Slow dialogue: 1:20 Explanations: 3:22 Fast dialogue: 14:03 Alberto: What was that ear-splitting scream?! Melissa: That little girl over there is having a temper tantrum. Alberto: Oh, great! The movie hasn?t even started and that kid is already acting up. Melissa: I hope she?s okay. She looks miserable. Maybe her parents can distract her somehow. Alberto: She?s fine. She?s just looking for attention or frustrated she didn?t get what she wanted. If parents didn?t give in every time their child wanted something, kids wouldn?t throw tantrums. Melissa: I don?t know. When my son was little, he used to throw tantrums when he didn?t know how to tell us what he needed. He got frustrated and sometimes, he would start kicking and screaming. Alberto: Well, I don?t think that?s the case here. Look at those parents. They?re going to buy the girl some candy to quiet her down. That?s just rewarding her for her misbehavior. Melissa: What would you do instead? Alberto: I would set limits so that things like this never happened. In this case, I would give that girl a spanking. It?s all about having consequences for bad behavior. Melissa: Oh, yeah? Did that work with your children? Alberto: Uh, I don?t have any kids. Melissa: That?s what I thought! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: American Cities: Indianapolis; Malcolm Gladwell and his books; to brush up on versus to polish up; to come off; a matter of Words: to observe spectacle to count (something) as (something) racetrack lap canal second only to based in implication fake outlier influential to brush up on to polish up to come off a matter of

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Slow dialogue: 1:19 Explanations: 3:55 Fast dialogue: 15:25 Ryan: It?s really nice of you to make dinner for me. It?s been a long time since I?ve had a home-cooked meal. Corrie: I?m happy to do it. First, though, let?s see what you have in your fridge. Ryan: I have tons of food in there. Corrie: What is that? It looks moldy. Ryan: Oh, that?s cheese. I?m sure it?s still good, if we just cut off the moldy parts. Corrie: Okay, but look at the ?best if used by? date. This expired three months ago. What about this? Ryan: That?s hamburger. Maybe you could make some spaghetti with meatballs. Corrie: Not with this rotten meat. It?s definitely gone bad. Can?t you tell by the discoloration? Meat isn?t supposed to be gray. Ryan: I guess you?re right. I bet this milk isn?t any good either, is it? Corrie: Nope. It?s gone sour, and you might as well throw out this bread, too. It?s stale. Ryan: Isn?t there anything you can use in this kitchen? Corrie: Well, this oil is rancid, this butter looks tainted, the vegetables are wilted, and even your canned goods are rusted. You do have a lot of food in your kitchen, but it?s been here a long, long time. Ryan: I don?t like things to go to waste. Corrie: I guess not. I?m still willing to make you dinner, but we?ll have to do some shopping. My cooking isn?t the best, but I don?t usually give people food poisoning, and I don?t want to start now. Ryan: Okay, okay, give me a list and I?ll go to the market. Corrie: And while you?re there, I?ll see what I can do about getting rid of all of this hazardous waste! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:17 Explanations: 3:07 Fast dialogue: 14:01 Anton: Look at that guy. He?s been in town two weeks and he?s already throwing his money around. Vanessa: You know as well as I do that money talks. He?s just trying to make a splash in the business community. Anton: If that were all he was doing then I wouldn?t say anything, but he?s a social climber of the worst kind. Who does he think he is? Vanessa: He?s someone who?s used to getting his way, that?s obvious. He?s not the first affluent person to try to buy influence and social standing in a community. Anton: Yeah, but look at all of the people in this town throwing themselves at him! Vanessa: He has donated generously to the town and given to the arts. He?s even given money toward building the new community center, and it wasn?t chump change either. If he wants to be a patron in this town, who are we to look a gift horse in the mouth? Anton: Right, so spreading money around gives him the right to walk around like he owns this town? Vanessa: Is this a case of sour grapes? Anton: Ha, right! Haven?t you heard? Money is the root of all evil! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Famous Americans: Orville and Wilbur Wright; Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; each day versus every day versus everyday; split infinitives; to spare (someone) (something) Words: to credited (someone) with (something) to spark aviation glider kite hall of fame to induct controversial criticism big-name exhibit to reflect each day every day everyday to spare (someone) (something)

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Slow dialogue: 1:11 Explanations: 3:05 Fast dialogue: 15:49 Michael: I have some qualms about how we?re handling these accounts. Leona: What do you mean? Michael: There are strict regulations governing what we can and cannot do, and I think we?re violating those regulations. Leona: Listen, it?s a matter of interpretation. We?re not flouting any regulations. We?re just not following the letter of the law. Michael: I, for one, think that we?ve crossed the line. I?m not against some creative accounting, but what we?re doing is bordering on criminal. Leona: Aren?t you blowing things out of proportion? The government makes laws knowing that people are going to try to get around them. There are always loopholes and that?s why they turn a blind eye to most of these types of activities. As long as we comply with most of the regulations, we?re not going to get into any hot water. Michael: I appreciate your confidence, but I don?t share it. I think we?re in for some major problems if we don?t change the way we do business. Leona: Come on, let?s go get some coffee and see what we can do about that overactive conscience of yours. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:08 Explanations: 2:55 Fast dialogue: 15:15 Sheila: Where are you going? Rudy: I?m going to the video store to rent a movie for tonight. Do you want to come? Sheila: You don?t need to do that. We can watch nearly any movie you want online. Rudy: Oh, you mean we can pay to download it? Sheila: Yeah, we can download it, but we don?t have to pay for it. Rudy: What do you mean? You?re not using a file-sharing site, are you? Sheila: Of course, I am. Everybody is doing it. Rudy: Aside from the ethical issues, it?s so frustrating watching videos online. The ones that stream are constantly pausing to buffer. The interruptions drive me crazy! Sheila: Yeah, sometimes, but there?s usually a workaround. Rudy: Even so, the movies are usually pirated and they?re so grainy. I want to watch something in high definition. Come on, let?s go to the video store. It?ll be my treat. Sheila: All right, if you insist, but why can?t we just pay to download it right here at home? Rudy: We could do that, but where would we get the popcorn? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Author/artist royalties & ASCAP; house swapping; hop in versus pop in versus drop in; compound nouns Words: royalties intellectual property copyright cause estate to enforce to swap stranger to match up arrangement housing market desperate to hop in to pop in to drop in

