每日学英语

jiayi

640# zhangyl

You are right, I made my OS be compatible with non-English version software, but later I found I didn't take any Microsoft office software here at all.
Google always searched the Chinese webpage first after I changed the computer's config. It's not good for improving my English, so I changed the config back.

jiayi

November 04, 2009

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=591182

ESL Podcast 127 - Answering Machine Messages

I got two tickets to a show at the last minute and I tried to find someone to go with me. First, I called Amanda. The phone rang and rang and then her answering machine picked up.

"Hi, I'm not in right now. Leave me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can."

Amanda wasn't home or she was screening her calls. I didn't want to leave a message and decided to try Celia. The phone rang about six times and then I heard,

"This is the voicemail for Celia. Leave me a message after the long beep. Or, you can try my cell phone at 213-555-1212. Have a nice day.‚"

By this time, I was starting to feel discouraged. I didn't want to go to the show by myself, so I tried one last time. I called Leslie at work.

"Hello, you've reached the office of Leslie Munroe. I am in a meeting or with a client. I'm sorry to miss your call. Please stay on the line and leave a detailed message. I will return your call as soon as I can. Thank you for calling.‚"

I decided to leave a message. Leslie called me right back and we made plans for the show. We had a great time.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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screening --- n. 1. 放映, 播放2.  筛查   screening calls: 来电过滤

zhangyl

640# zhangyl  

You are right, I made my OS be compatible with non-English version software, but later I found I didn't take any Microsoft office software here at all.
Google always searche ...
jiayi 发表于 2009-11-4 23:32

                               
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You can change your  default language in google to English.

jiayi

November 05, 2009

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=581339

ESL Podcast 128 - Hiring a Contractor

My company decided that it was time to remodel our offices and I was put in charge of getting bids from contractors. The trouble was, I had heard horror stories from friends who did remodeling and I was worried about finding a company that would get the job done on time and under budget.

No doubt there are many honest contractors, but some of the people I talked to had experiences with shady companies. Some of them weren't on the level about being able to meet deadlines and some tried to get away with murder when they billed for a job. It was important that I found a company that was on the up and up.

I got bids from six companies and checked all of their references. In the end, I picked a company that had done work for one of the biggest companies in the city. They seemed to be the best and our company hired them. I have my fingers crossed that everything will go smoothly.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
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remodel --- to fix,change,improve, usually talking about a house,building
vt. 1. 改变…的结构〔形状〕

bids --- a offer to do a particular job
n. 1. 企图, 努力2. 喊价, 出价, 投标3. 努力争取 4. 叫牌；叫出的点数    vt. & vi. 1. 出价, 投标
vt. 1. 命令, 吩咐2. 说(问候话); 致意3. （某些牌戏中）叫牌

horror stories --- horror n. n. 1. 恐怖, 恐惧, 2. 憎恶,痛恨3. 令人恐怖的事4. 讨厌鬼5. 可怕的经历；恐怖电影

shady --- dishonest adj. 1. 背阴的, 阴凉的2. 靠不住的, 可疑的

on the level  --- honest

get away with murder --- did bad thing but get away without punishment

billed for a job --- ask for money.

on the up and up --- on the level, honest

put sb in charge of

dancingpenguin

November 05, 2009

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=581339

ESL Podcast 128 - Hiring a Contractor

My company decided that it was time to remodel our offices and I was put in c ...
jiayi 发表于 2009-11-6 01:01

                               
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If I could have my finger crossed on everything, how happy I would.

jiayi

November 06, 2009

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=561653

ESL Podcast 129 - A Flaky Friend

Shawn: What's the matter? You look like you're about to blow your lid.

Rick: Yeah, let's just say I'm not happy.

Shawn: That's putting it lightly. What's up?

Rick: My friend Steve was supposed to come by here after work to give me a ride home. I lent him my car so he could take his girlfriend out for the day. I've been waiting 45 minutes and he's a no-show. I should have known better than to count on a flake like him.

Shawn: Maybe something came up . Have you tried calling him on his cell phone?

Rick: Yeah, I have and there's no answer. I can't believe he's left me high and dry.

Shawn: Tell you what. I'm almost done with my report. If you can wait another 15 minutes, I'll give you a lift home.

Rick: Really? That would be great.

