost.

Norma: Yes, but I was always taught to look before I leap.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

879 - Saying No

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Are you a great cook? If you’re not, then this episode will sound very familiar to you.

Slow dialog: 1:14
Explanations: 3:09
Fast dialog: 17:01

Liang: I have a favor to ask.

Christian: Uh oh, what is it?

Liang: I’m doing a project for my class in culinary school and I need a volunteer to taste some of my creations.

Christian: Not on your life.

Liang: But, why?

Christian: You don’t remember the last time I was your guinea pig? I was sick for two days.

Liang: That was a stroke of bad luck. Come on, please.

Christian: Count me out. No amount of pleading is going to change my mind. I bet I’m not the first person you’ve asked.

Liang: Well, no.

Christian: Who else has turned you down?

Liang: Jacob said no.

Christian: I bet he said something stronger than no.

Liang: He said that he would let me cook food for him over his dead body.

Christian: That’s what I thought. Did you ask Mele, too?

Liang: Yes, and she said she’d rather not.

Christian: Who’s next on your list of victims, I mean candidates?

Liang: You’re my last resort. If you won’t do it, then I’m sunk.

Christian: The answer is still no, but I know someone who won’t turn up his nose at your cooking.

Liang: Who?

Christian: Come here, Fido!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #390

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Topics: American Authors: Emily Post; American Cities: Branson, Missouri; either versus both; to do a special on (someone/something) versus to do a segment on (someone/something); to towel off

Words:
finishing school / charm school
debutante
ball
boarding school
etiquette
considerate
common sense
syndicated column
to get (someone's) attention
outlet store
has-been
either
both
to do a special on (someone/something)
to do a segment on (someone/something)
to towel off

878 - Recovering From an Illness or Injury

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:15 -0700

You need to relax if you have been sick. Learn how to do it in English in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:10
Explanations: 2:51
Fast dialog: 17:19

Julio: Hi, Aunt Louisa, it’s Julio.

Paula: ...And Paula. I’m on the extension in the kitchen.

Julio: Anyway, we just wanted to call and wish you a speedy recovery. Get plenty of bed rest and take it easy. Avoid greasy or spicy foods and drink lots of liquids. You don’t want to become dehydrated.

Paula: Don’t listen to him. You need to stay active and not get in the habit of sitting around. You’ll recover faster if you get up and move around a lot.

Julio: That’s terrible advice. She needs rest and to eat right. You know what they say: “Feed a cold, starve a fever.”

Paula: What does that old adage have to do with anything? What you need, Aunt Louisa, is to alternate between a heating pad and an ice pack.

Julio: What are you talking about? Aunt Louisa has a bad cold.

Paula: What?! I thought she had a sore back!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

877 - Cheering Someone Up

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Forget you troubles, come on! Get happy! Listen to this episode to find out how.

Slow dialog: 1:07
Explanations: 2:44
Fast dialog: 14:50

Eleanor: Isn’t it a beautiful day? The sun is shinning; the birds are singing. It’s good to be alive!

Porter: Okay, Pollyanna, go spread good cheer somewhere else.

Eleanor: What’s wrong with you? You must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed.

Porter: I’m just having a bad day – no, make that a bad month. Nothing is going my way.

Eleanor: Cheer up! Every cloud has a silver lining and it’s no use crying over spilled milk.

Porter: Spare me your platitudes, and let me wallow in my own misery.

Eleanor: I can’t do that. If your work isn’t going well, then practice makes perfect. You’ll just do better next time.

Porter: It’s not my work.

Eleanor: Is it your girlfriend? If your girlfriend isn’t being nice to you then there are plenty of fish in the sea. Don’t you see? Whatever the problem is, it’s not the end of the world.

Porter: My biggest problem right now is easy to fix.

Eleanor: How?

[Door slams.]

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #389

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:15 -0700

Topics: Famous Songs: Red River Valley; how recall elections work; to reduce versus to lessen versus to decrease versus to decline; sort/to sort; to intervene versus to interfere

Words:
to trace (something’s) origins
to hasten
to bid (someone) adieu
so true
catchy
recall election
to remove (someone) from office
Populist Movement
malfeasance
governor
to resign
collective bargaining
to reduce
to lessen
to decrease
to decline
sort
to sort
to intervene
to interfere

876 - Preparing a Professional Portfolio

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:15 -0700

If you want a better job, or better clients, get your portfolio ready by listening to this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:11
Explanations: 3:04
Fast dialog: 14:50

Melinda: Ta da! I’m finally done with my portfolio. Do you want to see it?

Chad: Sure. This portfolio has samples of your work, right?

Melinda: It does, but it’s much more than that. It’s a presentation of the highlights of my career, with examples of my groundbreaking work.

Chad: Uh, okay, if you say so.

Melinda: Let me show you. The first page is a fact sheet of my major accomplishments, clients, jobs, and awards. That’s followed by a more detailed resume. And then, there are some samples of my best work, and finally, there are testimonials from satisfied clients.

Chad: But this is still a work in progress, right?

Melinda: What do you mean?

Chad: Well, your fact sheet is a half a page long. There are two samples of your work, and there are no testimonials, just a blank page.

Melinda: I admit that it’s a little thin right now, but what do you expect? I just started working in the field six months ago. This portfolio shows that there is room for growth.

Chad: Yeah, plenty of room.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

875 - Shopping at the Supermarket

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Do you ever go to the supermarket without finding what you’re looking for? Learn more about it in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:11
Explanations: 3:17
Fast dialog: 16:18

Stocker: Can I help you find something?

Meg: Yes, I’m looking for coffee.

Stocker: That’s on aisle 3. Let me show you where it is.

Meg: Thanks. Hmm, I don’t see the Jitters brand that I normally buy.

Stocker: It looks like we’re out of stock. We should get another shipment next week.

Meg: Okay, I’ll check back. I’m also looking for the Fructose brand soda, but I didn’t see it in the soda aisle.

Stocker: I’m afraid that’s been discontinued. Their parent company no longer makes soda.

Meg: Really? I love Fructose soda. How about the Mushy brand bread? I didn’t see it when I checked the bread aisle.

Stocker: We no longer stock the Mushy brand. There were so quality control issues at the company, so we’ve pulled all of their products from the shelves. Can I help you find anything else?

Meg: No, I guess I’ll just have to try some new brands. Oh, yes, do you carry Worm organic apples?

Stocker: We normally do, but they’re out of season right now. We won’t have any until early summer.

Meg: All of this shopping and I have nothing to show for it. I guess I’m going home empty-handed.

Stocker: We do have chocolate cakes and cookies on sale.

Meg: I’m there!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #388

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Topics: Famous Americans: Sandra Day O'Connor; understanding American football; the meanings of “to draw”; out for lunch versus out to lunch; for crying out loud

Words:
attorney general
appointed
court of appeals
justice
swing vote
abortion
successor
civics
dominant
offense
defense
end zone
goal posts
to tackle
contact sport
to draw
out for lunch
out to lunch
for crying out loud

874 - Poor Road Conditions

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:15 -0800

I never use my bicycle when the roads are not in good condition. (I never use it when they are, either.) Learn how to talk about all this on this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:21
Explanations: 3:15
Fast dialog: 16:39

Alice: I’m really glad I let you talk me into going for a bike ride. It’s been years since I’ve been on a bicycle.

Sam: This is the only way to travel. You get to really see the scenery and enjoy the fresh air.

Alice: Hey, watch out! You almost dropped into that huge pothole. This asphalt is cracked and the road is all bumpy.

Sam: Thanks for the warning. Yeah, this asphalt really needs to be repaired. I’d ride on the gravel path instead, but it’s full of ruts. Oh, slow down! There’s a big dip ahead.

Alice: Whoa! I didn’t see that coming. I almost lost control on that slippery section of road. Sorry, I nearly swerved into you. Are you okay?

Sam: Yeah, I’m fine. When I suggested this route, I was sure it would be an easy ride since it’s paved all the way. I didn’t bargain for these lousy road conditions.

Alice: We’ll just have to keep our eyes open and be thankful for these crash helmets!

Sam: You won’t blame me if you go flying, will you?

Alice: Not if you break my fall.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

873 - Avoid Giving an Opinion

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:15 -0800

I can’t really tell you what I think of this episode. You’ll have to decide for yourself whether it helps you avoid giving opinions in English.

Slow dialog: 1:08
Explanations: 2:39
Fast dialog: 13:52

Ariel: I know you’ll give me the inside scoop. What’s going on between Sam and Matt?

Paolo: You’re asking the wrong person.

Ariel: Don’t be like that. You know both of them really well, and I know that Sam confides in you. Don’t you think Matt is being unreasonable?

Paolo: I really couldn’t say.

Ariel: Why are you being so close-mouthed? I’m sure you have an opinion.

Paolo: I’ve never given it much thought, to be honest, and I don’t think it’s any of my business.

Ariel: But they’re both friends of yours. You must have at least speculated on what’s happening. It’s only human. Do you think Sam is going to leave Matt?

Paolo: Your guess is as good as mine. I really don’t know anything and don’t have an opinion either way!

Ariel: That’s just not possible. Okay, okay, what do you think is going on between Michaela and Carlos?

Paolo: Ugh!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #387

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Topics: Movies: The Maltese Falcon; Napa Valley, California and wine country; usage of “bit”; abuse versus assault; to put (someone) in the picture

Words:
falcon
private detective
unscrupulous
antihero
hardboiled fiction
cynical
femme fatale
suspenseful
soil
vineyard
winery
to sample
wine culture
bit
abuse
assault
to put (someone) in the picture

872 - A Publicity Stunt

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:15 -0800

If you want attention for your business, this episode will give you all you need to be famous (giant banana costume not included).

Slow dialog:1:14
Explanations: 2:48
Fast dialog: 15:21

Hank: What’s that for?

Svetlana: This costume? I’m planning a publicity stunt to get our store more business.

Hank: You think that dressing up as a giant banana will get our store more business?

Svetlana: We need to get media coverage for the grand opening of our store and attract as much attention as possible. I’ll be on hand to give sound bites and organize photo ops.

Hank: How does a giant banana tie into our store?

Svetlana: It doesn’t directly, but trust me, it’ll get noticed.

Hank: I was thinking of a traditional marketing campaign, more along the lines of holding a contest or a giveaway. And I don’t see how a giant banana is going to get media attention.

Svetlana: The person in the giant banana costume will skydive into the parking lot of the store.

Hank: What idiot have you convinced to do that?

Svetlana: Well, that’s actually why I’m here...

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

871 - Listening to Club Music

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Get on up off the floor and dance, dance, dance in this episode. Plus, you will learn how to yell really loud in English.

Slow dialog: 1:15
Explanations: 3:24
Fast dialog: 15:03

Anastasia: This is the best club in the city. Grace brought me here last month. You’re going to love it.

Joshua: What?!

Anastasia: You’re going to love this club. It has the best DJ in town. She spins the best mixes.

Joshua: Did you say you’re going to get us some mixed drinks?

Anastasia: No, I said that this DJ is great. She plays music that gets people pumped up. Oh, I love this song. It samples from two of my favorite songs and it’s my favorite track on this CD.

Joshua: Did you say that you want to buy this CD?

Anastasia: No, I said I like this song. It’s got a pounding beat and I can really feel the music. I love dancing to it. Do you want to get out onto the dance floor?

Joshua: Let’s wait until she segues into something mellower. I don’t really like dancing to this kind of club music.

Anastasia: What?! You love club music? That’s great. Let’s go dance!

Joshua: I think I’ll sit this one out. Don’t you think that the volume is a little loud in here?

Anastasia: What?! You want the music to be louder? I’ll go ask the DJ to turn it up.

Joshua: No!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #386

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Topics: Ask an American – Undocumented students and college tuition; stop thinking negatively; very; smoking hot

Words:
tough
deserving
to play by the rules
in-state
law-breaking
fundamentally
unfair
incentive
tuition
to get a return on (one’s) investment
illegal alien
eligible
permanently
to think negatively
smoking hot

870 - Using Caffeine as a Stimulant

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Wake up and smell the coffee as you learn how to stay awake in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:14
Explanations: 32:59
Fast dialog:15:21

Joan: Hi, how are you? What are you doing? What is this?

Roberto: Whoa! You’re very high-strung this morning.

Joan: Am I? I am a little wired. I’ve been up all night trying to finish an assignment for one of my classes.

Roberto: You don’t seem tired at all for having been up all night. In fact, you seem to be bouncing off the walls.

Joan: What are you trying to imply? Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you. I’ve been drinking a lot of coffee and energy drinks. I still have a lot of caffeine in my system.

Roberto: That’s for sure. You seem agitated from too many stimulants.

Joan: Well, I needed to stay awake, so as soon as I felt drowsy, I’d have another dose of caffeine. It gave me an instant jolt!

Roberto: But you’re done with your assignment now, right?

Joan: Yes.

Roberto: And you have a few hours before your class, so why don’t you get some sleep?

Joan: Sleep? Sleep?! I don’t know the meaning of the word!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

869 - Touring Celebrity Homes and Filming Locations

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Come to Los Angeles and meet famous people! Or, if you can’t meet any of them, see where they live.

