Words:
case
party
landmark decision
inferior
to rule
to enroll
to desegregate
yearbook
keepsake
peers
hairdos
autograph
indeed
none of them is/are
down to the wire

Maggie: What did you think of the book you started last week?

Kurt: Oh, I liked it well enough.

Maggie: Wow, that’s a glowing recommendation.

Kurt: Well, it started off with a bang and the suspense in the first half was great. I couldn’t put it down. Then, the pace changed in the second half and it was an effort to finish it.

Maggie: Really? I read it a few months ago and I loved it. I thought the characterization was really good. I could really relate to the two main characters.

Kurt: Yeah, that’s true enough, but the plot dragged, don’t you think? The author just couldn’t pull it off and the ending was laughable.

Maggie: I really liked the ending! I can’t wait for the sequel.

Kurt: Well, that makes one of us.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Part of my job as school principal is to hand out awards and scholarships to students. We recently had a ceremony to do just that.
_________

Principal: Miguel, I want to commend you for your work this year and congratulate you for winning the science award. It is well deserved.

The recipient of this year’s community service award is Monique for her outstanding achievements. My heartiest congratulations to you, Monique.

I am also very proud of another one of our students, Yugo, who has been awarded the ESL Podcast award. This prestigious award honors the achievements of outstanding students. Yugo, a job well done.

Finally, we are also honoring one of our teachers today. For her dedication to her students and to the school, we are recognizing the achievements of Ms. Niehbur. I cannot imagine a more deserving teacher. Please accept my sincere congratulations.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
mint
coins
circulation
worn out
to melt down
to deface
pennies
auction
high-end
antique
bid
cash
cache
cachet
to listen to
to listen for

Tandia: Do you want these want ads after I’m finished with them?

Hank: No, I’m not going to find my dream job in the classifieds. I’m going to have to get more creative with my job search.

Tandia: What are you looking for?

Hank: I want a job that’s rewarding and fast-paced, and with good growth potential, but all I see are dead-end jobs.

Tandia: I know what you mean. I’m looking for something that’s challenging, but also with flexible work hours. All of my friends have great jobs. Why can’t I land one of them?

Hank: Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we need a better game plan.

Tandia: What do you have in mind?

Hank: I’m not sure, but we need to get noticed.

Tandia: Why don’t you take out a billboard? That should get you noticed.

Hank: Hey, that’s really thinking out of the box.

Tandia: I was joking!

Hank: I’m not. That’s an inspired idea. Now what should we put on the billboard?

Tandia: You’re crazy!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Becky: I want to thank all of you for coming today. I think we all agree that we need to organize a protest...

Pedro: Hold on, Becky. We all want to voice our opinion that we oppose what is going on here, but I’m not sure a protest is the answer.

Becky: With all due respect, Pedro, I think a rally is the best way to do that.

Pedro: That may be, but I think we need to consider a few things first. Taking to the streets means coordinating a lot of people. That means getting them to show up, to march, and to hold up signs. I’m not sure we have enough time to pull it all off.

Becky: Don’t get me wrong. I’m not in favor of doing anything half-assed. If we decide to protest, we want to do it right so that we get a lot of media coverage. I’m confident that we have enough people and time to get it all done.

Pedro: Okay, but another thing we should be ready for is a counter protest. The other side isn’t going to take things lying down.

Becky: You’re right, and we’ll take that into consideration. Is there any more discussion before we start on the planning? No? Okay, let’s get down to business.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Brenda: It’s fun shopping for a new cell phone, don’t you think?

Yoji: Sure, but I just need one with the bare basics.

Brenda: Not me. I want one that’s top-of-the-line. My old phone was cheap and flimsy, and it started acting up after only a few months.

Yoji: I want something that’s good quality, but I don’t think I should have to pay top dollar for it, especially since I don’t need the bells and whistles.

Brenda: The bells and whistles are the best part!

Yoji: I like this one. It seems sturdy and it should last me for years.

Brenda: That is one ugly phone!

Yoji: I don’t care about its looks. I just want something functional and that won’t fall apart.

Brenda: I’m not arguing for style over substance, but that phone is hideous.

Yoji: I’ll get over it.

Brenda: Yes, but I’m not sure I will!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Spencer: I’m practicing making drinks for the party tonight. Do you want to try one?

