P91-180

[91] The Weekend - Aliens

A: Oh honey, this is so romantic! I have never seen so many stars before! It's beautiful!

B: See that constellation there? That's Orion! And the very bright star? Well, it's not a star since it doesn't blink. That's actually Venus.

A: What's that big flashy one?

B: I don't know. . . I think it's a UFO!

C: Greetings earthlings. I come from afar, from a distant galaxy known only to a few.

A: Why are you here? Where did you come from?

C: We have been observing you for the last three thousand years. We have seen the amazing capacity that humans have to create such wonders as the Taj Mahal or masterpieces such as the Haffner symphony.Unfortunately, your intelligence and creativity does not come without consequence. Your ambition and desire for more will be your downfall, and we are here to save your planet from you.

B: You think you have us figured out? What gives you the right to come and judge us? Who are you to play God with our fate?

C: Silence human! It is that belligerent attitude that has caused years of pain and anguish among yourselves! Now you will pay the price!

[92] The Weekend - 1950's

A: Heya, Tracy. How are you doing?

B: I'm swell, Sandy!

A: Hey listen, you wanna go to the sock hop with me this Friday? It'll be a blast!

B: First of all it's the Sadie Hawkins dance. The girls gotta ask the guys. Also. . .

A: Oh, right. So when are you gonna ask me? I've had my eye on you for a while.

C: Hey, buddy. Ease off my girl, man. Or do you want a knuckle-sandwich?

B: Cool it, guys.

A: Your girl? Says who?

C: Says me, pipsqueak!

[93] Intermediate - Volleyball

A: It's a beautiful day here in New Zealand at the Men's Volleyball world championship. My name is Rick Fields and I'm joined by the man with the plan, Bob Copeland.

B: Thank you, Rick. We've got a very exciting encounter ahead of us today as two powerhouse teams, Brazil and China, face off against each other and try to qualify for the next round. Without a doubt, both teams are in top shape and this will prove to be a competitive match.

A: The ref signals the start of the game and here we go. Ribeiro serves and China quickly receives the ball. Chen bumps it to the setter, and. . . a very nice set by Chen!

B: Xu spikes it! Wow, what a great hit! The Brazilian blockers anticipated the play and tried to block him but he managed to get the ball in! Great play.

A: It's China's service now. What a superb jump serve by Li, oh, and we have a let serve. The ball was coming in fast and almost made it over the net.

B: Brazil calls for a time out and we'll be right back, after a short commercial break.

[94] Global View - Big Bang Theory

A: What's up? You don't look too good.

B: Yeah, my head hurts, that's all. I've been in physics class all day. It's killer!

A: I liked physics. It's all math, really; arcs, curves, velocity, cool stuff.

B: Yeah, yeah, but today's lesson was all about the creation of the universe.

A: A physics class about the creation of the universe? That's some pretty unscientific language there. Sounds more religious to me.

B: It's all religion. Take the theory of the Big Bang. How is it possible that all of the stuff in the universe comes from an explosion? That's no better than Atlas carrying the globe on his back or African myths about turtles and stuff.

A: Turtles? Whatever. . . Look, all that's required for the creation of matter is an imbalance of particles and anti-particles. At least, that's what the math says.

B: Math, sh. . math. What's the evidence?

A: There is evidence! You know Edwin Hubble? He's the guy who in the early twentieth century was the first scientist to measure the drift of matter in the universe, thus advancing notions of an expanding universe. What would it be expanding from? Well, the Big Bang. . . DUH!

B: Anyway, it's just a theory. Why do people go around touting theories? Where's the rigor in that?

A: Dude, don't equivocate. A theory only becomes a theory after withstanding rigorous testing. You slept through class, didn't you?

B: Agh! You're making my head hurt again! Quit with the questions!

[95] Daily Life - Talking About a Past Event

A: Mike! What's going on, man! Long time no see!

B: Hey, Pat! Yeah, I haven't seen you in ages! How's it going?

