<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/DTDs/Podcast-1.0.dtd"><channel><itunes:author>ESL Podcast</itunes:author><title><![CDATA[English as a Second Language]]></title><link>http://www.eslpod.com/website/</link><language>en</language><description><![CDATA[A podcast is an audio file that you download from the Internet. After you download it, you can listen to it on your computer or on an MP3/portable music player (for example, an iPod or iRiver). You can subscribe to a podcast so that it is delivered to you automatically each day, just like a newspaper.]]></description><generator>iVoox</generator><image><url>http://www.ivoox.com/canales/English_as_a_Second_Languageg.jpg</url><title><![CDATA[English as a Second Language]]></title>	<link>http://www.ivoox.com/</link></image><itunes:image href="http://www.ivoox.com/canales/English_as_a_Second_Languageg.jpg" /><item><title><![CDATA[764 - Being Unsure and Unready]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/764-being-unsure-and-unready-audios-mp3_rf_1044972_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/764-being-unsure-and-unready_mf_1044972_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Are you always prepared? If not, listen to this episode to learn how to explain to your boss why you haven’t finished your work yet.

Slow dialogue: 1:11
Explanations: 2:57
Fast dialogue: 14:35

Aida:  When our bigwigs from the Cleveland office arrive next week, I think we’ll have a lot to show them.

Dale:  I wouldn’t be so sure about that.  Giselle told me yesterday that it’s a toss up whether she’ll finish the program she’s working on by next week, but don’t quote me on that.

Aida:  I thought she was already done with it.  

Dale:  I think that she’s still tinkering with it because she isn’t 100 percent sure she’s worked out all of the bugs.

Aida:  All right.  I hope she gets a move on and fast.  I’ll still have Joe’s prototype to show them, right?

Dale:  Well, the last time I spoke with Joe, he said that the prototype is still a work in progress.  Whether it’ll actually work is iffy, at best.  

Aida:  Are you trying to tell me that we’re not ready for this visit at all?

Dale:  I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I wouldn’t count on having much to show them, sorry.

Aida:  Then, what am I supposed to do when they want to see the progress on our work?

Dale:  I suggest some fast-talking and fancy tap dancing!


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 12 Feb 12 17:36:49 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>16:17</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[763 - Dealing with an Apartment Super]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/763-dealing-with-an-apartment-super-audios-mp3_rf_1039610_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/763-dealing-with-an-apartment-super_mf_1039610_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Renting an apartment can be so much fun when something stops working! Learn how to talk about getting things fixed in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:14
Explanations: 3:12
Fast dialogue: 15:17

George:  Did you call the super about fixing the leaky faucet?

Louise:  I called him on Monday, but I haven’t heard back yet.  

George:  Well, call him again.  This window is stuck and it won’t close.

Louise:  I’ll call him, but I think he’s avoiding our calls.

George:  He’s the worst super we’ve ever had.  He’s in charge of the maintenance around this place, but instead, he hides out in his apartment.  Whenever there’s a problem, he tells us he’s too busy to get to it right away.  Too busy doing what, I’d like to know.

Louise:  Maybe he is overworked.  There are 25 units in this building, so it’s conceivable that he’s busy making repairs – somewhere.

George:  That’s what he’s counting on, people like you who give him the benefit of the doubt.  All the while he’s drinking coffee and reading the newspaper somewhere.  Mark my words.

Louise:  I’ll call him again.  Maybe we’ll catch him in his apartment.

George:  Save your energies.  

Louise:  Where are you going and what are you doing with that baseball bat?

George:  I’m going to track down that super and bring him back here.  Come hell or high water, he’s making those repairs – today! 


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 12 18:36:55 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>17:07</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[English Cafe #332]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/english-cafe-332-audios-mp3_rf_1034528_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/english-cafe-332_mf_1034528_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Topics:  Famous Americans:  Michael Jordan; the Quakers; tag questions; the derivation of “okay”; to learn versus to study

Words:
draft
fan 
slam dunk 
to leap 
MVP
to be inducted
to endorse
to be traced back to 
to persecute 
to swear 
to generalize 
worship 
okay / ok 
to learn
to study]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 12 18:36:45 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>31:04</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[762 - Eating a Family Dinner]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/762-eating-a-family-dinner-audios-mp3_rf_1030321_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/762-eating-a-family-dinner_mf_1030321_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Join the fun at a big family dinner in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:04
Explanations: 3:16
Fast dialogue: 16:24

My roommate, Jim, invited me over to his house for a family meal.  I’m an only child, so I’m not used to a big family dinner.  I felt like a fish out of water.
...