Heidi: You’re the bartender? I didn’t know you knew how to mix drinks.

Spencer: I can hold my own. Okay, name it and I’ll make it – any mixed drink or cocktail.

Heidi: Okay, I’ll have a Screwdriver.

Spencer: A Screwdriver? Hmm...what’s in that?

Heidi: Aren’t you supposed to know, Mr. Bartender?

Spencer: I’ve never made one of those before, that’s all. Try something else.

Heidi: How about a Bloody Mary?

Spencer: A Bloody Mary, a Bloody Mary...do you want that on the rocks?

Heidi: Sure, that’ll be great.

Spencer: Here you are – a Bloody Mary in a highball. Enjoy!

Heidi: [Makes a gagging sound] This doesn’t taste like a Bloody Mary. It tastes like you poured an entire bottle of alcohol into this.

Spencer: Oh, come on. It’s not that bad. Here, I’ll add a little soda, and oh, I forgot the garnish.

Heidi: I don’t think that’s going to help. Can I give you some advice? Stick to shots and drinks served straight up.

Spencer: Ah, don’t lose faith in me. Let me make you one more drink.

Heidi: Okay, but make it virgin. My mouth is still on fire from the last one.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
foundation
wish
to come true
to grant
to be (something) when one grows up
honorary
archipelago
hurricane
ecotourism
scuba diving
cruise ships
seashell
southernmost point
must
have to
ought to
need to
nuts and bolts
to buy

Chang: I don’t mean to be nosey, but all of those bills are red or pink. Are you behind on all of those bills?

Ilya: I am, but it’s no big deal. I can catch up on them next month.

Chang: You know that being late on bills is bad for your credit score, right? You also have to pay exorbitant interest if you have credit card debt.

Ilya: Don’t worry about it. Everything will be fine.

Chang: I’m only speaking from experience. When I first started working, I had a loan that I defaulted on and I ran up my credit cards. I had to borrow money from my family and friends to pay my bills. I was so desperate at one point, I even went to see a loan shark.

Ilya: Did he lend you money?

Chang: I decided against borrowing money from him after talking to my brother about it. With his help, I found a good credit counselor and got my finances under control. My two main creditors agreed to defer payment for a couple of months, but not before I sold my car and most of what I owned to raise money.

Ilya: Maybe I can do that.

Chang: Do what?

Ilya: Work with a credit counselor so I don’t have to pay my bills.

Chang: You’ve got it all wrong. It took me years to pay off those bills. I just didn’t have debt collectors calling me at all hours of the day, that’s all. A little advice: A little restraint now will save you a lot of pain.

Ilya: Okay, okay. I got the message. Remind me never to pay my bills in front of you again!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

I never read food labels until I started going out with Wendy. She’s studying to be a nutritionist. When we go grocery shopping, she reads every label.
_____________

Wendy: You’re not buying that, are you?

Ichirou: Well, I was thinking about it. Why?

Wendy: Each serving size has 30 grams of fat, and 10 of those are trans fat. The sodium level is through the roof, and it’s full of carbohydrates. Do you really want to put that in your body?

Ichirou: Um, I guess not.

Wendy: What are these cookies doing in the basket?

Ichirou: Those are my favorite. I always get them. I got the low-fat kind, see?

Wendy: Even so, they’re full of calories. They may be reduced fat, but they’re not low fat. You don’t eat this kind of cereal do you?

Ichirou: Yeah, I do.

Wendy: Look at the percent daily values. You get nearly no nutrients and no dietary fiber, and it’s full of sugar.
_____________

I really like Wendy, but I’m not sure how long I can take this. She has the best of intentions, but will my stomach ever forgive me if I keep going out with her? That’s the question.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
cult
imaginary
satanic
to spread
to brainwash
megalomaniacal
deluded
to impose
connotation
sect
at a crossroads
structure
unpaid bill
mainstream
predominant
wide open
constraint
innovation
freedom
liberty

Kerry: We’re almost done with the shopping. We just need some underwear for you and some unmentionables for me.

Russell: It’s perfectly acceptable for women to buy men’s underwear, but do I have to go into the lingerie store? All of the women in the store laugh at me.