A: This is going great! It's funny running into you like this. Small world there! Just last week I ran into Matt as well.

B: Yeah? How's he doing?

A: He's doing well. We went out for a couple of beers and the funniest thing happened.

B: Oh yeah?

A: Well, we were talking and catching up on what we've been doing, talking about work and family, when all of a sudden, Matt saw a mouse run under his chair and he completely lost it! He started freaking out, and screaming. . .

B: Ha ha, really?

A: Yeah, and the funniest thing was, that he jumped on to his chair and started shrieking like a girl. You should have been there! Everyone was staring and laughing. . . it was hilarious!

B: Ha Ha.

[96] The Weekend - 1960's English

A: Hey man. . . I really like your pad. Those lava lamps are far out! Thanks for letting me crash here tonight.

B: It's no problem, brother! I wanted a pad where people could come, listen to music and just hang loose, you dig what I'm saying?

A: I dig it man! We could throw a bash here and make it a really happening scene!

B: Yeah man, that would be groovy! Hey, I gotta split for a while, are you OK here by yourself?

A: Don't worry about me brother. . . You go take care of business.

B: Alright, peace out.

[97] Daily Life - Weather Forecast

A: . . . And now, let's go to Kenny Williams for today's weather forecast.

B: Thank you Bill, and good morning Salt Lake City!

A: What's the weather looking like today, Kenny?

B: Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag in Utah today; we've got heavy cloud cover here in Northern Utah, and we're calling for scattered showers throughout the day, with a day-time high of forty-five degrees. Now, if we move down to the south of the state, we can see that a cold front is moving in. We can expect clear skies, but it will be quite cold, with temperatures hovering around the thirty degree mark.

A: It's a chilly day folks, so don't forget your coats! What about tomorrow Kenny? Do you have good news for us?

B: Well, it'll be a rainy day for Northern Utah; we can expect some isolated downpours in the morning. Winds will be coming in from the North East, with gusts reaching twenty-three miles per hour. Salt Lake City can expect the rain to turn to sleet in the evening. Things are looking a bit better for the South; we'll see cloudy skies with a chance of showers. Later in the day, we can expect partly cloudy skies, with a forecast high of thirty-eight degrees.

A: You heard it folks! It's gonna be a cold one!

B: That's right, Bill. We will have more later on today on the six o'clock news. That's the weather forecast for this morning.

[98] Daily Life - Flattering

A: Valerie! Hi! Wow how have you been? It's been such a long time!

B: Darlene! Indeed, it's been a while! How have you been? Wow, you look amazing! I love what you've done with your hair!

A: Really? Thanks! I went to that hair salon you told me about, but enough about me! Look at you! God! You haven't aged a day! What is your secret!

B: Ha ha, come on! Well, I've been watching what I eat, and I work out three times a week. By the way, I heard your son recently graduated!

A: Yes, my little Paul is finally a doctor. They grow up so fast you know.

B: He is such a handsome guy. He gets his looks from his mother of course!

A: Thank you! What about your daughter, Pamela? I heard she has passed the bar exam and married recently.

B: Oh yes. She had a beautiful wedding in Cozumel Mexico and we all attended.

A: Such a lovely girl. I hope my Paul is lucky enough to find a girl like that someday!

B: But of course! Well, it's been great talking to you, but I have to get going.

A: Same here! We will catch up soon, maybe over coffee!

B: That would be great! Give me a call!

A: See you soon! Bye! Ugg. . . I can not stand that woman or her obnoxious daughter.

[99] Global View - Movie Review

A: Welcome back movie lovers to another ” Premier Movie Review”. My name is Richard Clarke and I am joined today by the very erudite David Watson.

B: Thank you Dick.Today we are going to talk about the movie ” Lion King”. Tell me, what is your impression of this film?

