Slow dialogue: 1:29 Explanations: 3:35 Fast dialogue: 15:58 Luigi: What do you think of this new email program? Selma: I don?t know yet. I just started using it. The interface is pretty intuitive, but I haven?t figured out how to sort my inbox by date. Luigi: That?s easy. Let me show you. All you have to do is hit one of these buttons and it?ll sort automatically. Selma: Oh, I see. Let me try to compose a message. I?ll cc: myself and I?ll bcc: you to make sure it goes through. It looks like if I don?t want to send it right away, I can save the message as a draft. If I do send it, does it save a copy? Luigi: Yes, it should. Refresh the page and it should show up in ?sent mail.? Selma: Oh, yeah, there it is. Let?s see, I can also archive messages or mark them as junk or send them straight to trash. How do I add contacts? Luigi: You can put contacts into your address book by dragging an email address into your ?contacts? folder, like this. Selma: Okay, one more thing: I want to set up spam filters and some other filters to block unwanted emails. Luigi: You can do that in this window, see? Whose emails are you blocking? Selma: Yours, if don?t stop forwarding all of those stupid jokes every day. Luigi: And deprive you of the fun? Never! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:20 Explanations: 2:48 Fast dialogue: 13:59 Ruth: Now that we?ve picked out a new couch, we need to pick out an upholstery fabric. What do you think of this checkered one? Gerry: That?s an eyesore. I prefer something a little more subtle. Ruth: Subtle? What?s fun about subtle? I want something bold and that?ll make a statement. How about this one with the polka dots? Gerry: You?ve got to be kidding! That pattern is so busy, if I had to look at that every day, I?d go crazy. Ruth: All right, what do you think of this one with the stripes? Gerry: I?m not crazy about it, but it?s not as tacky as the others ones. Ruth: Okay then, you pick one out. Gerry: Fine. Let me see?Now this is a sight for sore eyes! Ruth: But that has no pattern at all! It?s a solid blue color, and a boring shade of blue to boot. Gerry: That?s right. That?s what I call a classic. Ruth: And that?s what I call dull! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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

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

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Slow dialogue: 1:16 Explanations: 3:08 Fast dialogue: 14:49 Lourdes: Do you see those teenagers over there? They?re making trouble again. Nick: Those kids are just messing around. When they get bored, they?ll pipe down and go home. Lourdes: They?re really getting on my nerves, playing loud music and making all that noise. They?re a disgrace. Nick: Get away from that window before they see you. If they see that they can?t get a rise out of us, they?ll move along. What are you doing? What are you planning to do with that broom? Lourdes: I?m going to use it to wave them off. Nick: I wouldn?t do that if I were you. Teenagers can be unpredictable. You don?t know if a small slight might set them off. Insult them and you?re asking for trouble. Lourdes: I don?t care. I?m doing it anyway. Nick: Great! Now you have their attention. They?re flipping us off! Lourdes: Yeah, well, two can play that game. Take that! Nick: Are you crazy?! Lourdes: No, I?m just giving as good as I get. Look what they?re doing now! Nick: They?re mooning us! Lourdes: Well, two can play that game, too! Nick: What?! Are you nuts?! You can?t moon them back. Lourdes: Oh, no? Watch me! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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

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Slow dialogue: 1:25 Explanations: 4:19 Fast dialogue: 16:09 Renaldo: Hello, may I speak to Simone Otto? Simone: This is Simone. May I ask who?s calling? Renaldo: This is Renaldo Garcia at Cinetect. You interviewed for a position with me last week. Simone: Oh, yes, of course. How are you? Renaldo: I?m doing well. The reason I?m calling is that I was very impressed with you last week, and I?d like to offer you the job. Simone: Thank you very much. I?m delighted to hear it. I really appreciate the job offer. Renaldo: I think we now need to talk about salary. What are your salary requirements? Simone: Well, for this type of position, I would be looking for a salary range between $60,000 and $65,000. Renaldo: Hmm, that?s a bit higher than I was thinking, given our budget constraints. Perhaps we can give you an attractive compensation package if the salary isn?t quite what you?re looking for. Simone: I?m certainly open to negotiations, though I think that the salary range I named is comparable to that of similar positions in the field. Renaldo: All right. Why don?t you consider this: I can give you a salary of $50,000 and I?ll increase your annual vacation time from two weeks to three weeks. Simone: Hmm, I?ll need to think about that... Renaldo: In this economy, it?s a salary that many people would jump at. Simone: I understand that, but I also know that I have a lot to offer your company. Renaldo: That?s certainly true, and I don?t you to walk away from this job if there?s any way we can close the gap in salary. Simone: If you?re willing to up the offer to $60,000, then I think it may be doable. Renaldo: Well, $60,000 is really the ceiling for that position. I?ll have to give it some thought and call you back. Simone: Please do, and again, thank you very much for the offer. It would be an honor to work with you and to work at Cinetect. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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