Kerry: No, they don’t. I just need a few things. Here we are. Okay, I need a new bra with underwire, and I need a strapless one, too. Do you see any in a B cup?

Russell: I’m not helping you look. I’m standing over here where nobody can see me.

Kerry: Fine. Let’s see, I need some panties and a slip, too. Oh, these pantyhose are on sale.

Russell: Can you please hurry up? That woman over there is snickering.

Kerry: She’s only laughing because you look so uncomfortable. Okay, I’m done. Let’s go get your underwear.

Russell: Thank God! I just need some new boxers with a comfortable waistband and a button fly.

Kerry: I thought you liked the boxer briefs I bought before, you know, the seamless ones.

Russell: I tried them, but they were too small. I think I’d actually like to try some regular briefs. Here are some over here.

Kerry: You’d better look again. Those are g-strings. If you insist on buying those, it’ll be my turn to hide.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Kevin: I know a lot of people are doing it, but I’m not so sure about trying an Internet dating service.

Eun: What do you have to lose? This website says that it screens all of its members. Let’s look at some of the profiles.

Kevin: All right. We have to select the criteria for a search. Let’s see...gender – “female”; location – “Los Angeles”; age range – “26 to 35.”

Eun: Wow, you got 243 hits. I think you’d better narrow down the search criteria.

Kevin: Okay, I’ll search for people who live within a 50-mile radius. That gives us 72 hits.

Eun: Click on that one. Let’s see. This woman is 29 and she’s an accountant. She’s very pretty.

Kevin: Do you think people would upload any photos that weren’t flattering?

Eun: Still, I think she’s promising, don’t you? Anyway, who doesn’t tell a few white lies in their dating profile? It’s not like you’re misrepresenting yourself. If you sign up for a trial membership, you’ll have to do the same thing.

Kevin: Will I? What will I need to lie about?

Eun: Nothing, nothing. You’re perfect just the way you are.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
election
mandatory
to register to vote
to fill out
democracy
to get out the vote
voter drives
soldier
veteran
benefits
economy
social legislation
growl
groan
mutter
personnel
to be fond of

Lon: What’s this?

Abigail: It’s a memo about a safety inspection scheduled for next week.

Lon: A safety inspection? How are we ever going to pass a safety inspection?

Abigail: What do you mean? This isn’t an unsafe workplace. We’ve had a good record. None of our employees have had on-the-job injuries this year and we’ve never had a fatality. I don’t understand why you’re so worried.

Lon: From what I’ve heard, the inspectors don’t just look at injury rates. They look for the smallest hazard that may be remotely dangerous. If we get cited, we may be shut down.

Abigail: With all due respect, I don’t think that’s how it works. Yes, the inspector will look at our work environment and our gear and machinery to make sure there are no hazards or toxic substances.

Lon: That’s what I’m worried about.

Abigail: But, if they find a violation, we’ll get a chance to fix the problem. They won’t shut us down without giving us a chance to comply with their safety standards.

Lon: I sure hope you’re right.

Abigail: Me, too. We’ll know after next week’s inspection.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Joni: Smell that!

Giuseppe: Smell what?

Joni: Smell that fresh air. Aren’t you glad I got you to help me plant this garden? We’re going to have so much fun today.

Giuseppe: Uh huh. I’m glad to help, but I don’t exactly have a green thumb.

Joni: That’s okay. As long as you can tell a shovel from a lawn mower, you’ll be fine. Let’s start by moving these pots next to the bushes.

Giuseppe: Okay, your wish is my command.

Joni: Oh, this bag of fertilizer is so heavy.

Giuseppe: Let me get that.

Joni: Thanks. I didn’t know we had so many large bags of seeds, too.

Giuseppe: Do you want me to help you with those?

Joni: Thanks a lot. I’ll also need someone to help me hoe this soil.

Giuseppe: I guess I could do that.

Joni: And how am I going to pull all of these weeds?

Giuseppe: Honestly, I think we need reinforcements.

Joni: Good idea. You start working and I’ll go see if I can round up more help. [She leaves.]

Giuseppe: I start working while she leaves? Hmm...I think she just pulled a fast one on me.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
to grill
competition
judge
chili
recipe
to sample
sponsor
code
sanitary
inspection
grade
to revoke
evangelist
to look forward to
sandwich
hamburger

Buck: I’m never going to that coffee house again!