Jim’s mother:  Sit down, everybody.  Dinner’s ready.

Phil:  Thank you for having me over, Mrs. Moreno.  

Jim’s mother:  Don’t mention it.  Just sit down and eat.  Jim, pass the potatoes, and Dana, don’t hog the peas.  Hand them both to Phil.

Phil:  Thank you, Mrs. Moreno, but I’ve already taken a helping of each dish.

Jim’s mother:  Then you need to have seconds.  You’re too skinny.  Eat up!

Phil:  This food is really good, but I don’t think I have the appetite for more.  My plate is already overloaded.

Jim’s mother:  All right, no more potatoes or peas, but you need more ham.  Laura, serve Phil some more ham, and Jason, round up some more rolls.

Phil:  No, no, please.  I really couldn’t eat more than what’s already on my plate.

Jim’s mother:  Don’t be ridiculous.  I know you’re saving room for dessert.  There’s an apple pie, a strawberry shortcake, a cheesecake, and some ice cream.
...

I now know why Jim only comes home for meals every once in a while.  Eating like this more than once a week would give anybody a coronary!


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 05 Feb 12 17:36:40 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>18:23</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[761 - Animals in a Zoo]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/761-animals-in-a-zoo-audios-mp3_rf_1025821_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/761-animals-in-a-zoo_mf_1025821_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Are zoos are a good idea or a bad one? Don’t feed the animals while you listen to this episode trying to answer that question.

Slow dialogue: 0:59
Explanations: 2:39 
Fast dialogue: 16:18

Deborah:  I can’t wait to see the elephants at the zoo.  I wish I could see them in their natural habitat, but a zoo is the next best thing.

Zach:  I don’t want to go to a place where animals are kept in captivity.  How would you like it if you were locked in a cage and gawked at all day?

Deborah:  The animals in zoos are lucky.  They have a nice, safe place to live away from predators, and their handlers make sure they never go hungry.  Zoos preserve endangered species.

Zach:  If you think it’s so nice living in zoos, I’d like to see you switch places with a lion or a monkey for a month and see how you like it.

Deborah:  Animals aren’t people.  They don’t have the same wants and needs.

Zach:  That’s what you think.  One day, the animals aren’t going to take it anymore.  They’ll rise up and break their shackles.

Deborah:  And will you be their ringleader?

Zach:  No, I’ll be their cheering section.  It’s about time animals get some respect.

Deborah:  Have you seen Planet of the Apes?!  I’ll reserve a cage for you!


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 12 17:36:43 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>18:01</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[English Cafe #331]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/english-cafe-331-audios-mp3_rf_1021871_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/english-cafe-331_mf_1021871_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Topics:  Ask an American: Online money management; don’t worry versus don’t bother; not only; to move/get past a feeling; pronouncing wool versus wall

Words:
to calculate 
to allocate 
to withdraw
to accrue interest
infographic
personal finances
to pay off 
to partner 
legitimate
savvy 
connected
don’t worry
don’t bother
not only
to move/get past a feeling]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 12 18:36:44 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>34:35</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[760 - Paycheck Deductions]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/760-paycheck-deductions-audios-mp3_rf_1017924_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/760-paycheck-deductions_mf_1017924_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[The only two things we can be certain of in this life are death and taxes. Learn about one of them in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:11
Explanations: 3:12
Fast dialogue: 17:32

Bill:  It’s about time!  I’ve been waiting for my first paycheck and now it’s finally here.  I’m ready to party this weekend!  Whoa!

Carol:  What’s the matter?

Bill:  What happened to all my money?  The amount of this check is a lot less than I expected it to be.

Carol:  Yeah, my first paycheck was an eye-opener for me, too.  Look at the pay stub and you’ll see all of the deductions.  After federal income taxes, state income taxes, and FICA, you’re not left with a lot of money.