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

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

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Slow dialogue: 1:12 Explanations: 2:52 Fast dialogue: 14:02 Maya: What are those? Jorge: They?re pictures from our ski trip last weekend. Maya: Is there any reason you?re staring at the ones with Jessica in them? I think you?ve got a crush on her. Jorge: I?m not 10 years old. I don?t get crushes. Maya: Then, I think you?re falling head over heels for her. Jorge: Don?t be ridiculous. I?ve only just met her. Maya: I knew it was love at first sight when I introduced you at Yannick?s party. I could see the sparks fly. I couldn?t miss her blush or your silly grin. There was certainly a lot of chemistry between the two of you, that?s for sure. Jorge: I hardly talked to her at the party. Maya: Yes, but I could see her stealing glances at you all night. Jorge: That must have been a figment of your imagination. Maya: Oh, really? Jorge: Okay, I won?t deny that I?m attracted to Jessica, but I can?t speak for her. Maya: Yes, but I can. Jorge: What? Maya: She asked me about you. Jorge: When? Maya: Yesterday, at lunch. Jorge: What did she say? What did you say? Maya: That?s for me to know and for you to find out! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Famous Americans: Janis Joplin; compulsory education and truancy laws; to bask; to brace; to palm off; to follow one?s hunch(es) Words: blues to catch the attention of lead singer solo artist to struggle with to relapse compulsory to play hooky to skip school truancy detention mandate to bask to palm off to follow one?s hunch(es)

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Slow dialogue: 1:22 Explanations: 3:04 Fast dialogue: 15:06 Akiko: How did your presentation go over this morning at the meeting? Gerry: It was a complete flop! Akiko: I don?t believe it. You spent weeks working on that presentation. Gerry: It wasn?t the presentation that bombed. It was my big idea. Leona called it a retread of what I presented last year, and she was not in the least impressed. Akiko: Ouch, that?s pretty harsh. What did the others say? Gerry: Overall, the response was dismal. Everyone else was trying to be tactful, but it boiled down to the fact that they thought it was pathetic. Akiko: I?m sure that?s not true. And if they didn?t jump up and down about the idea right away, they?re bound to come around after you give them more details. Gerry: I don?t know? Akiko: Come on, aren?t you the same guy who told me that you didn?t know the meaning of the word ?quit?? Gerry: That was before this morning?s presentation. Akiko: Are you giving up on your great idea? Gerry: No, I guess not, but it?ll take some reworking? Akiko: Good, then you won?t give up? Gerry: I guess not. What the heck? I?m only risking more humiliation and failure, right? Akiko: That?s the spirit! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:21 Explanations: 3:33 Fast dialogue: 13:44 Lorenzo: Have you bought a new television yet? Katia: No, I?m still looking at consumer reviews and weighing my options. I?m not sure yet what size I want or what features I need. I?m keeping my options open for now. Lorenzo: I thought your old TV stopped working three weeks ago. You still haven?t made up your mind about buying a new one? Katia: Oh, I?ve decided to buy a new one. It?s which one I?m going to buy that?s making me hesitate. There are so many options to choose from. I want to approach this logically and decide only after I?ve done the proper analysis. Lorenzo: It?s only a TV. It?s not like it?s a house or even a car. Katia: I know, but I?m the one who has to live with the decision. I?ll look at it every day, and if I don?t make the right decision, it?ll haunt me for years. Lorenzo: You know what I think? Katia: What? Lorenzo: I think you?re crippled by indecision, and you?re stalling. The sooner you make a decision and buy a new TV, the better. Katia: Hey, what are you doing? Where are you taking me? Lorenzo: We?re going to the electronics store this minute, and you?re buying a TV ? today! Katia: What if I regret my decision? Lorenzo: Then I?ll buy you a new one. Katia: Fine, but I?m holding you to that! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Ask an American: Bartering; waiting versus awaiting; use of the infinitive; answering ?yes? to a negative question Words: marketing produce to establish brand in turn down agriculture to barter quaint charming initiative to wait to await