Star: Why? What happened?

Buck: It’s the third time in a week that I’ve had lousy service. I don’t expect five-star treatment, but I do expect service industry employees to be at least civil.

Star: What happened this time?

Buck: I walked in and went up to the counter to place my order. The woman working there was talking to her friend, another customer. I stood there, clearly needing to be waited on and she couldn’t have cared less.

Star: You mean she didn’t even acknowledge you?

Buck: Are you kidding? She didn’t stop talking for one second. When she finally took a breath, I told her my order. She gave me a dirty look and finally turned around to get my coffee. She practically threw it at me!

Star: Well, maybe she was having a bad day. At least you got your coffee.

Buck: I got a cup of coffee, but not the kind I ordered. When I realized it, I went back to the counter and she was still talking to her friend. I interrupted her and told her that I got the wrong order. She had the chutzpah to try to tell me that I had made a mistake in telling her my order. Not only did she not take responsibility for her mistake, she tried to tell me that it was my fault!

Star: That’s really infuriating. What are you going to do?

Buck: One good thing about her talking with her friend for so long is that I got her name. I’ll be calling the manager to complain.

Star: Aren’t you overreacting?

Buck: No, I’m not. She’s lucky I didn’t pour the coffee over her head!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Joyce: We need to apply for our passports now if we want to have them in time for our trip to McQuillanland.

Steven: I have a passport.

Joyce: Yes, but it expired last year. You need to renew it before you can get a visa. McQuillanland requires a visa and vaccinations before they’ll allow entry into the country.

Steven: Okay, okay, where is the application? I thought U.S. citizens could travel freely in McQuillanland.

Joyce: That used to be true, but their policies have changed. We also need to bring our applications to their consulate in person, with all of the supporting documents.

Steven: Fine. The application asks which visa classification we’re applying for. Should I check student or tourist?

Joyce: Even though we’re taking a language course while we’re there, we’re asking for a tourist visa. We can stay for three months on a tourist visa.

Steven: What are they going to do if we overstay our visa, deport us?

Joyce: Yes they will, and you don’t want to deal with the McQuillanland authorities. They’re not known for being kind to lawbreakers.

Steven: Those McQuillanlanders are my kind of people.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
magnate
publisher
to put a lot of something into something
municipal
corruption
circulation
yellow journalism
influence
population
to drop
to learn by heart
to leave it at that
please
to remind
to remember

Hello, business students. I’m here today at your professor’s request to talk to you about the importance of finding your own niche in business. Conventional wisdom says that people in business need to diversify their skill sets so that they can be the most flexible in whatever field they decide to enter. While there is some truth to this, that’s only half of the picture.

Those who diversify too much run the risk of being a jack of all trades and master of none. Not having a focused set of skills may also be seen as indecisive from the standpoint of a potential employer, and your application may fall by the wayside as a result. Having a niche will help you stand out in the crowd.

In business, it’s a balancing act between having the general skills that any company will want, and also possessing specialized skills that will make you the go-to person in your organization. Keep this in mind and you’ll go far.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Ray: My mother is coming for a visit, which means we need to do some spring cleaning this weekend.

Debra: I’ll get the duster, if you’ll get the broom.

Ray: I’m serious. You know how nit-picky my mother is and I want our house to be neat and tidy.

Debra: Fine, fine, I understand. You don’t want her to know we live in a pigsty.

Ray: I’m not saying we live in a pigsty, but the house is a little messy and dusty. It wouldn’t hurt to straighten up a little bit, that’s all.

Debra: I’m willing to pitch in, but I’m not going to spend the entire weekend slaving away to get this house spotless. Your mother won’t love you any less if you’re not a neat freak.

Ray: You don’t know my mother very well.

Debra: I know her well enough. I don’t want to spoil her fun. If she can’t complain about our dirty house, what will she complain about?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
to persecute
temple
canyon
to be home to
admissions
to get a feel for
due
rank
top-tier school
back-up school
to enroll
deferred admission
interior
so much for
to want out

Ben: Why are you squinting like that?

Lauren: I left my glasses at the office.

Ben: You mean you can’t see?!