Bill:  You’re right, but what’s FICA?

Carol:  Those are taxes for Social Security and Medicare.  Did you sign up for a retirement plan?  If you did, those retirement contributions are deducted, too.

Bill:  Thank God, I didn’t.  But you know what?  That still doesn’t account for all of the deductions.  

Carol:  Let me take a look.  Oh, it looks like your wages are being garnished.  

Bill:  They’re garnishing my wages?  What for?

Carol:  Uh, do you have to pay child support or something like that?

Bill:  Oh, yeah, I guess I do.  I’d forgotten about that.  I guess I’d better change my weekend plans.

Carol:  I guess so.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 29 Jan 12 20:36:47 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>19:27</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[759 - Worrying About Your Children]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/759-worrying-about-your-children-audios-mp3_rf_1013115_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/759-worrying-about-your-children_mf_1013115_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Will your children grow up to be responsible adults or the kind of people you don’t want living next to you? Learn how to worry about this and more in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:01
Explanations: 3:05
Fast dialogue: 16:10

Pavel:  I’m really worried about Hanna.  She’s been hanging around with that girl Carla, and Carla runs with the wrong crowd.  

Hillary:  Hanna is rebelling a little.  That’s natural at her age.  When I was her age, I thought I knew more than my parents or any adult, and that I should be able to make all of my own decisions.

Pavel:  I’m not talking about being stricter on her, but she’s become so secretive.  I’m really worried that she might get exposed to things that should be off-limits at her age.

Hillary:  There’s no way we can keep her from seeing her friends short of locking her in her room.  We have to trust her and let her come to us if she runs into problems.  We raised her right and she can handle herself.

Pavel:  I wish I had your confidence.  She’s a girl, remember?  All kinds of things can happen to girls.  

Hillary:  We’ve talked to her a lot about those things and what we feel are right and wrong.  A lot of things can happen to boys, too, or don’t you remember?  Hanna takes after you and she has your brains and resourcefulness.  Like father, like daughter, so stop worrying so much,

Pavel:  Do you really think she’ll be okay?

Hillary:  Yes, I do.  Take comfort in knowing that she’s just exactly like you.  When she has a daughter of her own, she’ll stay up nights worrying, just like you.

Pavel:  That’s small comfort!


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 12 18:36:40 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>18:11</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[English Cafe #330]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/english-cafe-330-audios-mp3_rf_1008738_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/english-cafe-330_mf_1008738_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Topics:  American Authors: Toni Morrison; Homeboy/Homegirl Industries and Father Greg Boyle; screw versus bolt versus nut; to kidnap versus to abduct; to sharpen (one’s) axe

Words:
African American experience
to long 
social convention 
homeboy
gang 
priest
gang intervention
rival 
budget
counseling 
domestic violence
tattoo 
screw
bolt 
nut 
to kidnap 
to abduct 
to sharpen (one’s) axe]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 12 18:36:50 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>27:08</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[758 - Showing Off a New Purchase]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/758-showing-off-a-new-purchase-audios-mp3_rf_1004515_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/758-showing-off-a-new-purchase_mf_1004515_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[If you’ve got it, you might as well let everyone see it.  That’s the philosophy of the people in this dialogue, but you can decide whether you agree or not.

Slow dialogue: 1:08
Explanations: 2:51
Fast dialogue: 15:58

Monica:  Wow, check you out!  When did you buy a new car?

Kevin:  This isn’t just any new car.  It’s a Ferrari.

Monica:  I can see that.  It must have set you back a few.  

Kevin:  Yeah, but it was worth it.  You should see the looks I get riding around in this baby.  My brother is green with envy.

Monica:  Then you’ve been showing it off around town.

Kevin:  No, I’ve just been showing it off to a few friends and family members.  There’s no sense owning a fine machine like this and not bragging a little, right?

Monica:  Especially since your brother has been gloating about his new boat, you mean.

Kevin:  There is that.  I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I think a new Ferrari trumps a measly new boat, don’t you?

Monica:  Do you and your brother always whip it out like this?

Kevin:  Like what?  I’m just sharing my new toy with my brother.  I’m sure he’s just as happy for me as I was for him when he bought his new boat.