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Slow dialogue: 1:28 Explanations: 3:07 Fast dialogue: 14:41 Gail: Oh! Mike: Are you okay? Gail: Yeah, I?m just not used to these crutches yet. The doctor said I should start using them if I ever want to get out of this wheelchair, but I don?t have the strength to stand up. Mike: You?ll get the hang of it. Don?t lose heart. Gail: It should be easy now that my arm is out of the cast, but it just seems impossible. I feel I?m going to lose my balance each time I try to stand up. Mike: Try again, and this time lean on me and I?ll try to serve as your legs until you can find your balance. Gail: I wish I didn?t feel so utterly useless. It?s so frustrating! Mike: I know. Just keep your eye on the ball and give it another try. The next thing you know, you?ll be limping along and then running a marathon. It?s just a matter of time before you get your mobility back. Gail: Yeah, right. Okay, first things first. Let?s see if these useless legs of mine will cooperate this time. Script by Dr Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:28 Explanations: 3:10 Fast dialogue: 12:23 Edward: Would you dance with me? Bella: Me? I?d like to, but I don?t dance. Edward: Why? Bella: I have two left feet. I?m so clumsy, first I?d step all over your feet, and then I?d stumble all over the dance floor. Edward: I don?t believe that. I bet you?re very graceful on the dance floor. You wouldn?t stumble; you?d glide across that floor. Bella: I?m the most uncoordinated person alive. When I was little, I was even more awkward. My mother hated taking me shopping because I was so accident-prone. Everywhere we?d go, I was like a bull in a china shop. I?m not like Rosalie. Look at her. She?s so elegant. Edward: Rosalie has nothing on you. Dance with me and I promise to catch you if you trip. Bella: What if I step all over your feet? Edward: You won?t get the chance. My feet will be moving so quickly, I will dazzle you with my agility and finesse. Bella: Okay, you asked for it! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Classic comic strips with a political/social commentary bent; child protection laws; uncalled for; state versus status; as though Words: comic strip bent commentary wry editorial pages registry sex-offender parental consent abused neglected suspicion uncalled for status state as though

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Slow dialogue: 1:13 Explanations: 3:27 Fast dialogue: 14:21 Emil: Have a seat. As you know, we need to talk about your annual performance evaluation. Is there anything you?d like to say before we get started? Sandra: Yes, there is. I?ve tried really hard this year to improve on some of the shortcomings identified in my evaluation last year. Emil: Hmm, I?m afraid that?s not reflected in this year?s evaluation. Your supervisor noted on the report that you?ve been performing below par for several months now, and your productivity is down, too. Sandra: I can?t imagine why she would say that. If I haven?t excelled on the new project, I?ve at least pulled my weight. I don?t think she can fault me on that. Emil: On the contrary, she thinks that you?ve been slacking off and not giving 100 percent. Sandra: I have had some personal issues, but I didn?t think they had been affecting my work. I guess I?ve let them bring down my performance. Emil: This was a hard decision, but we?re putting you on probation for the next three months. You?ll have another evaluation at the end of that time. If your performance isn?t up to par by that time, we?ll have to think about letting you go. Sandra: That won?t happen. I?m going to pull out all the stops to prove myself. Emil: Good. That?s what I wanted to hear. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:29 Explanations: 2:55 Fast dialogue: 14:58 Danny: You?re going to the prom. How exciting! How should we style you hair? Clarissa: I?m really not sure. I was hoping you would have some ideas. Danny: I do, but first we need to see if we have the right tools. Let?s look in your bathroom. Here?s some shampoo and conditioner, but where are the gel, mousse, and hairspray? Clarissa: Here, they?re on this shelf. Here?s a hairdryer and some rollers, too. Do you think we?ll need the curling iron or the flat iron? Danny: I?m not sure, but put them here, just in case. Okay, now I need a brush and comb, and some bobby pins. We?ll need some elastic bands, too, to pull your hair back. Clarissa: Here, they?re all in this drawer. Danny: Oh, this is a pretty barrette, but we won?t need it for tonight. Okay, ready for the transformation? Clarissa: I?m as ready as I?ll ever be. Danny: Okay, let the fun begin! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Ask an American: private gun ownership; north of; compulsory versus mandatory versus obligatory; mayday Words: semiautomatic round to ban outlawed to arm social issue law-abiding hunting high heels part of the equation north of compulsory mandatory obligatory mayday

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Slow dialogue: 1:27 Explanations: 3:27 Fast dialogue: 16:09 Iktinos: I can?t believe we?re in one of the world?s most famous structures. Look at this architecture! Pinda: Yeah, great, another old building. I?m going to sit in that bay window and rest my feet while you walk around. Iktinos: Come on, come with me. Just look at these columns and beams. They?re over 2,000 years old! Pinda: Right, they?re old. Everything we?ve seen these past two weeks has been old. What?s so special about this? Iktinos: Are you trying to tell me that you don?t think this dome is impressive? It?s one of the largest in the world. Look at those cornices and skylights. I?ve never seen anything like them. Pinda: This building has a good facade, with nice balance and symmetry, but I?m so tired of looking at the same style of building, one after another. Aren?t we going to see anything else today? Iktinos: We are seeing some of the most important monuments to human ingenuity. Pinda: You?re right, but I?m too tired to walk up and down all three stories. You go. I?ll stay here on this balcony. Iktinos: What are you going to do here? Pinda: I?m going to think about how I?d remodel the building to bring it up to date. Iktinos: You?re hopeless! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:22 Explanations: 3:02 Fast dialogue: 13:29 Victoria: I see that you have a really extensive music collection. J.D.: Yeah, I like a lot of different genres of music. Victoria: Do you have the new J.McQ album? He?s my favorite artist. I just got it and I like all of the tracks on it. J.D.: No, I haven?t heard it yet. Do you have it on your MP3 player? Victoria: Yeah, here, I?ve cued up the first track. J.D.: Hmm?I like the beat of the first song, but I?m not blown away by the rest of it. It?s also a really bad mix. The bass is up too high; you can hardly hear the treble. Is the whole album like that? Victoria: Yeah, I guess so. I didn?t notice. Maybe the volume wasn?t up high enough. J.D.: No, it was up high enough. Maybe he?s just not that good a vocalist and the sound engineers are trying to cover it up in the mixing. Victoria: Are you kidding? He?s an amazing singer. Come on, listen to another track. I?m sure you?ll change your mind. J.D.: No, thanks. I?d rather listen to a bunch of fighting cats than listen to anymore of J.McQ! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: American Cities: Dallas; conservative Christian/fundamentalist universities; to wear (someone) out; shrink; already Words: convention center trade show barbeque Bible Belt evangelicalism vocal fundamentalist conservative Christian right strict code of conduct dress code to wear (someone) out shrink already