Shawn: It's no big deal. But, I definitely don't want to be there when you find Steve.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
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flaky --- unreliable    [ˈfleɪkɪ] adj. 1. 薄片的,成片的,薄而易剥落的,〈美俚〉极古怪的,与常人不同的

blow your lid --- get very ,very angry

put it lightly --- let’s just stay ,say

come by --- go to the place ,visit ,or pick sb up

no-show --- sb doesn’t show up ,doesn’t arrive

I should have known better than --- I was stupid, It was sth should be done but didn’t happen

count on a flake --- count on: depend on   flake: a person who is flaky, who is unreliable

come up --- you are suppose to do sth but sth else have to do  which is very important

leave me high and dry --- leave sb without any other possible options

Tell you what --- I am going to offer sth to you , usually give sb agreement

give sb a lift home --- a lift: a ride

It's no big deal ---  not really anything difficult for me

give me a ride

jiayi

If I could have my finger crossed on everything, how happy I would.
dancingpenguin 发表于 2009-11-6 16:47

                               
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Are you starting listening to the podcast?

dancingpenguin

647# jiayi

yes, I have added this one in my ipod which renewing everyday. I do think it is a good material.

jiayi

647# jiayi  

yes, I have added this one in my ipod which renewing everyday. I do think it is a good material.
dancingpenguin 发表于 2009-11-7 14:30

                               
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Yes , I think it's useful.

jiayi

November 09, 2009

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=541967

ESL Podcast 130 - Allergic to Cats

When I was little, we had a family pet. His name was Jupiter and he was a kitten. I wanted a cat more than anything else and finally, my parents gave in and said that we could have one. We went to the pound and saw dozens of cats of different breeds. We went from cage to cage until we saw a little kitten at the back of one of cages. He looked scared, but when I picked him up, he wouldn't stop licking my hand and I knew he was the one we would bring home.

When we got Jupiter home, I played with him all day. What I noticed when I played with him was that I would sneeze a lot and I started getting hives on my arm. My nose would also be runny and my eyes would water . I tried to hide these symptoms from my mother, but she noticed them eventually and told me that I was allergic to cats! Even worse, we couldn't keep Jupiter! That was a tragic day in my young life. I thought I would never recover.

Then, a lucky thing happened. Our neighbor down the street was willing to adopt Jupiter and I was able to visit him all the time, as long as I didn't get too close. In the end, it wasn't such a terrible tragedy after all.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
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kitten --- small cat ,kitty 小猫

give in --- say yes to someone who said no before 屈服; 投降; 让步2. 交; 上交; 递交; 呈送;呈交

pound --- a place where animal who do not have owner

breed --- the type of  n. 1. 种, 品种   vt. & vi. 1. 生育; 繁殖2. 孕育；导致    vt. 1. 饲养, 培养2. 引起, 招致3.  以…方式教育；使养成

licking --- vt. 1. 舔2. 〈口〉打败    vt. & vi. 1. (波浪)轻拍; (火焰)吞卷2. 轻轻触及某物；轻松战胜
n. 1. 舔2. (油漆等)一刷之量3. 吉他的小过门

hive --- n. 1. 蜂箱, 蜂巢2. 蜂群3. 喧闹地区    vt. 1. 使（蜂）入蜂箱
vi. 1. （蜂）进入蜂箱2. 把一部份分离出来；卖掉公司的一部分

runny --- adj. 1. 流鼻涕的, 流泪的, 流水的

symptom --- sign, indcation n. 1. 症状2. 征兆

allergic --- adj. 1. 过敏的2. 变态反应性的；变应性的3. 对…十分反感；厌恶

tragic --- very sad adj. 1. 悲剧的2. 悲惨的；悲痛的；可悲的

tragedy --- n. 1. 悲惨的事；不幸；灾难；惨案2. 悲剧；悲剧作品

jiayi

November 10 ,2009

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=532124

ESL Podcast 131 - Sharing an Apartment

I've shared a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment with my roommate for two years. He was moving to Austin and I posted a "roommate wanted" ad in the local newspaper. I got a few calls, a couple from some very weird people. Finally, I got a call from Andrew. He seemed normal on the phone and we agreed he would stop by today to see the apartment.