A: Well, I think this film is simply a fable, depicting man's eternal greed for power, and in my opinion, it's a very fine film. Even despite the accusations of plagiarism of traditional folk tales from other countries. The musical score was amazing, the animation was very well done, and the story was simply enchanting.

B: I think otherwise. Even though the animation was technically strong, and as you say, the score and songs performed by Elton John were great, the film lacks a certain originality; it lacked heart. And I would dare to say, it was too predictable.

A: Predictable! How! Come on Dave, It's a G-rated movie! It's for the kids! It's not a thriller!

B: Well, that's just it. It did have some very dramatic and intense scenes. For example when Mufasa dies, or the dark, grim portrayal of Scar. Even so, the film is linear. Mufasa dies, Simba runs away thinking it's his fault. Falls in love and returns to retake what is rightfully his. It's just too cliché.

A: How can it be cliché? It's a fable! It's telling a time-honoured story! The movie make a point of how the hunger for power leads to corruption, and teaches children the value of respect, life and love.

B: You have always been so soft, Dick!

A: Open your heart Dave. Don't shut us out.

B: Anyway... That's all for today folks! Join us next time as we talk about; How to lose a guy in 10 days. I'm sure you'll love that one Dick!

[100] Daily Life - Where are you from?

A: Where to, miss?

B: Hi! Crenshaw and Hawthorne, at the Holiday Inn that is on that corner.

A: Sure thing. So, where are you flying in from?

B: From China.

A: Really? You don't look very Chinese to me, if you don't mind me saying so.

B: It's fine. I am actually from Mexico. I was in China on a business trip, visiting some local companies that manufacture bathroom products.

A: Wow sounds interesting! Excuse me if I am being a bit nosy but, how old are you?

B: Don't you know it's rude to ask a lady her age?

A: Don't get me wrong! It's just that you seem so young and already doing business overseas!

B: Well thank you! In that case, I am 26 years old, and what about yourself?

A: I am 40 years old and was born and raised here in the good old U.S, although I have some Colombian heritage.

B: Really? That's great! Do you speak Spanish?

A: Uh...yeah...of course!

B: Que bien! Entonces podemos hablar en espanol!

[101] The Weekend - 1970's

A: Hey man! How's it hanging?

B: Hey man! Everything is just groovy baby!

A: Did you go to the roller rink on Saturday? I heard it was far out, man!

B: I wanted to, but I ran into this foxy lady that just moved to my block! I was chatting her up a bit and then we mellowed out at her place.

A: Right on, right on! Well, Jim went to the rink with Sherry and he said it was dy-no-mite! He was low on bread, but Sherry paid for everything.

B: Gravy! Jim is such a jive turkey man. He is always hitting me up for cash. Anyway, you wanna book and go grab some grub?

A: Yeah man, I'm starving!

[102] Global View - Global Warming

A: And therefore, global warming is the greatest deception of the early 21st century. Questions?

B: Uh. . . yeah. In the lecture you said there's more evidence in the scientific record supporting global cooling?

A: Well, yes, essentially, the historical record supports a theory of climate cycles. Warming and cooling are cooperating processes in the planetary eco-system.

B: If that's true and the planet is getting cooler, what explains the rapid melting of the polar ice caps and the dramatic rise in the global average temperatures?

A: But are global temperatures rising? If you look at the data from nineteen seventy-five you'll. . . . . .

B: You'll be misled. If you were serious, you would look at the record starting in the 1880s. Then you would see how dramatically the earths temperature has changed.

A: Young lady, I beg to differ. Look, the point of the lecture was to emphasize that there is evidence for both sides, and I'm putting forth the argument that there's greater evidence in support of the global cooling hypothesis. Look, it's an indisputable fact that the public is being manipulated and scared into believing there's some kind of climate crisis; this scaremongering is done, quite simply, for political reasons.

B: But even without the uncomfortable reality that greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide contribute to global warming, isn't the topic appropriate for politicians to discuss?

