每日学英语

球球

真是一个好的办法哦，我也要开始学习写英文日记了

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3291335
ESL Podcast 238 – Traveling Off-Season
Kavita: What I wouldn’t give to get away for a little vacation!

Bill: Me, too, but we can’t afford it.

Kavita: Oh, I don’t know. It’s off-season in a lot of popular places right now, so it may be doable.

Bill: Maybe. We’d have to find some pretty deep discounts. There is a big advantage to traveling during the low season, though. It’s a lot less crowded.

Kavita: Yeah, I like that. I’ll see if I can find a package deal that includes airfare and lodgings. That may give us the best deal.

Bill: We have one thing going for us. We have flexible travel dates, which should make it easier to take advantage of any special promotions.

Kavita: That’s true. I'll start looking online and I’ll let you know what I find.

Bill: I know what a good bargain hunter you are, so if anyone can find a good deal, it’s you.

Kavita: I’m not at all sure I can find something we can afford, but it won’t be for a lack of trying. I really need that vacation!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
----------------------------------------------------------------
What I wouldn’t give -   I would do almost anything to be able to do something
Lodgings --- place to sleep/stay
We have one thing going for us --- we have advantage.
special promotions --- lower prices for something. ‘ It’s a special deal’  ‘(company) run promotions’
bargain hunter --- bargain: a good deal
but it won’t be for a lack of trying --- if it doesn’t work the reason will not be because I didn’t try hard enough
deep discounts, off season(opposite: high season),  low season , , so it may be doable

jiayi

真是一个好的办法哦，我也要开始学习写英文日记了
球球 发表于 2010-5-29 07:59

                               
登录/注册后可看大图

I am lazy, so it's a way to keep studying English.

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3301278
ESL Podcast 239 – A Birthday Party
My sister called me at the last minute to help her with my nephew’s birthday party. She was feeling really sick and couldn’t get out of bed. I’d never given a children’s party before, but how hard could it be? Well, I found out.

First, I had to go to the party supply store to get a few things. I couldn’t believe all of the stuff people could buy for children’s parties. There was an aisle with all kinds of party invitations and another one with party favors, streamers, and other decorations. Fortunately, my sister had already bought most of the things we needed earlier in the week. All I needed to pick up were some candles for the birthday cake and some helium balloons.

After the party supply store, I stopped at the grocery store to pick up the birthday cake. My sister had ordered it the week before, so all I had to do was to pay for it and to make sure nephew’s name was spelled correctly on the top in icing.

Two hours later, I was ready for the party. When the kids arrived with their parents, I took the birthday cards and presents they had brought, and I handed each child some party favors. I was so glad when the clown my sister had hired arrived, and she entertained the kids with games. I have never seen so many kids with so much energy! A little later, we sang “Happy Birthday,” my nephew blew out the candles, and we cut the cake. My nephew opened his presents and the kids played with his new toys. The kids had a good time and so did my nephew.

I have to hand it to my sister. I don’t know how she does it. After three hours with 15 young kids, I’m exhausted and my ears are ringing!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
---------------------------------------------------
at the last minute --- at the latest possible time before something happens                 ‘Students often do their assignment at the last minute’
aisle --- [ail] place where you walk in the store, usually there are things on both sides of the aisle.
party favors --- small gift that you give to people who come to your party, especially for children
streamers ---  a long , narrow piece of paper, usually a colored paper that you put on the walls and doors for the party
helium balloons --- helium: a special gas, make the balloon rise up the air
icing --- a sweet  ,usually colored ,mix of sugar, milk, butter that you use to write words on the cake.
‘It’s icing on the cake’: it’s a additional benefit.
to hand it to someone --- to say that someone did something very well
blew out the candles, my ears are ringing

那时枫叶

Definitely, Jiayi is not a lazy lady...I am...

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3321164
ESL Podcast 240 – Working Overtime
Jeremy: Hello.

Miranda: Hi, it’s me. I can’t make it home for dinner tonight. I’m working overtime.

Jeremy: Again? That’s the third time this week. I can’t believe your boss is making you do this.

Miranda: Don’t get mad, but I actually told him that I didn’t mind. I know I’ve been working long hours, but I don’t want to turn down the work. You know that I’m getting paid time and a half, and we need the money.