Slow Dialog: 1:20
Explanations: 3:20
Fast Dialog: 15:27

Tour guide: Welcome to Hollywood Tours, everybody. I’m your tour guide for today, and I’ll be showing you some of the most memorable locations in Hollywood history. Every seat in this double-decker bus is a good one, and you’ll be able to see every landmark we drive by. Uh, do you have a question?

Elvira: Yes, I do. When do we see the celebrities? I want to get my picture taken with a real Hollywood star!

Tour guide: Well, we’ll be stopping at some celebrity homes and it’s possible that we’ll catch a glimpse of a celebrity. I’ll also be taking you to some filming locations where classic and well-known movies were filmed on location.

Elvira: Yes, but can we go to some celebrity hangouts? I really want to meet Johnny Depp.

Tour guide: I’m not sure...

Elvira: If I saw a Johnny Depp or any celebrity walking down the street, I would just go crazy! For sure I’d chase them down!

Tour guide: This isn’t a hop-on, hop-off bus and it would be really dangerous to run out into L.A. traffic.

Elvira: Oh, what’s a little danger if I can come face to face with a real life movie star?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #385

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Topics: Famous Playwrights – August Wilson; low-income housing; to keep in mind versus to bear in mind; goose down blanket and other bedding; beauty is only skin deep

Words:
firsthand experience
African American experience
aspiring
public housing
residential property
affordable housing
to have a bad reputation
to deteriorate
dilapidated
Section 8 housing
voucher
eligibility requirement
to keep in mind
to bear in mind
goose down blanket
beauty is only skin deep

868 - Mergers and Aquisitions

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:55:24 -0800

When one company buys another one, the result is rarely fair for both organizations. Learn how to talk about mergers and acquisitions in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:08
Explanations: 2:38
Fast Dialog: 15:43

Marisol: What do you think of the big announcement this morning?

Lamar: That our company is going to merge with McQ Corp.? From what I’ve heard through the grapevine, this isn’t a merger but a hostile takeover.

Marisol: But the CEO said this morning that our company and McQ Corp. are equals in this merger, and the integration of the two companies will be seamless.

Lamar: Don’t you believe it! McQ Corp. has a history of taking over companies with high valuations and a lot of assets and selling it off in pieces. This is no friendly acquisition.

Marisol: But what about all of that talk about our two companies consolidating into a strong business entity and creating great synergy? Didn’t you buy any of that?

Lamar: Not one word. When McQ Corp. is through with us, we’ll be lucky to still have the shirts on our backs!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

867 - Talking About Attractive Men and Women

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Take a look in the mirror and see if you recognize yourself in these descriptions of the beautiful people.

Slow dialog: 1:30
Explanations: 3:18
Fast dialog: 17:55

Pamela: You know that your tongue is hanging out of your mouth, right?

David: That’s because I’ve never seen so many beautiful women in one place before. Why have I never been to this beach before? Look at her! She’s a hottie!

Pamela: Isn’t that what you said about that woman over there?

David: No, I said she’s a babe. Look at the way she sways when she walks.

Pamela: Stop ogling her or her boyfriend or husband is going to come over here.

David: I’m not ogling. I’m admiring the perfection of the female body.

Pamela: You’re undressing her with your eyes. Avert your gaze before you regret it. Oh, wow!

David: What?

Pamela: Check out that guy over there. Hello, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome!

David: That pretty boy over there? He’s too into himself. Look at the way he’s posing so every woman on this beach can get a look at him. He’s nothing but an exhibitionist.

Pamela: And the women you’ve been ogling in the teeny tiny bikinis?

David: Those women? They’re just showing off what God gave them!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #384

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Topics: The Hatfields and the McCoys; serving in the military to obtain U.S. citizenship; consistent with, in agreement with, coincide with, and identical to; software versus application versus app; to run out of versus to be out of

Words:
feud
presumably
to escalate
massacre
militia
across state lines
to be hung
vengeance
fast track
naturalization
to expedite
to be stretched thin
consistent with
in agreement with
coincide with
identical to
software
applications
apps
to be out of
to run out of

866 - Using Renewable Energy

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Being smart about energy use doesn’t mean smelling up your house. Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:14
Explanations: 3:03
Fast dialog: 15:42

Carl: Uh! What’s that smell?

Jody: I’m working on my latest invention. I’m turning our old food into an energy source for our car and our house.

Carl: Why? There are already lots of types of renewable energy that power cars and homes, and none of them smell like this!

Jody: Well, I think I’m onto a better alternative. Imagine being able to recycle your unwanted food into fuel. That’s the wave of the future.

Carl: You mean you think that it would be more efficient than wind power and solar energy? There are geothermal and hydroelectric power plants that already provide energy for lots of homes and businesses.

Jody: But I’m using food that would otherwise be wasted.

Carl: I hate to break it to you, but if you want to convert food into fuel, there are already different types of biofuels that work pretty well.

Jody: You mean somebody has already beaten me to the punch?

Carl: Yes, and I bet they’ve found a way to do it without this stench!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

865 - Believing in Predictions

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:15 -0800

I predict that if you like astrology, you will listen to this episode. I also predict that if you don’t like astrology, you will listen to this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:20
Explanations: 3:13
Fast dialog: 15:18

Armond: I hope that this new year will bring me better luck.

Patricia: You can find that out easily enough. My astrologer says...

Armond: Hold on. You consult an astrologer? You really believe in that nonsense?

Patricia: It’s not nonsense and, yes, I believe in it. I like getting predictions about the future and knowing what is in the stars for me.

Armond: Astrologers are charlatans and what they tell their customers is phony. They make it all up and tell people what they want to hear.

Patricia: I don’t know how you can say that. The horoscope for my sign each day gives me warnings and helps me avoid mistakes. And when I have big decisions to make, I go for a reading. The guidance I get is invaluable.

Armond: You’re too smart to be taken in by con artists who style themselves as mystics. It’s all smoke and mirrors.

Patricia: You’re wrong. I’ll give you an example. My horoscope today said that an unpleasant person will try to shake my beliefs. It said I should just walk away.

Armond: Hey, where are you going?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #383

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Topics: Famous Americans: Bobby Fischer; Kiss; barely versus scarcely; polite phrases used to refer to death; situation versus circumstance

Words:
chess
match
grandmaster
child prodigy
rivalry
collusion
seclusion
to defend (one’s) title
to revoke
heavy metal
outrageous
to levitate
barely
scarcely
passed away
situation
circumstance

864 - Going to Business School

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Sometimes if you want a better job, you need to get more education. Learn about getting into business school in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:12
Explanations: 3:31
Fast dialog 17:09

Karla: I just heard that you’re taking a leave of absence to go to business school. Is that right?

Joaquin: Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, and have finally taken the plunge. I need an MBA to get ahead in my career.

Karla: That’s great, but why don’t you go part-time?

Joaquin: I had considered taking classes on nights and weekends while I continue to work, but I’ve been admitted into an Ivy League school, and I want to take full advantage of the opportunities there.

Karla: Isn’t graduate school expensive, especially an Ivy League school?

Joaquin: Yeah, but I think it’s worth it, and I’ve been saving up. I have an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance, but that’s not enough if I want to work in the upper echelons of this or any other company.

Karla: I graduated with a degree marketing and information systems. Maybe I should be thinking about getting an MBA.

Joaquin: I’d recommend it, if you want to go further in your career. I’ll lend you all of my test prep materials for the GMAT.

Karla: The GMAT? I’d forgotten about the GMAT. That may be a deal breaker for me.

Joaquin: Why? You don’t like taking tests?

Karla: I like taking tests as much as I like getting a kick upside the head – maybe even less!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

863 - Limiting Free Speech

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:15 -0800

I may not like what you have to say, but I’ll defend you’re right to say it. Learn about freedom of speech in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:07
Explanations: 2:58
Fast Dialog: 14:30

Toshi: You can’t go outside looking like that! What are you thinking?

Celeste: I’m exercising my right of free speech. I’ve put on these clothes and painted my body this way to protest the treatment of women. I want to send a message.

Toshi: You’re crazy if you think people are going to take you seriously. What you’re wearing is offensive and those messages painted on your body are hate speech.

Celeste: It’s my basic human right to a freedom of expression, and this is how I choose to express myself.

Toshi: There are limits to free speech and expression, and you’ve crossed the line. In fact, you’re abusing those rights. Obscenity and hate speech aren’t protected, you know.

Celeste: If you feel so strongly about it, I have a suggestion for you.

Toshi: What?

Celeste: You can express your free speech by protesting against me. After all, it’s your inalienable right.

Toshi: I’m not wasting my time. Hey, you’re not really going outside looking like that, are you?

Celeste: You know what they say: The medium is the message. And I’m sending my message loud and clear!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #382

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:37 -0800

Topics: Famous Songs: "Chicken Fat"; Hells Angels; other versus another; through; it’s a given versus it figures

Words:
surprise hit
calisthenics
orchestral accompaniment
push-up
flabby
nuts to (something)
angel
helmet
tattoo
patch
gang
biker
to let loose
other
another
through
it’s a given
it figures

862 - Getting a Massage

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Relax your back and shoulders. It’s time for a message. Learn more on this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:12
Explanations: 3:17
Fast Dialog: 15:31

Robert: Why are you twisting your back like that?

Staci: I’m in pain. My back and shoulders really hurt. I think it’s from sitting at this computer all the time.

Robert: What you need is a good massage. It can get rid of the knots in your muscles and get you some pain relief.

Staci: I don’t know. I don’t like the idea of getting naked in front of a stranger.

Robert: If you’re skittish about that, remember that you’ll be covered with a sheet, except for the part that he or she is working on. It’s not a big deal.

Staci: But what if they’re too rough with me? It might make things worse.

Robert: An experienced massage therapist will ask you the amount of pressure you want and you can speak up if you don’t like what he or she is doing.

Staci: Do you think a massage could really help me?

Robert: Definitely. I recommend my massage therapist. She’s licensed and very good.

Staci: She doesn’t use smelly oils or play hokey music during the massage, does she?

Robert: No, she doesn’t. She’s very professional, without being too clinical, if you know what I mean. Call her!

Staci: I’ll think about it – ouch!

Robert: Call her right now. You don’t have a minute to lose!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

861 - Planning a Children's Party

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Get ready for your child’s birthday by planning a birthday party only you can actually enjoy. Learn more in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:15
Explanations: 3:17
Fast Dialog: 15:50

Sara: Come on! We need to buy all of the things we need for Gabriel’s party before the store closes.

Paul: Are you sure we need a party? Maybe we can just have a cake and some party hats.

Sara: Are you kidding?! We are going to pull out all the stops. We’ll have streamers, balloons, noisemakers, and party favors. This is going to be really fun.

Paul: I don’t even know if he’d like all that. What are you doing?

Sara: I’m getting lots of confetti to throw when we sing “Happy Birthday.”

Paul: The confetti is going to get all over the ice cream and the icing on the cake. And it’ll be a nightmare to clean up.

Sara: Don’t worry about the clean up. I’ll take care of that. Now, where are the goodie bags...

Paul: Are you sure all of this is necessary?

Sara: Of course, it is. Ooo...What do you think of hiring a clown and renting an inflatable castle for the party?

Paul: You do remember that Gabriel is turning one, don’t you?

Sara: So?
...

It’s just as I suspected. Some birthday parties aren’t for the children. They’re for the adults who never grew up!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #381

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:37 -0800

Topics: Ask an American: Participatory Science; to attend versus to take part in versus to participate in versus to join; standalone versus to stand alone; hair of the dog that bit me

Words:
limited
taxa
citizens science project
sample
to involve the public
mobile technology
latitude
longitude
to attend
to take part in
to participate in
to join
standalone
to stand alone
hair of the dog that bit me

860 - Insider Trading

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Psst! Want some valuable information on stocks? Listen to this episode to find out how to make money and go to jail at the same time.

Slow Dialog: 1:12
Explanations: 3:04
Fast Dialog: 15:18

Rita: I just got a hot tip from my brother to buy stock in McQ Corp.

Rick: Your brother works for McQ Corp., doesn’t he?

Rita: Yeah, he’s a director in the company, so he should know if something big is brewing.

Rick: If he’s a director and he knows something that isn’t publicly disclosed about the company, and he’s telling you to buy stock, isn’t that insider trading?

Rita: Insider trading?! I’m not a major investor. I don’t plan to buy so many shares that I’ll become a major shareholder. All I can afford are a few shares.

Rick: Still, he’d be considered a corporate insider and may be breaching his fiduciary responsibilities. Giving you this tip could get him, and you, into a lot of trouble.

Rita: Who are you, an SEC regulator? People do this kind of thing all the time, and there’s nothing shady about it. If you’re smart, you’d buy a few shares yourself.

Rick: Uh, no thanks. I don’t think I’d look good in an orange jumpsuit.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

859 - Attending an Ex's Wedding

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Forgive and forget as you go to your ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend’s wedding in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:25
Explanations: 3:03
Fast Dialog: 14:19

Andy: What did you do last weekend?

Yuka: I went to Jamal’s wedding.

Andy: Jamal?! Your ex Jamal?

Yuka: Yes, that Jamal.

Andy: He had the nerve to invite you to his wedding?