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Slow dialogue: 1:21 Explanations: 2:59 Fast dialogue: 15:01 Lorelai: I just finished reading a book about how to get the most out of life. Starting today, I?m going to live life to its fullest. Luke: Oh no, not another one of your fads. Weren?t you eating only blue- and red-colored foods a couple of months ago? Lorelai: This is not a fad! I?m changing my lifestyle so I?ll be able to live a happier and more fulfilling life. Luke: And didn?t you go through a phase where you spoke only to animals? Lorelai: I?m not listening to you, and I?m not dwelling on the past. I?m living in the moment and enjoying everything around me. I?m ignoring your negativity and concentrating on appreciating the moment. Luke: What are you doing now? Lorelai: I?m practicing mindfulness. I?m repeating my mantra and calming my mind. You should try meditation. It may help you with your problems. Luke: What problems? Lorelai: We could start with your judgmental attitude and your close-mindedness. How?s that? Luke: Forget it! Nothing can get me to buy your latest hocus pocus! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:34 Explanations: 3:32 Fast dialogue: 16:31 Blaire: Do you have any idea what he?s saying? Antonio: It?s Greek to me. You?re supposed to be the one who?s fluent. Can?t you make out what he?s saying? Blaire: I never said I was fluent. I said I could get by in the language. There?s a big difference. Antonio: Why don?t you try saying something to him? Blaire: What should I say? Antonio: How about, ?I don?t have a good command of the language. Could you please speak more slowly?? Blaire: I don?t think speaking more slowing will help my comprehension. Besides, I only know a few stock phrases, and even those I can only say haltingly, if I don?t freeze up altogether. Antonio: Give me the phrase book. I?ll see if I can get through to him. Blaire: What are you going to say? Antonio: I don?t know, but we?re two fairly articulate people. We should be able to cobble together a few sentences to get our point across, don?t you think? Blaire: Okay, I?ll follow your lead, but, um, just don?t say anything insulting...like last time. Antonio: Are you bringing that up again?! It?s not my fault that the entire town misinterpreted what I said! I was trying to compliment the women, not insult them. Blaire: Tell that to the men who ran you out of town! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: U.S. government reparations; TV home shopping networks/shows; neither do I versus so do I versus either I; to talk with versus to talk to; to put the cart before the horse (to put the horse before the cart) Words: reparations to make up for (something) descent to disburse heir slave host testimonial interactive voice response impulse buy to regret to flip through the channels neither do I so do I either I to talk with to talk to to put the cart before the horse (to put the horse before the cart)

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Slow dialogue: 1:29 Explanations: 3:32 Fast dialogue: 15:09 Receptionist: So the meeting is set for 2:00 on Thursday. Do you know how to get to our offices? Asha: No, I don?t. Could you give me directions? Receptionist: Certainly. We?re located on Main Street. The cross street is Udall. If you?re taking the freeway, the best exit to take is Udall East. Once you?re on Udall, head east for about two miles and when you reach the bend, veer right. If you veer left, you?ll run into a dead end. After you veer right, you?ll be on Monroe Avenue and it?s a one-way street. Our building is on the right-hand side, past the light. If you pass Elm Street, you?ve gone too far. Asha: Okay, I think I?ve got all that. Is there parking available? Receptionist: Unfortunately, there?s only street parking. There is valet parking for the building next door, but they charge $12 and we don?t validate. There are meters on the street and on the side streets, but you may need to circle the block a few times to find an available meter. Asha: All right, and thanks for the information. I guess I need to leave early to have plenty of time to find the building and to find parking. Receptionist: I tell everybody to count on getting lost and having to hunt for parking. Asha: Thanks for the heads up! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:24 Explanations: 3:28 Fast dialogue: 15:29 Eri: What?s that? James: It?s an invitation to a family reunion. Once every five years or so, someone in the family organizes one. Eri: Are you going? James: I?m not sure. It?s always a little awkward seeing extended family. Did you know that there used to be a big feud between my father and his brother? Eri: No, what happened? James: I?m not sure, but it was something that happened before they got married. My father held a grudge for years. Then, about eight years ago, they made up. There?s still no love lost between their wives, but at least there are no hard feelings between the two of them any longer. Eri: So you?ll go to the reunion? James: I?m not sure. My mother?s side of the family has always looked down on my father?s. She comes from old money and they didn?t approve of her marrying my father. It was really hard on my mother. She really looked up to her mother and they were really close before my father came along. Eri: But that?s ancient history, isn?t it? Considering how things turned out, your grandmother can?t hold it against your mother for marrying your father. James: You?ve never met my grandmother. One thing everyone knows about her is this: She doesn?t know the words to forgive and forget. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse Getting along with your family can sometimes be difficult. Learn how to talk about family relations in English in this episode.