Jeremy: I know we do, but we’re getting by. What happened to a 40-hour workweek? You’ve been working at least 60. It’s not worth it for you to work your fingers to the bone no matter how strapped we are.

Miranda: I know. I know. It’s just that morale around this place is pretty low and I’m just trying to do my part. Just don’t gripe. Okay?

Jeremy: I’m not griping. I’m just worried about you. You come home after a long day, and you’re overworked and emotionally drained. That’s not fair to the kids.

Miranda: You’re right, but could we talk about it this weekend? I’ve really got to go. I promise we’ll work it all out then.

Jeremy: Okay, but what time are you coming home tonight?

Miranda: I’m not sure, but I’ll try to make it home in time to tuck the kids in.

Jeremy: All right. I’ll see you then.

Miranda: Bye.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
turn down --- to say no, not accept
we’re getting by ---  to have enough money to pay for the basic things in life
workweek --- the number of days that you normally work
to work your fingers to the bone --- to work very hard, many hours each day, to work too much
strapped --- to need money, not having very much money.  ‘ I am strapped for cash’
morale --- the way that a group of people feel, it’s the positive/negative feeling that a group of people might have, usually people who work together  [məˈræl] 士气; 斗志
gripe --- to complain
emotionally drained --- very tired without any energy [dren]  vt. & vi.  (使)流干, 排空，放光；(使)逐渐流走
work it all out --- talk to someone about the problem and to find a way to fix the problem
tuck the kids in --- to go to the bed ,maybe kiss them or hug them , tell good night, put the blanket on top of them, so they can fall a sleep

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3331107
ESL Podcast 241 – At the Bakery
Clerk: Hi, can I help you?

Leticia: Hi. I’m trying to make up my mind about which kind of dessert to get. Everything in the case looks delicious.

Clerk: Thanks. As you can see, we have a lot of different types of cookies, brownies, cakes, and muffins over here.

Leticia: Ooh, that cake looks wonderful. How many people does it serve?

Clerk: This one? It has three layers, and it serves between eight and 10 people, depending on how you slice it. If you like chocolate, you may like this one over here with the frosting and sprinkles.

Leticia: Oh, that looks good, too. Hmm. It’s so hard to decide. Why don’t I take the layer cake, and I’d like a dozen of these cookies, too.

Clerk: Our cookies, muffins, and scones always come in baker’s dozens. Can I get you anything else?

Leticia: I think I’d like a bag of those biscotti, too.

Clerk: Sure, no problem. Would you like the cookies and biscotti in the same box as the cake?

Leticia: No. Please put them in separate boxes, if you don’t mind.

Clerk: Not at all. Here you are.

Leticia: Thanks. We’ll be having an overload of sugar for the next few days!


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
in the case --- a large box that has glass windows , and inside the box that are for sale
frosting and sprinkles --- sprinkles: small pieces of color sugar, very hard    frosting: 霜状白糖,玻璃粉,无光泽面
scones ---  a small cake that you usually eat for breakfast西式小点 奶油乳酪司康
baker’s dozens --- 13, get a extra one
biscotti --- very dry, long, sweet cookie, usually with some other food that you often eat with coffee
overload of sugar --- have too much sugar

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3350993
ESL Podcast 242 – The Comedy Club
On Friday night, I went with a group of friends from work to a comedy club. I don’t really like sketch comedy, but I do like stand- up, and the comedian who was going to perform there was one of my favorites.

There were six of us and we were a pretty rowdy group. We stood in line outside, and when we got to the box office window, we paid the cover charge. The hostess showed us to a table right next to the stage and told us that there was a two-drink minimum. She took our drink orders and we waited for the opening act.

The first comic told a lot of political jokes and most of them fell flat. In fact, some of the people seated in the back started to boo him and he got off the stage pretty quickly. The MC came out and tried to get the hecklers to calm down by telling a few jokes of his own, and that did the trick.

The headliner finally came out and the crowd went crazy, clapping and cheering. He did some very funny improv and had us rolling in the aisles. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard!