Yuka: I actually thought it was nice of him to invite me. Whatever happened between us years ago is water under the bridge. There are no hard feelings on either side.

Andy: You told me that the breakup was mutual, but I always thought you still had a soft place in your heart for him.

Yuka: The truth is, when we first broke up, I did harbor some hopes of the two of us getting back together, but that never came to pass. We both moved on and I wish him well.

Andy: Well, how was the wedding?

Yuka: It was very nice and Jamal’s new wife seems to be a good match for him.

Andy: And you didn’t mind seeing them together?

Yuka: Not at all, especially after I met Lorenzo.

Andy: Lorenzo, huh? You’ve been holding out on me. Do tell!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #380

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:37 -0800

Topics: American Presidents: Andrew Jackson; Redwood National Park; safe versus save versus to save; to be implicated in versus to be involved in; one and only

Words:
prisoner of war
duel
to cede
ugly
bigamy
forced relocation
to dismantle
in full
to nullify
logger
ancient
to suppress
safe
save
to save
to be implicated in
to be involved in
one and only

858 - Donating an Organ

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:00:15 -0800

Some people give part of their bodies to others. Learn more about organ donation in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:18
Explanations: 3:00
Fast Dialog: 15:41

Christine: What is this sticker on your driver’s license?

Saul: This sticker? It indicates that I’ve signed up for the organ donation program. If anything bad happens to me, I want my organs to go to recipients who need them.

Christine: You mean you want somebody else to have your heart, liver...

Saul: ...eyes, kidneys, or anything else that can be transplanted into someone else. Don’t you want to donate your organs?

Christine: Me? No way. I’ll never consent to doctors cutting up my body after I die. Those organs are a part of me.

Saul: But you won’t need them when you’re dead, and there are long waiting lists at eye banks and organ registries. Your organ donation might be the difference between life and death for somebody, you know.

Christine: That might be true, but I can’t imagine somebody else walking around with my brain.

Saul: Hmm, come to think of it, me neither.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

857 - Being Arrested by the Police

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:00:15 -0800

You have a right to remain silent, but at least listen to this episode to find out what to do the next time you’re arrested.

Slow Dialog: 1:10
Explanations: 3:29
Fast Dialog: 14:37

I was walking down the street minding my own business one evening when I was stopped by a police officer. After asking me a couple of questions about where I’d been, he told me to put my hands behind my back. He was going to arrest me! He handcuffed me and gave me the Miranda warning. When I asked him why he was arresting me, he said that he had probable cause to believe that I was the suspect they had been looking for in a robbery that took place on the next street.

I couldn’t believe it! I was completely innocent, but the officer didn’t want to hear it. He put me in the back of a police car and drove to the police station. I was placed in a jail cell and, after a few hours, I was taken to a room and interrogated.

A police officer asked me question after question, and after four hours of questioning, I was finally released! I found out later that it was a case of mistaken identity. I looked very much like the suspect they were looking for and I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I could sue the police department for false arrest, but I decided not to. I’d rather put the entire thing behind me and hope that I’m never that unlucky again!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #379

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:37 -0800

Topics: Famous Authors: Ray Bradbury; foreign languages taught in U.S. schools; to repair versus to fix versus to mend; to the north versus north of; food versus meal versus repast

Words:
to emulate
Fahrenheit
to spontaneously ignite
science fiction
fantasy
to embrace
hesitant
asteroid
a move in the right direction
immersion
by far
American Sign Language
to repair
to fix
to mend
to the north
north of
food
meal
repast

856 - Training Salespeople

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:00:15 -0800

Buyers need to beware of bad salespeople, as we learn in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:04
Explanations: 3:03
Fast Dialog: 15:33

Our company brought in a consultant to do sales training for our store. For some reason, we’d been getting some complaints from customers.

Consultant: My job in this training is to help your store improve its customer satisfaction, so that it can attract and retain more customers. When you interact with customers, you represent this store. It is very important that, from the get-go, customers are greeted in a friendly and positive way.

Employee: Sometimes, people are really rude. They don’t even say “hello” back.

Consultant: That may be true, but it’s still your job to make them feel welcomed. Each customer should feel that a salesperson is attentive and trying to meet their needs.

Employee: Some of them don’t even know what they want. They wander around and waste our time.

Consultant: Part of your job is to help them define their needs, offer them options, and lead them to a decision. I know that you’re not working on commission, but this is a very important part of your job.

Employee: You mean I have to hold their hand the whole time they’re in the store? Who am I, their mother?

Consultant: I can see that we have a lot of work to do. Let’s get started.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

855 - Learning Fire Safety

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:15 -0800

Better safe than sorry when it comes to a fire. Learn something about basic fire safety in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:17
Explanations: 3:19
Fast Dialog: 16:22

The apartment manager asked all of the tenants to come to a short meeting to learn about fire safety. I didn’t want to go, but the manager said that there would be free food, and who am I to turn down free pizza?
...

Apartment manager: Thank you all for coming to this meeting about fire safety. With the rash of fires in this neighborhood recently, it seemed like a good idea to talk about fire safety with all of you.

I want to make sure we comply with the fire code, so I’ve installed new smoke alarms or replaced the batteries in the older ones in each apartment and in the hallways. The fire escapes are in good condition and there are fire extinguishers in each hallway.

Your job is to keep the inside of your apartments safe. Keep flammable items away from the fireplace and don’t overload your electrical outlets. Any questions? If not, we’re ready for a fire drill.
...

Nobody told me there would be fire drill. I’m guess I’m ready to stop, drop, and roll – as long as I can take the pizza with me.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #378

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 00:00:37 -0800

Topics: Redshirting; Mesa Verde National Park; to wrap up; to bother versus to interrupt versus to disturb; blind spot

Words:
to redshirt
to count toward
kindergarten
cutoff
to hold back
peer
prevalence
cliff
dwelling
outcropping
cave
artifact
to wrap up
to bother
to interrupt
to disturb
blind spot

854 - Singing Christmas Carols

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 00:00:15 -0800

Who doesn’t like a good Christmas carol? Learn to sing along in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:03
Explanations: 2:53
Fast Dialog: 13:18

Andrea: What are you doing?

Stephanie: I’m coming up with a list of Christmas carols to sing when we go caroling.

Andrea: Can I come?

Stephanie: Uh, I don’t think...

Andrea: What? You don’t think I can sing in tune?

Stephanie: No, it’s not that...

Andrea: You think I’m going to forget the lyrics?

Stephanie: No, it’s not that either...

Andrea: I know what it is. You think I’m too good. I’ll outshine the other singers. Don’t worry. I don’t mind hiding my light under a bushel, just this once.

Stephanie: Well, it’s not that either. I just don’t think you’re a good fit for our group.

Andrea: Not a good fit? I’m very knowledgeable about music and know all of the traditional carols. I’ve even composed some original ones that you might consider adding to your list.

Stephanie: I know you’re very knowledgeable about music, but in our group, it’s all about the singing voice.

Andrea: What’s wrong with my singing voice? Listen to this [sung loudly and poorly]: “Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way...”

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

853 - Reading an Obituary

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:15 -0800

Who died? Find out by reading the obituaries in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:13
Explanations: 3:17
Fast Dialog: 16:50

Ivy: This is so sad!

Stephan: What is?

Ivy: I’m reading the obituary for one of my favorite actors as a child, Mr. McBoo. He had quite a life.

Stephan: Oh, yeah?

Ivy: Yeah, and this article has really done him justice. It’s a nice tribute to a man who touched so many lives. It says here that he’s survived by his wife and five children.

Stephan: Did he live to a ripe old age?

Ivy: He was 97 when he died. There’ll be a memorial service and funeral for him this Saturday. I think I’ll send some flowers.

Stephan: Really? You didn’t know him personally, did you?

Ivy: No, but it would be nice to be part of the funeral, in some small way. I wonder who’ll be giving the eulogies. I’m sure it’ll be somebody important.

Stephan: If you say so. I’ve never heard of him. Was he on a children’s show, or something?

Ivy: You’ve never heard of Mr. McBoo?! Were you raised in a cave?

Stephan: Not quite. We didn’t have a TV in the home when I was growing up.

Ivy: Oh, you poor, poor man. You’ve been deprived of Mr. McBoo all your life. Don’t worry. I’ll fix that. I have all of his shows, so we can have a viewing marathon this weekend.

Stephan: Lucky me.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #377

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:37 -0800

Topics: The Sam Sheppard Trial; Plymouth Rock; to counsel versus to consult; to hit (one/someone) head on; to scare the crap out of (one/someone); a bee in (one’s/someone’s) bonnet

Words:

intruder
to lose consciousness
to come to
jury
to be convicted
appeal
sequestered
to be acquitted
to clear (someone’s) reputation
Pilgrims
to disembark
souvenir
to counsel
to consult
to hit (one/someone) head on
to scare the crap out of
a bee in (one’s) bonnet

852 - Working in a Factory

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:15 -0800

Working in a factory can be dangerous. Learn how to keep safe in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:12
Explanations: 3:02
Fast Dialog: 14:26

Tony: The plant manager says that you’re the new kid.

Amber: Yes, it’s my first day.

Tony: All right, you’ll be a line worker like the rest of us. Here’s your workstation. What you have to remember is that output and productivity are the most important things around here.

Amber: I understand, but...

Tony: Watch out for that forklift! You have to watch where you’re going or you’ll ruin our safety record.

Amber: Sorry. When will I get trained to use this machinery? I’ve never worked on an assembly line before to mass-produce anything.

Tony: I’m going to teach you, so pay attention. The other thing you have to worry about around here is quality control. If you don’t do things right, you’ll hear about it.

Amber: Okay, but...

Tony: Hey, sit down! As I said before, if you’re not careful, you’ll get your head taken off in this factory. Now, try to pay attention.

Amber: I’m trying, but it’s hard to do when my life is in danger every other minute.

Tony: [sighs] Rookies!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

851 - Finding a House to Buy

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:15 -0800

Looking for a new house can be pretty stressful. Learn all about it in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:16
Explanations: 2:54
Fast Dialog: 15:16

I’m looking to buy a house and I want a single-family home. I have been living in a townhouse for two years and I am tired of having common walls and very small yards. My new house will have to have a lot more square footage, a large lot size, an open floor plan, great curb appeal, and lots of upgrades.

My agent has been showing me fixer-uppers, while I want a home that’s in move-in condition. The problem is, I can’t afford a high mortgage. I’m not holding out for a mansion, but I want this new house to be a step up from my townhouse.

My real estate agent tells me that I have to adjust my expectations. I asked him, “Do you mean I can’t have the house I want?” And he said, “Of course you can. All you have to do is move – to Alaska!”

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #376

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:37 -0800

Topics: Ask an American: The Appeal of Superheroes; property versus propriety versus proprietary; trust versus believe; little does he know; suffocated; to relish

Words:
emotional connection
wish fulfillment
fantasy
primordial
balance
to seek
justice
transcendent
ancient
grim
gritty
realistic
hyper-
psychological
property
proprietary
propriety
to trust
to believe
little does (one) know
suffocated
to relish

850 - Betting on Sports

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:15 -0800

How much you want to bet that you will learn something new about betting in this episode?

Slow Dialog: 1:15
Explanations: 2:58
Fast Dialog: 15:53

Peter: Look at this! I just won 2,000 smackaroos!

Angela: Where did you get all that money?

Peter: I won it betting on the game last night. I placed a small wager with high odds and won big.

Angela: Wow, I always put money in the pools at work, but I’ve never won anything like $2,000.

Peter: I’ll introduce you to my bookie if you want to do some serious betting. But I warn you: he only deals in high-stakes wagers, not penny ante bets.

Angela: You bet through a bookie? You must do some serious gambling. I don’t think that’s for me.

Peter: You can’t win big, if you don’t play big. I’ve just placed a bet on this weekend’s game.

Angela: But the Minnesota McQ’s are the favorites by a wide margin.

Peter: There’s a 10-point point spread. Come on, what do you say? Are you in or out? I’ve just put $500 on it.

Angela: That’s too rich for my blood. I think I’ll stick to the minor leagues.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

849 - Bargaining with Store Owners

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:15 -0800

How much is that doggy in the window? If you want it for a good price for him, listen to this episode on how to bargain.

Slow Dialog: 1:06
Explanations: 2:58
Fast Dialog: 14:05

Connie: You speak McQuillanese. Ask the store owner the price of this vase.

Ivan: All right. He says it’s $60.

Connie: That’s actually a great price, but let’s see if I can talk him down a little. You should never accept the starting price and the prices in these stores are all negotiable. Ask him what his rock bottom price is for the vase.

Ivan: He said that he’ll take $50, but not one penny less.

Connie: The vase is really a steal at $50, but maybe he’s still willing to bargain. Tell him that I won’t pay a penny more than $40.

Ivan: I told him and he says that at that price, he’d be giving it away. I don’t think he’s going to budge. I think you should just buy it. He doesn’t look like he’s willing to haggle with you.

Connie: Don’t be impatient. Good things come to those who wait. Tell him that I’m ready to walk away if he doesn’t take $42 for it. Hey, where’s he going?

Ivan: He says that he’s walking away because he doesn’t sell to cheap Americans.