When he got there, I showed him around. The apartment has a pretty large living room with a large couch and TV. It doesn't have a dining room, but it does have an eat-in kitchen. My room is the master bedroom with a connecting bathroom. My roommate's room was the guest room with the bathroom in the hall.

I told Andrew that he could to use any of the furniture that my roommate was leaving behind. He was taking his bed and dresser, but he planned to leave his desk in the bedroom. I also told him that he could use any of the appliances—the refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker.

Andrew said he liked the place and we agreed on the rent and to split the utilities. It was settled. He would move in next month. What a relief I didn't have to talk to any more weird people!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
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weird --- strange  [wiəd] adj. . 怪诞的; 神秘而可怕的; 超然的2. 古怪的; 离奇的

couch --- sofa  n. 1. 长沙发2. (病人受检查时躺的)长榻3. （尤指诊室内的）诊察台

hall ---   narrow space where you work, hallway n. 1. 走廊;过道;门厅
n. 1. 门厅2. 礼堂, 会堂; 大厅3. 食堂; 宿舍4. 走廊5. 办公大楼6. 大庄园府邸

dresser --- n. 1. 食具柜,碗柜2. 穿着…的人3. （剧组的）服装员，服装师

appliances --- 1. 电气用具  appliance: 1. 器具, 器械, 装置，（家用）电器

refrigerator --- riˈfridʒəreitə] n. 1. 冰箱;雪柜;冷藏室;冷冻库

What a relief ---真叫人安慰

a "roommate wanted" ad  ,     master bedroom with a connecting bathroom, to split the utilities , stop by

jiayi

November 11, 2009

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=512438

ESL Podcast 132 - Getting Through on the Phone

I have been trying to get a meeting with the CEO of Medofact to talk about a partnership between our company and theirs. But I've had a hard time trying to get through on the phone.

First, there was the phone tree. I had to go through three menus before I got the option to speak to an operator. Even after I got through, I got the run around from the receptionist.

Receptionist: Medofact Limited. How may I direct your call?

Thomas: I would like to speak to Maureen Kennedy.

Receptionist: Please hold while I connect you with Ms. Kennedy's office. (Pause)

Secretary: Maureen Kennedy's office. How may I help you?

Thomas: Good afternoon. I am Thomas Guarini calling from Livatect. I would like to set up a meeting with Ms. Kennedy.

Secretary: Will Ms Kennedy know the subject of the meeting?

Thomas: Well, I would like to speak to her about a possible partnership.

Secretary: May I put you on hold for one moment?

Thomas: Yes, certainly. (I was on hold for a long time.)

Secretary: Mr. Guarini, I'm afraid Ms. Kennedy is traveling on business the next two weeks. Would you like to call back?

Thomas: Sure, I'll check back in a couple of weeks. Thanks for your help.

Secretary: It's my pleasure. Have a nice day.

Thomas: Thanks. You, too.

I guess I'll keep trying.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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get the run around --- someone is not being helpful, not giving the information that you need

May I put you on hold for one moment

jiayi

November 12, 2009

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=492752

ESL Podcast 133 - Going to a Wedding
I got an invitation in the mail last month that really surprised me. My friend Ulrich was getting married! We went to college together and he always said that he’d never get married. I guess he found his dream girl in the end.

The church wedding was going to be at 3 p.m. and the reception would start at 7 p.m. at the reception hall .

I arrived at the church shortly before 3 p.m. and one of the ushers asked me if I was a friend of the bride or the groom. I told him that I was a friend of the groom and he sat me on the left side of the church. I saw Ulrich standing near the front of the church with the best man, and a few minutes later, the pianist started playing the wedding march. The flower girl and ring bearer walked down the aisle, followed by the bridesmaid. Then, the bride appeared wearing a beautiful wedding dress, walking with her father who was giving her away. The bride and groom exchanged vows and they were married. It was a simple and traditional ceremony.