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
comedy club --- bar that people stand up and tell jokes
comedian  --- [kəˈmidiən] 喜剧演员, 滑稽演员, 丑角

sketch comedy --- sketch: several short , funny things by group actors/comedians, it’s something that is script for it.
stand- up --- a kind of comedy, where one comedian stands up and talk to audios, and they tell jokes
rowdy --- noisy
box office window --- box office: a place where you buy ticket
cover charge --- amount of money that you have to pay in order to go into a comedy club or bar or a dance club, this is like price of ticket,     
two-drink minimum --- before you leave you must buy at least two drink.  A sort of additional charge that you have to pay
opening act --- the first part of the show/concert before the main performer.
comic --- a person who tells joke, another word for comedian
fall flat --- person try to do something but it doesn’t work, especially for someone telling a joke.  ‘The joke fell flat’  
to boo --- to make a sound to tell the performer that you don’t like him/her
The MC --- the person who introduces the performers/speakers
Hecklers ---  Someone who makes laud , noisy to interrupt performer
do the trick ---  to be successful.  
rolling in the aisles ---  to be laughing a lot

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3360936
ESL Podcast 243 – Speaking to a Store Clerk on the Phone
Clerk: Hello. Levin’s Music.

Ariel: Hello. I was wondering if you carry classical CD’s.

Clerk: Yes, we have a pretty large selection. What are you looking for?

Ariel: I’m trying to find the latest Reunion Island Ensemble CD.

Clerk: I’m not sure we have that in stock. We have a lot of CD’s on back order. Can I put you on hold while I check?

Ariel: Sure.

Clerk: Okay. We have one copy of their 2005 CD left. Is that the one you’re looking for?

Ariel: Yes, it is. How much is it?

Clerk: Let me check the price. It’s $17.95.

Ariel: That’s great. Could you hold that for me?

Clerk: We can reserve it for you for 24 hours. When you come in, just go to the customer service desk. What’s your name?

Ariel: It’s Ariel, A-R-I-E-L. What are your store hours?

Clerk: We’re open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 9 p.m., and 9:00 to 6:00 on weekends.

Ariel: I’ll be in later today to pick that up. Thanks a lot for your help.

Clerk: It’s no problem. Is there anything else I can help you with?

Ariel: No, that’s all. Thanks, again.

Clerk: You’re welcome and thanks for calling Levin’s.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
in stock  --- opposite: Out of stock
on back order --- Something that a customer want to buy but the store doesn’t have ,and so they have to get it from the place that makes it.  If a product is out of stock, they can order more, and when they order more that’s called back order.

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3380822

ESL Podcast 244 – Critiquing Someone’s Work

Noriko: Have you had a chance to look over Russ’s project? Walt: Yeah, I took a look at it yesterday. If you have a couple of minutes, I can give you my two cents. Noriko: Sure. Shoot. Walt: Well, it’s not what I envisioned when we gave him the charge to come up with a new design for the brochure. The cover isn’t bad, but I’m not crazy about the rest of it. Noriko: Why? What don’t you like? Walt: Well, I think Russ is off the mark to feature our older products, rather than our new ones. When I saw what he had come up with, I thought he was out in left field. We told him to focus on the latest products, didn’t we? Noriko: Yes, we did tell him that. I haven’t had a chance to look at the brochure closely myself, but I plan to this afternoon. So you think it needs work, huh? A lot of work? Walt: Let’s just say that there’s a lot of room for improvement. I’d be happy to meet with him to give him my comments, if you think that would help. Noriko: Why don’t you hold off until I’ve had a chance to go over the brochure this afternoon. I’ll set up a meeting for tomorrow and we can both give him some feedback on how to proceed. Walt: That’s okay with me. Thanks for taking the reins on this. Noriko: It’s no big deal. I’ll let you know later today about that meeting. Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

---------------------------
Critique --- criticize, to say what is wrong/right aobut someone's work, usually tell what they did wrong


give you my two cents --- give someone your opinion


Shoot --- informal way, go ahead, continue talking


envisioned --- to imagine, to have an idea about how something will be before it's actually done


brochure --- [ˈbrəuʃuə] n.  小册子


off the mark  --- to be wrong, usually means that someone didn't quite understand what was needed


out in left field --- to be crazy, not logical. In this case, probably not very useful.


hold off --- wait and do what they are planning on doing later, to delay it


taking the reins --- to be in control of something, to take the leadership.
                               reins: refers to what you use to control a horse

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3390765
ESL Podcast 245 – Characteristics of an Ideal Mate
I’ve been trying to set up my good friend, Rachid, with one of my single girlfriends, but I still wasn’t too sure what his type would be.

