美语训练班 第111-120课
美语训练班 第111课
A: 欢迎大家来到这期的美语训练班! 我是杨琳!
B: 我是Mike! 杨琳，来告诉大家今天都要学什么!
A: 嗯! 今天，我们要一起来聊聊如何讨价还价，看看怎么说假警报，还要告诉大家怎么说消灭在萌芽状态!
B: Bargaining! That’s the most important skill I picked up in China!
A: 哈哈没错! 我原来也特喜欢砍价，好像占了多大便宜似的，特别高兴!
B: Yeah, that sounds like you…(A:Hey!) Ok Ok, we will introduce you to more bargaining tips later in the show, for now let’s go ahead with our first segment:
A: Learn a word!
Learn A Word 1769 record-breaking
今天我们要学的词是record-breaking. record is spelled r-e-c-o-r-d, record, and breaking, b-r-e-a-k-i-n-g, breaking, record-breaking. Record-breaking 破记录的。A record-breaking heat wave is raising the risk of fire in the Seattle area. 西雅图出现破记录的热浪天气，增加了火灾的风险。The annual celebration is drawing a record-breaking crowd. 一年一度的庆祝活动吸引了众多参观者，人数冲破了往年的记录。Iron Man 3 had a record-breaking opening weekend around the globe. 钢铁侠第三集上映的第一个周末，创下了票房新高。好的，今天我们学习的词是 record-breaking, record-breaking, record-breaking……
A: Have you watched Iron Man 3? Gosh it is definitely the best movie I’ve watched this year so far! It’s about….
B: Wowowoww, 杨琳，no spoilers! Don’t ruin a film for me again!
A: Again? What do you mean again? Anyways…so the bad person is called the Mandarin…
B: (Interrupt) Stop it! Remember last weekend when you told me the whole plot of Game of Throne? You ruined it for me! Ruined it!
A: 我是让你做好心理准备嘛!
B: Oh gosh you are enjoying this… I should have nipped this in the bud….
A: 哈哈! All right, all right, I will behave this time! But you just mentioned a very good idiom, nip in the bud! Let’s check out today’s words and idioms and see what it means!
Words and Idioms 843 NIP (STH) IN THE BUD
美国习惯用语第 843 讲
我们办公室新来了个制片助理。这个女孩子刚走出大学校园，带着浓厚的工作热情，而且很有创意。美中不足的是，喜欢工作时间聊大天。为此，老板今天把她叫去谈话，希望尽早纠正她的这个坏习惯。这个例子用我们今天要学的习惯用语来描述十分贴切，叫：
M: Nip something in the bud. Nip is spelled n-i-p, and bud; b-u-d. Nip-something-in-the-bud. Nip something in the bud.
Nip 是掐断的意思。Bud 是花蕾，萌芽的意思。nip something in the bud 这个习惯用语意思是将一件事物消灭在萌芽状态，防微杜渐。你现在一定明白了，老板找我们新来的那位制片助理谈话，就是要尽早把她喜欢聊天的坏毛病扳过来。He wants to NIP her behavior IN THE BUD. 以防日后发展到不可收拾的地步。
多年前，美国制药业曾经遭受过一次沉重打击，业界人士迅速采取行动，才在最短时间内恢复了元气。让我们一起听听有关介绍。
M: “In 1982, someone poisoned bottles of aspirin, killing seven consumers. Fear spread across the country. Fortunately, drug manufacturers recalled all remaining stock and changed the packaging of their products to prevent tampering in the future. By NIPPING the crisis IN THE BUD, their sales rebounded within a year.”
这段话说：1982年，有人在阿司匹林的药瓶里下毒，造成七名消费者死亡，引起全国恐慌。好在制药公司召回了全部存货，采用新的包装方式，防止产品再被人下手脚。正是因为他们及时采取措施，把危机消灭在萌芽阶段，销售量才在短短一年内出现了反弹。
现在药瓶瓶口上的铝箔封口和塑料包装就是为了让用户对产品的安全放心。好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “In 1982, someone poisoned bottles of aspirin, killing seven consumers. Fear spread across the country. Fortunately, drug manufacturers recalled all remaining stock and changed the packaging of their products to prevent tampering in the future. By NIPPING the crisis IN THE BUD, their sales rebounded within a year.”