At the reception, there was a lot of champagne. The best man made a toast that really embarrassed Ulrich, but it was all in good fun. I got a chance to talk to Ulrich and he seemed really happy. In fact, he was try to set me up with the bridesmaid. I guess it's true. All married people want to get all of their friends married. We'll see about that!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
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reception  --- party after a wedding or other event

usher --- a person who helps you to your seat  at wedding

best man --- the person who get married usually has a friend or more than one with him ,responsible witness for the marriage

wedding march ---  进行曲

ring bearer walked down the aisle --- ring bearer: bring the wedding rings to the best, usually young boy.       aisle: center of the church 过道, 通道

bridesmaid --- any girl or woman that is friend of the bride ,who is going to standing with her when she get married.                         maid: unmarried woman.

giving her away --- special in wedding, gives his daughter to the groom

exchanged vows --- promise be faithful

toast --- say sth funny or nice

all in good fun --- didn’t in a bad way , just for a joke

set me up with --- help sb getting together, to be romantic

We'll see about that --- I don’t think so

jiayi

November 13, 2009

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=482909

ESL Podcast 134 - Dating Someone's Ex

Marco: Hello.

Claudia: Hey, Marco? It's Claudia. Got a minute?

Marco: Sure. What's up?

Claudia: I'm just wondering what's going on with you and Beth. Are you guys still going out?

Marco: We went out for a while, but we never got serious. Why all the questions? Are you interested in Beth?

Claudia: (Laughs) No, I'm not interested but Shane is. He's been asking me about you guys. He wants to ask her out but he didn't know whether you guys were still together, or how you’d feel about him asking out your ex.

Marco: Why didn't he just ask me? Beth and I were casual and we haven't seen each other in months. He should go for it.

Claudia: Okay, I'll tell him. So, if you're not going out with Beth, who's the new girl?

Marco: Wouldn't you like to know. Actually, I've been seeing a great girl. I'm bringing her to the party on Saturday. You'll meet her then.

Claudia: Great. I'm bringing Lenny so you'll get to meet him, too. See you Saturday.

Marco: See ya.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Got a minute --- Do you have a minute to talk to me

what's going on with --- What’s the situation ,what’s happening between you two

got serious --- if dating, you are think about stay together for a long time or married.

Why all the questions --- Why are you asking me?

casual --- normally means relax

go for it --- Just do it

Wouldn’t you like to know --- sb want the information but you don’t think he need to know

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=463223
ESL Podcast 135 - Scheduling a Meeting
I needed to schedule a meeting for the three departments involved in a new project. I called each one to find a date that would work for all three of us.
Bruno: So, Nicola, would the day after tomorrow work for you?
Nicola: No, I'll be out of the office all day. Could we do it early next week or a week from today?
Bruno: I was hoping to schedule it as soon as possible. How about the end of this week?
Nicola: Well, I think that's okay. We could meet late Thursday or Friday. I'm free Thursday from 3 to 5, and on Friday from 10 to 1.
Bruno: Okay. Let me talk to Kumi and I'll let you know.
.
Bruno: Hi Kumi, can you make a meeting with Nicola and me this Thursday or Friday?
Kumi: Oh, I wish I could but I'll be in the Boise office starting tomorrow. How about the following week?
Bruno: I think we can do it early next week. Would Monday at 10 work for you?
Kumi: Sure, that's fine.
Bruno: Let me check with Nicola. You know, I think this would be much easier on email. I'll send Nicola a note and we can confirm on email.
Kumi: Okay, I'll look for your email.
You know, sometimes, I think scheduling a meeting is the hardest part of actually having a meeting!
Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
would work for --- is that good day for you?

Boise --- a city

check with --- talk to someone and make sure

early next week , the end of this week

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=443537

ESL Podcast 136 - Having a Baby

Patrick: Hey, congratulations! I just heard that you're expecting. How far along are you?

Cindy: Thanks. I'm four and a half months pregnant. It feels like it! I feel huge.

Patrick: You don't look it. I bet Carlos is excited. Do you know yet if it's a boy or a girl?

Cindy: No, we don't. Not yet. We should be able to find out at my next ultrasound. I don't care what sex the baby is as long as it's healthy. Carlos is really excited about the baby. He has been going with me to every prenatal appointment and we'll be taking a Lamaze class together soon.

Patrick: How was your first trimester? When my wife had our daughter, she had a lot of morning sickness .

Cindy: Oh, it was horrible! I was nauseous all the time, but I'm better now. Did your wife have a natural delivery or a cesarean ?

Patrick: She had a natural delivery, but she was in labor for 12 hours! I was in the delivery room the entire time and wish I had an epidural, too.