A: Not if they want to use your tax dollars and mine to fund completely unnecessary initiatives.

B: Yeah, like conservation, protecting endangered species and investing in renewable energy. At the very least, you have to concede that this debate has the potential to end our dependence on foreign oil. Buying oil supports autocratic countries that use these revenues to devastating ends.

A: Why, I've never been so disrespected in all of my days. I'm a professor, a scientist and researcher of high regard.

B: Yeah, and a duplicitous one at that. Everyone knows you're in the pocket of the oil lobby. Why should we trust your so-called findings more than tobacco institute studies which say smoking doesn't harm health? You're full of it.

A: Some people just cannot handle civil debate!

[103] Daily Life - Baby, I'm Sorry

A: Can we talk?

B: Sure, honey, we're talking now, aren't we?

A: You know what I mean.

B: Yeah. I know.

A: I want to know where this relationship is going. I'm in love with you and I need to know. . .

B: You know, I think you're awesome.

A: I'm awesome. Well, I guess that's my answer, isn't it.

B: Honey. . .

A: Look, if you don't love me, it's not a thing, alright, we've had our laughs, but I don't appreciate. . . maybe it's just time we. . .

B: Baby, I love you so much.

A: You do?

B: I love you. And I think you're awesome.

A: Oh, I love you too!

B: Come on. Put the gun down.

A: Oh baby, I'm so sorry.

[104] The Weekend - Skiing

A: Welcome ski lovers of all ages! My name is Rick Fields and here with me is the man that needs no introduction, Bob Copeland.

B: Thank you, Rick! What a beautiful day here in Aspen, Colorado where the sun is shinning, and we've got twelve inches of fresh powder. It doesn't get much better than this.

A: That's right, Bob, but today we have a special treat for our viewers. We're joined here by Ian Roussy, the four-time giant slalom champion. And on this special edition of the show, Ian is going to teach us the basics of skiing! So, let's hit the slopes!

C: Well, first off, let's get those boots on. You're going to want to make sure your boots fit snugly. That's right; now snap them into your bindings. And you're also going to want a good pair of goggles to protect your eyes. It's a bright day today, so there's going to be a lot of glare out there on the slopes. We don't want you hitting any of those moguls!

A: Bob, since you're a beginner skier and might take a few spills, it is a good idea to have a good warm pair of dry ski gloves.

C: Easy there, Rick! Well, let's head on over to the chairlift, and test your skills! All right, we're up here on the bunny hill, so, Bob, why don't you do a few snow-plow turns. Gnarly run, Rick! Nice carving! You've got some mad skills! That was sick!

A: You wanna see gnarley? Well, see that bump over there, I'm gonna get some major air.

C: Butt plant!

B: Ha ha ha! He lost his skis! Yard sale! ! !

A: Ahem, well. Thanks for joining us here today, I think that about does it. Bob, Ian, time for some après-ski?

C: No way, man! We're off to grab some freshies! ! !

[105] The Office - Job Well Done

A: And so, that concludes my outline for our marketing strategy next year. Thank you very much for your time.

B: Hey, that was quite the Presentation! Honestly, I was completely blown away by your strategy outline. I've gotta say, Alex, you really wowed me today.

A: Aw, come on; it was nothing. I'm just doing my job.

B: No, I think you deserve some recognition here; I mean, if I look back on your previous Presentations, this is a huge improvement.

A: Well, Kristin did give me a hand with the slides. She's a real wiz on PowerPoint.

B: And I saw that you took on board my feedback about pricing strategies. I really appreciate you taking the time to think through my suggestions.

A: Yeah, well, that was some good advice. You made some really good points.

B: Well, I just wanted to say well done. Really you did a great job.

[106] Daily Life - Mobile Phone Plan

B: Yeah, I've just moved here, and I'd like to activate my cell phone, and I'm not sure if I should go with a prepaid plan, or a monthly rate plan.