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Slow dialogue: 0:57 Explanations: 2:47 Fast dialogue: 15:02 Roberto: Hey, Loreto. Got a minute? Loreto: I?m going to a meeting off-site, but we can talk if you don?t mind walking me to my car. Roberto: Sure, okay. I just wanted to ask if you?re interested in carpooling to work. We only live a few blocks from each other. Loreto: Thanks for asking, but I?m not sure carpooling would work for me. Sometimes I run late in the morning and I wouldn?t want to hold you up. Roberto: We wouldn?t have to commute together every day, only on those days that are convenient for both of us. Carpooling has its advantages, too. In addition to doing our part for the environment, we could use the high-occupancy carpool lanes. That?ll save time, especially if there?s a lot of traffic congestion. Loreto: Yeah, I guess that could cut down on our commute time. Roberto: We also get preferential treatment for parking on the days we carpool. Loreto: How would it work? Do we set up a schedule and take turns driving? Roberto: Why don?t I swing by and pick you up tomorrow morning and we can talk more about it? Loreto: If you don?t mind picking me up en route, that would be great. By the way, how do you know where I live? Roberto: Oh, I asked around. See you tomorrow. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:32 Explanations: 4:08 Fast dialogue: 17:59 Anne: Where were you this past weekend? I tried calling you on Friday to see if you wanted to go to the movies with me. Jurgen: I was in Chicago for a long weekend. Anne: Chicago? I didn?t know you were planning a trip. I thought you were pretty strapped this month. A ticket to Chicago would set you back at least $300. Jurgen: I am pretty strapped, but I wanted to go to my friend Rachel?s wedding. I was able to use my frequent flyer miles to get a ticket. I was lucky that those weren?t blackout dates. Anne: Oh, that explains it. You?ve been traveling a lot using your frequent flyer miles. How do you rack up so many miles? I?m enrolled in the frequent flyer programs of three different airlines, but I never seem to have enough miles to redeem them for a ticket or even an upgrade. Jurgen: The trick is to get a credit card that gives you miles. For every dollar I charge on my credit card, I get one mile. Since I use my credit card for a lot of business purchases, the miles add up pretty quickly. I also use a lot of the hotels and restaurants that partner with the airlines, and doing that gives me bonus miles. Anne: Aren?t there a lot of restrictions? Do you ever have problems redeeming the miles? Jurgen: Yeah, there are some restrictions, but I work around them. There are fewer restrictions if you have elite status, but I?m a long way from that. Anne: So I need to get a credit card that gives me frequent flyer miles. Jurgen: Yeah, but a word to the wise: spend carefully. You don?t want to rack up credit card debt for the sake of racking up frequent flyer miles! Anne: Point taken. Thanks for the tip. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: The U.S. Supreme Court; microloans/microcredit; less than (X) days versus up to (X) days; mainstream account; words ending in ?ic versus ?ical Words: to appeal Supreme Court Supreme Court Justices to take (one?s) place to appoint to bork credit borrower collateral to pioneer entrepreneur to alleviate less than 30 days up to 30 days mainstream account

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Slow dialogue: 1:06 Explanations: 3:16 Fast dialogue: 14:57 Mickey: Hello, McQuillan Plumbing. Colleen: Hi, I?m having a lot of plumbing problems. Can you send a plumber out to my house right away? Mickey: Yes, we can. But first, let?s find out what the problems are. Colleen: Well, to start, my toilet won?t flush and it?s overflowing. Mickey: An overflowing toilet ? check. What else? Colleen: The sink in the bathroom is stopped up and the pipes underneath the sink are leaking. Mickey: A stopped up sink and leaking pipes ? check. What else? Colleen: The garbage disposal in the kitchen is making funny noises and the water won?t drain. Mickey: A busted garbage disposal ? check. Is that all? Colleen: No, the faucet in the shower is stuck and I can?t shut off the water. Mickey: A stuck faucet ? got it. What else? Colleen: That?s it. Mickey: You?ve got some really big problems there. Colleen: Yes, I know. That?s what I?ve been trying to tell you. Can you send someone out right away? Mickey: Sure, no problem. How about next Tuesday? Colleen: Next Tuesday?! Didn?t you hear me? These are emergencies! Mickey: Yes, but all of our plumbers are booked up until next Tuesday. Should I put you down for a morning appointment? Colleen: Forget it! By next Tuesday, I?ll be under 10 feet of water! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:16 Explanations: 3:29 Fast dialogue: 14:00 Hung: I can?t believe that the famous food critic, Julia Schilds, will be eating in my restaurant tomorrow night. I need to prepare a gourmet menu that?s going to be mind-blowing. Padma: She wouldn?t be coming here if she didn?t already know that your cuisine is considered some of the best food in the city. Hung: That may be so, but you?re only as good as your last meal. I need to think of some delicacies that will really impress her. Let?s see, I think we should offer two new hors d?oeuvres, in addition to the ones already on the menu. Padma: Are you sure the chefs in the kitchen will be able to handle making six different hors d?oeuvres? Hung: Hmm, maybe not. Padma: Why don?t you concentrate on the entrees? I?m sure you could come up with one or two new dishes that will really impress her. Hung: Okay, but I don?t want to put all of my eggs in one basket. I need to have dishes in every course that are out of this world. Padma: Come on. You?re a great chef. What?s the worst she could say? Hung: Lots of things. She could say that this is a run-of-the-mill restaurant with mediocre food that she wouldn?t even feed to her cat! Padma: Okay, yes, she could say those things but she won?t. Your food will be mouthwatering and delectable, and her taste buds will thank you for it! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Famous Americans: Helen Keller; The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing; opposable thumbs; due to versus because of; the prefix ?Mc? Words: deaf blind sign language palm Braille magna cum laude companion advocate thoroughbred rare derby to sponsor opposable thumb due to because of Mc