Lauren: I can see pretty well. What was that yellow sign we just passed?

Ben: It said, “Dead End.” Stop! Turn around.

Lauren: I can’t. That sign says, “No U-turn.”

Ben: Okay, but we can’t keep going. Those signs say, “Do Not Enter” and “One Way.”

Lauren: Okay, fine. I’ll just pull off the road and you can drive.

Ben: You can’t. That sign says, “No Stopping.” Hey, you just made an illegal U-turn!

Lauren: What else could I do? Anyway, we’re back on track now.

Ben: Watch out for those speed bumps! You really are blind without your glasses. You’re going too fast. According to that sign, this is a school crossing zone. The posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour.

Lauren: That’s only true when the lights are flashing. Is that a “Detour” sign?

Ben: I can’t believe it. Will I never get home?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Andre: Mom, I can’t believe I got stuck with Matt as my lab partner in school.

Josephine: Matt? Do I know Matt?

Andre: He lives down the street. He’s Mr. and Mrs. Kemp’s son. He’s a total airhead.

Josephine: Oh, I remember him. He was at your birthday party.

Andre: Yeah, when I was nine years old! That guy is so dense!

Josephine: Matt was always considered a gifted child. He seemed bright and perceptive, and his parents thought he’d go far.

Andre: If you ask me, he’s not all there. Every time I look over at him in class, he’s staring off into space. He doesn’t seem like the kind who’s very quick on the uptake.

Josephine: You know, some very smart people can seem spacey to the rest of us. Maybe he’s just thinking when he stares off into space.

Andre: Maybe. All I know is that my science grade is riding on how we do in the lab, so I hope he shapes up.

Josephine: I’m sure he will. And even if he doesn’t, you’re clever enough to still do well in the class.

Andre: Thanks, Mom, but I wouldn’t bet on it!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
to be doing
veggie
grass-fed
organic
salad bar
to line up
to segue
processed food
refined
high fructose corn syrup
whole food
with an eye in the long run toward...
furthermore
moreover
besides
to give the wink-wink
thrill

Joachim: I’m really having second thoughts about hiring a firm to do corporate spying for us. I don’t want to do anything that’s ethically questionable.

Dawn: We have no choice but to do it. All of our competitors conduct corporate espionage.

Joachim: I can understand spying on our competitors, but I draw the line at having us snoop on our own employees.

Dawn: We wouldn’t unless our backs were against the wall. I know you’re thinking about Hewer Placket hiring investigators to find a leak in their company. I’m sure it was a hard decision for them, but they couldn’t allow anyone in their own company to leak trade secrets.

Joachim: True, it was necessary, but I don’t like being deceptive with our own employees. I won’t allow wiretaps or any invasion of privacy.

Dawn: Our first priority would be damage control, not privacy. In any case, we’re not making a decision to spy within the company right now. We’re only after our rival’s information. The investigators we’re hiring know the difference between legal and illegal spying. They’ll schmooze at trade shows, scour legal records, and do other things like that. They’ll know where to draw the line.

Joachim: I hope you’re right. I don’t want to end up on the front page of the Times!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Frank: Hand me that bag of potato chips.

Katie: Here. You mean you’re still hungry after two burgers and French fries?

Frank: Yeah, I am. I’m a growing boy. Where’s the popcorn?

Katie: I can’t believe we’re eating all of this junk food. I’m supposed to be watching what I eat.

Frank: Forget about it. Who can watch a football game without stuffing their faces? It’s an American tradition.

Katie: Where did you get those candy bars?

Frank: Some kids were selling them door-to-door and I thought it was my duty to buy some.

Katie: It was your duty to buy 10 candy bars?!

Frank: What can I say? I’m a softy.

Katie: I’m getting another soda. Do you want one?

Frank: No, thanks. But while you’re up, can you hand me the phone?

Katie: Sure, why?

Frank: I’m ordering a pizza.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
Immigration
to resent
act
to exclude
citizen
ethnic
to repeal
library
to check out books
Congress
collection
significant
anyway
however
to make (someone) earn (something)

So, the first question is: “How did the podcast get started?” Well, back in the spring of 2005, three years ago, I read about podcasting in the newspaper and I decided to investigate it and learn about it. It sounded very interesting, a very good way to reach many people directly, and I wanted to do some more English teaching over the Internet. And on July 22nd, 2005 we had our first ESL Podcast episode, and here we are three years later.