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Topics: American Cities (Territories): Puerto Rico; People Who Work for Celebrities; cooperation versus collaboration; instance versus instantaneous versus instant; pronouncing won?t and want Words: appointed resident mainland diaspora celebrity in the spotlight to work behind the scenes agent publicist stylist personal assistant entourage cooperation collaboration instance instantaneous instant

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Slow dialogue: 1:14 Explanations: 3:10 Fast dialogue: 13:55 Teacher: Welcome, everybody, to this self-defense class. Today, you?ll learn how to size up a situation and how to tell the difference between a harmless situation and a threatening one. You?ll also begin to learn some hand-to-hand combat moves to defend yourselves. Amy: Oh, good. I can?t wait to learn some martial arts so I can beat up anyone who tries anything. Teacher: Well, the best thing we can do in a dangerous situation is to avoid having to fight. It?s not a good idea to confront someone pumped up on adrenaline. If you can defuse the situation or run away, that would be the best strategy. Amy: All right, but if someone is harassing me, I want to be ready to do some damage. Teacher: I?m not sure if that?s the right mindset? Amy: I always trust my instincts. If my intuition tells me that someone may be dangerous, I want to get in the first punch. Teacher: Whoa, that?s not the purpose of this class. You?re here to learn defense, remember? Amy: Yes, but you know what they say: The best defense is a good offense! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:25 Explanations: 3:14 Fast dialogue: 14:20 Bruno: Hey, what are you doing? Give me back that remote! Tamara: The movie I want to watch is on right now. Do you mind? Bruno: Of course I mind! I?m watching the playoffs. Can?t you see that? Tamara: The playoffs? Oh, I?ll watch with you. Bruno: You? You don?t know anything about sports. Tamara: It doesn?t matter. I always root for the underdog. Our team will be victorious! Go team! Bruno: Fine, but I?m rooting for the other team. Let?s just watch the game, okay? Tamara: Your team is going to get pounded. We will be the champions! Bruno: Please, can I just watch this game in peace? I?ve been waiting for it all season. Tamara: Oooh, somebody is a little testy. I think it?s because you know you?re backing a losing team. You can?t stand being on the losing side. Am I right? Your players are running scared already. I can tell. Bruno: I?m just trying to follow the game. Tamara: Look at that! Your best player just choked. How could he have missed such an easy shot? Bruno: If you don?t be quiet, I?ll show you what it feels like to get choked! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: The Golden Age of Hollywood and the studio system; the busing controversy of the 1970s; as well versus also versus too; to take into account; ?why? as an interjection Words: cinema silent movie of all time classic studio to have (someone) on salary controversy desegregated predominantly inconvenient white flight suburbs as well to take into account why

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Slow dialogue: 1:25 Explanations: 3:02 Fast dialogue: 15:21 Goran: Who do you think will be appointed to succeed Ramon on the board? Anne: I don?t know whom they?ll pick to fill the position, but I know who the candidates are. The higher ups have been quietly vetting three people to make sure they don?t have any skeletons in their closets. Goran: Really? Who are they? Anne: I?m not at liberty to say, but I think at least two of the candidates are people outside of the inner circle. Goran: You mean we might actually get a new board member who?s not buddy-buddy with the higher ups? Anne: All I can say is that two outsiders are under consideration. Goran: Wow, that?s huge. Can you at least tell me if the remaining candidate is the interim board member? Everybody thinks he has the inside track. Anne: I can?t tell you that. The selection is being kept under wraps until next Thursday. I?ve already let slip too much. Goran: Don?t worry. My lips are sealed. Anne: They?d better be. You know what they say about loose lips. Goran: Yeah, and I?m not sinking this ship. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:25 Explanations: 3:01 Fast dialogue: 13:06 I?ve been thinking about starting a blog for a long time now, and after talking to my friend Traver, a popular blogger, I?ve decided to take the leap. Traver got me started with a basic template, but I wanted to customize the blog to give it my own flavor before launching it. I already have my first few posts ready to go, and I plan to update it a few times a week. Traver told me that it may take a little time for my blog to catch on and become known in the blogosphere. He suggested I do some basic self-promotion. He told me to register my website with the major search engines and to swap links with other bloggers writing on similar topics. He gave me some other advice to increase hits and I?m taking it all to heart. I can?t wait to get my first comments and to start talking to other people about our common interest: Our love of cats! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Beauty pageants and controversies; the National Weather Service; like versus same as; how do you do?; what?s up; have a good one Words: beauty pageant to be judged contestant articulate talent poise crown sash demeaning forecast warning to disseminate like same as How do you do? what?s up? have a good one