Monica:  Truer words were never spoken.

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 22 Jan 12 15:36:37 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>17:45</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[757 - Getting Political Support]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/757-getting-political-support-audios-mp3_rf_1000174_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/757-getting-political-support_mf_1000174_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Politicians don’t get their money for nothing or their votes for free. Learn all about the world of getting political support in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:21
Explanations: 2:55 
Fast dialogue: 16:14

Helen:  Okay, your schedule today is very busy.  First, you’re meeting with a group of constituents concerned about the environment.  Then, you’re speaking to a group of factory workers.  At noon, you’ll be having lunch with a group of high-power donors.  

Mikhail:  When I signed on as a candidate, I had no idea I’d have to pander to every group out there to gain their support.

Helen:  Don’t think of it as pandering.  Think of it as rallying the troops.  People in this state need a leader and you’re their great white hope.   

Mikhail:  I decided to run because I wanted to be a voice of reason in the partisan bickering.  I didn’t sign on to be a poster boy for my political party.  

Helen:  You can make a difference when you get elected, but first things first: you need to get elected.  Ready to go?

Mikhail:  What happened to the good old days when all you had to do was a little gerrymandering to get elected?

Helen:  I’m glad you brought that up.  Your meeting with the committee on redistricting is this afternoon at 2:00.

Mikhail:  I’m sorry I asked!


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 12 16:36:42 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>18:01</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[English Cafe #329]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/english-cafe-329-audios-mp3_rf_996427_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/english-cafe-329_mf_996427_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Topics:  American Presidents: Jimmy Carter; The Lost Ship of the Desert Legend; phrases used to ask for status updates; to start off for; likely versus probable

Words:
peanut 
board 
name recognition
stagflation
to be taken hostage 
inept 
accord 
diplomat
legend 
desert 
ship
treasure
to start off for
likely
probable]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 12 17:36:40 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>33:12</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[756 - Holding Structured and Unstructured Meetings]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/756-holding-structured-and-unstructured-meetings-audios-mp3_rf_992109_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/756-holding-structured-and-unstructured-meetings_mf_992109_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Success in business isn’t always about following the rules.  Learn how to have a more open, informal meeting by listening to this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 3:16
Fast dialogue: 14:20

Diego:  Okay, why don’t you brief me on what you’ve planned for the meeting tomorrow?

Maya:  Sure.  At the meeting of the managers tomorrow, we’ll begin with introductions.  Since you’re the most senior manager, the job falls to you.

Diego:  I don’t think we need to stand on ceremony.  Have Alexi do the introductions.

Maya:  All right.  Then, we’ll follow the agenda and discuss each item of business.  I have you down to lead the discussions.

Diego:  I don’t think we need the meeting to be so structured.  If we follow the agenda point-by-point, we’ll never find out what’s really on the minds of the managers, what issues they think are of paramount importance.  I think I’ll open the floor to anyone who wants to raise an issue.

Maya:  Wouldn’t that turn into a free for all?  I’m not sure we’ll get much accomplished.

Diego:  Sometimes, it’s not as important to accomplish something as it is to take the pulse of the group.  If we want to know what issues are on the managers’ minds, we first need to let the managers speak freely.  Agreed?

Maya:  Uh, sure.  You’re the boss.  Should I also cancel the lunch I’ve ordered so you can make up your minds about food later?

Diego:  Absolutely not!  The one thing that’s not open for discussion is what I’m eating for lunch.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 15 Jan 12 19:36:41 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>16:16</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[755 - Rejecting Newer Technology]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/755-rejecting-newer-technology-audios-mp3_rf_987425_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/755-rejecting-newer-technology_mf_987425_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Put away that Commodore 64 computer you’re using long enough to listen to this episode on new technology.

Slow dialogue: 1:15
Explanations: 3:17
Fast dialogue: 16:30

Darlene:  Thanks for agreeing to take a look at my computer.  It’s been acting up lately.

Chris:  Sure, I don’t mind.  Is this it?

Darlene:  Yeah.

Chris:  How long have you had this computer?  It looks like it belongs in the ice age.

Darlene:  I admit it’s a little dated.  I must be one of the last holdouts in switching to a newer model.