Tamara: So, tell me what you’re looking for in a woman.

Rachid: She has to be rich and hot!

Tamara: Come on! Be serious.

Rachid: Okay, okay, but I don’t know why married people are always trying to get their single friends married off. Is it because misery loves company?

Tamara: Stop being a smart aleck and answer the question.

Rachid: All right. I’m being serious now. What do I look for in a woman? I’d like someone who has a good sense of humor, someone who is kind-hearted and easy to talk to, and is supportive of me.

Tamara: What about vital statistics? Age, physical type?

Rachid: She has to be pretty, but I’m not too picky about whether she’s a blond, brunette, or redhead. She should be my height or shorter, and around my age or a few years younger or older.

Tamara: That helps a little to narrow down who may be a good match for you. Any deal killers?

Rachid: I don’t like women who are too chatty or who are too bossy. Otherwise, I have a pretty open mind when it comes to women.

Tamara: Okay, I can think of at least a couple of friends who may be willing to put up with you.

Rachid: Put up with me? Are you kidding? I’m a catch!

Tamara: Oh, geez. Finding somebody for you is going to be harder than I thought!


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
------------------------------------
ideal --- perfect


set someone up --- to help two people meet, so they can begin perhaps dating each other


misery loves company ---  同病相怜   misery :痛苦, 苦恼, 苦难


smart aleck --- someone who doesn't give serious answers, trys to give funny answers  自作聪明的人


vital statistics --- describe someone physical appearience   vital:adj 极重要的, 必不可少的


picky --- be very difficult to please


blond, brunette --- blond:yellow,light hair     brunette: dark hair


deal killers ---- something would someone decide not to do something.  arrangement killer.


chatty --- to talk a lot.                    chat room


put up with --- to tolerate, to be able to be with someone even though they are difficult to be with


(is a ) catch --- a person who is very desirable, many people would want to marry

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3420594

ESL Podcast 246 – Understanding Addresses

I was away from my office and needed to send some letters to clients. Unfortunately, I didn’t have their addresses, so I called the office secretary.

Christina: Hi, Jacob. I need your help getting the mailing addresses for a couple of clients.

Jacob: Sure. Which ones?

Christina: I need addresses for Jim Kelly and for Dr. Uemura.

Jacob: Okay. Jim Kelly’s address is...

Christina: I’m sorry Jacob, but my cell phone cut out and I didn’t hear you. Could you repeat the street address?

Jacob: Sure. It’s 1212 South Peabody Court, Lansing, Michigan, 48908.

Christina: I didn’t catch the end of the address. Did you say boulevard, avenue, or street?

Jacob: It’s actually court, and the street number again is 1212.

Christina: Thanks. I’ve got that. Could you also spell the street name?

Jacob: Sure. It’s P-E-A-B-O-D-Y. You know what? I see a note here that he’s in North Dakota until June. Let me give you that address. Mail should be sent to him in care of or to the attention of The Letty Institute, P.O. Box 345, Fargo, North Dakota, 58102.

Christina: Got it. How about an address for Dr. Uemura?

Jacob: Here it is. It’s 300 Goodman Building, University of Massachusetts, 234 Hitch Way, Amherst, Massachusetts.

Christina: Do you have the zip plus four?

Jacob: It’s 01003-9272.

Christina: Oh, I just realized that I only have Dr. Uemura’s last name. I want to include his first name, too, on the addressee line. Can you look that up for me?

Jacob: I’ve got it right here. His first name is Brent.

Christina: Thanks a lot, Jacob. You’ve been a big help.

Jacob: Don’t mention it.