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Slow dialogue: 1:10 Explanations: 2:46 Fast dialogue: 14:48 I?ve always been a pretty cautious investor. I like my investments to be conservative and I usually invest only in sure things. Recently, though, I?ve been tempted to take more risk. My friend, Bernie, is a very successful fund manager and he is willing to let me get in on one of his schemes. According to Bernie, he has a way to take advantage of the current economic climate so that he and his investors aren?t susceptible to the same market forces affecting other investors. Barring any significant changes to the current economy, I should be raking it in before the end of the year. Bernie isn?t someone who shoots from the hip, so if he says that this investment is going to be profitable, who am I to ask questions? I?m very tempted to throw caution to the wind and to take a chance. After all, it?s only money, right? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:10 Explanations: 3:00 Fast dialogue: 15:16 Gus: Are you Shirley? Shirley: Yeah, thanks for agreeing to meet me here. I?m told you?re the best sniper in the business and you can be discreet. I need a hitman who can do a job, then make himself scarce. Gus: I?m your man. Tell me about it. Shirley: There?s someone who?s been a thorn in my side, keeping me up at night, and it?s time to take him out. Gus: Taking care of problems is my specialty. I?ll need a down payment now and the balance when I finish him off. We shouldn?t meet again, so I?ll tell you later where to make a drop. Shirley: All right. Gus: Good. How will I be able to spot the target? Shirley: Here?s a picture. He?s usually in the yard in the afternoons. Gus: You want me to kill a dog?! Shirley: Right, he?s my neighbor?s dog and he keeps me up every night. Is that a problem? Gus: You bet it is. Who do you think I am? People are disposable, but dogs? They?re a man?s best friend. Shirley: Are you kidding me? You won?t take the job? Gus: Nope, I won?t. If you want to pay good money to take out a dog, then that?s your prerogative, but I have my standards! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Regulating monopolies and antitrust laws; American songs: Happy Birthday; whilst versus while; to blow away (something); using ?do? for emphasis Words: monopoly competitor antitrust law sanctioned to break up to appeal lyrics kindergarten to catch on copyrighted royalties commonplace while whilst to blow away

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Slow dialogue: 1:30 Explanations: 3:14 Fast dialogue: 13:57 Luis: So, how are the newlyweds doing? Stevie: Oh, we?re great. I?m just a little tired. Luis: Well, that goes with the territory, right? Stevie: No, that?s not what I mean. Patrick has been keeping me up with his snoring. Luis: Oh, that?s a bummer. Stevie: Yeah, it really is. I?m usually awakened soon after I fall asleep, and then I toss and turn all night. That?s not all. Patrick also talks in his sleep. Luis: Wow, that?s terrible. I?d make a beeline for some sleeping pills, if I were you. Stevie: I took some one night last week, but I woke up groggy and disoriented. I?d rather have insomnia than load up on drugs. Luis: Have you tried waking him up when he snores or talks in his sleep? Stevie: I tried that one night, but he just ended up sleepwalking! Luis: Geez, what are you going to do? Stevie: I wish I knew. Luis: It?s a little early in your marriage for separate bedrooms, but I wouldn?t rule it out. Stevie: I?ll keep it in mind. If I don?t get a good night?s sleep soon, separate bedrooms will be the least of our problems! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:24 Explanations: 3:07 Fast dialogue: 12:41 Kadir: Stop that! Stop snickering! Gabriel Voltaire is an author of great acclaim. You should show a little reverence. Melissa: Yes, but he seems to have a bad case of stage fright. I know it?s an honor to hear him speak, but it?s hard to show reverence when the man is sweating like a pig! Kadir: He?s not sweating like a pig. He?s just talking passionately about his writing. I, for one, appreciate his level of dedication to his work. Melissa: I admire his work, too, but he?s making a fool of himself. Really, who can pay attention to what he?s saying when he?s stuttering like that. Kadir: Unlike you, I can listen to the genius of his words without worrying about a little stuttering. Melissa: The man is making a spectacle of himself. I think he needs to stick to writing and give up public speaking. Kadir: Shh! That?s enough. I won?t hear another word said against him. Melissa: Whatever you say. I?ll leave you to your hero worship. For me, enough is enough! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Ask an American: student exchange programs; begs the question; face value; at the time versus then Words: to test (one's) limits TV production wrestling choir to come down here to host (someone) famine drought to take (one?s) place unity begs the question face value at the time then

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Slow dialogue: 1:26 Explanations: 2:53 Fast dialogue: 11:49 Simone: They?re about to introduce you. You?re on next. Are you ready? Gabriel: No...yes...no! Simone: You don?t look so well. Are you all right? Gabriel: I don?t know. My palms are clammy, I?m breaking out into a cold sweat, and my legs feel like jelly. Simone: It sounds like a bad case of stage fright, that?s all. Just take a deep breath. You?ll be fine. Gabriel: I have butterflies in my stomach and my mouth is dry. Where can I get a glass of water? Simone: I don?t know and there isn?t time. Gabriel: Oh God, if I go out there, I?m going to freeze up or get tongue-tied. I just know it. Simone: Get a hold of yourself. You?re well prepared and you?ll do a great job. Okay, they?ve just announced your name. Get out there! Gabriel: I can?t! Simone: The entire audience is waiting for you. Pull yourself together and get out there! Gabriel: Here goes nothing! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:23 Explanations: 3:26 Fast dialogue: 14:37 Erin: So I told Joey that I had no intention of letting him use my car again. Can you believe the nerve of that guy, after what he did? Curran: That?s terrible, but I?m going to have to let you go. I have an appointment... Erin: But I didn?t tell you what else he said. He said that running over my cat was just an accident. That?s bull. He said I should be thankful that he took Fifi to a veterinarian! Curran: Yeah, I can see why you?re mad. I think I have a call on the other line... Erin: Well, I?m glad you agree with me. I said to him that Fifi may be as good as new now, but that is no thanks to him! He?s never liked Fifi and I wouldn?t be surprised if he was gunning for her when he ran her over. He should count himself lucky he?s getting off scot-free for trying to kill my cat. I said... Curran: Sorry to have to cut this short, but I really have to get going. Erin: Oh, sure, but just let me tell you what I plan to do if he asks me again. Curran: I really want to hear all about it, but...but...nature calls! Erin: Oh, okay, call me back. I haven?t even told you what Sam told me about Ben yesterday. It?s a real shocker! Curran: Uh...right. I can?t wait to hear all about it. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: American Cities: San Diego; tabloid press and U.S. libel/slander laws; under (someone?s) thumb; precision versus accuracy; coming to you from Words: moderate climate urban renewal defense pharmaceutical press tabloids headlines shocking slander libel to sue to go over the line under (someone?s) thumb precision accuracy coming to you from