A: I see. Well, can I have a look at your phone? Unfortunately, this phone can't be used in the US; it's not compatible with our 3G network.

B: What? Really? I don't really want to have to buy a new phone.

A: Well, you're in luck! You see, if you sign up for our three-year plan, we'll throw in a handset for free.

B: Really? What's the catch?

A: There's no catch! You just choose a plan, sign a three-year contract and, that's it! Actually, we're running a special promotion right now, and we're giving away a Blackberry Curve with our special Mega Value forty dollar plan.

B: So what does this plan include?

A: Well, you get nine hundred anytime minutes, and you can also enjoy free mobile to mobile calling to other Tel-Mobile clients, one thousand text messages per month, and unlimited evening and weekend minutes. Oh, and we also offer a rollover option.

B: Wow, all this for forty dollars per month?

A: That's right, plus the activation fee, the emergancy services fee, the monthly service fee, oh, and any charges for extra minutes, and. . .

[107] Daily Life - Complaining at a Restaurant

A: Excuse me, waiter?

B: Yes, sir? What can I do for you?

A: I've been sitting here for the past twenty minutes and no one has offered me a glass of water, brought any bread to the table and our appetizers haven't been served yet! You know, in this kind of establishment, I'd expect much better service.

B: I am sorry, sir. I'll check on your order right away.

C: Relax honey, the place is busy tonight, but I've heard the food is amazing. Anyway. . .

B: Here you are, sir. The foie gras for the lady, and a mushroom soup for you.

A: Waiter, I ordered a cream of mushroom soup with asparagus. This soup is obviously too runny, and it's over-seasoned. It's completely inedible!

B: Okay, I do apologize for that. Can I bring you another soup, or would you like to order something else?

A: Take this foie gras back as well, it's rubbery and completely overcooked. And look at the portion size! How can you charge twenty-five dollars for a sliver of duck liver?

B: Right away. . . sir.

C: Honey come on! The foie gras was fine, why are you making such a big deal? Are you trying to get our meal comped again?

A: What do you mean? We are paying for this. If I'm shelling out my hard earned bucks, I expect value for money!

B: Here you are, sir. I hope it is alright now. The chef has prepared it specially for you.

A: Yes, fine.

C: Honey, are you alright?

[108] The Office - Bad news, boss

A: . . . Now that we have been over the gory details of our disastrous first quarter, Ed! Give us some good news. How are things looking for us in terms of sales this month?

B: Uh well. . . would you like the bad news first or the really bad news?

A: What? Ed, don't tell me you only have bad news!

B: Well sir, our sales have dropped, no plunged, fifty percent in the past month alone. We are currently overstocked and overstaffed and our profits are falling fast. The market is in recession and we have no way of moving our inventory, or getting rid of our staff. If we consider redundancies, it would cost us a fortune because of the new regulations governing compensation packages. It's a real mess.

A: For crying out loud. . . How fast are we losing money?

B: Um. . . how can I put this? Let's just say that at this pace, we will be filing for Chapter eleven in less than three months.

A: What! Geez! How could this have happened? So what's the bad news?

B: Oh, that's the really bad news. Our supplier suffered QC problems and, well, half of our production is faulty. We're going to have to recall all items sold in the last quarter. And the worst part? We're going to have to shoulder this cost.

A: Are you joking? Get the supplier on the line now! They have to assume the costs of this mess!

B: We tried that, sir. The factory has gone under and the owner apparently has fled the country.

A: We're doomed!

B: There is some really good news though!

A: Really? What!

B: I got offered a new job!

[109] The Weekend - Breaking up

A: Honey, do you have a second?

B: Sure! Are you okay? You seem a bit worried. What's on your mind?

A: We need to talk.

B: Okay. . .

A: I've been thinking, and well, I think we need to start seeing other people.

B: What? Why? I mean, we've had our ups and downs, and we have the occasional disagreement, but we're happy together.