虽然下面这个例子听上去比较轻松，但是很多看似无关紧要的小事，也不能掉以轻心。让我们一起来听听。
M: “Like a lot of puppies, mine liked to beg for food every time I sat down to eat. If I’d let her continue, she would have become uncontrollable. My friend suggested that I fill a can with coins and shake it whenever she started to bark at me. That really NIPPED IT IN THE BUD. She soon learned to stay quiet. Since then, Lucy has developed into a very well-behaved dog.”
这个养狗的人说：跟其他小狗一样，每次我坐下吃东西，Lucy 就来要吃的。如果我听其自然，肯定早就管不了了。我朋友建议我拿一罐硬币，她一叫，就摇罐子，这招还真管用，改掉了她的坏毛病，让她学会安静。从那以后，Lucy 已经成了一只很懂规矩的狗。
这招还真灵，因为狗不喜欢噪音，所以用摇硬币的办法来驯狗十分奏效。另外还有驯狗师建议，往狗脸上喷水也是驯狗的好办法。好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “Like a lot of puppies, mine liked to beg for food every time I sat down to eat. If I’d let her continue, she would have become uncontrollable. My friend suggested that I fill a can with coins and shake it whenever she started to bark at me. That really NIPPED IT IN THE BUD. She soon learned to stay quiet. Since then, Lucy has developed into a very well-behaved dog.”
我真希望有什么好办法能让我侄子知趣点。自从上个月搬来我家住，他就一直无所事事，整天看电视，我暗示他出去找个工作，但是至今，I haven’t been successful at NIPPING his laziness IN THE BUD. 我还是没能把他懒散的坏毛病改掉。看来只好改变策略。
好的，这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。
M: Until next time.
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: My mom always tells me to nip any sign of sickness in the bud. Whenever you feel under the weather, take the day off, let your body relax before it turns into something more severe.
B: Really? Sounds like you should nip your laziness in the bud. (A: Say that again?) Ok kidding kidding. You are one of the most hardworking people I’ve ever met!
A: 这还差不多!
B: Well, let’s continue with our class!
A: In today’s business etiquette, 公司主管Fred要来跟客户讨价还价! Let’s listen and check out some useful bargaining tips!
礼节美语Raising PricesPart I
MicroMax 公司销售部主管Fred 给客户Tom打电话，讨论涨价的事情。
Susan (secretary): Hello, Tom Grossman’s office. How may I help you?
Fred Lim: Hi, Susan. This is Fred Lim from MicroMax. Is Tom available for a second?
Susan: One moment, please. I’m connecting you now.
Tom: Hey, Fred. What’s up?
F: Well, I was going to send you an email, but I thought it might be better for me to call.
T: Uh, oh. Sounds serious.
秘书Susan帮Fred接通Tom的电话。Tom拿起电话来问，Hey, Fred, What’s up?这是熟人之间见面，或是打电话一上来很常见的说法。直截了当，又很亲切。Fred 说，本想发个电子邮件，后来觉得还是电话里说好，是什么重要的事呢？
F: It’s about the last order your company placed with us.
T: Let’s see…you mean the order for six containers of chipboards?
F: Yep, that’s the one. Now I know we originally agreed on the price, but there’s a little problem. Yesterday one of our major suppliers notified us that they are raising prices.
T: That’s never good.
原来是关于最近一批订货，订货要用动词 place, to place an order. 供货商昨天电话通知Fred的公司，要涨价 They are raising prices.这可不是好消息。
F: Also, due to recent jumps in energy prices, our shipping agent is also upping fees. I guess what I’m getting at is that we just can’t offer our product at the original price anymore.
T: But Fred, this order is already in! I made it two weeks ago! You can’t change prices on me like this.
F: I understand your position, Tom. But if we fill your order as is, we lose money. If we can’t find some kind of compromise, I’m afraid our company might have to cancel the order all together.