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Slow dialogue: 1:33 Explanations: 3:09 Fast dialogue: 14:27 Ellen: What are you wearing to the party? Hiro: Your guess is as good as mine. Ellen: Let?s look through your closet and I?ll help you pick something out. Hiro: Okay, but I have to warn you. I have a pretty limited wardrobe. Ellen: Let?s see, these black pants are nice, but they?re frayed on the bottom. How about these jeans? Hiro: You don?t think they?re too faded? There?s also a rip in the back. Ellen: No, I guess those jeans won?t work. I like this shirt, though. Hiro: Did you see the stain on the front? The zipper is also stuck, I think. Ellen: How about shoes? Do you have any shoes that are presentable? Hiro: Well, I always wear these, but they?re scuffed on the top and the sole is pretty worn. Ellen: Okay, desperate times call for desperate measures. Come on! Hiro: Where are we going? Ellen: We?re going to a magical place with brand spanking new clothes and where everything is flawless. Hiro: Where?s that? Ellen: The mall! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:31 Explanations: 2:58 Fast dialogue: 12:38 Enrique: I don?t know how you talked me into coming with you to Dan?s apartment to rifle through his papers. This snooping is stupid! If you have suspicions, you should just talk to him. Stella: Confront him without any evidence? That would be the height of stupidity. Enrique: Instead, we?re holed up in this closet until he leaves. I thought you said he wouldn?t be home until 6:00. Stella: That?s what I thought. Just sit tight. I think he just came home to pick something up. He?ll be gone in a minute. Enrique: I don?t like confined spaces. If we don?t make a break for it soon, I?m going to suffocate. Stella: Stop your kvetching. Now that we?re here, maybe we can do better than looking through his papers. We can eavesdrop on his conversations. Enrique: Have you lost your mind? Do you know what he would do to us if he found us here? Stella: No guts, no glory! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Ask an American: Nursing; responsible versus accountable; -wise; to double back Words: handmaiden keystone interaction consistently to give care to pull (someone) through to come up to (someone) to proceed to measure to specialize out in acute-care responsible accountable -wise to double back

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Slow dialogue: 1:25 Explanations: 3:46 Fast dialogue: 15:50 Laura: I think that?s all we need to talk about regarding last month?s report. Let?s turn to this month?s report, shall we? I didn?t get a copy of it. Could someone hand me one? Gaius: By the way, I have just one last comment before we shift our focus to this month?s report. It seems to me that we need more information on how the Duluth office is doing. Could we ask for more info to be included in next month?s report? Laura: I?m sure we can. Incidentally, Dee is quitting and Kara will be taking her place. This is off the record, of course. Okay, now back to this month?s report... Gaius: Speaking of personnel changes, did you know that Lee is being promoted to V.P. next month? Laura: I hadn?t heard that, but I?m not surprised. She?s been in line for that job for years. Okay, we need to get back to this month?s report? Gaius: Something just occurred to me. If Lee is being promoted, what will happen to the Baseship project? Laura: I think it?s being put on the back burner for now. All right, could someone hand me a copy of this month?s report? Gaius: I don?t mean to change the subject but? Laura: I think that?s precisely what you?re trying to do. What?s the matter with this month?s report? Gaius: It?s not quite finished. It?ll be on your desk this afternoon. Laura: Is that what this tap dance has been about? All right, we?ll talk about it at tomorrow?s meeting. Next time, just give it to me straight, okay? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:24 Explanations: 3:43 Fast dialogue: 15:51 George: What are you doing? Joan: I?m looking through these magazines to try and decide which plastic surgery procedures I should have next year. George: You?re not thinking of going under the knife. Joan: Yes, I am. I?ve always wanted to improve on the way I look, and I?m tired of these wrinkles and sagging skin. I want to look 25 again! George: That?s ridiculous. Nobody who is 45 can look 25. People who get Botox, have facelifts, or tummy tucks look weird. Joan: That?s because they didn?t go to the best plastic surgeons. I won?t make that mistake. Help me decide. Should I get liposuction and a nose job, or should I go all out and get breast implants, too? George: I think you?ve gone off the deep end. We?ve been friends for over 20 years and you don?t need any cosmetic surgery. You?re perfect the way you are. Joan: You can?t be serious! George: I?m dead serious, and if you get all of that plastic surgery, you?ll look like an over-the-hill Barbie doll, and I?m not going to be seen in public with you. Joan: What?s wrong with a little plastic surgery? I just want to feel better about myself. George: You don?t need plastic surgery to do that. You just need to spend more time with me and your other friends who like you just the way you are! Joan: Sagging skin and all? George: What sagging skin? Joan: I feel younger already. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: NASA; Famous Americans: Jackie Robinson; conference versus meeting versus session; second to none; narrative versus story Words: outer space to spur on space race advocate to orbit height of (something) league segregated fan racial slur to unify prestigious meeting conference session second to none narrative story