Chris:  What are you waiting for?  It seems to me that all of your computer problems would be solved if you spring for a new one.

Darlene:  I have a lot of old programs on this computer that aren’t compatible with the newer models.  I’m kind of attached to them.

Chris:  They probably aren’t compatible because there are now better, more efficient programs that have overtaken the ones you currently use.  Your programs are probably obsolete.  Which programs are they?  Maybe I can show you how to use the newer versions.

Darlene:  Well, there’s one particular program...

Chris:  Yes?

Darlene:  It’s a game I like to play.

Chris:  You’re refusing to buy a newer, better computer just because you’d have to give up a game?

Darlene:  It’s a really fun game and I’m keeping this computer until they make a version for the newer computers.

Chris:  Okay, but you know what they say: live by the sword, die by the sword.

Darlene:  So you won’t help me fix my computer?

Chris:  I’ll try, but I’m telling you now.  It’s a lost cause.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 12 17:36:42 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>18:37</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[English Cafe #328]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/english-cafe-328-audios-mp3_rf_984033_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/english-cafe-328_mf_984033_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Topics:  The Scopes Trial; American Cities: Aspen and Vail, Colorado; The City of New York versus New York City; verge versus brink; to compliment versus to complement

Words:
trial

v.
prosecutor 
defendant
merit 
to deliberate
to appeal 
technicality
to overturn 
resort 
to ski
upscale 
verge 
brink 
to compliment 
to complement]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Jan 12 20:36:39 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>33:21</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[754 - Being in a Flood]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/754-being-in-a-flood-audios-mp3_rf_980562_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/754-being-in-a-flood_mf_980562_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Don’t get caught in a flood, but if you do, learn how to talk about it in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:07
Explanations: 2:34
Fast dialogue: 14:48

Cherise:  Well, that was a rude awakening at 2:00 in the morning!

Don:  At least we got out of our room before it flooded.  It serves us right for planning a vacation here during the rainy season.  Our luggage is probably soaked.

Cherise:  Oh, no, I’d forgotten about our clothes.  If the water doesn’t recede soon, everything will have mold and mildew on it.  

Don:  The sump pumps are working as we speak.  Hopefully, we can retrieve our stuff soon.

Cherise:  Maybe I should go downstairs and try to salvage what I can, before things get washed away.

Don:  What?!  You could drown in all that water.  Forget it!

Cherise:  Drown in three feet of water?  Don’t be silly.   

Don:  I’ve seen you swim.  Come on, let’s just wait until we get the go-ahead.  

Cherise:  I still think I should try.

Don:  I have one word for you: snakes.

Cherise:  Enough said!


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 08 Jan 12 17:36:35 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>16:22</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[753 - Enduring Hazing]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/753-enduring-hazing-audios-mp3_rf_977936_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/753-enduring-hazing_mf_977936_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Sometimes joining a club is not worth it.  Learn about one example of that in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:23
Explanations: 3:38
Fast dialogue: 17:06

Rafael:  Go away and stop following us.  Our club is for boys only.

Hannah:  But I want to join.

Rafael:  You do, huh?  Did you know that to join our club, you have to go through an initiation?

Hannah:  Okay, I’ll do that.  What do I have to do?

Rafael:  You have to endure weeks of hazing.  We’ll be putting you through your paces to make sure you’re club material.  

Hannah:  I’m willing to do that.  I can do anything you boys can do.  Watch me!

Rafael:  I’m not so sure.  If you want to be one of the guys, you’ll have to do everything we tell you to do, even if you don’t want to.

Hannah:  Everything?

Rafael:  Yeah, everything.  If we tell you to eat dirt, you have to eat dirt.  If we tell you to stand outside in the rain, you have to do that, too.  Get the picture? 

Hannah:  Yeah, I’ve got the picture.

Rafael:  If we tell you to pull a prank, you have to do it.  If we tell you to streak, you have to do that, too.

Hannah:  You can’t be serious.  That really crosses the line.  

Rafael:  We decide what crosses the line and what doesn’t.  See?  I knew you’d be too chicken to join our club.

Hannah:  You’re right.  I don’t want to join any club where the members are stupid enough to do all of those things.  I’m starting my own club – one where you don’t have to humiliate yourself to get in.