Cindy: Twelve hours! I can't imagine doing that.

Patrick: Don't think about it. I'm sure you'll have an easy delivery. Let me know when the baby shower will be.

Cindy: Thanks. I will.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

**************************************************
you're expecting --- for a woman ,she is pregnant.must use 'be expecting', can not say she expects....
Can also be used as 'be waiting for sth'.

How far along are you --- How many months pregnant are you?How soon will it be before you have a baby?

four and a half months pregnant --- in her womb

ultrasound --- [ˌʌltrəˈsaund] the doctor use a special machine to take a picture of the baby inside the womb 超声; 超声波

prenatal --- before the baby is born  [ˈpri:ˈneitl]  adj.出生以前的

Lamaze --- a class learn how to breathe in a certain way

trimester ---[traiˈmestə]n.三个月,学期  9months devide in 3 parts, each part call trimester.  divide sth in three. semster: divide sth in two   

morning sickness --- happened to some woman who is pregnant,especially for the first part of pregnant.

nauseous --- [ˈnɔ:sjəs]adj.令人作呕的,厌恶的   to feel sick  

natural delivery --- the baby is born in regular or normal way.

cesarean --- [siˈzeəriən] Ceasarean Section:剖宫产术 the baby is take out the womb by cutting, open a hole.

in labor --- prepare to have a baby, it's a time to baby come out from womb

epidural --- [ˌepiˈdjuərəl]adj.无痛分娩

baby shower --- a party usually before the baby born.

jiayi

November 19, 2009

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=433694

ESL Podcast 137 - Meeting an Out of Town Friend

Lucy: Hey Jeff, have you met my friend?

Jeff: No, I don't think I have.

Lucy: Well, this is my oldest and best friend, Marlene. She's visiting from out of town.

Jeff: Hi, I'm Jeff.

Marlene: Hi, it's nice meeting you.

Jeff: How long do you plan to be in town?

Marlene: I'm here for the long weekend, staying with Lucy. We're doing some catching up and I'm getting a break from work.

Jeff: Oh, what line of work are you in? Are you in the same field as Lucy?

Marlene: No, I'm in medicine. I'm a doctor actually, a pediatrician. I enjoy the work but it's nice to get away for a few days. What kind of work do you do?

Jeff: I work in the education field but what I really want to do is to become a professional singer.

Lucy: Jeff has a great voice. He sounds exactly like Frank Sinatra.

Marlene: Really?

Jeff: No, she's just kidding and Lucy knows that I can't sing. We went to a karaoke bar once and people actually offered me money NOT to sing.

Lucy: That was a lot of fun. We should do that again sometime.

Jeff: Sure, anytime. Oh, I'd better go. It was nice meeting you Marlene, and Lucy, I'll talk to you next week.

Marlene: Nice to meet you, too.

Lucy: Okay, later .

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
Special thanks to Dr. Marlene Rodriguez
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catching up --- here means that  she wants to talk to some her friends that she hasn’t talk to in a long time , find out how they ,find out how they doing.

what line of work are you in --- what do you do for a living? What’s  your profession? What’s your job.

pediatrician --- someone who works with children and young teen ages.  
                [ˌpi:di:əˈtrɪʃən] n. 1. 小儿科医师

karaoke bar  --- a place that you can sing songs  . [ˌkæriˈəʊki]  1. 卡拉OK

jiayi

November 20, 2009

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=414008

ESL Podcast 138 - Hotel Tour Desk

Sam: Hi, is this where I can get information on tours?

Nan: Yes, I can help you with that. What type of tour are you thinking about? There are some great city tours that are half-day or full-day.

Sam: You know, we've explored the city a lot since we've been here. I was actually thinking of a side trip .

Nan: Oh, sure. We have excursions to nearby attractions . There are one-day trips or two-day overnight trips, depending on which one you pick.

Sam: I think I'm interested in a hiking trip to the mountains. I'm big on nature. Are the overnight trips expensive?

Nan: Not at all. They are very moderately priced, starting at $120 and up. Here's a brochure on the three hiking tours that are available. All three are guided tours, and meals and transportation are included.

Sam: Do I need to book ahead?

Nan: Yes, this company requires that you make a reservation 24 hours ahead.