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Slow dialogue: 1:19 Explanations: 3:12 Fast dialogue: 14:44 I spent the day helping my friend, Babbit, on his farm. When I got home, my wife said, ?You stink!? I headed straight for the shower. I ran the water, closed the shower curtain, and adjusted the showerhead. I worked the soap into a lather and scrubbed from head to toe. I rinsed off the soap and toweled off. When I went back into the living room, my wife said, ?You still stink! You need to soak in a bath!? I went back into the bathroom, put the stopper in the bathtub, and turned on the faucet. I didn?t want to take any chances. I took some of my wife?s bubble bath and poured it into the bathtub. When the bath was ready, I got in. I soaked for a half hour and I washed every nook and cranny. When I went back into the living room, my wife said, ?Wow, you smell as pretty as a flower!? That wasn?t exactly what I was going for, but I?d rather smell like flowers than pigs! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:19 Explanations: 2:59 Fast dialogue: 13:07 Connie: I?m so excited! We?re finally taking a cruise. Are you sure this is the embarkation area? Robert: Yes, I?m sure. We go on board right here, see? Come on, let?s find our cabin. Connie: Okay, but I want to go up on deck as soon as possible and look around the entire ship. Do you think they?ll let us go on the bridge and meet the captain? Robert: I don?t think so. You know, I think we?re going the wrong way. I can?t find our cabin number. Connie: Let?s see if we can find the purser or a steward to help us. Oh, never mind, here it is! Wow, this cabin is really small. Robert: No worries. We won?t be spending much time in the cabin. When do we eat? Connie: We can go down to the buffet right now for lunch, and I put us down for the main seating at 7:00 for dinner. Robert: Whoa, what?s that?! Connie: That?s the ship setting sail. You?re not going to be seasick, are you? Robert: I don?t think so, but I?m really looking forward to our first port of call! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Alcatraz; The Simpsons; using negation with an infinitive; heaven versus heavens; kind of versus sort of versus type of Words: to escape guard jailbreak cover-up cell haunted animated dysfunctional family troublemaker pacifier merchandise lexicon heaven heavens kind of sort of type of

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Slow dialogue: 1:14 Explanations: 2:50 Fast dialogue: 12:43 Dennis: Oh, why did I let my temper get the best of me? I never should have said those things to the new client! Nora: Don?t freak out. I?m sure you didn?t do any damage that can?t be rectified. It?s true that, in retrospect, you probably shouldn?t have called Nathan, the head of the project, a twerp. Dennis: Don?t remind me of what I said! Hindsight is 20/20. Now they?re going to think we?re running a dog and pony show. Nora: No, they?re not. Nathan was being unreasonable and you tried to sugarcoat your objections the best you could. Everybody could see that you were trying to pull your punches, but that guy just wouldn?t give an inch. Dennis: Nevertheless, this is going to have repercussions. Nora: Oh, here comes the boss now. I think she wants to talk to you. Dennis: I?ve no doubt about that. Nora: What do you suppose she?s going to say? Dennis: I know exactly what she?s going to say: ?Don?t let the door hit you on the way out!? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:19 Explanations: 3:51 Fast dialogue: 15:33 I went to visit my old friend, Mina, whom I hadn?t seen in several years. It was one of the strangest afternoons of my life! Dan: Hi, Mina, it?s really good to see you. Mina: Dan, come in. Hurry! Dan: Uh, okay. Why do you have four locks on your door, and why are all of the curtains drawn? Mina: I like my privacy. And anyway, I think there?s a peeping Tom around this apartment building and I don?t want him to get a peek into my apartment. Dan: Oh, okay. I noticed that your name isn?t on your mailbox. I wasn?t sure I had the right apartment number. Mina: Do you think I would voluntarily give people that information? They are constantly trying to invade my privacy. All I want is anonymity, but I have to be on guard all of the time. These days, I only give out personal information on a need-to-know basis. Dan: No offense, but isn?t that a little paranoid? You act as though everybody is out to get you. Mina: Aren?t they? Haven?t you noticed? We constantly have to disclose our most personal information on forms and to anyone who comes to our door. If I didn?t know you were coming today, I wouldn?t have opened my door at all. Dan: You mean you live here in seclusion, like a hermit? Mina: Of course not! I have plenty of friends. Come and meet them all. Dan: Wow, you must have 10 birds and 20 cats! Mina: Yes, that?s right. But, rest assured, none of them will breathe a word of what you say here today! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Fraternities and sororities; the foster care and adoption system; scholarship versus grant; commie Words: fraternity sorority rush to pledge initiation ceremony service organization hazing exclusionary to take (someone) in foster care to adopt to get stuck in scholarship grant commie