The podcast originally was done by me during the first week or two, and then Dr. Lucy Tse came and started writing the scripts and helping produce the podcast, and basically making it more professional, and Lucy and I now work together as a team to do that.

We also have other people that help us now with the podcast in different ways. Adriano, our webmaster, is an excellent technical person, and he helps us with all of the website information that we need. We have Jessica, who does a lot of our writing, especially for the Learning Guides, and she also now does some customer service. She helps us with our communications with you, the listener. And we also have Sue, who does what we call postproduction. She does all of the editing and putting the audio together and making sure everything sounds good, and she also does some video editing. So, Sue is an expert in many things. And, we are very lucky to have someone as talented as Adriano, someone as smart and as creative as Jessica, and someone who’s such an expert in all things technical, that being Sue.

Next question is: “How did we think people would receive the podcast? Did we think it would be a success?” And the answer is absolutely not. We were very surprised, shocked when we got 100 listeners, and then 500 listeners, and soon after 1,000 listeners. Now we have thousands and thousands of listeners all over the world, and we are very happy but very surprised, and we have always been surprised by that.

Someone asked: “How long does it take to record and produce the podcast?” Well, if you start from the writing of the script, which Lucy does, and the Learning Guides, and recording, and the editing, and the web work, and all the rest, it’s probably a total time for all of us together of somewhere between 10 and 12 hours per episode – each episode. So, we do three episodes a week plus we do special courses, so it’s – it’s a very big job, but we love doing it. We really enjoy it.

Someone was commenting on my reading of the scripts and wanted to know if I had an acting career – if I was an actor. Well, I live here in Hollywood, in Los Angeles, and actually I was an actor many years ago, more than 20 years ago. I was in a movie, you may have heard of it, called Star Wars with Harrison Ford. Harrison’s a great guy! I was the character called Chewbacca, who was the big gorilla with all the hair all over his body. That was me! And unfortunately, as you can see no more hair, so no more acting jobs for me.

When did Lucy and I first meet? Well, Lucy and I met more than 15 years ago. We met in graduate school. We were both studying here in Southern California and we met at, I think, the first class we had together. We were studying the similar subject. We also worked in the same building, teaching English to international students at the university. So we’ve known each other for a very long time.

Now, some of you have also asked questions of Lucy, and many of you wanted to see what Lucy looks like. So, I’m going to invite Lucy. Lucy, would you like to come and sit down?

Lucy: Sure. Hi Jeff. Hi everybody.

Jeff: Hi Lucy. Thank you for coming.

Lucy: Um...Jeff, you’re the tech expert, but are you sure the camera is on both of us?

Jeff: Yeah, let me see here. Yup, there it is. It’s there, it’s there.

Lucy: Okay. Some of you asked questions of me as well, so I’ll answer a few of those. One of you wanted to know how I came up with the script ideas for the podcast.

To me, the scripts are just a small part of the podcast, really. Jeff does all of the hard work. Coming up with the script ideas isn’t that difficult. I try to think of situations that are common or that may be helpful, and then I write a script around that. Some of the script ideas are sent to us from the listeners, like you, and I want to thank all of you for your suggestions. Those are very, very helpful to me. For me, writing the scripts is one of the best parts of my job; it’s really fun to do.

Another question is: “What is it like working with Jeff?” As Jeff said, we have known each other for many, many years. In the old days, when we were graduate students and then later as professors, we worked with each other quite a lot doing research and doing writing projects. We both have strong opinions, but since Jeff has all the good ideas, and he’s always right, it’s great working with him. There’s a saying: “What you see is what you get.” Jeff, on the podcast, is the way he is in real life. He’s very funny, and he sings just as well as he does on the podcast. I know, because my office is right next to his!

And the last question we’re going to be answering is for both of us. A listener wanted to know if we get tired of doing the podcast. What about you, Jeff?

Jeff: No, I don’t get tired of doing the podcast. I love doing the podcast. I love doing the recording and all of the other things. So no, I have not and do not get tired of the podcast.