Sam: Great. I'll take a look at the brochure. Can I book that here at the hotel tour desk, or do I call the company directly?

Nan: I can book that for you. Just stop by when you've made a decision and I'll take care of it for you.

Sam: That's great. Thanks a lot for your help.

Nan: It's my pleasure. Let me know if you have any questions.

Sam: I will. Thanks.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

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explore --- to look at ,to visit different palces.  go somewhere there no no one has there before;

side trip --- a trip you take from the place you are visiting

excursions --- a short trip to some interesting place, usually last one day
                [iksˈkə:ʃən] n. 1. (尤指集体)远足, 短途旅行2. （短期的）涉足，涉猎

big on --- informal expression, you like it a lot .For example,  I am big on singing.

moderately priced --- it’s not expensive but it’s not cheap either.
        [ˈmɔdərətlɪ] adv. 1. 适度地,有节制地2. 普通地;温和度;不过度地3. 勉强的4. 适当地,中庸地

brochure --- a piece of paper gives you information about sth that you are interested buy
                [ˈbrəuʃuə] n. 1. 小册子

make a reservation ---预定

book ahead,  tour guide ,  overnight trip,  attractions ,  and up,  guided tours

jiayi

November 23, 2009

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=394322

ESL Podcast 139 - Job Layoffs

Phillip: So, have you heard the news?

Mary: No, what's up?

Phillip: I just heard that the company is planning to lay off 20 percent of the employees in the next two months.

Mary: You're kidding! I knew they were looking for some way to cut costs with the lower profits this quarter, but I didn't think that they would start laying people off.

Phillip: Yeah, it's hard to believe. That'll be hundreds of people losing their jobs. It's not just the salary. It means losing benefits, too. You know, I hope it's not going to be Sebastian. With three kids and a wife who's sick, that would really be a blow.

Mary: When will we know who's getting axed?

Phillip: I don't know if we'll get any warning. We might just get a pink slip on a Friday afternoon. Well, I'm going to start job hunting right now.

Mary: That's a good idea. The first thing I'm going to do is to call all of my friends and business contacts to let them know I'm on the market. Hopefully, I'll get a line on something soon. Thanks for letting me know.

Phillip: Sure. If I hear anything else, I'll let you know.

Mary: Thanks. I'll do the same.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
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lower profits this quarter --- lower/higher profits,   profit: the income they receive , quarter: 3 months

blow --- very bad thing    n. 1. 一击, 打击2. （用手、武器等的）猛击3. 吹4. 挫折

getting axed --- informal say: being fired

pink slip --- traditional way that notice you are fired

business contacts  --- contacts:  a term which is used in business to mean a person I know
for example: I have a contact at IBM

on the market --- looking for a job .   Also use:  the car is on the market

get a line on --- she’ll get some information to help her find a job
for example: I have a line on a good used car.

jiayi

November 24, 2009

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=384479

ESL Podcast 140 - Buying on the Internet

It's true that I don't like shopping. When I want to buy something, I do it online. I like buying on the Internet because I can easily do some comparison shopping and find the best price. It's easy, too.

Last week I wanted to buy some new headphones. I did a search and found a pair on sale at a store in New Jersey. I read the product description and knew that this was the right one. I added it to my shopping cart and I was ready to check out. The screen showed that I had one item in my basket and that it was in stock. I had a choice of shipping and I picked standard shipping for $5.95, rather than the expedited shipping for $12.95. I clicked the "continue" button and filled in my shipping address and my billing address. Then, it took me to the payment screen and I typed in my credit card number and expiration date. I clicked the "Purchase" button and I was done. I got a confirmation page with a tracking number. I checked the next day and it showed that my item had already been shipped.

Buying on the Internet is perfect for someone like me. Now, if only finding a girlfriend was just that easy

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
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comparison shopping --- looking at different stores to get their prices

headphones --- those things that you put on your ears to listen to music, news and so on.
                  A pair of headphones

shopping cart --- normally in the store, it’s what you push  that you put all of your food into it, it’s like big basket that has wheels on it.

in stock --- the store actually have the products .  opposite ---  out of stock.

expedited --- pay more money then they’ll send it faster.   [ˈekspɪˌdaɪt] . 加快进展2. 迅速完成