A: That's just it, I'm not happy anymore, Tim. It's not you, it's me. I know that I can be hard to deal with, and you are a great guy! You are the type of guy that any woman would kill for!

B: So, what are you saying? You're breaking up with me because I'm perfect?

A: Tim, you are too good for me. You deserve someone who can make you smile and make you happy the way that you made me happy. I could say that I'll be all you need, but that would be a lie. I know I'd only hurt you, I know I'd only make you cry.

B: Baby, come on. Don't do this to me! Whatever it is, we can work it out. Just give me another chance! I know that we can get through this, but we gotta stick together! Don't leave me.

A: I can't, Tim. I hope someday you can find some way to understand I'm only doing this for you. I don't really wanna go but, deep in my heart I know this is the kindest thing to do.

B: Laura. . .

A: Here are your keys. I'll send my sister to pick up the rest of my things next week. I'm sorry, Tim. I wish you all the best, and I hope that one day we can meet again. I'll always love you. Goodbye.

[110] Daily Life - Registering for University

A: Excuse me? Is this where I register? I'd like to sign up for my courses for next semester.

B: Yes, of course. I need your student ID please.

A: Here you are.

B: Okay, Susan. It says here that you are a business major and you are in your second year. Is this information correct?

A: Yes. I do want to take some additional credits this year to get a minor in psychology.

B: Sure. That's not a problem. Do you have the list of courses you want to take this semester?

A: Yeah. Here's my list. I'm not sure if the class schedule will allow me to take all of them though.

B: Yeah, that's perfect. What about the subjects for your minor?

A: Oh yeah! Almost forgot! I need to take fundamental linguistics, consumer psychology and neuroanatomy.

B: Wow, you are going to be busy this semester! Okay, here you go. You are registered now; you'll have to make your first tuition payment before classes start.

[111] The Weekend - Golf

A: Good morning golf aficionados! My name is Rick Fields, and you guessed it, I am here with my main man, Bob Copeland.

B: Thank you, Rick! As you can see, ladies and gentleman, we are here in beautiful Pebble Beach where the top golfers in the world are trying to win the grand prize of one million dollars!

A: Whoa, that's a lot of cash! Let's go to the course and see how Tiger Woods is doing.

B: All right, we're here at the eighth hole. It's a par four, and has some very difficult hazards which many golfers find difficult to avoid. Although, I did see Jack Nicklaus hit a hole in one on this very same hole!

A: Tiger Woods is about to tee off, and let's see if he has the same luck as Jack. Tiger is asking his caddie for his driver and, he seems to be very nervous.

B: Oh no! Not a good swing at all! It's definitely not his day today. On the seventh hole he got a bogey and before that he barely made par. He will definitely not get a birdie on this shot.

A: It seems that his ball has flown somewhere deep in the trees. He is having a hard time finding it and even his caddie has climbed a tree to try and spot it.

B: Oh no! A bear! Run, Tiger, run! Somebody call animal control!

[112] Daily Life - Dr. Plumber

A: Good afternoon! Did you call for a plumber?

B: Yes, yes I did. Please come in! I'm so glad you came! This old house is falling apart! Come on into the bathroom. See, here, there's water leaking everywhere!

A: I see. Let me have a look. It seems that your toilet is clogged, and that's why it won't flush. Let me just get my plunger. No, that's not working either. I suspect that there's some sort of foreign object in the pipes that's causing a blockage. That's what's making your toilet overflow.

B: Oh, that must be because of my four-year-old daughter. She is always flushing things down the toilet. You know how kids are.

A: Yeah, I have a little one myself. Anyway, these water pipes are really rusty, so they also should be changed. That could be causing water to not drain completely; that might lead to more problems in the future. I would also suggest fixing this faucet that isn't shutting off properly. I could have it all finished by today if it's urgent.

B: That would be great! Is it expensive?

A: Let's see. . . I would say about eight hundred dollars.

B: What? That's more than I make in a day and I'm a heart surgeon!