Rafael:  Suit yourself.  I knew you weren’t club material.  

Hannah:  Thank goodness for that!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 12 00:36:00 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>19:12</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[English Cafe #327]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/english-cafe-327-audios-mp3_rf_975351_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/english-cafe-327_mf_975351_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Topics:  Famous Americans: Lucille Ball; The Great Depression; hermit versus loner versus introvert; other than versus rather than; Et tu, Brute?

Words:
to have no future as 
B-movie
stardom 
rerun 
pioneering 
fondly
look-alike
depression
crash
to stimulate 
drought
manual labor 
hermit 
loner 
introvert 
other than
rather than 
Et tu, Brute?]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 12 18:36:37 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>28:43</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[752 - Working With Unreliable People]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/752-working-with-unreliable-people-audios-mp3_rf_971955_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/752-working-with-unreliable-people_mf_971955_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[Working together is great until someone doesn’t do her job.  Find out how to talk about working with unreliable people in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:10
Explanations: 3:16
Fast dialogue: 16:18

Paul:  What time is it?

Jackie:  It’s 2:30.  The Cleveland office report should have been emailed to us by the end of the workday yesterday.  What are we supposed to do now?  

Paul:  If we don’t get their report, we’ll have to hold up the production of the annual report and if that happens, somebody’s head is going to roll.  This really leaves us in a lurch.  Who’s responsible for the report in Cleveland?

Jackie:  Noel Simmons.  

Paul:  Oh, no.  I know Noel.  I used to work with him in the Columbus office.  He was always dropping the ball on his responsibilities and I was always having to cover for him.  

Jackie:  You must have had the patience of a saint!  If he’s such a flake, why is he still working for this company?

Paul:  Beats me, but I know we’re in for a long wait if he’s in charge.  We have to do something.  Get on the phone and see if you can light a fire under him.  Unless we keep on him, we’ll never see that report.

Jackie:  Okay, I’ll call the Cleveland office right now.

Paul:  And Jackie?

Jackie:  Yes?

Paul:  If he gives you a line or some kind of excuse, let me talk to him.  

Jackie:  What’ll you do?

Paul:  I’ll take him on a trip down memory lane.  When I used to work with him, I wasn’t always so patient – or polite.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 01 Jan 12 17:36:36 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>18:18</itunes:duration></item><item><title><![CDATA[751 - Describing One’s Taste in Music]]></title><link>http://www.ivoox.com/751-describing-one-s-taste-in-music-audios-mp3_rf_968796_1.html</link><enclosure url="http://www.ivoox.com/751-describing-one-s-taste-in-music_mf_968796_1.mp3" type="audio/mpeg" /><description><![CDATA[People have different likes and dislikes when it comes to music.  Learn how to talk about them in English in this episode.

Slow dialogue: 1:31
Explanations: 3:15
Fast dialogue: 16:38

Arturo:  What are you listening to?

Ling:  Some new music.  You want to hear it?

Arturo:  All right.  That’s pretty mellow, kinda bluesy, isn’t it?  It’s got an interesting indie feel.

Ling:  Do you like it?  

Arturo:  It’s all right.  I like more funky, dance music myself, but this is okay.  It’s not too depressing.  

Ling:  That’s faint praise.

Arturo:  No, no, I do like it.  I guess I’m usually in the mood for more up-tempo music, something with a driving beat.  I’m a hard-core MC-Quillan fan, if that’s any indication.

Ling:  Oh, I see, so you don’t really like acoustic music much.

Arturo:  It’s just not my thing, you know?  

Ling:  Yeah, that’s too bad.  

Arturo:  Why?

Ling:  That was a track I recorded last week.  

Arturo:  This is your music?  In that case, I love it.

Ling:  You’re just saying that.  

Arturo:  No, really, it’s growing on me.  In fact, I want to hear more.  How about if I bring over some dinner on Saturday and you can play me a few more tracks?  

Ling:  You don’t mind?

Arturo:  Believe me, I’ll be all ears.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Dec 11 16:36:40 +0200</pubDate><itunes:keywords><![CDATA[]]></itunes:keywords><itunes:duration>18:26</itunes:duration></item></channel></rss>