Connie: Hmph!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #375

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:37 -0800

Topics: The Lone Ranger; the Liberty Bell; uprising versus revolution versus rebellion; given; revenge versus vengeance

Words:
ranger
mask
lone
sidekick
strict moral code
bell
liberty
to ring
crack
inscribed
to proclaim
inhabitant
uprising
revolution
rebellion
given
vengeance
revenge

848 - An Unscrupulous Partner

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:15 -0800

When doing business, it’s always good to have things in writing. Learn what happens when you don’t in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:12
Explanations: 3:29
Fast Dialog: 15:28

My friend Charles convinced me to go into business with him about a year ago. I wish I had had the benefit of hindsight to say “no.” I was too trusting and that was my downfall.

At first, everything was fine. We worked our butts off to get the business off the ground. But as soon as it looked like the business was going well, Charles turned on me. I had never been so deceived.

We never signed a formal partnership agreement. Since we were old friends, we relied on a verbal agreement that we would own the business 50-50. One day, out of the blue, Charles said that as the owner of the business, he had decided that my services were no longer needed. I told him he was crazy. I was co-owner and he couldn’t just fire me. He said that that was never the agreement and he was the sole owner.

And that is how I got cheated out of being co-owner of a successful business. My old friend Charles turned out to be unscrupulous. From now on, I’ll be watching my back and looking out for my own interests. No one will ever stab me in the back again!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

847 - Experiencing a Blackout

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:15 -0800

Are you in the dark about blackouts? Learn how to talk about them in English in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:08
Explanations: 2:39
Fast Dialog: 13:37

George: Whoa, what happened?

Inga: The lights went out. Did we blow a fuse, or is this a blackout?

George: Well, I don’t see any lights on in any of the houses down the street. It’s pitch black out there.

Inga: So it’s another power outage. Somehow the circuits got overloaded again. I wonder how long we’ll have to do without electricity this time.

George: I wonder if it’s our power grid or if this is a citywide blackout. All right, we’d better light a few candles. There’s no telling how long this will last.

Inga: No, it’s not like last summer when we had rolling blackouts because of the surge in demand due to the heat. Do you remember how we passed those hours of darkness?

George: Yes, I do. What are you suggesting?

Inga: I’m just saying that there’s no reason to waste a perfectly good blackout.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #374

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:37 -0800

Topics: Famous Americans: Jimi Hendrix; the melting pot metaphor; U.S. state numbers and nicknames; by any stretch of the imagination; to play it fast and loose

Words:
habit
broom
ukulele
by ear
gig
stage presence
virtuosic
to smash
suspicious circumstances
metaphor
melting pot
to assimilate
mosaic
by any stretch of the imagination
to play it fast and loose

846 - Donating Blood

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:15 -0800

Donating your blood to help others is a good thing, even if you do it for the wrong reason. Find out more in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:13
Explanations: 2:47
Fast Dialog: 13:18

Michelle: Did you hurt yourself?

Gabriel: No, why?

Michelle: You have a Band-Aid on your arm.

Gabriel: Oh, that. I donated blood today.

Michelle: You did? That’s great. I’d like to donate blood, but every time I get close to a needle, I feel light-headed. I’m afraid if I go through with it, and they actually draw blood, I’ll faint.

Gabriel: I’m use to it. I give blood all the time. The needle doesn’t bother me.

Michelle: That’s very admirable. I know how important it is for hospitals to have a good supply of blood for use in transfusions.

Gabriel: I don’t mind doing it. It’s not a big deal.

Michelle: But it is a big deal. If relief organizations didn’t have enough blood when they traveled to disaster areas, they couldn’t help the injured people there. I’m sure that’s why you do it, right?

Gabriel: Well...

Michelle: Well, what?

Gabriel: There is a particularly pretty nurse who works in the bloodmobile...

Michelle: Ah.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

845 - Dropping Out of College

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:15 -0800

A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Learn how not to stop your schooling in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:14
Explanations: 3:34
Fast Dialog: 15:54

Aaron: Mom, I have something to tell you and you’re not going to like it.

Margo: What is it?

Aaron: I’m dropping out of college. I want to get out into the real world and get a job. I’m wasting time in school.

Margo: You’ll get a better job if you stay in school and graduate with a degree. You’ll have more earning power and better long-term prospects.

Aaron: I’m sick of school. All of my friends are earning money, buying cars, and living life. I feel like life is passing me by.

Margo: Your friends didn’t go to college and got a job right out of high school.

Aaron: That’s right. There’s nothing wrong with that.

Margo: No, there isn’t. And right now, they seem to be living the high life. They don’t have any responsibilities and can blow their paychecks on having fun. Once they have a family, their paychecks won’t stretch very far. With a degree, you’ll out-earn them right out of the gate when you graduate in two years.

Aaron: I don’t want to wait.

Margo: This is all about delayed gratification. A little suffering now will pay off in the long run. Trust me. Two more years and you’ll be done

Aaron: Yeah, maybe I can stick it out for two more years and then no more school – ever!

Margo: Unless you decide to go to graduate school...

Aaron: Mom, don’t push it.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #373

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:37 -0800

Topics: The Chicago Seven; American Authors: Horatio Alger; murderer versus killer versus assassin; ...and all; so forth and so on

Words:
defendant
convention
radical
rally
to incite a riot
verdict
intent
rags-to-riches
American Dream
entrepreneurial
perseverance
to deteriorate
murderer
killer
assassin
...and all
so forth / so on / so forth and so on

844 - Dealing with Corrupt Officials

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:15 -0800

Who can you trust in government today? Find out in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:23
Explanations: 3:02
Fast Dialog: 15:37

Vera: I can’t believe that Stan has been arrested. I know that he wasn’t always on the up-and-up, but he’s being accused of influence peddling and taking bribes.

Keigo: Stan has been getting kickbacks for years. Everybody knew that if you wanted to get what you wanted from this department, you had to grease Stan’s palms. There isn’t a more corrupt official than Stan.

Vera: But he was always so nice to me.

Keigo: That was part of the problem. He was always good to his friends and family. That’s why he’s also known for his nepotism and cronyism. He gave friends and family plum jobs with big salaries. He had an entire good old boy network.

Vera: Do you really think he’ll go to jail?

Keigo: I’m sure of it. On second thought, if he can find a judge who’s on the take and is as corrupt as he is, he has a fighting chance.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

843 - Passing Through Airport Security

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:06:00 -0800

If you’re leaving on a jet plane, you need to be prepared for American airport security. Learn more in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:15
Explanations: 3:47
Fast Dialog: 18:41

Roland: Why are you so nervous about flying?

Natalie: I’m not nervous about being in the air. It’s going through security. I hear it’s a hassle and I don’t want to end up being strip-searched.

Roland: You won’t be strip-searched. All you need to do is to follow a few simple rules. When you get to security screening, put your carry-on bag and all metal objects in a bin so that it can go through the scanner.

Natalie: But I heard I couldn’t bring any liquids with me.

Roland: You’re only allowed three ounces of liquids, aerosols, or gels. Those should go inside a zip-top bag and be placed in a bin.

Natalie: Do I have to take off my shoes and get one of those body scans?

Roland: You don’t have to take off your shoes, but you do have to get a body scan.

Natalie: I knew it! They’re going to bombard me with harmful rays. And you wonder why I’m nervous about flying!

Roland: You won’t be bombarded with any harmful rays. You walk through the metal detector and stand in front of the scanner. It’s not dangerous.

Natalie: Oh, why do they have to treat every passenger like a potential hijacker or terrorist? Do I look like a terrorist? I feel like walking through security with my hands up saying, “I am not a terrorist. I am not a terrorist.”

Roland: I wouldn’t do that if I were you. That’s a sure way to get the TSA’s attention. Just stay calm and follow the instructions.

Natalie: Just like a lamb to the slaughter?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #372

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:37 -0800

Topics: Famous Americans: Aimee Semple McPherson; Famous songs: "Turkey in the Straw"; marriage versus wedding versus wedlock; otherwise; pronouncing contractions

Words:
evangelist
to convert
tent revival
Pentecostal
to speak in tongues
divine healing
to follow in (someone’s) footsteps
following
blackface
turkey
nonsensical
tune
marriage
wedding
wedlock
otherwise

842 - Taking a Standardized Test

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:06:35 -0800

True or false: Standardized tests are really fun to study for and take. Find out the answer in this episode.

Slow Dialog: 1:15
Explanations: 3:45
Fast Dialog: 16:09

Dad: It’s time you start preparing for the MCFL Test.

Maria: Dad, that’s 12 months away! I don’t need to start looking at test prep materials right now.

Dad: Yes, you do. Like all high-stakes testing, familiarity with the types of questions you’ll be asked will help you. You need to score well on it if you want to be admitted to a good university. The MCFL is only administered twice each year, so you’d better be prepared when the time comes.

Maria: I don’t really believe in standardized tests. Our teacher says that they don’t really measure how well you’ll do in college or in life.

Dad: It doesn’t matter what you – or your teacher – believe. Colleges consider test scores in admissions and that’s what’s important. Let’s start with some tips on answering multiple choice and true-false questions.

Maria: I know all about taking standardized tests, Dad. I’ve been taking them every year at school and I’m sick of them. Put your name here. Bubble in your answer there. I’m sick to death of those tests.

Dad: Then you’ll feel perfectly comfortable taking this one.

Maria: Why can’t they give us open-ended or essay questions? I’d do much better on those.

Dad: Bite your tongue! Those would be much more difficult to study for. Ready for question number one?

Maria: As ready as I’ll ever be.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

841 - Adopting a Child

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:15 -0800

Learn about the joy of adopting a new child into your family on this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:03
Explanations: 3:58
Fast dialog: 18:07

Scott: Hi, I thought I’d stop by to pick up those chairs I wanted to borrow.

Roberta: Oh, sure. Here they are.

Scott: What are you doing?

Roberta: I’m looking through the material we got on adoption.

Scott: Are you and Robert thinking about adopting a child?

Roberta: Yeah, we are. We’ve been thinking about it for a long time, and we think we might be ready now.

Scott: Have you decided on an international or domestic adoption?

Roberta: We’re going domestic.

Scott: That means going through the foster care system, right?

Roberta: Yeah, it’s going to be a lot of work getting our house ready and all of the paperwork done. But after we pass inspection, we’ll just need to wait for a call from a social worker with a placement. We hope it’ll happen quickly.

Scott: I thought people had to wait months or years for a baby.

Roberta: They may, but we’re asking for a waiting child, maybe even one with special needs. We may even take more than one child, someone with siblings.

Scott: Wow, that’s a lot of responsibility. Wouldn’t you rather do a private adoption? Then you can call the shots and even have a closed adoption, if that’s what you want.

Roberta: We don’t mind an open adoption, actually. We’ve given it a lot of thought, and we think it’s best if the child knows who his or her birth parents are. That way, they won’t always be wondering.

Scott: I hope everything goes smoothly. I’m sure you’ll both make great parents.

Roberta: We’re not so sure, but we’ll do our best. By the way, you can keep those chairs.

Scott: Really? Why?

Roberta: You have no children and they’re a hazard. We need to childproof this house and we’re starting with those chairs.

Scott: Hey, that’s great. That big-screen TV looks dangerous. I’d be more than happy to take it off your hands, too.

Roberta: Hands off the TV!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #371

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:00:37 -0800

Ask an American: Asian Immigrants; to note versus to notice versus to notify; assessment versus appraisal; to be full of (oneself)

Words:
professionalized immigration
brain drain
working class
folks
pre-collegiate
multiplicity
national origin
demographics
culturally competent
to raise
socio-economic
Fortune 500 company
to note
to notice
to notify
assessment
appraisal

840 - Translating a Document

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:00:15 -0800

Don’t get lost in translation. Listen to this episode to learn how to talk about going from one language to another.

Slow dialog: 1:08
Explanations: 3:14
Fast dialog: 17:39

Francine: Do you know the word in Mcquish for “partnership”?

Aziz: No, I don’t speak Mcquish. What are you doing?

Francine: Jim gave me this letter and this document to translate into Mcquish because I speak a little of it, but even with a dictionary and thesaurus, it’s slow going.

Aziz: Didn’t you tell Jim that?

Francine: I did, but he still wants me to try because it’s so hard to find a Mcquish-English bilingual.

Aziz: I’m not surprised. Other than you, I don’t know anyone who speaks Mcquish.

Francine: Yeah, well, I’m doing my best to translate these documents idiomatically because the literal translation won’t make any sense, but it’s a tough job. I simply don’t know enough business Mcquish to know the equivalent words and phrases.

Aziz: Can’t you just paraphrase and convey the general meaning by using a lot of loan words and cognates?

Francine: I’m trying, but I don’t think it’s turning out the way it’s supposed to.

Aziz: At least he didn’t ask you to interpret. You’d really be in the hot seat trying to interpret in a meeting or over the phone.

Francine: Yeah, at least I was spared that experience, at least for now.

Aziz: I wish I could help you, but the only language I speak, other than English, is gibberish!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

839 - Getting a Divorce

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:00:15 -0700

Getting a divorce can be a difficult thing for everyone involved. Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:12
Explanations: 3:04
Fast dialog: 15:15

Nicole: I’m really sorry to hear about you and Catherine getting a divorce.