涨价也可以说 to up the fees。Fred 抱怨说，油价贵了，运费也水涨船高，What I’m getting at is that….归根结底要涨价。Tom 不同意，因为 The order is already in. 货已经定好了，怎么还能涨价呢？Fred 表示，if we fill your order as is, 如果按原样供货，就会赔钱。如果谈不拢，就只好 cancel the order 取消定单。
T: Well, how much more are you asking for?
F: We need to ask for another 25%.
T: 25%! That’s a huge increase, Fred!
F: Tom, you are one of our most valued customers. Your business is important to us, but this situation is out of our hands.
T: I understand that your company needs to make a profit. But it’s going to be very hard for me to pass on these increases to our customers.
Tom 听说要取消定单，口气软了下来，但觉得涨25%还是太多。Fred解释说，the situation is out of our hands. 目前的情况已经不是我们所能控制的了。Fred和Tom接下来如何讨价还价，我们下次再听。
A: 销售主管Fred给客户Tom 打电话，表示订单需要涨价。Tom说，the order was placed two weeks ago, 两周前就下了订单，涨价太不合理了。Fred说，由于油价飞涨，everyone is upping the fees, 各方都在涨价，所以the situation is out of their hands, 他们也控制不了。
I can’t believe these people…they just pushed their responsibilities on to others and left the customers hanging there!
B: That’s true for some bad companies, but some companies has great customer service. My iPhone and kindle both broke this week. Amazon fixed my kindle within 48 hours and Apple replaced my phone in 20 minutes flat. I’m remarkably impressed with both companies for how quickly they got their devices back into my hands.
A: Wow that’s great! Maybe some of that good karma is coming back to you…
B: Ha, maybe! Well, let’s keep listening to Tom and Fred, and learn how the bargaining goes in the business world!
礼节美语Raising PricesPart II
MicroMax 公司销售部主管Fred 给客户Tom打电话，讨论涨价的事情。Fred要涨25%，Tom嫌太多。
F: I feel your pain, Tom. We are also in hot water these days. The global financial crisis is hitting all of us hard.
T: Is there anyway we could cut costs in other areas? Could we find a new shipping agent?
F: Yes, we could do that. But in the end it still comes down to protecting our bottom line.
对别人表示理解，可以说 I feel your pain. 不过，Fred话锋一转说，We are also in hot water. 我们日子也不好过。in the end it still comes down to protecting our bottom line.归根结底我们还是要保证公司利润。the bottom line 意思是赢利。
T: Look, I understand that prices for everything are going up these days. It’s a tough time to be in business. My company had to lay off over 100 employees last summer; but 25% is just too much.
F: You and I go a long way back, Tom. I’ll do everything in my power to be flexible….how about 22%?
T: It’s still too high. Our board of directors is already going to give me a hard time over this. Can you do better?
Tom同意涨价，但不肯接受25%. Fred跟Tom拉关系，You and I go a long way back.咱俩可是老交情了，然后问Tom22%怎么样。Tom还是嫌多，说董事会会give me a hard time绕不了我。
F: Tom, seeing as I’ve known you for over 10 years and because this price increase really came out of the blue, I think I can go down to 20%. But that’s really the best I can do.
T: How about this: I’ll pay 15% more for this shipment. Then for the next order we’ll boost it up to 18%.
F: You certainly know how to drive a hard bargain. Ok….how about 18% for this one and a 21% increase for next time?
T: I think I can do that. Ok….Fred, you’ve got yourself a deal.
Fred降到20%，并表示，That’s really the best I can do.不能再低了，他肯这样做，是因为the increase really came out of the blue这次涨价的要求确实很突然。Tom 还是不肯点头。Fred 说，you certainly know how to drive a hard bargain. 意思是真会杀价。最后两人同意这批货涨18%，下批货涨21%。 Tom 说，Fred, you’ve got yourself a deal. 意思是成交。成交后当然还要寒暄一下。
F: I appreciate your understanding, Tom. And I’m sorry for the trouble this has caused you.
T: Ah, that’s all right. I know it’s not your fault. Prices for everything these days are insane.
F: Still, I appreciate your understanding. Let’s get together for lunch next time you’re in town.