--------------

Addresses for Jim Kelly:

Jim Kelly
1212 South Peabody Ct.
Lansing, MI 48908

“in care of”:
Jim Kelly
c/o The Letty Institute
P.O. Box 345
Fargo, ND 58102

“to the attention of”:
The Letty Institute
P.O. Box 345
Fargo, ND 58102
Attn: Jim Kelly
----------

Address for Dr. Uemura:

Dr. Brent Uemura
300 Goodman Bldg.
University of Massachusetts
234 Hitch Wy.
Amherst, MA 01003-9272


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
----------------------------------------------------------------


(cellphone) cut out --- temporary lose the sound


avenue, boulevard --- usually, avenue is bigger than street, boulevard like avenue, sometime has trees in the middle,seperating the lanes


court --- a street where there is very little traffic


in care of --- sending something to someone who is not permanently at that addresss
to the attention of --- same as 'in care of', sometimes used for someone who works in company


zip plus four --- zip/zip code, in USA, every area has their own zip code to help the post office deliver the mail, it's 5 numbers


01003-9272 --- dash:破折号   hyphen:连字符, 连(字)号

NEWJOURNEY

我也要开始坚持不懈地学英语了，加油！

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3410651

ESL Podcast 247 – Asking for Recommendations


Hotel Clerk: Can I help you with something?

Victor: Yes, I was hoping you could recommend a restaurant nearby.

Clerk: What kind of food would you like?

Victor: I’m not picky. I’m looking for something moderately priced that’s within walking distance.

Clerk: There’s a good seafood restaurant called “Galeno’s” about two blocks away. Would you like me to make a reservation for you?

Victor: Thanks, but that won’t be necessary. I need to check with my guest before deciding. By the way, I’ll be in town for four days, and I’d like to see the sights.

Clerk: Is this your first time here?

Victor: Yes, it is.

Clerk: Then, I’d suggest seeing our museums and the botanical gardens, and don’t miss the shopping district near downtown.

Victor: Can I get there on foot?

Clerk: I’m afraid not. You can take a taxi or a bus. We have a very good bus system. The other option is to take a tour. There are several tour companies that have day tours leaving from this hotel. Help yourself to their brochures. They’re over there.

Victor: Do you have a map showing where those sights are?

Clerk: Sure. Here you are. Is there anything else I can help you with?

Victor: No, that’s all. You’ve been a big help. Thanks.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
---------------------------------------
moderately --- not too expensive, not necessary sth with very low price, sth in between 适度地


to check with sb --- ask someon't opinion before deciding what to do


botanical gardens --- botanical: places where you find flowers and trees,usually very large area that has many different interesting plants     adj.植物学的


shopping district ---  a area in the city where there has many stores.  district:n.地区, 区域

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3440480
ESL Podcast 248 – Business Websites

I was hired to set up a website for a small bookstore and the owner knew very little about the Internet. I tried to find out what she wanted for her business website.

Octavio: Let me show you some websites I’ve designed. I have them all bookmarked. Okay, this is a website for a restaurant. As you can see, the homepage is fairly simple. The menu bar on the left-hand side allows visitors to navigate around the site.

Margaret: I like this layout a lot. Why are these words in a different color?

Octavio: Those are hyperlinks to other pages on the website. If you click on the text or the image, you’ll be taken to a different page.

Margaret: Oh, I see, so for my site, I can list the books I have for sale, and we can hyperlink each book title to a description of that book.

Octavio: Yes, that’s right. You’ll probably also want a search function so that people can type in the name of a book or the author to find out if you carry a specific book.

Margaret: Yes, definitely. Does it matter which browser customers use to look at my website?

Octavio: No, I’ll make sure that it’s compatible with all of the major browsers out there.

Margaret: Will people need to type in “www” before the web address?

Octavio: No, they should be able to just type in the name of the store and the domain, which in your case would be “.com.”

Margaret: Since I know so little about the Internet, do I have to learn HTML or some other type of computer language to maintain the site?

Octavio: No, not at all. Your website will have content management software installed that allows you to make basic changes. Once it’s done, I’ll show you how to use it. Should we look at a few more websites to get some other ideas for your site?

Margaret: That’s a great idea. Let’s do that.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
-----------------------------------------------------------------

compatible --- be able to work together  adj.可以并存的, 相容的, 协调的

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3450423
ESL Podcast 249 – At a Casino
Hanna: Where have you been? I’ve been trying to find you. I just won $80 from this slot machine. It’s not the jackpot, but now I’ve broken even.

Tad: That’s really great. Maybe some of your luck will rub off on me. I’m just about to see what the high rollers are doing. Do you want to come with me to check out the blackjack tables or roulette?