Tom: I appreciate it, but it was a long time coming. We’ve been heading toward divorce for years. I just hope it doesn’t get too messy.

Nicole: I don’t mean to pry, but didn’t the two of you have a prenup?

Tom: Yeah, but Catherine wants it set aside because our financial situation has changed so much since we got married. She also wants sole custody of Sarah, alimony, and child support.

Nicole: We live in a community property state, so that should simplify things, shouldn’t it?

Tom: You’d think so, but the distribution of property may get complicated. I’m hoping we can settle everything amicably, but I’m ready for a fight, if it turns ugly. I’ve hired Dewey Cheatum.

Nicole: Wow, you’re serious. He’s the most high-powered divorce attorney in this city.

Tom: I’m not taking any chances with my assets or my daughter. If Catherine wants to play hardball, I’m coming out swinging!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #370

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:37 -0700

Movies: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; Mount Rushmore; threat versus menace versus peril; using “should” with “have to”; role reversal

Words:
loosely based on
outlaw
to flee
sculpture –
to carve
granite
to draw
to depict
from the waist up
to commemorate
quarter
spoof
threat
menace
peril
role reversal

838 - Talking About Immigration

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:15 -0700

America is the land of immigrants, but not everyone is happy to keep the door open. Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:08
Explanations: 3:29
Fast dialog: 18:53

Ann: The immigration policy in this country is ridiculous. Why are there so many illegal immigrants here? They cross the border and take American jobs! They all need to be deported.

Chris: A lot of immigrants have lived here nearly all their lives. Do you mean to tell me that you want to do some of the jobs that undocumented workers do, like picking crops and cleaning houses, and not earning minimum wage?

Ann: There’s nothing wrong with that kind of work. I wouldn’t want to do it myself...

Chris: That’s just it! You’re willing to benefit from cheap labor, but you keep complaining about immigrants. There needs to be an amnesty or work permit program so that they can stay legally and work.

Ann: And pay their taxes! These illegal immigrants dodge paying taxes, too.

Chris: But they don’t get the same social services that citizens or legal immigrants do. You can’t have it both ways. If you want them to do what citizens are required to do, then you have to give them legal status. And, by the way, when is your visitor’s visa up?

Ann: It was up last month, but I’m from Canada! Overstaying a visa is not the same thing as being an illegal alien.

Chris: That’s where you’re wrong. Where’s that number for immigration?

Script for Dr. Lucy Tse

837 - Driving While Calling and Texting

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:15 -0700

Why risk your life drinking and driving when you can text and drive instead? Learn the fastest way to kill yourself in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:17
Explanations: 3:26
Fast dialog: 15:45

Pamela: [laughs] Did you see this tweet from Sarah? She’s so funny.

Josh: Hold on. I’m texting Lance. I want to make sure he knows where we’re meeting up.

Pamela: [cell phone rings] Hello. Oh, hi Lance. Did you get Josh’s text? You didn’t? Let me IM you, bye.

Josh: I wonder why Lance didn’t get my text. I sent it from the same number I normally use.

Pamela: [cell phone rings] Hello. Jessica! Where have you been? I’ve been emailing you for three days. I thought you’d fallen off the face of the earth. What? You’ve been on vacation with your parents and you’ve been incommunicado, with no web access and no phone signal? That’s mind-blowing!

Josh: Ask Jessica whether she got my text. I’m really starting to worry about my account. Better yet, I’ll text her a photo of us right now. Say “cheese.”

Pamela: Cheese. [brakes squealing] What was that?

Josh: It’s just a reckless driver. Just change lanes.

Pamela: You change lanes. You’re the one driving.

Josh: No, I’m not. How can I be driving when I’m so busy texting?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #369

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:00:37 -0700

Ghost towns of the Wild West; dime novels and pulp magazines; kidding versus joking versus teasing; television show versus television series; phrase

Words:
Wild West
boomtown
bustling
ghost town
to seek (one’s) fortune
saloon
prostitution
dime
pulp
to look down on (something)
frontier
to fall out of popularity
kidding
joking
teasing
television/TV show
television/TV series
phrase

836 - Working Shifts

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:15 -0700

Working at night can be tough, but some people are willing to do it. Find out more in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:10
Explanations: 2:48
Fast dialog: 16:22

Lisette: You’re the new kid on the block, aren’t you?

Danny: Yeah, it’s my first day.

Lisette: I’m Lisette.

Danny: I’m Danny. Nice to meet you.

Lisette: You’re lucky to be starting on the day shift. When I started working here umpteen years ago, I had to work the graveyard shift for two years before I got the day shift.

Danny: I guess I am lucky, but I wouldn’t mind working any shift, even double shifts, once I get up to speed. My wife and I are expecting our first child and we need to save up.

Lisette: Oh, yeah? Congratulations! Well, there are always people who want time off and need someone to cover for them. You can usually pick up extra hours and shifts that way. Sometimes, there’s even overtime, but the veteran workers get first dibs.

Danny: I can understand that. Well, if you ever need anybody to cover for you, just give me a shout.

Lisette: All right, I’ll keep it in mind. Maybe I can help you save up for a diaper or two.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

835 - Getting Shocking News

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:15 -0700

Did you hear the news? If you didn’t, you may be surprised after listening to this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:06
Explanations: 3:18
Fast dialog: 17:39

Karla: You look like you’ve had a shock.

Chris: Yeah, that phone call threw me for a loop. My ex-girlfriend is pregnant and she wants me to take a paternity test.

Karla: Wow, that’s quite a bombshell. Are you going to do it?

Chris: Of course. If the baby is biologically mine, I want to take responsibility for it. I wanted to start a family with my ex: get married and have children – the whole shebang. So if the baby is mine, I’ll provide child support, no question. I might even fight for custody.

Karla: Really? That’s astounding. Most guys would be hoping that the baby isn’t theirs. What did your ex-girlfriend say when you told her?

Chris: She thought I would be outraged or something. Instead, she was the one who was left stunned.

Karla: I’m surprised, too. Not many guys would want to have a child without being married.

Chris: One part of me hopes the baby isn’t mine, only because my relationship with my ex-girlfriend is over and I don’t want to rekindle it. But I’m not getting any younger and another part of me really wants to be a father.

Karla: Well, the DNA test will give you proof, one way or the other. Just cross your fingers...

Chris: I would, but I’m not sure which outcome I want more!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #368

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:37 -0700

Topics: American Presidents: Ronald Reagan; using suffixes; to persuade versus to convince; to bring around/round

Words:
to come to fame
welfare
incumbent
whopping
assassination
supply-side economics
laissez-faire
trickle-down economics
trickle-down economics
détente
to denounce
warmongering
to persuade
to convince
to bring around/round

834 - Breaching Computer Security

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:15 -0700

Security alert! Be careful to protect your computer from hackers. Learn what not to do in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:14
Explanations: 3:20
Fast dialog: 17:19

Jin: Did you hear what happened to McQ Corp?

Dina: No, what?

Jin: Hackers were able to get unauthorized access to its computer systems and cause a lot of problems over the weekend. They destroyed data and rendered the system unusable. In fact, the entire system crashed.

Dina: I hadn’t heard that. Why McQ Corp?

Jin: Well, the company announced last week that it had implemented new security measures, which made their systems impenetrable.

Dina: Ah, that explains it. Making an announcement like that is like issuing a challenge.

Jin: Yeah, it was definitely a challenge. I bet a lot hackers were trying to breach those security measures, just to show that it could be done. One of them certainly found the system’s vulnerabilities and exploited them.

Dina: What was McQ Corp thinking? They’ve had problems in the past with hackers and then they issue this challenge. I say that it serves them right!

Jin: They shouldn’t have bragged about their new security measures, but those hackers caused a lot of damage.

Dina: I bet McQ Corp learned its lesson: Don’t wave a red flag in front of a bull!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

833 - Shooting Travel Videos

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:15 -0700

Ready for your big chance at an Academy Award for Best Picture? Well, that isn’t happening, but you can learn about making a travel video in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:12
Explanations: 2:47
Fast dialog: 15:27

Cesar: Hurry up! We’ll miss the tour bus if we don’t leave right now.

Matilda: I’m just getting some footage of this area before we leave. “This area is known for its…”

Cesar: Now what are you doing?

Matilda: I’m doing a voice-over for this segment. Voice-overs are very important in good travel videos.

Cesar: You can add the voice-over when you edit it. Let’s go!

Matilda: Just give me five more minutes. Hmm, this footage is turning out to be too shaky. Hold on while I set up the tripod.

Cesar: We don’t have time for that. Grab your camcorder, and let’s go.

Matilda: Too much motion will ruin any travel video. Wait! I want to get a close-up of that building and a wide-angle shot of this entire area. Hey, where are you going with my gear?

Cesar: I, and your gear, are going to the tour bus. I’m not going to get left behind – again!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #367

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:37 -0700

Topics: American Authors – Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein and All the President's Men; Famous Songs – “Over There"; to borrow versus to debit versus to lend versus to loan; using ago with since; ambivalence versus conflict

Words:
to cover
implicated
informant
true identity
film rights
height
on the run
lad
sweetheart
to pine
to send the word
to say a prayer
to borrow
to debit
to lend
to loan
ambivalence
conflict

832 - Creating an Online Store

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:15 -0700

Make lots of money fast! Start your own Internet money machine after listening to this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:08
Explanations: 2:58
Fast dialog: 15:43

Kay: I’d say we’re well on our way to establishing our new online store.

Greg: I can’t wait for this to get off the ground. Orders will pour in and we’ll make money hand over fist.

Kay: Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s see where we are in our preparations.

Greg: All right. We’ve created a marketing plan that includes several ways to drive traffic to our website.

Kay: That’s great. We’ve also installed a shopping cart and a secure way to process orders.

Greg: We can use that system to track orders, right?

Kay: That’s right. All customer information will be captured and we’ll have a database of information we can mine later.

Greg: That’s great. We already have a place to house the inventory and a way to track it.

Kay: Right you are. Now all we need is one last thing.

Greg: We need to find a product to sell.

Kay: Yeah. Any ideas?

Greg: No, none. You?

Kay: Nope. But as soon as we do, we’ll be the next big thing in commerce.

Greg: Definitely!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

831 - Not the Marrying Kind

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:15 -0700

Some men don’t like the idea of getting married. Find out how to avoid dating one in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:17
Explanations: 2:55
Fast dialog: 15:57

Stacey: I have a date with George this Saturday. I can’t wait!

Brad: Have a good time, but you know what the word on the street is about George, don’t you?

Stacey: What?

Brad: He’s not the marrying kind.

Stacey: Oh, he just hasn’t met the right girl yet. When he does, he’ll be ready to settle down.

Brad: I don’t think so. Women who have gone out with him have told me that he’s up front with them: he has no intention of tying the knot – ever.

Stacey: Do you think he’s a commitment phobe?

Brad: I have no idea. I just know that he likes to play the field and anyone who dates him should not try to reform him.

Stacey: I wouldn’t try to reform him. I think he’ll just fall head over heels in love with me and he’ll put his philandering ways behind him.

Brad: Don’t count on it.

Stacey: I’m convinced of it.

Brad: I’m always surprised by the degree to which women can delude themselves when it comes to love!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #366

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:37 -0700

Topics: Ask an American: Saving the space program; point versus period versus dot; using “no” with a verb; all the same

Words:
vehicle
astronaut
orbit
to hitch a ride
to imply
to stoke
innovation
golden era
space exploration
driven by
to shift
outlook
point
period
dot
all the same

830 - Donating to a Thrift Store

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:15 -0700

Give away what you don’t need to help others. Find out more on this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:19
Explanations: 3:45
Fast dialog: 16:48

Scott: That’s the last bag. Help me put these into the truck. I want to get these to the thrift store before they stop taking donations for the day.

Nancy: Hold on! That bag has curtains in it.

Scott: I know they do. Those old curtains have been sitting around in the closet for 10 years. It’s time to let them go.

Nancy: But what about this bag? These are the children’s old baby clothes. You can’t just toss these! They have such sentimental value.

Scott: You’ve kept a lot of the children’s old clothes already, but we still have bags and bags of them in the attic.

Nancy: Yes, but they’re so cute.

Scott: It’s time to put aside sentiment and do some spring cleaning. After all, we’re donating them to a good cause. Families visiting the thrift store can buy them for their own children. We get a tax deduction and our items get a new life. It’s a win-win for everybody.

Nancy: I don’t know about that. What?! You’re not getting rid of those chairs, are you? They still have a lot of life in them.

Scott: Our garage is so full of old furniture that we don’t use. I’m putting my foot down. These have to go.

Nancy: But not those…

Scott: Yes, those and those and those. This is my punishment for marrying a pack rat!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

829 - Having a Barbecue

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:08 -0700

Enjoy some good times and good cooking at a barbecue in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:16
Explanations: 3:02
Fast dialog: 14:02

George: Step aside! The king of the cookout is here. I’m ready to work my magic on this barbecue.

Sophia: Here are the burgers and hot dogs. The kids are pretty hungry.

George: Hold on. I need to put on the charcoal. Now I’m ready to fire up this barbecue. Where’s the lighter fluid?

Sophia: It’s right here.