T: Sure thing. And say hi to your lovely wife, Katrina.
F: Will do. Thanks again, Tom.
A: Fred向Tom解释说, we are also in hot water, 处境也不容易。Tom说，如果这么涨价，董事会会 give me a hard time, 绕不了我。两个人谈了很久，Tom同意这次涨价20%. Fred说Tom，You drive a hard bargain, 意思是你很会砍价。
B: That’s something I learned at 秀水街 in China. You start by asking for half the price and bargain up from there, and it usually works!
A: You know what? This is why Chinese people are good at numbers, because we started practicing when we were kids!
B: I can’t argue with that! You definitely are better at calculating tips than me…
A: Haha, ok! Let’s move on to another segment of our class now!
Learn A Word 1771 false alarm
今天我们要学的词是false alarm. False is spelled f-a-l-s-e; and a-l-a-r-m, alarm。False alarm的意思是乌龙，假警报。美国德州遭受龙卷风袭击，据说，On average, roughly 70% of all tornado warnings are false alarms. 平均来说，大约有百分之70的龙卷风警报都是虚惊一场。报假火警会浪费公用资源，Some cities in the U.S. are considering starting to issue fines for false alarms. 美国的一些城市在考虑，对报假火警的人予以罚款。美国联邦参议员莱文的办公室收到可疑信件，Preliminary FBI testing shows that the letter was not contaminated with poison and was a false alarm. FBI 的初步化验显示信件并没有被下毒，是虚惊一场。好的，今天我们学习的词是 false alarm, false alarm, false alarm…
A: I think 80% of the fire alarms in my apartment building are false alarms, so I never actually go downstairs…I just wait for the alarms to stop.
B: Woo…you don’t want to risk that. What if there really is a fire? Life is too precious to risk on something silly like that!
A: OK OK professor….Let’s now…continue with our class!
Words and Idioms 844 NEITHER HERE NOR THERE
美国习惯用语>第 844 讲我特别喜欢去电影院看电影，可是有时也会遇到一些不愉快的事情。比如说上个周末，我们后面坐的三个女孩子，从电影一开始就旁若无人地聊天。我后来实在忍无可忍，回头请她们保持安静，谁知其中一个女孩说，我们可是比你先坐在这儿的，让我哭笑不得，因为英语里说：
M: Neither here nor there. Here is spelled h-e-r-e, and there; t-h-e-r-e. Neither-here-nor-there. Neither here nor there.
Neither here nor there 这个习惯用语的意思是无关紧要。我之所以这么说，是因为在电影院里保持安静是最起码的礼貌，先来后到其实并不重要。换句话说，那个女孩子提出是她们先到的，完全就是 It was NEITHTER HERE NOR THERE.
在下面这个例子中，一名政客擅自挪用税款，欺骗选民。让我们一起听听他在为自己做出辩护的时候是怎么说的。
M: “Our senator was found guilty of taking tax money to pay for his summer home. When confronted, he reminded reporters that he had been serving the citizens for over 40 years. That remark was NEITHER HERE NOR THERE; he’d broken the law! Did he think that he could divert our attention from his crime?”
这段话说：我们的参议员已经被认定有罪，罪名是挪用税款，给自己盖夏季别墅。被问到这个问题时，他居然提醒记者说，他已经为大众服务四十多年了。从政多少年并不重要，重要的是，他违反了法律。他难道以为这样说，就能让我们不再注意他的罪行吗？
这倒让我想到一件好笑的事情。每次我老公做错事，只要我嗓门稍微一升高，他马上就会夸我看上去年轻漂亮。What he’s saying is NEITHER HERE NOR THERE. 他这么说明摆着就是在转移视线，避重就轻。好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “Our senator was found guilty of taking tax money to pay for his summer home. When confronted, he reminded reporters that he had been serving the citizens for over 40 years. That remark was NEITHER HERE NOR THERE; he’d broken the law! Did he think that he could divert our attention from his crime?”