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Slow dialogue: 1:27 Explanations: 2:57 Fast dialogue: 13:41 Lee: I?m reading this article about the new season of our favorite show. It?s premiering next week. Kira: Don?t tell me anything about it, especially spoilers. Lee: But don't you want to know which guest stars will be making appearances and the plot twists that are coming up? Kira: No, I don?t! I don?t watch movie trailers and I don?t read reviews. It spoils the fun when you already know what?s going to happen. Where?s the suspense? Lee: The blogs and reviews I read all have ?spoiler alerts? and I avoid reading those sections. Let me just tell you one thing I read... Kira: Stop right there! I?m covering my ears. I want to stay in the dark, completely in the dark. Got it? Lee: Okay, I won?t let the cat out of the bag, but we?re in for a wild ride this season. Kira: I?m not listening! I?m not listening! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:42 Explanations: 3:35 Fast dialogue: 14:35 Amy: I think rearranging the furniture will make the living room look more spacious. Don?t you? Jacob: Uh, sure. Amy: Can you help me move this couch against this wall? Jacob: Okay, but are you sure you want it over there? Because it?s really heavy and a pain to move. Amy: I?m sure. Let?s move the loveseat across from it. Now, can you move the recliner into the corner? Jacob: Uh! Here? Amy: Umm...a little to the left. Perfect! Jacob: Are you sure? Amy: Absolutely! Okay, the end tables go on each side of the couch, and the coffee table goes between the couch and the loveseat. Jacob: Where do you want the ottoman and where do the lamps go? Amy: Put the ottoman next to the loveseat. The table lamps go on the end tables and the floor lamp should go next to the recliner. Jacob: There?s no room for the rocking chair. Amy: Hmm?I guess the rocking chair can go into the guestroom. Jacob: What about the credenza? Amy: You?re right. This new configuration won?t work. Jacob: You mean you want to put everything back to where it was? Amy: Yup, we?re back to square one! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Taxes Americans pay; wedding/baby showers and gift registries; leverage, to dig, to guess versus to think versus to believe Words: property tax appraised value due utility sales tax income tax to throw (someone) a party wedding/bridal shower baby shower gift registry scanner bar code leverage to dig to guess to think to believe

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Slow dialogue: 1:17 Explanations: 3:36 Fast dialogue: 14:10 I have a very disorganized office. My co-workers have been making jokes about my office for a long time, and my boss finally cracked down on me. He told me: ?Get the office organized by Friday ? no excuses!? What choice did I have? I?ve always been a pack rat. I hate to throw anything out, but I was determined to turn over a new leaf. It?s true I?ve worked in the same office for four years and have accumulated a lot of paper, but if I put my mind to it, I?m sure I could get rid of all of the clutter. There are piles of paper and files all over my desk and sorting them out won?t be easy. All I need to do, though, is to purge my filing cabinets of old files to make room for new ones. I also need to triage the papers on my desk, on the floor, and in my overflowing inbox. Then, I only need to make new files and label them. Finally, I?ll only keep those things on my desk that are essential and get rid of anything that isn?t. That?s a pretty good plan, don?t you think? I?ve already made a to-do list. Now all I need to do is start on those tasks! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:20 Explanations: 3:18 Fast dialogue: 13:04 Francesca: Hurry up! Come out of that fitting room so I can see how the dress shirt fits. Eddie: The first one didn?t fit at all. The sleeves were too short and it was too form fitting. I like my shirts to be on the roomy side. I?m trying on the second one. Francesca: Come on, let me see. Okay, I think this one fits you pretty well. The collar is the right size, not too loose or tight. The cuffs on this one fall at just the right place, don?t you think? Eddie: Yeah, it?s fine. Francesca: Try on the T-shirts. Eddie: Okay, but I?m not trying on the fancy ones with a V-neck. I like my T-shirts the old-fashioned way ? with a crew neck. Francesca: All right, but try on the short-sleeve and the long-sleeve ones, too. Hurry up. Eddie: Hold on, I?m changing as fast as I can. Oh, geez. I?ve heard of oversized T-shirts, but this is ridiculous. Francesca: Let me see. You?re right. You?ve got enough room in there for two people! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Native American casinos; YouTube; impact versus influence, created in/on/by; so far versus to date Words: to gamble casino autonomy reservation income heritage to upload excerpt to be copyrighted to sue offensive content to flag impact influence created by created in created on so far to date

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Slow dialogue: 1:30 Explanations: 3:12 Fast dialogue: 14:35 Cho: I?m not sure I?m cut out to be a doctor. Joy: I think you?ll be great. I?ve seen you with patients and you have a great bedside manner ? not like Gregory. Cho: Why? What?s wrong with his bedside manner? Joy: I?ve seen him with patients and he can be really callous. For instance, I was in the room last week when he was telling one of his patients that she was taking a turn for the worse. Cho: What did he say? Joy: He just blurted it out. He told her the diagnosis, and he didn?t even try to soften the news when she asked about her prognosis. He did absolutely nothing to try to comfort or reassure her. Cho: I feel sorry for the patient. Joy: That?s the point. Gregory didn?t, and it didn?t seem to faze him that the patient was very upset and close to hysterics. Cho: That?s terrible. I?ll try to remember to be more compassionate with my patients. Joy: Don?t worry. It?s against your nature to be anything but considerate. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:15 Explanations: 2:58 Fast dialogue: 12:32 Ina: It was a great idea to split up to go see different movies. I really liked The McQuillanator! Paco: I?m glad to hear it. You made a better choice than I did. The biopic I saw was mind-numbing. I was bored to death! Ina: Really? My movie was great. It was action-packed and fast-paced. I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Paco: I wish I had been. My movie moved at a snail?s pace and what was supposed to be dramatic was just repetitive. I can?t believe I sat through that entire thing. I?m sure I nodded off more than once. Ina: That?s too bad. You should have abandoned your theater and joined me in mine. I?m still feeling the adrenaline rush. Paco: Yeah, but instead I got a good nap. What a waste of money! Ina: Just consider it a good lesson learned. Paco: What lesson? Ina: Let me pick the movies. I know a good bang for the buck! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Famous Americans: Langston Hughes; childcare options in the U.S.; to totally own(ed) (someone); bad news Words: collectively to be offended ancient soul homemaker dual-income childcare mobile nanny daycare stimulation babysitter totally to own (someone) to owned (someone) bad news