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Slow dialogue: 1:12 Explanations: 2:56 Fast dialogue: 13:32 Britney: I was thinking of hitting up Jane for a little loan. You know her better than I do. What are the chances she?ll spot me a couple hundred dollars until next month? Salvador: I think that?s a pipe dream. I wouldn?t exactly call her a cheapskate, but she?s not known for her generosity. Britney: What about Frank? He?s rolling in it. He could easily part with a couple hundred bucks without giving it a second thought. Salvador: You?ve got your work cut out for you if you think you can borrow money from Frank. He?s always been a penny-pincher and he always will be. Britney: Okay, then help me think. Who do we know who isn?t stingy? Who do we know who is big-hearted and charitable? Salvador: What the heck. Here?s $150 to tide you over until your next payday. Britney: Wow, thanks! You know, another $100 would really come in handy. Salvador: I really think you should quit while you?re ahead. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:05 Explanations: 2:44 Fast dialogue: 13:30 Ms. Sanchez: Okay, kids. I?m Ms. Sanchez, your substitute for this week. I?m taking all of you on the field trip tomorrow. Listen up. There are some ground rules we need to go over. First, each of you will have a partner and you will hold hands while we cross the streets. Student: Ms. Sanchez...? Ms. Sanchez: I?ll take questions later. Let me get through all of my instructions first. Remember, don?t talk to strangers. There are predators out there who are looking to lure children away from their family and friends and to abduct them, so don?t let your guard down. Student: Ms. Sanchez... Ms. Sanchez: As I said, I?ll take questions later. If you need to step away from the group, ask permission first. If a stranger tries to accost or waylay you, run away as fast as you can. Student: Uh, Ms. Sanchez? Ms. Sanchez: Yes? Student: I think you?ve got the wrong classroom. We?re the eighth graders. The first graders are on the second floor. Ms. Sanchez: Where are my glasses? Oh, here they are. Oh! You?re not my first-graders! Why didn?t anyone say anything earlier?! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: The Red Cross; Casablanca; to estimate versus to evaluate versus to appreciate; to let (someone/something) be; aim versus goal Words: cross crescent humanitarian victim natural disaster blood drive first aid shelter to be set in to be wanted by to admit plot to estimate to evaluate to appreciate to let (someone/something) be aim goal