George: Good. Oh, I almost forgot. I’ll need to gather some wood to burn to give the meat that smoky flavor.

Sophia: Why don’t I do that while you get things going?

George: No, I need to do things my way. I also need to make my world-famous barbecue sauce. The meat won’t taste very good if I don’t baste it with my special sauce each time I flip it.

Sophia: Okay, how about if I get the corn on the cob ready for grilling?

George: I’ll do that. I have my own special way of preparing the corn.

Sophia: Is there anything I can do to hurry things along?

George: Perfection takes time. Would you tell Michelangelo to hurry up?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #365

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:00:31 -0700

Topics: Movies: King Kong; Famous Americans: Lance Armstrong; its sounds versus it sounds as if; acting versus pretending; gobbledygook

Words:
remake
offering
jungle
shackles
to gross
cyclist
triathlon
consecutive
testicular
prognosis
bracelet
allegation
doping
it sounds as if
acting
pretending
gobbledygook

828 - Important Business Contacts

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:00:08 -0700

Are you connected to the powerful and influential people in your industry? If not, listen to this episode to find out how important it is.

Slow dialog: 1:05
Explanations: 2:40
Fast dialog: 14:50

Kelly: What we need are a few people in the industry to talk up our new company.

John: I’m on top of that. I’m really well connected, as you know, and I’ve already put in a few calls to a few of the movers and shakers in our business.

Kelly: I didn’t know you had such a vast network of contacts.

John: Oh, sure I do. I don’t mean to name drop, but you know Kevin Martinez at McQ Corp? I’m pretty tight with him. And Eva Arribas at Syntect? She and I go way back.

Kelly: Wow, those are some heavy hitters!

John: You’ve said it. And Kevin owes me one, and Eva would bend over backwards for me.

Kelly: It’s great! What did they say when you asked them to get the word out about us?

John: Um, I’m still waiting to hear back from them. I’m sure they’ll call back any day now.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

827 - Fad Dieting

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 03:00:08 -0400

Have you heard of the newest, most popular diet in the world? Find out what it is by listening to this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:18
Explanations: 3:40
Fast dialogue: 17:51

Joel: You don’t look so hot. Are you okay?

Beatrice: I’m perfectly fine.

Joel: Oh, and you’re grouchy, too. Don’t tell me. You’re dieting again.

Beatrice: Just leave me alone. I’m not popping pills or anything like that. I’m just trying to shed a few pounds the natural way.

Joel: The natural way? You mean like that diet you were on a few months ago where you only ate Monday, Wednesday, and Friday? Or that other diet you were on before where you drank 50 cups of water a day?

Beatrice: Those were fad diets that didn’t work. I’m onto a new diet that’s guaranteed to take away those unwanted pounds and to reveal my slimmer self.

Joel: You sound like a commercial, or an infomercial. Is that where you found this diet, on some late-night infomercial?

Beatrice: It doesn’t matter where I heard about this diet. It only matters that it’s scientifically proven to help people lose weight.

Joel: All right. I need to shed a few pounds. What’s the secret diet?

Beatrice: I’m not telling you. You’ll only make fun of it.

Joel: No, I won’t. Tell me.

Beatrice: All right. I only eat orange-colored foods.

Joel: What?!

Beatrice: I said, I only eat orange-colored foods. I’ve eaten a lot of oranges and carrots.

Joel: I can see why you’re so grouchy. You’ve lost your bleeping mind!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #364

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:00:31 -0400

Topics: The O.J. Simpson Trial; to major versus to graduate; to pry; technically versus practically

Words:
notoriety
key suspect
domestic violence
to turn (oneself) in
to surrender
to plead not guilty
dream team
DNA
to goad
damning
to acquit
divided along race lines
to major
to graduate
to pry
technically
practically

826 - Shopping for a Used Car

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 03:00:43 -0400

Question: What can be more fun than buying a used car? Answer: Almost anything. Find out why in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 3:46
Fast dialogue: 19:09

Mario: Do you want to go with me to test drive a car I’m thinking of buying?

Danica: Sure. Which dealership are we going to?

Mario: I’m not buying a used car from a dealership. I’m buying it from a private party. Dealerships rip you off.

Danica: Are you sure about that? My sister bought a certified used car from a dealership and she even got a one-year warranty. She’s very happy with it.

Mario: Dealerships jack up the price. Buying from a private party means getting a better deal.

Danica: If you say so. What kind of car is it, and how much is the owner asking for it?

Mario: It’s a McQ Racer and the owner is asking 12,000 dollars, 3,000 dollars below blue book value.

Danica: That is a good price. In fact, that’s too good a price. Doesn’t that raise some red flags?

Mario: Like what?

Danica: Well, the car could be have been totaled and is now considered salvage. Its odometer could have been rolled back. It could have major mechanical problems...

Mario: You can be skeptical, but I’m not looking a gift horse in the mouth. If this guy wants to sell his car for much less than its value, who am I to ask questions?

Danica: You’ll do a title search and ask to see the pink slip before you buy it, right?

Mario: I think you’d better stay here. With you along, I see this great deal going up in smoke!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

825 - Political Advertising

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 03:00:15 -0400

American elections have lots of political advertising. Learn why that’s not always a good thing in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 2:32
Fast dialogue: 15:07

Hilary: The election is still two months away and I’m already sick of the political ads. Look at these flyers we got in the mail just today, not to mention the canvassers ringing our doorbell nonstop!

Bill: It’s worse if you watch TV, with attack ad after attack ad. It’s gotten completely out of hand.

Hilary: What happened to campaign finance reform? After years of talking about it, we still have lots of political action committees using soft money to finance media campaigns.

Bill: You can’t even call them media campaigns anymore. They’re more like smear campaigns. I’m fed up with all of this propaganda.

Hilary: You know what we should do?

Bill: What?

Hilary: We should take a vacation until the election is over…in Thailand!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #363

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 03:00:37 -0400

Topics: Cigarette advertising and cigarette icons; how local government works; to assist in versus to assist with; calf versus cub; to hold forth

Words:
cigarette
to sponsor
slogan
catchy
icon
rugged
detrimental
explicit
county
mayor
city council
jurisdiction
to assist in
to assist with
calf
cub
to hold forth

824 - Grooming a Successor

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 03:00:47 -0400

Looking for someone to take over your job? Listen to this episode to find out how to talk about it in English.

Slow dialogue: 1:09
Explanations: 3:06
Fast dialogue: 16:39

Aisha: It’s only a matter of time before I retire and hand over the reins to someone else.

Javier: That won’t happen for years.

Aisha: It’ll happen sooner than you think. I’ve given a lot of thought to the person I want to fill my shoes. After long consideration, I think that person should be you.

Javier: Me? But there are a lot of people who outrank me in this organization and who have more experience.

Aisha: That may be true, but I’ve decided to make you my protégé. I’m taking you under my wing starting now to groom as my successor.

Javier: I don’t know what to say. I’m honored, of course, but aren’t you going to meet with a lot of resistance by choosing me instead of someone more senior?

Aisha: I might, but I have confidence in you. With a little time, you’ll come into your own and you’ll make a fine leader for this organization.

Javier: All I can say is thank you for having faith in me.

Aisha: The opportunity is yours and it’s up to you what you make of it.

Javier: I know that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I won’t let you down.

Aisha: I’m counting on that.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

823 - Dealing with a Bothersome Person

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 03:00:49 -0400

Jean-Paul Sartre once said that Hell is other people. Learn how to talk about them in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:23
Explanations: 3:21
Fast dialogue: 17:16

Melissa: I hate that guy Reuben. He’s always getting in my face.

Conan: Ooh, I sense some serious sexual tension between the two of you.

Melissa: Sexual tension? Are you out of your mind? He does nothing but give me a hard time.

Conan: That’s because he’s trying to get your attention.

Melissa: If he likes me, why doesn’t he try to get my attention by showing off, like every other guy?

Conan: Maybe he’s trying to stand out among your many admirers.

Melissa: Don’t be stupid. I don’t have a lot of admirers and I don’t want one who makes my life miserable!

Conan: Maybe if you throw him a bone, then he’ll stop his antics.

Melissa: What kind of a bone?

Conan: Ask him to the movies Saturday night.

Melissa: Me, ask him out? You’re certifiable!

Conan: I’m telling you that if you ask him out, he’ll stop pestering you.

Melissa: Putting aside the fact that I find him repulsive, if I ask him out, he’ll make me the laughingstock of this place.

Conan: I don’t think so. He’ll get what he wants and he’ll stop pestering you.

Melissa: What if it backfires and he bothers me even more?

Conan: Then you’ll get what you want – deep down!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #362

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 03:00:52 -0400

Topics: American Presidents: Harry S. Truman; to handle versus to address versus to deal with versus to cope with; naysayer; hold that thought

Words:
to enlist
leadership qualities
haberdashery
atomic bomb
to surrender
to flourish
public approval rating
to defeat
to integrate
memoir
folksy
to portray
to handle
to address
to deal with
to cope with
naysayer
hold that thought

822 - Having a Frightening Experience

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 03:00:10 -0400

Don’t be afraid of today’s episode. You’ll learn how to talk about frightening experiences in English, but without getting scared yourself.

Slow dialogue: 1:08
Explanations: 4:05
Fast dialogue: 17:47

Oliver: I had the most hair-raising experience of my life this past weekend.

Alena: What happened?

Oliver: You know that George bought an old house, right? Well, he’s been telling us that it’s haunted, so for a lark, a few of us decided to spend the weekend there to see if we would have any supernatural experiences.

Alena: Are you telling me that you saw ghosts?

Oliver: I’m not sure what we saw, heard, or felt. Everything was fine when we got there, but then we started hearing strange noises and I started to get goosebumps. The other guys tried to play it off, but I know they were scared, too.

Alena: What did George say about the noises?

Oliver: He laughed when he saw us jump out of our skins, and told us we were wusses. He said he heard those noises every night and they didn’t have him quaking in his boots.

Alena: Did anything else happen?

Oliver: Well, when we went to bed, the house got very cold and drafty, like there was something passing by me very closely, but I couldn’t see it. That sent me over the edge.

Alena: Has it ever occurred to you that George was playing a prank on you guys?

Oliver: A prank? It was no prank. In the middle of the night when we saw the strange faces in the windows, even George was scared stiff. By that time, all of us were petrified. It was no prank. That house is haunted.

Alena: Ooh, a real haunted house. I’d love to spend the night there, too. Do you think George would let you stay there again and let me come, too?

Oliver: You want me to go back to that house? Forget it! Wild horses couldn’t drag me within 50 miles of that place again!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

821 - Eating Contaminated Food

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:45 -0700

Avoid getting sick by being careful what you eat. Learn how to talk food safety in English in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:17
Explanations: 2:51
Fast dialog: 14:30

Rachel: This tastes funny.

Sergey: It’s fine. There’s nothing wrong with it.

Rachel: It tastes like it’s tainted or something. Don’t you detect a funny metallic taste?

Sergey: No, it’s perfectly fine. Just eat it.

Rachel: I swear there’s something off about this food. I’m not eating adulterated food. There’s probably poison in here and we’re both going to die a terrible death.

Sergey: There is nothing poisonous or toxic in this food. I made it myself.

Rachel: Did you make sure that the milk wasn’t sour and that none of the ingredients were spoiled? I’ll probably die from botulism.

Sergey: There’s nothing spoiled, tainted, toxic, or poisonous in this food. Are you going to eat that or not?

Rachel: I think I’ll pass.

Sergey: Then hand it over. I’m hungry. I’ve never met such a hypochondriac before!

Rachel: I’m not a hypochondriac. I’m just a little paranoid...

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #361

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 00:00:59 -0700

Topics: Ask an American – The global economy; insidious versus vile versus despicable; lock and load; fancy versus fanciful

Words:
index
relative
quarter
close
industrialized world
structural
monetary
fiscal
to run (one’s) limits
to connect the dots
holistic
systematic
to frame (an issue/problem)
insidious
vile
despicable
lock and load
fancy
fanciful

820 - Performing Poorly at Work

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 00:00:45 -0700

Understand better what your boss may be saying about you in English with this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:03
Explanations: 3:11
Fast dialog: 16:45

Cora: What’s up with Rob? He hasn’t been himself lately.

Doug: You’ve noticed, too, huh?

Cora: Yeah, he’s been missing work and letting things slip through the cracks. I’ve been cutting him some slack and filling in for him, but things haven’t improved.

Doug: I know what you mean. I’d never known Rob to drop the ball on anything until recently. I heard a rumor that he’s having financial problems.

Cora: No, not Rob! He has more clients than anyone around here.

Doug: Well, he’s been off his game for a while now, so some of those accounts might have gone up in smoke.

Cora: Are you going to have a talk with him? Maybe you could help.

Doug: Me? Why me?

Cora: I thought you two were pretty tight.

Doug: We’re friendly at work, but we’re not really friends. The last thing I want to do is to snoop around in his business.

Cora: But maybe he’s just waiting for a shoulder to cry on. You might be just the person to get him to bare his soul.

Doug: Spoken just like a woman! You all think we men are waiting to bare our souls and to let our emotions out. Just leave Rob alone to solve his own problems.