Lucy: Me, neither. I like the creative part of it, thinking of new ideas, the writing part of it, and I love hearing from our listeners. So, I can imagine doing this for the next...oh...20 years. Right Jeff?

Jeff: 20? 20 years?

Lucy: 20 years.

Jeff: Um...sure, yeah! 20 years, absolutely.

Lucy: Yeah.

Jeff: Mmhmm.

Lucy: I think we’re out of time. Like Jeff, I want to thank all of our fabulous listeners for their support, especially our members and our donors who make it possible for us to continue our work and allow us to continue producing these podcasts. So, Jeff, would you like to do a little singing for us before we leave?

Jeff: Well...uh...I would. Thank you, Lucy, for asking me. And I want to thank Lucy Tse, here, for coming on, and especially for being on camera like this, and so people can see you. I think that’s really important.

Lucy: Now that everyone sees what I look like, there’s no mystery anymore.

Jeff: Right. You’ll be recognized everywhere now. So...um...now I would like to sing, but my [clears throat] my voice is a little sore today. So, I promise I will do more singing, though, on the regular podcast.

So, from Los Angeles, California, I’m Jeff McQuillan...

Lucy: And I’m Lucy Tse.

Jeff: And we thank you for watching.

Olivia: Dad, can I ask you a question?

Dad: You just did.

Olivia: I mean, can I ask you another question?

Dad: Ask away.

Olivia: Where do babies come from?

Dad: What? Where did you come up with that one?

Olivia: I don’t know.

Dad: Let me tell you. That’s for grown-ups to know. You’re just a pipsqueak. You mind your own business and I’ll tell you when you’re a little older.

Olivia: Why can’t you tell me now?

Dad: No comment.

Olivia: Dad, what does no comment mean?

Dad: That’s confidential.

Olivia: Why is it confidential?

Dad: That’s personal.

Olivia: Dad, just tell me.

Dad: Never you mind.

Olivia: But I want to know!

Dad: And I want to know why I can’t get some peace and quiet in this house.

Olivia: Oh, Dad.

Dad: Don’t “oh, Dad” me. Just wait and see. You’ll get all the answers you want when you’re older.

Olivia: But Dad, I want to know now. Where do babies come from?

Dad: I’m out of answers. Go ask your mother.

Olivia: I did. Mom said to ask you.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Janine: Okay, we need to find one more act for this year’s show. How many more people are waiting to audition?

Calvin: There are two more. Should I call in the first one?

Janine: Yup. Let’s get this over with.
...

Calvin: What did you think of that performance?

Janine: I thought she was flawless. She plays with a lot of passion.

Calvin: Yeah, that’s true, but I wouldn’t call her a virtuoso. The piece she played was pretty rudimentary.

Janine: True enough, but I still think she’s a winner.

Calvin: Let’s hear the next one.
...

Calvin: Well?

Janine: He certainly played with a lot of flair.

Calvin: He has amazing chops, I think. I haven’t seen anyone play with such artistry in a long time.

Janine: Nobody can fault him on mastery of the music, but don’t you think he lacked originality and expressiveness?

Calvin: No, I don’t. I think he’s a winner.

Janine: It’s clear that it’s a stalemate. I want the first performer and you want the second. What should we do?

Calvin: I think we should duke it out and the winner gets his or her choice.

Janine: I have a better idea. We add them both to the bill.

Calvin: That’s brilliant! That’s why they pay you the big bucks.

Janine: I would be flattered if we weren’t all volunteers!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
intelligence
foreign
advisor
clandestine
to tap a phone
to bug
to infiltrate
espionage
implication
interpreter
court
to polish
haunting
haunted
completion
completeness
to take on

Candace: Hello.

Mehdi: Hello, may I speak to Candace Cho, please?

Candace: Speaking.

Mehdi: Oh, hello Ms. Cho. My name is Mehdi and I’m interested in applying for the job as assistant manager. Your name was listed as the contact person. Am I calling at a bad time?

Candace: No, not at all. I’m the administrative assistant and I’m fielding calls for the person doing the hiring. What can I do for you?

Mehdi: Well, I read the job description and I think I would be a good fit, but I was wondering if there are any special qualifications not mentioned in the description.

Candace: Well, requirements are spelled out in the description, and I don’t have much to add, really. But I do know that the person doing the hiring is looking for someone to start immediately. Can you do that?