Hanna: I’m not that good at those high- stakes games, where people bet hundreds of dollars on a single play! I’d like to get the comps they get, but I don’t have that kind of money to gamble with.

Tad: Yeah, I wish I had somebody rich to bankroll me, too.

Hanna: I’ll just come and watch you play. You know, I wish I knew how to count cards. Then, I might try my hand at poker.

Tad: Don’t even think about counting cards. If you get caught, you’d get kicked out of this casino in a minute. Hey, there’s a poker tournament going on over there. I want to go watch that later. But first, I want to get my hands on some chips or some dice. I’m feeling lucky.

Hanna: Let’s go.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
--------------------------------------
slot machine --- a game machine where you put in a quater or dolllar in coins and you either push a button or pull a lever and that cause the numbers inside the machine to go around and if the imaages are same then you win a prize


jackpot ---  a large amount of money  ' I hit the jackpot'


break even --- to win.   , after you break even (point)  ,then you start to make profit


rub off on me --- move from one person to the other


high rollers --- people who spend a lot of money in casino


blackjack tables --- a card game when you try to get 21 points


roulette --- a game where a small ball is put into a moving run plate and their numbers on this plate  ball ...轮盘赌,点线机,


high- stakes --- sth is very risky

comps --- free

gamble --- bet/risk money on a game 赌博; 冒风险

bankroll --- to give money to someone 提供资金

count cards --- remember which cards have been played in a game

try my hand at --- do something for the first time, often when we are talking about a game

tournament --- [ˈtuənəmənt] a formal competition , a game to see who is the best player 锦标赛; 联赛

chips --- here are small round pieces of plastic that represent money

dice --- little pieces of plastic that are six sides on them, each side has a number , usually a little dot

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3470309
ESL Podcast 250 – Cheating on a Test
Oscar: What are you doing?

Elena: I’m getting ready for the test.

Oscar: By writing the answers on a cheat sheet? You’re not going to get away with that.

Elena: I got a “D” on the last test and I have to do better on this one. If I don’t get at least a “B,” I’m going to flunk this class.

Oscar: You’re taking a big risk. You could get suspended or expelled!

Elena: I know, but my final grade is on the line. And plus, I think that the worst that could happen is that I get an automatic F on the test. It’s not like I’m stealing a copy of the test or plagiarizing on an important assignment.

Oscar: Still, there’s no telling what Mr. McQuillan will do to you if he finds out. I’d let you copy off my test if I thought we could get away with it, but he always keeps a close eye on us during tests. That’s why I think you’re going to get caught.

Elena: It’s not like I have any choice, do I? It’s either cheating or going to summer school.

Oscar: I still think it’s a bad idea.

Elena: Then, just don’t think about it. Let me worry about it, okay?


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
==============================================
to get away with –be able to do sth bad without getting in trouble
to flunk --- fail a class, not to pass the class    不及格，留级
suspend sb --- not allow sb to go to the classes as a punishment暂时中止运动员上场比赛；禁赛,暂停
expel --- not allow someone to go to the classes at all as a punishment
plagiarize --- copy another person’s writing for your paper and say it’s your writing剽窃,抄袭
there’s no telling --- Nobody knows

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3480252
ESL Podcast 251 – Stranger on an Airplane
Fay: Excuse me. I’m in the window seat.

Dustin: Oh, sure. Let me get up and let you in.

Fay: Thanks.

Dustin: Are you traveling on business?

Fay: Yes, I am. I’m changing planes in Denver on my way to South Carolina, and then I’m off to Georgia on Wednesday. There’s no rest for the wicked.

Dustin: That’s a lot of traveling. Doesn’t your husband or boyfriend mind?

Fay: Oh, I’m not married or seeing anyone. How about you? Where are you headed?

Dustin: I’m going to Jacksonville, Florida to visit my parents for a few days, but I’ll be back in Los Angeles by next weekend. Are you from L.A. originally?

Fay: No, I was born and raised in Kentucky, but I’ve been living in L.A. for the past four years. What part of L.A. do you live in?

Dustin: I live not too far from the airport in Westchester. Have you heard of it?

Fay: That’s a coincidence! I just rented an apartment in Westchester and I’m moving in when I get back. With all of this traveling, it made sense to move closer to the airport.