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Slow dialogue: 1:27 Explanations: 3:45 Fast dialogue: 15:50 Foreman: Okay, people. Listen up. This is your first day on the job in this warehouse and you need to know what we do here. This warehouse keeps all of the stock for the 10 stores in this region. We get merchandise from the supplier and it?s our job to organize it and store it until it goes to the retail outlets. One of the reasons our stores can offer such low prices is that they operate on the principles of economies of scale. This means that we buy in bulk and there?s a lot to catalogue and store. We even have some stock on consignment, so it?s all the more important that we?re able to keep track of any merchandise that comes through here. Any questions? Carla: Yeah, are we the end of the supply chain or do we send merchandise to other warehouses? Foreman: We are it. Merchandise comes to us from suppliers and we distribute it to the stores. Any other questions? Carla: Does merchandise ever go missing? Foreman: It better not go missing under my watch. That?s why we do an inventory twice a year. If anything is unaccounted for, I won?t be a happy camper. Okay, people, line up to get your assignments... Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:17 Explanations: 3:15 Fast dialogue: 13:44 I was driving down the road when I saw a group of teenagers holding up signs for a fundraising car wash for their school. My car was very dirty, so I pulled over and paid for a car wash and a wax. I think that the students had more enthusiasm than car washing skills. Yes, they had hoses, buckets filled with soapy water, and sponges, but they seemed more interested in getting each other wet than in getting the dirt off the car. I kept wanting to jump up and say, ?Hey, you missed a spot!? but I didn?t. After washing the car, they rinsed it and dried it with towels. They also vacuumed the interior and washed the windows. At least the windows were spotless. Finally, they waxed and polished the car, and were finished. I went over to inspect the washed car. All I can say is I?m glad this was a fundraiser to support their school. If these students do as well in their classes as they did on my car, they need all the education they can get! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:27 Explanations: 3:15 Fast dialogue: 3:14 Charlotte: What are you doing in here? The entire wedding party is looking for you. Chris: Yeah, I know. Charlotte: Well, what?s the matter? You?re not getting cold feet, are you? Chris: That?s just it. I?m really having doubts about getting married. What am I doing here? I think I?m about to make the biggest mistake of my life! Charlotte: Whoa, slow down. You?re just a little freaked out right now. That?s understandable. Just don?t do anything rash. Chris: I have an irresistible impulse to run. I?ve got to get out of here! Charlotte: You?d better do some serious soul-searching before you decide to leave Kerry at the altar. It would be a life-altering experience for her and for you. She may never get over it. Chris: You?re right, but what can I do? If I go through with this, I may regret it for the rest of my life. Charlotte: Sit down and stay put. I?m going to get someone who?ll set you straight. Chris: Who? Charlotte: Kerry! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Ask an American: corruption in U.S. politics; have to versus must; what about versus how about; worthy versus necessary Words: public service wheeling and dealing to trade campaign contribution in exchange bribe extortion conflict of interest to pursue public interest to shape to distort have to must what about how about worthy necessary

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Slow dialogue: 1:17 Explanations: 3:19 Fast dialogue: 13:48 Nicki: Wow, did you buy out the bookstore?! Tony: Very funny. I just got a few guidebooks for our trip to Vancouver. I want to study up on what the must-see sights are, and then decide whether we can do some self-guided tours or need to book guided tours. Nicki: That?s very conscientious of you. The trip isn?t for three months. Tony: I know, but I want to start sketching out an itinerary now. I?m going to start out by reading the orientation chapters so I get a feel for the city. Nicki: Good, then at least one of us will know where to go and what to do. Tony: After that, I?m going to read the helpful hints in the accommodations section. I want to make sure we stay in the heart of the city with plenty of nightlife. I?ll read the section on day trips, too, in case we have some extra time. Nicki: It sounds like you?ve got it covered. Tony: I do. I also want to spend some time learning some survival phrases so I can talk to the locals. Nicki: Survival phrases? To visit Vancouver? Tony: Yeah, we won?t be able to get around without learning some French, you know. Nicki: Really? Hmm. I think you?d better keep reading. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: American Cities (Territories): American Samoa; how to become a pilot in the U.S.; objective versus subjective, to be flanked by, power versus empowerment; to delegate versus to defer Words: territory southern hemisphere indigenous to occupy remote cannery solo maneuvers endorsement flying hours commercial pilot military objective subjective to be flanked by power empowerment to delegate to defer