Cora: Spoken just like a cold-hearted man!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

819 - Athletes Behaving Badly

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:00:45 -0700

Professional athletes sometimes get into trouble. Learn what happens when they do in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:12
Explanations: 2:34
Fast dialog: 15:00

Connie: I just got a call from Ron’s agent. He’s in hot water again.

Walt: Not again! What did he get up to now?

Connie: He got into another fight outside of a bar, and he’s in police custody right now cooling his heels. I don’t know what he was thinking.

Walt: It’s the off-season, so I can understand him wanting to blow off some steam. But doesn’t he realize what he’s doing to his image and reputation?

Connie: They don’t call him the bad boy of basketball for nothing. I guess it’s our job to do some damage control.

Walt: Yeah, and fast. Once the press gets a hold of this, they’ll have a field day.

Connie: It’s going to be a long night.

Walt: Not as long as Ron’s.

Connie: Serves him right!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #360

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:00:59 -0700

Topics: Famous Americans – Ralph Nader; how to become an astronaut; with reference to versus with regard to versus according to; to confront versus to encounter; “In God We Trust”

Words:
critique
to discredit
traffic fatality
inspiring
social cause
to lobby
consumer advocate
write-in candidate
astronaut
aspiring
crew
remote
with reference
with regard to
according to
to confront
to encounter
“In God We Trust”

818 - Placing a Drink Order

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:00:45 -0700

Learn how to get something to drink in a restaurant in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:11
Explanations: 3:07
Fast dialog: 16:29

Server: Hello, I’m Allie and I’ll be your server today. Here’s a menu. Can I take your drink order?

Joel: I’d like a glass of water with no ice.

Server: Sure. Will that be sparkling or still?

Joel: Uh, tap.

Server: Okay, one glass of tap water. Would you like anything else? We have soda, iced tea, lemonade...

Joel: I’d like a Diet Coke.

Server: Sure, I’ll be right back with your drinks in just one moment.

Joel: Can you bring me a wine list?

Server: No problem...Here is your water and Diet Coke, and this is our wine list. Are you looking for any wine in particular? We have an extensive selection and some very fine house wines.

Joel: I’m looking for the kind I drink at home.

Server: What label is the wine you drink at home?

Joel: I don’t remember the name, but it has a very distinctive packaging.

Server: Oh, can you describe it?

Joel: Sure, it’s a large white box...

Server: You mean it’s a boxed wine?

Joel: Yes, that’s right.

Server: I’m sorry. We don’t have any boxed wines.

Joel: And you call yourself a restaurant?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

817 - Getting a School Class Schedule

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:00:45 -0700

Time to go to school, and oh, what fun algebra will be this year! Learn your class schedule in English on this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:17
Explanations: 3:18
Fast dialog: 16:08

Carlos: Did you get your class schedule?

Marianne: Yeah. You?

Carlos: Yeah. Let’s see if we have any classes together. I have PE with Mr. Lopez and social studies with Ms. Walters. How about you?

Marianne: I have PE with Ms. Schwartz and social studies with Ms. Eng. Who do you have for geography? I’m taking it with Mr. Johnson.

Carlos: I’m not taking geography this semester. Who do you have for algebra? I have Ms. Adul.

Marianne: I’m not taking algebra. I’m taking calculus. Who do you have for chemistry?

Carlos: I’m taking biology instead. This isn’t looking good. Do we even have lunch together? I’ve been assigned the first lunch period. You?

Marianne: I have the second lunch period. How is it possible that we don’t have any classes together?

Carlos: I have an idea. Are you taking band after school?

Marianne: No, you know I’m not musical. I’m taking drama.

Carlos: Drop drama and take band. That way, we’ll at least be able to hang out after school.

Marianne: And what am I supposed to play in the band when I’m tone deaf?

Carlos: Have you ever heard of the drums?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #359

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:00:59 -0700

Topics: Leopold and Loeb Trial; Famous Songs: "The Itsy Bitsy Spider"; tunnel versus channel versus canal; right versus privilege; binge

Words:
perfect crime
to lure
chisel
ransom
capital punishment
on parole
toddler
itsy bitsy
spout
gutter
washed out
index finger
tunnel
channel
canal
privilege
right
binge

816 - Running a Pilot Program

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:45 -0700

Getting ready to start a new project or program? Learn how to talk about in English on this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:19
Explanations: 2:40
Fast dialog: 14:25

Rosalind: How is the pilot program coming along?

Jimmy: We’ll be ready to launch it in another month, but I have some serious reservations.

Rosalind: Like what?

Jimmy: We haven’t worked out all of the bugs yet and we might come up against some resistance from the community.

Rosalind: Isn’t that the nature of a pilot program? When you’re paving the way, you’re always going to have skeptics and dissenters.

Jimmy: You’re right, of course, but there’s a lot at stake. I just hope this trial run will win over some of those skeptics. It would be a shame to scrap this program after we’ve put in so much work.

Rosalind: After the program is launched, you’ll have six months to prove its worth, right?

Jimmy: Yeah, that’s right.

Rosalind: That’s plenty of time for the dissenters to see the light.

Jimmy: From your lips to God’s ears!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

815 - Buying Dinnerware

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:45 -0700

Not all Americans eat every meal at McDonalds. Learn how to talk about dishes for dinner in English in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:21
Explanations: 3:23
Fast dialog: 16:16

Wendy: We need some new dinnerware. Nearly all of our plates and bowls are cracked or chipped.

Jason: All right, you do that.

Wendy: Aren’t you going to help?

Jason: I trust your judgment. Whatever you like, I’ll like, too.

Wendy: But I need your input. For instance, this set has eight place settings: eight dinner plates, eight salad plates, eight soup bowls, and eight mugs. Everything is microwave-safe, too. What do you think of this pattern?

Jason: It’s great. Let’s get that one.

Wendy: Wait! This set is a little more formal and the plates are bigger, about an inch larger in diameter. It has a nice blue pattern, see?

Jason: Yeah, it’s perfect. Let’s buy that one.

Wendy: Oh, but look at these other options on this website. I don’t think I can decide unless I can see them in person. Let’s go.

Jason: Go where?

Wendy: To the store. I don’t want to buy something half-assed. We’ll be using these dishes for many, many years.

Jason: Like I said, I trust your judgment. Buy whatever you want.

Wendy: You’re not coming with me? Come on. What can I do to get you to come with me?

Jason: You want me to go with you shopping on my day off and while the game is on? Dream on!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #358

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:59 -0700

Topics: Movies – Guess Who's Coming to Dinner; Famous songs – The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald; to go on versus to keep on versus to move on; the suffix “ship”; to blow a raspberry

to guess
interracial
miscegenation
head-on
liberal
to object to
wreck
freighter
to sink
tribute
legend
gale
to go on
to keep on
to move on
to blow a raspberry

814 - Getting Rid of Bugs and Rodents

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:45 -0700

Kill bugs dead with this episode. Learn how to talk about rodents and insects in English.

Slow dialog: 1:14
Explanations: 3:00
Fast dialog: 15:07

Apartment Manager: This is the one-bedroom apartment we have for rent. Let me show you around.

Sherin: Wait! Did you see that? It looked like a mouse or a rat.

Apartment Manager: There aren’t any rodents or any other vermin in this apartment complex. I make sure of that.

Sherin: Are you sure?

Apartment Manager: Sure, I’m sure. Only last month, I bought some mousetraps and rat poison and got rid of them all. This complex is rodent-free.

Sherin: Oh, I see.

Apartment Manager: And the month before that, we had roaches, ticks, and fleas, but I fumigated and they’re gone.

Sherin: You called a pest control company?

Apartment Manager: I didn’t need a pest control company to get rid of a few bugs. I did it myself.

Sherin: Oh, okay.

Apartment Manager: And six months ago, we had bedbugs, but thanks to my diligence, they’re gone, too. So you want to see this apartment or don’t you?

Sherin: I think I’ll pass. This conversation is making my skin crawl.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

813 - Doing Basic Exercises

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:45 -0700

Live longer by doing a little exercise today. Find out how to tell all your friends about it in English in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:10
Explanations: 2:52
Fast dialog: 15:23

Jane: I’ve just had the best workout at the gym!

Arnold: You don’t need to go to a gym to exercise. I exercise right here in my apartment.

Jane: Oh, yeah? What can you do in this small space?

Arnold: Nearly everything I need to do. Before I do my calisthenics, I stretch. And every morning I do sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups.

Jane: That’s not enough to keep you in shape.

Arnold: I’m not finished. Every other day I do lunges and squats, and I lift free weights.

Jane: But what about a cardio workout?

Arnold: I do jumping jacks, run in place, and jump rope on the balcony.

Jane: I guess you’ve got it all figured out.

Arnold: I think so. Have you seen the light? Are you going to stop going to the gym?

Jane: No way! Exercise isn’t the only reason I go to the gym, you know. I go for the view.

Arnold: I have a feeling you’re not talking about the view outside.

Jane: You’ve got that right!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #357

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:59 -0700

Topics: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band; the Dust Bowl; suggestion versus hint versus tip versus pointer; increase versus raise; How do you like them apples?

songwriting
prolific
talent scout
title track
patriotic
nuke
American dream
dust
drought
to flee
migrant farmer
destitution
suggestion
hint
tip
pointer
increase
raise
How do you like them apples?

812 - Losing Employees to Other Companies

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:45 -0700

Even in difficult economic times, some people leave their jobs for better offers. Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:26
Explanations: 3:45
Fast dialog: 17:10

Diego: That’s three in six months!

Natalie: What’s three in six months?

Diego: That’s three of this company’s employees who have been hired away by other companies. First, there was Lamar. I wasn’t surprised that headhunters were interested in Lamar, since he was clearly a rising star.

Natalie: Yeah, Lamar was a tough loss. His unique set of skills is hard to duplicate.

Diego: You’re telling me! We haven’t been able to find a replacement. After Lamar, there was Sariah. Sariah is a classic case of brain drain. There are great jobs in McQuillanland, with lucrative pay and a low cost of living. I’m not surprised Sariah took that job.

Natalie: Sariah was very talented. We couldn’t match the offer she received and she took the better deal.

Diego: And today, Melinda tells me that she’s probably going to accept an offer from a startup that’s made her an offer she can’t refuse.

Natalie: Not Melinda, too! You know what, I think I’m finally catching on. Maybe we should be putting out feelers for better job offers ourselves.

Diego: No, not you, too! Before long, I’ll be the only one left here. I thought you’d help me talk Melinda into staying.

Natalie: No, not me. You know what they say: If you can’t beat them, join them!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

811 - A Heckler at a Sports Game

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:45 -0700

Sometimes the most interesting part of a sports game is watching the fans. Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:19
Explanations: 2:43
Fast dialog: 14:31

Lew: Boo!! Boo!! Your team sucks!

Alexa: Sit down and stop heckling the visiting team. You’re making a fool of yourself.

Lew: I’m supporting our team. If I keep taunting the players on the other team, they may lose their concentration and we’ll gain an advantage.

Alexa: If you keep this up, we’ll get kicked out of this stadium.

Lew: We won’t get kicked out. Get into the spirit of the game and start yelling at the other team with me. Hey, it’s working! Look at that pathetic attempt to score. You guys are a bunch of babies!

Alexa: Stop that! Look, security is coming this way.

Lew: They just want to catch a glimpse of the person who has the guts to stand up for our team. Whoo! Whoo!

Alexa: If anyone asks, I don’t know you.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #356

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:59 -0700

Ask an American – The humanities; another versus the other; however versus conversely; to call it/them like/how (one) sees it/them

well funded
fundamental
to pertain
domain
humanities
integrative
urgent
in the absence of
partnership
to tap into
remotely
essential
budget realities
another
other
however
conversely
to call it/them like/how (one) sees it/them

810 - Switching Cell Phone Plans

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:45 -0700

Paying too much for your cell or mobile phone bill? Well, stop talking so much, dude. Learn more in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:24
Explanations: 3:36
Fast dialog: 15:20

Paul: I need a new cell phone plan. These roaming and overage charges are killing me!

Shauna: I thought you had a good calling, messaging, and data plan.

Paul: I do, but I’m still going over each month.

Shauna: Have you thought about a prepaid plan? You’ll never be charged extra.

Paul: That’s not an option. I think I need an unlimited plan.

Shauna: Okay, but I don’t understand. Why do you have roaming charges? Doesn’t your carrier have good coverage all over the country?

Paul: I’ve been taking trips to Mexico to see my new girlfriend and the coverage doesn’t extend to Mexico.

Shauna: Oh, I see. And the overage charges?

Paul: When you’re in a long-distance relationship, you have to do a lot of calling and texting, not to mention updating social media websites to stay in touch. I keep exceeding my allotted 5000 minutes of calling time and 100 megabytes of data.

Shauna: What?! To exceed that, you’d have to be on the phone all the time!

Paul: Not all the time, but I’m talking to her now. Do you want to say “hi”?

Shauna: You’ve been on the phone with her the entire time we’ve been having this conversation?

Paul: How else can we keep up on everything that’s going on in each other’s lives?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

809 - A Weather Forecast

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:00:45 -0700

Here in Los Angeles, the weather tomorrow will be sunny and 72 degrees. How about where you live? Find out how to understand weather forecasts in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:34
Explanations: 3:07
Fast dialog: 14:13

Colleen: Shh! I want to hear the weather forecast for this week.