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Slow dialogue: 1:14 Explanations: 2:42 Fast dialogue: 12:26 Kazuko: I really appreciate you helping with the training of the newbies. I couldn?t have done it without you. Martin: Don?t mention it. I remember when I was still wet behind the ears and the veterans in the company gave me the benefit of their time and expertise. They propped me up until I could stand on my own two feet. Kazuko: I can?t imagine you as a novice. Everybody here thinks of you as the cornerstone of the institution. Martin: Well, that may be, but you should have seen me in the early years. I was naive and reckless. I may be more adept at my job now, but I felt inept for years. Kazuko: I saw you talking with some of the new recruits. What advice did you give them? Martin: I gave them the same advice that an old hand gave me when I first started: Take every piece of advice you get with a grain of salt! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:20 Explanations: 3:01 Fast dialogue: 14:13 Dr. Chung: Hello, Luis, I?m Dr. Chung. You?re here for a check-up and a cleaning, is that right? Luis: Yes, that?s right. Dr. Chung: Okay, let?s take a look. Have you had your wisdom teeth taken out? Luis: No, I haven?t. Dr. Chung: Hmm?You may need to do that soon. You?ve had a root canal? Luis: Yes, about three years ago. Dr. Chung: Does that hurt? Luis: Ow! Dr. Chung: I guess I hit a nerve. The bad news is that you may need another root canal soon. Let?s see if you have any cavities. Oh, I think there?s one here in your left molar. You?ll need to come back for a filling. Are you experiencing any sensitivity? Luis: Yes, I am! Dr. Chung: I?m not surprised. Your gums have receded and some of the root is showing. Do you use dental floss? Luis: Um, yes. Dr. Chung: I?ll have the dental hygienist show you how to brush and floss better so you can prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. Any questions for me before the hygienist starts on your cleaning? Luis: No, I?m just glad you didn?t say I need dentures! Dr. Chung: No, you don?t. Not yet. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Ask an American: civility; sour versus tart; (something) is king; thorough versus comprehensive Words: to get out in front tone of voice on the go slower-paced courtesy detrimental put off by captive audience to take up to give way to analogue sour tart (something) is king thorough comprehensive

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Slow dialogue: 1:08 Explanations: 3:05 Fast dialogue: 16:12 Yoshi: Can you hold my jacket while I try to get my roller bag down the aisle? Tatiana: All right, but I have to roll my own bag down the aisle, you know. Yoshi: Fine, give it back to me. All of these overhead bins are full. Where are we supposed to store them? Tatiana: Look, there are two spaces in the back of the plane. You put our big bags in those bins, and I?ll put our carry-ons under the seats in front of us. Yoshi: Fine, but these seats are already cramped, and now, I?ll have no legroom for the entire flight. Great! That?s what we get for not getting seats in the emergency exit row. Tatiana: If we had seats in the emergency exit row, you?d be complaining about not being able to recline in your seat right now. At least we don?t have bulkhead seats. Stop grumbling and get moving before somebody else snags those overhead bins and we have to check those bags. Yoshi: Whose idea was it to go on vacation? Tatiana: It was mine. We both need some time to get away and unwind. Yoshi: Yeah, right, I can?t remember the last time I felt this relaxed! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Slow dialogue: 1:15 Explanations: 3:25 Fast dialogue: 16:48 Alice: Ooh, look at these! Don?t I look great? I?ve always wanted sunglasses like these. Pierre: You?re supposed to be here helping me pick out frames for my new bifocals. Alice: I don?t know why you won?t get progressives. That?s what everybody is getting these days. Pierre: I?ve always had bifocals and that?s what I?m going to get. Alice: Are you going to get metal, plastic, or rimless frames? Pierre: I?m not sure. The optician said that with my prescription, I could get any kind. Alice: Okay, try these. How do they feel? Pierre: I like the way the hinges move, but they?re too small for my head. Hey, these are nice. I think I?ll go with these. Alice: There?s no accounting for taste! Okay, but what about the lenses? There are so many options. You can get ones that reduce glare, ones that darken automatically, ones with anti-scratch coating? Pierre: I want to keep it nice and simple. I don?t need want any of those options. Alice: How about these for a backup pair? They?re designer frames. Pierre: Give me those. I should have known better than to let you tag along. What was I thinking?! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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Topics: Famous Americans: Flannery O?Connor; 60 Minutes; well-(something); red and blue states Words: misfit fanatic devout grotesque posthumous on the air prime time investigative journalism to catch (someone) off guard to go too far libel theme music red state blue state

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Slow dialogue: 1:23 Explanations: 3:50 Fast dialogue: 15:59 I was absent at last month?s meeting, so imagine my surprise when I found out that I had been elected the committee?s secretary! As part of my duties, I have to take minutes at each meeting. Taking minutes means I have to pay attention and try my best to transcribe what each person says, or at least do my best to summarize. At yesterday?s meeting, the chair called the meeting to order and I conducted a roll call. Then, the chair went over the agenda and we discussed old business. We needed to vote on a couple of proposals from the past meeting, and it was my job to ask for a show of hands of those in favor of and those opposed to each one. After that was done, we went on to new business. We talked about the first item of business for 20 minutes when someone suggested that we table the topic until the following meeting, and the participants agreed. After another long discussion about the second agenda item, we ran out of time. The chair adjourned the meeting. Phew! That first meeting taught me a very good lesson. Never miss a meeting when new officers are being chosen! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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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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