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Slow dialogue: 1:10 Explanations: 2:48 Fast dialogue: 13:35 Shivon: This bad economy is really taking its toll. Lex: Tell me about it! My company has already laid off 20% of its workforce, and now the management is talking about cutting salaries. It goes without saying that there won?t be any bonuses this year. Shivon: What are you complaining about? At least you still have a job. Try working as a freelancer. I?ve had to cut my hourly rate to compete with all of the people flooding the job market. Lex: At least you?re still able to pick and choose your clients. I have to do what my bosses tell me, no matter what. If they say I have to work overtime, that?s what I have to do. I don?t even get compensated for it! You can bill by the hour. Shivon: What?s the good of billing by the hour if I don?t have any clients? You don?t know how good you have it. I don?t want to hear another word until you walk a mile in my shoes! Lex: Ditto! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:41 Explanations: 3:30 Fast dialogue: 12:44 Laura: I really don?t like these political commentary shows. They purportedly present both sides of an issue, but the commentator is always biased. Joon: Oh, I don?t think so. Each show invites pundits on each side of the political spectrum. In this show, for instance, the pundits each take turns presenting their arguments. Laura: You mean they each present the party line, right? I find it so predictable what each side will say, since they always invite people who have opinions that are poles apart. Joon: That?s not always true. This other show has a roundtable format. Each person listens to the others and they debate the issues. Laura: On that show, it?s not what they say, but how they say it. They treat the others? opinions with such contempt. You can hear the loathing in their voices and they constantly talk over each other. I?m surprised you can bear to watch it. Joon: I find it stimulating. I like a good fight. Laura: I guess it?s better for them to do it on screen than on the streets! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Medical/dental tourism; warehouse club stores; yell versus shout; to be depended on; to last; kind versus kindly Words: health insurance to give rise to to be treated regulated inferior warehouse to pass the savings on to afford to carry in bulk unit price pantry to to yell to be depended on to last kind kindly

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Slow dialogue: 1:24 Explanations: 3:40 Fast dialogue: 17:57 My wife was out of town on business and our nanny was sick, so I took the day off from work to take care of our two kids: Livia, who is two, and Augustus, who is three and a half. I thought that going to the playground would be a good thing to do, but it turned out to be an accident waiting to happen. When we got to the playground, the kids jumped out of the car. Livia got onto the merry-go-round, pushing it as hard as she could. The trouble was, there were a couple of toddlers playing on it and they fell backwards, getting the wind knocked out of them. Augustus, on the other hand, ran straight for the swing set and almost got decapitated! Then he went over to the see-saw and almost got smashed when he tried to run under it! He ran out of my grasp and onto the jungle gym. He started hanging off the monkey bars. I caught him just in time as he fell! When I turned around, I saw that Livia had got onto the slide and slid head first into the sandbox! Good thing she wasn?t hurt. By this time, I realized my mistake. Far from a safe place to play, for two lively kids and one father, the playground was a deathtrap! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:20 Explanations: 4:44 Fast dialogue: 17:21 I really blew it last night. I finally asked my neighbor, Fatima, out on a date and she walked out on me in the middle of it. I didn?t blame her. I wanted to make a good impression on her, but I felt I was floundering a half an hour into the date. I decided to liven things up a bit with a few drinks. I got carried away and got stinking drunk. What an idiot! I had to call her to apologize. Fatima: Hello. Rob: Uh, hi, Fatima. This is Rob calling. Fatima: Oh. Rob: Please don?t hang up. I need to apologize for my atrocious behavior last night. I was a real jerk and I?m really, really sorry. Fatima: I appreciate the apology. Thanks, but I have to go now. Rob: Hold on one second, please! I want to explain. I thought I was boring you at the beginning of the date and that?s why I started in on the drinks. I?m not normally a lush, really! I was nervous and worried that things weren?t going well, and I thought a couple of drinks would loosen me up. Fatima: Okay, I understand that, but that doesn?t excuse the groping. Rob: Groping? What groping? Fatima: You don?t remember? You insisted on a goodnight kiss. Rob: I did? It?s all a blur. I don?t remember anything after you called me a creep. Fatima: You tried to kiss me and I walked out. Can you blame me? Rob: No, I can?t. I deserved much worse. After that, I can also understand why you?d never want to speak to me again. Is there any way I can make it up to you? Fatima: I really don?t know... Rob: I promise not to have a drop of alcohol. Fatima: I?ll have to think about it. Rob: And I?ll have both of my hands tied behind my back the entire time. Fatima: Maybe. Let me sleep on it. At least it wasn?t a ?no.? There?s a glimmer of hope for a second chance! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Anti-miscegenation laws; Silicon Valley and the Research Triangle; freeway, highway, and expressway; to sport; dosey doe Words: miscegenation to frown upon interracial marriage slavery to abolish to repeal high-tech headquarters venture capitalist triangle to recruit affordable housing to advance (one?s) career freeway / highway / expressway to sport dosey doe

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Slow dialogue: 1:29 Explanations: 3:46 Fast dialogue: 14:16 Maria: I need this package to arrive in Tulsa by next Wednesday. Sam: Sure, I?ll send it UPS or FedEx using their ground service. It?ll be cheaper than sending it using their overnight service and we can still track it. Is it going to a business? Maria: Yes, it is. Sam: Okay, I?ll mark that it?s going to a commercial address. Maria: That?s fine. I?ll also need these contracts to get to Tokyo by Friday. Send it to the home of the president of the company. Sam: I?ll send it DHL and use the residential delivery service. This seems like a large package for just contracts. Maria: I?m also including a gift for the president?s wife. Sam: If it?s breakable, I?ll pack it really well and then get it insured. What?s the declared value? Maria: It?s about $700. Oh, and I want this box to go to Olten, Switzerland, but just send it regular mail through the post office. Make sure I get delivery confirmation, though. Sam: No problem. I?ll just need to fill out a customs declaration form. What are the contents? Maria: They?re books. Sam: Okay, I?ll take care of it. Maria: Thanks. What would I do without you? Sam: The real question is, what would the mail services do without you? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:18 Explanations: 3:40 Fast dialogue: 16:09 I was on a date from hell. I agreed to go out with this guy who lives in the same apartment building as I do, but he?s turned out to be a real creep. He was nice enough at the start of the date, but then he started drinking. Now he?s drunk and I?m miserable. I wanted to let him down gently since I?d be seeing him around the apartment building, but I didn?t want to spend another minute with him. Fatima: Listen, Rob, I just don?t think we?re hitting it off. You?re a really nice guy, but I just don?t think we have much chemistry. Rob: Are you kidding? I?m having the time of my life. We?re just getting started here. Bartender, another round! I realized that I needed to be more straightforward with him in case I was giving him mixed signals. Fatima: I?m sorry, Rob, but I think this is the end of the road for this date. Thanks a lot for the drinks and I?ll see you around. Rob: What? You?re leaving? How about a goodnight kiss? Come over here and give me that kiss. I wanted to keep my cool, but when he tried to kiss me, that did it! Fatima: You?re stinking drunk and this date is over. Capisce? I got up and left. What is it about alcohol that turns Prince Charming into a frog? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Famous Americans: Sacagawea; NASCAR racing; to take its toll (on someone); you are/is; whatever versus whatsoever Words: to leave your mark on (something) expedition uncharted territory trapper to negotiate racetrack ratings to sanction series prize money trophy collision to take its toll (on someone) whatever whatsoever