Jerry: What’s so important about this week?

Colleen: Shh!

Radio Announcer: Tomorrow, this warm front will move out and a cold front will move in, bringing with it windy conditions with a chance of thunderstorms.

Colleen: Yeah!

Radio Announcer: On Tuesday, things will clear up in the morning and we’ll have sunny skies...

Colleen: Uh!

Radio Announcer: But it will be chilly in the afternoon and the skies will be overcast. There’ll be a chance of precipitation in the evening, with very high levels of humidity.

Colleen: Yeah!

Radio Announcer: On Friday, the temperature will drop sharply and we’ll be lucky if we reach 20 degrees.

Colleen: Oh, yeah!

Jerry: What was all that about?

Colleen: If the weather is nice this weekend, my in-laws plan to drive up to spend a few days at our house.

Jerry: [laughs] Oh, I see.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #355

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:59 -0700

Topic: American Presidents: Martin Van Buren; show business secrets; revenue versus profit versus turnover; limerick; how to address in-laws

to be admitted to the
intention
woe
to play on (one’s) name
to surrender
third-party
eventful
show business
merchandising
residual
next of kin
guild
revenue
profit
turnover
limerick
in-law

808 - Asking for Time Off

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:45 -0700

Isn’t it time for a little vacation? Learn about asking your boss for some free time on this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:15
Explanations: 2:50
Fast dialog: 16:25

Johnny: I just found out that the manager is letting Neal take Friday off. I asked him two days ago for Friday off and he turned me down!

Francesca: Neal’s wife is pregnant, so maybe he needs time off to go with her to a doctor’s visit, or something.

Johnny: That’s so messed up! I asked first, so I should have been given permission instead of Neal. I think the manager has it in for me.

Francesca: I don’t think that’s the case. Maybe next time, if you ask a couple of weeks in advance, he’ll say “yes.” Neal does have seniority, you know.

Johnny: Neal is always going to have seniority over me and I’m always going to get screwed.

Francesca: Don’t get a chip on your shoulder about this. Neal put in his years and earned his seniority fair and square. When you’ve worked here 18 years, you’ll get priority over newer hires.

Johnny: If I’m still in this job in 17 years, shoot me!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

807 - Getting an Unexpected Marriage Proposal

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 00:00:45 -0700

First comes love, then comes marriage – but right away? Learn about how not to ask someone to marry you on this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:20
Explanations: 3:24
Fast dialog: 13:51

Sean: By now, I think you know how I feel about you. I’m madly in love with you and I believe in my heart of hearts that you’re my soul mate.

Ayako: That’s really sweet of you to say.

Sean: And because I feel the way I do, I would like to ask you a very important question.

Ayako: Okay, but why are you getting down on one knee...?

Sean: Ayako, would you marry me?

Ayako: Marry you?! Is this a marriage proposal?

Sean: Yes, and before you say anything else, I just want you to know that I’ve given this a lot of thought and I’m convinced that we’re made for each other.

Ayako: I don’t think...

Sean: And you just have to say the word and we could elope tomorrow, if you wanted to.

Ayako: Elope?!

Sean: Or, if you prefer, we can have a lavish wedding. I’m not picky. I just want us to be husband and wife.

Ayako: Sean, you’re a really nice guy, but don’t you think you might be jumping the gun?

Sean: No. You know what they say: “When it’s right, it’s right.”

Ayako: We’ve only been on two dates!

Sean: Yes, but they have been the best two dates of my life!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #354

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00:59 -0700

Topics: American Authors: Ernest Hemingway; the United Nations; you lost versus you’re lost; expert in versus expert on versus expert at; geez

Words:
foreign correspondent
to shape
expat
to toll
pithy
concise
emasculation
filth
to emulate
to commit suicide
sovereign
body
to lose
expert
geez

806 - Essential and Optional Things

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:00:45 -0700

What do you really need in life, and what can you do without? Learn how to decide in this episode.

Slow dialog: 1:10
Explanations: 3:19
Fast dialog: 14:25

Ella: It’s so exciting that you’ll be spending a month studying in McQuillanland this summer. When do you start packing?

Marty: I’ve already started. The organizers of the program gave me a list of things I need to bring.

Ella: That’s really helpful.

Marty: Yeah. They say that it’s essential that I bring both warm-weather and cold-weather clothes. The weather in McQuillanland is really unpredictable.

Ella: Oh, I didn’t know that.

Marty: Yeah, and they say that it’s advisable that I bring medications for every malady I can think of because there are a lot of health dangers.

Ella: Wow, I never knew that about McQuillanland.

Marty: Me, neither. And while it’s optional, it’s also suggested that I leave all of my valuables at home. McQuillanland has a very high crime rate and visitors are often targeted.

Ella: Geez, that’s a lot to take in.

Marty: You’re telling me. And the list says that it is absolutely required that I take a self-defense course before going. You never know what to expect in McQuillanland.

Ella: You’re not having second thoughts about going, are you?

Marty: No, why?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

805 - Listening to Shock Jocks

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 03:00:17 -0400

People can say some pretty strange things, especially on morning radio shows. Learn more about it on this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:19
Explanations: 2:58
Fast dialogue: 16:15

I like listening to the radio on my morning commute each day. This morning, though, my favorite DJs weren’t on the air.
..........

Howard: Do you know what happened to the Kelvin and Ben show this morning?

Robin: Kelvin and Ben are both on suspension. The FCC fined the radio station. Apparently, Kelvin and Ben said some things on the air two weeks ago that the FCC found objectionable.

Howard: That’s crazy! Kelvin and Ben are shock jocks. They’re supposed to say things that are provocative. They work in a big market producing a morning show with a lot of competition. They have to push the envelope.

Robin: That may be true, but the FCC said that they went too far. On Mother’s Day, they invited several mothers to be in-studio guests for a segment. They cursed them, said sexually explicit things, and called them obscene names.

Howard: They did that?!

Robin: I guess you weren’t listening that morning.

Howard: No, I wasn’t. Now I’m truly shocked!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #353

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 03:00:08 -0400

Topics: The Dred Scott Decision; the zodiac; to snag versus to hitch; in the moment versus at the moment; I’ll tell you something

Words:
slave
free state
to sue
trigger
to overrule
lighter topic
zodiac
astrology
trait
horoscope
broad
pick-up line
to snag
to hitch
in the moment
at the moment
I’ll tell you something

804 - Dealing with Time Changes in Scheduling

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 03:00:22 -0400

Time keeps on ticking into the future, but what time is it, exactly? Learn all about changing schedules in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:10
Explanations: 3:39
Fast dialogue: 17:20

Danny: Don’t bother looking for next year’s meeting calendar. I’m still working on it.

Tessa: What’s taking so long?

Danny: This is my first time scheduling all of the major meetings for this company and I’m getting thrown off by all of the things I have to keep in mind. For instance, our bylaws say that we have to have a management meeting every 60 days. This is a leap year, so do I have to take that into account?

Tessa: That’s a tough one. I’m not sure.

Danny: And what about daylight saving time? I have to remember when clocks will be set ahead and back.

Tessa: That’s easy. My high school teacher taught us to remember it with a simple phrase: “fall back and spring ahead.”

Danny: Okay, but that doesn’t help me with dates. Apparently, daylight saving time changes on different dates in different countries. And I have to factor in time zones to set the time for each meeting, with meeting times that work for each international office that will be participating.

Tessa: You’re right, it’s a tall order, but you do know that someone has done this before? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

Danny: Yeah, Carl set the meeting calendar last year, but he left the company last month.

Tessa: Can’t you just take last year’s meeting calendar and fudge it?

Danny: Why do you think Carl is no longer with the company?

Tessa: Ah.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

803 - Negotiating a Peace Treaty

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 03:00:45 -0400

Some say there can be no peace between nations without peace in our homes. Find out if that’s true in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:17
Explanations: 3:00
Fast dialogue: 16:32

Ahmed: Have you heard the news?

Menna: The nations of Palicia and Isram have signed a peace treaty. This means that there will be an immediate ceasefire and an end to hostilities. This is a historic day!

Ahmed: I never thought I’d live to see this day. Has everything been settled?

Menna: Only the most important things. The borders have been decided, there will be a recognition of statehood, and political prisoners will be exchanged.

Ahmed: That’s great, but does the treaty need to be ratified by the people of the two nations?

Menna: Yes, but the leaders have already signed the documents and the ratification process is just a formality at this point.

Ahmed: This means that refugees will be able to return home.

Menna: That’s right. They’ll be able to go home at long last.

Ahmed: This is a banner day for world peace, don’t you think?

Menna: Yes, and in that spirit, why don’t you call Hanna and invite her over for dinner? You two haven’t spoken in weeks.

Ahmed: It’s not going to be that easy. A peace treaty with my sister will require a formal apology and reparations!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #352

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 03:00:19 -0400

Topics: Movies: E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial; The MacArthur Fellows Program; important versus significant versus critical; tough; navel-gazing

Words:
extra-terrestrial
alien
to be stranded
to lure
psychic
highest-grossing
foundation
genius
merit
no strings attached
percussionist
silversmith
important
significant
critical
tough
navel-gazing

802 - Talking About Movies

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 03:00:54 -0400

Lights! Camera! Action! We’re off to the movies. Learn how to talk about seeing a good film in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 0:57
Explanations: 2:37
Fast dialogue: 15:35

Martin: What did you think of that movie?

Joanna: It was okay, but I’m not really into big-budget movies with a lot of special effects and big-name stars.

Martin: Oh, you’re a film snob. I bet you only watch indie films made on a shoestring budget with low production values.

Joanna: No, that’s not true. I just don’t like crowd-pleasers that are predictable. I like movies that stretch the imagination and have some artistic value.

Martin: You mean you like those weird movies with no plot and a lot of strange characters. They’re artsy, but leave you totally confused.

Joanna: I don’t mind some ambiguity, if that’s what you mean.

Martin: Well, I’m going to see the new Spiderboy movie next week. I don’t suppose you want to come?

Joanna: Spiderboy? I’ve been looking forward to seeing that movie.

Martin: But it’s a big-budget blockbuster.

Joanna: I can’t watch artsy films all the time. Variety is the spice of life, don’t you think?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

801 - Reading Online Reviews

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 03:00:22 -0400

I give this episode five out of five stars for explaining about online reviews. Listen and decide for yourself.

Slow dialogue: 1:19
Explanations: 3:26
Fast dialogue: 16:00

Marisa: When we go to our favorite vacation spot in two months, let’s stay at a different hotel.

Oscar: I like the hotel we always stay at. It’s in a convenient location and we’re already familiar with it.

Marisa: That’s just it. It’s tried and true, but there’s no novelty and excitement in staying in the same place year after year.

Oscar: I don’t need novelty.

Marisa: Let’s just consider some of these other hotels I’ve been reading about. They are very highly ranked and their ratings are very good.

Oscar: You’re putting strangers’ reviews above our own experience?

Marisa: Of course not, but just look at this hotel. It received three stars out of four, and it has a lot of pros.

Oscar: Let me see that. It also has some cons, such as being noisy and pricy.

Marisa: Okay, maybe that isn’t the best example. I didn’t notice that they got dinged on those things, but let’s look at a few others.

Oscar: I’ll keep an open mind, but I’m dubious about online reviews. I take everything I read with a grain of salt. The only people who post reviews are those who love it or hate it.

Marisa: I’ll just find a hotel that everyone loves.

Oscar: And that doesn’t break the bank?

Marisa: Right.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

English Cafe #351

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 03:00:59 -0400

Topics: Ask an American: Rural doctors; let’s start versus let’s get started; continuously versus continually; chaos

Words:
intention
rural
soul mate
to be captured
to train
prospective
lifelong
interactive
monitor
lecturer
slides
continuously
continually
chaos

800 - Advertising Jobs on the Internet

Center for Educational Development — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 03:00:31 -0400

Wanted: A dialogue that explains all about advertising a new job on the Internet. Apply yourself here by listening to this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:29
Explanations: 3:12
Fast dialogue: 17:02

Wendy: I just heard that you’re not going to use a recruitment agency to fill the new position.

Pedro: No, I’m not. There are so many Internet job boards out there that I think we can find good candidates without using headhunters.

Wendy: But headhunters do a good job of weeding out people who don’t have the right experience or qualifications.

Pedro: Yes, but they also charge a large commission. I’m going to post an ad on a few major job boards to see what happens. Most of them don’t charge a listing fee so there’s no harm in trying.

Wendy: I predict you’re going to be flooded with applications, and it’s going to take a lot of time to separate the good from the bad.

Pedro: That’s where you come in.

Wendy: What do you mean?

Pedro: You are my assistant, aren’t you?

Wendy: Yes.

Pedro: And your job is to assist me, right?

Wendy: Yes.

Pedro: Good. Roll up your sleeves and get ready for a busy week!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

ESLPodcast Introduction - What is ESLPodcast?

Center for Educational Development — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 19:00:00 +0000

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

ESLPodcast #100 - An Interview with Dr. Jeff McQuillan

Center for Educational Development — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 18:00:00 -0800

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