Mehdi: Sure, that’s no problem. I’ll be sure to mention that in my cover letter. Thanks.

Candace: If you’ve had experience managing a large staff, be sure to emphasize that in your résumé. Any other questions?

Mehdi: No, no other questions. Thank you very much for your time. You’ve been very helpful.

Candace: Your questions show a lot of initiative. I’m sure you’ll do fine.

Mehdi: Thanks, I really appreciate the vote of confidence.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Lyla: Okay, here’s a hypothetical. You ask a girl for her number, but wait two weeks to call her. What gives?

George: Well, that depends. Why?

Lyla: Well, I met this guy two weeks ago at a party. We spent the entire evening talking and I thought we really hit it off. We had a lot of chemistry and we had a ton of things in common. He asked for my number and he said he’d call me the next day. And then, I didn’t hear hide nor hair of him until yesterday, 10 days after we met. How come?

George: What did he say when he called? What was his pathetic excuse?

Lyla: I didn’t talk to him. I wasn’t home and he left a voicemail message. I haven’t called him back yet.

George: Why don’t you just call him and find out?

Lyla: He just called yesterday and I don’t want to seem desperate.

George: Oh, come on. He probably just lost your number and found it yesterday.

Lyla: That’s possible.

George: Or he had to go out of town and just got back.

Lyla: I suppose.

George: Or maybe he was nervous about calling you and just got up the nerve.

Lyla: Do you really think so?

George: Maybe. Or maybe he’s playing hard to get or he’s just not that into you.

Lyla: Oh.

George: But you won’t know if you don’t call him back.

Lyla: I guess that’s true.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
descent
to fight
to give (someone) the silent treatment
promise
life-changing event
expectation
act
disability
to enact
discrimination
accessibility
wheelchair
elevator
ramp
exception to the rule
bars
to take convincing
full-fledged
dude

Dale: I didn’t know you read that forum. What’s your screen name?

Jessie: It’s “jessiegirl,” but I don’t post very often. I like to lurk and follow the different threads, but I prefer to keep a low profile.

Dale: Really? I post all the time. I just put my new web address on my profile, and check this out. It’s my new avatar.

Jessie: That’s cool. I’ve been trying to figure out how to upload a picture for my avatar. Are there instructions in the FAQs?

Dale: I’m not sure, but I can show you how to do it. Have you been following the thread about the presidential campaign?

Jessie: Yeah, I had been...until today.

Dale: Why’s that?

Jessie: I stopped reading when this one guy, “bigman,” started to flame everybody, saying that anyone who didn’t agree with him is an idiot.

Dale: Oh, really?

Jessie: Yeah, he started posting replies, writing in all caps and letting people have it. He quoted people out of context and attacked them. What a jerk!

Dale: Yeah, that guy sounds like a jerk.

Jessie: Hey, what did you say your screen name is?

Dale: Never mind.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Ginger: It’s really nice of you to come with me to buy my computer. This is the desktop I’m thinking about.

Kevin: This is okay, but if I were you, I’d buy a laptop. It’s more versatile. You can travel with it.

Ginger: I’m not sure about getting a laptop. The screen is so small.

Kevin: No problem. You can get a separate monitor. This is a good one. You just need a connector and a cable to hook it up to your laptop. Here’s a monitor stand, too, so you can elevate it if you want to.

Ginger: The speakers on the laptop aren’t very loud.

Kevin: You can get these great speakers. You plug them into your laptop and the sound is amazing.

Ginger: I’m not sure about the battery.

Kevin: It comes with a battery that lasts three to five hours, but you can always buy a spare. Of course, it comes with a power cord, too, so you can just plug it in if your battery runs low.

Ginger: The keyboard is a little cramped, too.

Kevin: That’s what a full-size keyboard is for. You can buy a separate keyboard and mouse and attaching them to your laptop. It’ll be just like having a desktop.

Ginger: Then why don’t I just buy a desktop?

Kevin: If you do, you won’t be able to buy all of these great accessories. That’s half the fun of buying a new computer!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

Words:
windy
magnificent
skyscraper
public transportation system
gangster
Prohibition
league
anthem
dawn
twilight
patriotic
mere
to kick butt