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Slow dialogue: 1:32 Explanations: 4:06 Fast dialogue: 16:49 My company sent me on my first business trip, and I was supposed to travel around the city in taxis. Having never ridden in a taxi before, I had problems from start to finish. First, I had trouble hailing a cab. I didn?t realize that when the taxi?s light is off that the cabbie is off duty. No wonder they took no notice of me. Then, a cab did pull over and I told him where I wanted to go. He said, though, that he wouldn?t take me because he wouldn?t be able to get a return fare! I was looking around for a taxi stand when another cab pulled over, but my troubles didn?t stop there. Cabbie: Where to? Ignacio: I?d like to go the Hamilton Building downtown. There?s a flat rate, isn?t there? Cabbie: No, we don?t have flat rates. Ignacio: But a flat rate to downtown is required by law, isn?t it? Cabbie: Do you want to go downtown or not? I?ve already started the meter. Ignacio: Where are your posted rates? Cabbie: We don?t have any. The first mile is $3.50 and each quarter mile is $2.00. Ignacio: That doesn?t sound right to me. I think I?ll try another cab. Cabbie: Suit yourself! I remembered what my co-worker told me. She said to steer clear of private cabs, like this one. The cabbies don?t have licenses and some of them will really take you for a ride ? and not the kind you want! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:29 Explanations: 3:09 Fast dialogue: 14:12 Operator: Emergency operator. State your emergency. Dirk: We need an ambulance right away. Operator: What is your name? Dirk: Dirk, Dirk Omora. Operator: Can you tell me what happened? Dirk: There was a car accident. Operator: Where are you? Dirk: I?m not sure. I was driving in my car when I saw the pileup. I?m somewhere on Blossom Road. Can you trace my location? Operator: Yes, we?ll try to do that. Can you see if anyone is hurt? Dirk: One of the drivers is lying on the ground unconscious, and the other one is bleeding. There?s someone trapped in the back of her car, too. We need to rescue her before the car explodes! I?m going to see if I can help. Operator: Sir, I need you to stay on the line. I?m sending an ambulance right now, and they?ll have the Jaws of Life and other equipment to do the job. The paramedics will be there very soon. Dirk: Okay, but hurry! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Ask an American: living in a tiny home; volume versus issue versus version Words: first and foremost to free up housework to come in to speak to (something) to wonder excess to shift to downsize china thought process global warming fluorescent rethinking volume issue version

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Slow dialogue: 1:20 Explanations: 3:25 Fast dialogue: 13:48 Asa: I don?t know how we got stuck with reviewing employee complaints. This has got to be the worst job ever. Samantha: This is important work, and somebody has to do it. Come on, let?s get started. Asa: I think it?s bad for morale to allow employees to file complaints. We?re all overworked and underpaid, and most of us are burned out. Samantha: How else are disgruntled employees going to voice their grievances? Asa: Personally, I think it?s stupid for employees to put their complaints on paper. Aren?t they worried about retaliation from the management? Samantha: I don?t think that?s going to happen. The whole point of having this system is to resolve any problems before they get blown out of proportion. It?s to everybody?s benefit to try to make this work. Asa: On the contrary, I think it makes for a dysfunctional workplace, employees thinking of things to complain about and the management with their backs up against the wall. I just don?t get it. Samantha: No, I guess you don?t. If you don?t like how things are done around here, I?ve got a suggestion for you. Asa: What? Samantha: File a complaint! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:25 Explanations: 4:04 Fast dialogue: 16:26 Agent: Hello, Krashit Insurance. Jackie: Hi, I wanted to get a quote for car insurance. Agent: Sure, I can help you with that. I assume you want liability insurance, but what other coverage would you like to get? Jackie: Umm?I?m not sure. This is my first car. Agent: In that case, let me make a few suggestions. You?ll definitely want collision insurance. It pays to fix your car if you hit another car or run into something. Jackie: Okay, sure, I want that. Agent: You?ll also want comprehensive insurance. It pays for damage to your car. Jackie: How?s it different from collision insurance? Agent: Well, it pays for damage to your car that?s not a result of an accident, like in the case of theft, weather damage, or vandalism. Jackie: Okay, I want that, too. Agent: You?ll want property damage insurance to pay for damage you cause to someone else?s property. On top of that, you?ll want uninsured motorist insurance in case the other driver doesn?t have insurance or doesn?t have enough insurance to pay for the damage to your car. Jackie: Umm?I guess I?ll take that, too. Agent: And I don?t think you can do without medical payments insurance. It pays for your medical bills and those of your passengers in case of an accident. Should I get you a quote for all of this coverage? Jackie: Why don?t you hold off on that? I?m not sure how I?m going to pay for all that and buy gas, too! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:19 Explanations: 3:20 Fast dialogue: 13:27 Lance: Did you see Kim at the party last Saturday? Paulina: Yeah, I saw her. Why? Lance: She was wearing a skimpy dress and all of the men were leering at her all night. I used to think she was a nice girl. Isn?t she worried that she?ll get a reputation? Paulina: A reputation for what? Lance: For being?you know. Paulina: No, I don?t know. Lance: For being easy! It doesn?t take much for people to jump to the wrong conclusions when a woman is dressed like that. Paulina: So based on one dress she wore to a party, you?re ready to consider her promiscuous. Lance: No, not just based on that. The guys at the party were talking and one of them said he used to date her, and he said? Paulina: Now you?re listening to some sleazy guy at a party boasting about his conquest. The question is, why are you so ready to give credibility to rumors like that? Lance: Whoa, don?t go ballistic on me. I was only telling you what I heard. I thought you might be interested. Paulina: Well, you thought wrong. I used to think that women were catty, but you men are much, much worse! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: The Innocence Project; Craigslist; percent versus percentage; the ?in? crowd/place; to swear in Words: innocence criminal convicted to exonerate DNA testing evidence classified ad personals carpool resource to swear by ?in? to swear in

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

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

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