Dustin: That seems like a wise move. You know, since I’m in the neighborhood, let me know if you need any help moving. I’d also be happy to show you around and give you the rundown on some of the better restaurants in the area. Here’s my card. The number on the bottom is my cell phone.

Fay: Thanks. That would really be nice. By the way, I’m Fay.

Dustin: I’m Dustin. It’s nice to meet you.

Fay: You, too.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
There’s no rest for the wicked --- you have to continue doing sth, even though you want to stop
wicked: people who are bad. The joke is that because you are bad person you have to continue working

Coincidence --- when two things happen at the same time and you are surprised.  ‘ what a coincidence!’   ‘That’s a coincidence’

give you the rundown --- to give them a description of sth

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3510081
ESL Podcast 252 – A Workers Strike
Masako: I think we should strike. We need to force management to listen to our grievances.

Salvador: Hold on. I think you’re being too hasty. It’s up to our union to call a strike, not the workers.

Masako: I’m not suggesting a formal strike, but we could organize a sickout. That would send a message that we mean business.

Salvador: Yeah, but that may also get their backs up. We need to give collective bargaining a chance to get us the contract we want.

Masako: The union has been negotiating for two months and things have stalled. We need to do something to put pressure on the company to come to our terms. At the very least, we should picket outside the building.

Salvador: We should only do that if there’s a strike. We don’t want to make employees feel like they’re crossing the picket line every time they come to work. That would be bad for morale.

Masako: Nobody’s going to feel like a scab if they all know why we’re picketing. Let’s call a meeting and see what everyone else thinks.

Salvador: You can do that if you want, but count me out. I’m going to let the union do its job.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
=========================================================
Grievance --- [ˈɡrivəns]  complaint
Hasty --- too fast [ˈhesti]
Sickout --- It’s a kind of protest, like a strike. All of the workers stay home for a day/two days and say they are sick.
mean business --- to be serious
get their backs up --- to annoy someone
collective bargaining --- all the workers get together and they bargain with the company
collective: all together  bargaining: when you talk to the management about what the pay should be , and you come to an agreement.
negotiate --- [nɪˈɡoʃiˌet] vt & vi 谈判; 磋商; 协商; 议定; 商定; 达成协议
stall --- be delayed
to come to our terms ---  to agree with someone.    terms: the details
picket --- to protest
they’re crossing the picket line --- go and work for the company even though the workers are on strike
morale --- [məˈræl] n. 士气; 斗志
scab ---  very negative in sorting term for a person who crosses a picket line, who goes to work at a company where there is a strike
count me out --- not to include someone

jiayi

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=3520024
ESL Podcast 253 – Traveling by Train
Katerina: Hey, Joel. Have you ever traveled by train?

Joel: Only once, and that was a long time ago when I lived in Orlando. I’m not even sure where the train station is in this city. Why do you ask?

Katerina: I need to go to San Francisco at the end of May for a friend’s wedding, and I’m thinking about taking a train instead of flying.

Joel: That’s a long trip from Chicago, with a lot of stops. How many days does it take to get there?

Katerina: I just printed out the timetable. Let me see...It looks like it’ll take about four-and- a-half days. I would depart, say, on Tuesday morning and arrive on Saturday afternoon.

Joel: Can I see that? It looks like there are good on-board services, with a dining car and a lounge car on each train.

Katerina: Yeah, I like that. I don’t know if I should go coach or business class. I suppose that’ll depend on the fare. I’ve heard that the sleeping cars are pretty comfortable, too, so I’m glad about that.

Joel: What day of the week do you have to leave?

Katerina: Let me look at the days of operation. This service runs daily, so that’s convenient. I’m going to look online to see how much it’ll cost. It’ll be nice to take a train for a change.

Joel: Let me know what you find out and what you decide. Maybe I’ll look into it for my trip to Washington in September.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
=========================================================
on-board services --- on-board: means the things are on the train
lounge car --- lounge: [laʊndʒ]  a section with comfortable chairs , things to read, maybe some drinks for the passengers, it’s a place to relax on the train
go coach or business class --- coach: the least expensive seat on a train or a plane
look into it --- investigate/research sth, to learn more about sth.
timetable , depart, day of the week, days of operation