我好几个朋友的孩子都曾前往伊拉克作战。最近，我跟一个马上准备回来的孩子聊天，才发现，在这些军人的心目中，什么才是最重要的。让我们一起听听他是怎么说的。
M: “My tour of duty is nearly over and my mom’s busy planning my favorite meals. I really appreciate her thinking of me. But whatever she makes seems NEITHER HERE NOR THERE. It just isn’t that important. What I care about is being home with my family again.”
这个人说：我驻防的任务马上就要结束了，妈妈正在准备做那些我最喜欢吃的菜。她能这么惦记我，我当然高兴，可其实，她做什么饭菜并不重要，最让我高兴的是，我又能跟家人团聚了。
看来，战场的磨炼还真能让人成熟。我哥哥的女儿其实跟上面这个男孩子差不多大。可她现在最关心的，却是怎么才能让老爸给她买辆新车。她还专门把各款跑车的介绍从网上打印下来，拿给我哥看。不过，我哥说，她的这番努力是 NEITHER HERE NOR THERE 根本没用。能开上家里那辆十年的旧车，就已经算她好运了。好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “My tour of duty is nearly over and my mom’s busy planning my favorite meals. I really appreciate her thinking of me. But whatever she makes seems NEITHER HERE NOR THERE. It just isn’t that important. What I care about is being home with my family again.”
说到年纪，NEITHER HERE NOR THERE 这个习惯用语最早出现是在1583年。如果大家有任何问题，即使你觉得可能是 NEITHER HERE NOR THERE 无关紧要，也不妨跟我们联系，电子邮件可以寄到 MEIYU@VOANEWS.COM。
好的，这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。
M: Until next time.
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: Mike, stop making excuses for eating all my snacks…and stop pretending you are trying to help me lose weight or something, it’s neither here nor there…
B: Really? Because I’m pretty sure if you put on any more weight, Lingdao isn’t going to let you appear on camera…….
A:…..好了同学们，这次节目时间就到这里了。
B: Tune in next time for American English Mosaic!
A: See you next time!
美语训练班 第112课
A: 欢迎大家来到这期的美语训练班! 我是杨琳!
B: 我是Mike! 杨琳，来告诉大家今天都要学什么!
A: 嗯! 今天，我们要一起聊聊在跨国企业中如何应对不同的文化，看看如何表达毫无概念，还要告诉你如何说本能!
B: Yeah, I went through major culture shock when I first went to China! People kept asking me about my salary…I mean, we almost never ask someone about that in the West!
A: Yeah, money is an acceptable topic in daily conversation among some Asian cultures. It took me a good two years to get used to American customs as well. First of all, hugging! Americans love to hug, but it kinda creeps me out!
B: (laughing) we’ll run out of time for the show if we keep on talking about this. Why don’t we start our class first, and then we will discuss some more cultural differences later in the show!
A: 好主意! 同学们，我们赶快先来进入第一个单元，Learn a word!
Learn A Word 1777 instinct
今天我们要学的词是instinct. Instinct is spelled i-n-s-t-i-n-c-t, instinct. Instinct 是本能，直觉的意思。Survival instinct 生存本能。Animal instinct 动物本能。The offer was too good to be true. My instincts told me it must be a scam. 这事好得简直令人难以置信，我的直觉告诉我，这一定是个骗局。龙卷风来袭之前，奥克拉荷马州的一个妈妈毅然决定，不让孩子藏在衣橱里，开车出去避难，结果幸免于难，回来时房子已被夷为平地。Her maternal instincts saved her kids and herself. 她的母性直觉救了孩子的命，也救了她自己的命。好的，今天我们学习的词是 instinct, instinct, instinct…
A: I got to say, sometimes your instincts are the best thing you can rely on.
B: I mean, you are a good judge of character, so your gut feeling about a person is usually right. But for me….it’s a different story.
A: Well, that’s why we are friends! I can always help you out, for a small fee!
B: Ahh…I was wondering when the real Yang Lin was going to come out…
A: Haha, actually, there’s only one rule to judging character: when something seems too good to be true, it must be fake or a scam. It applies to both things and people.
B: Yeah, I guess…I just have a very trusting personality! I always choose to look on the bright side and trust others!
A: OKOK…let’s stop this overflow of self-esteem . 我们赶快从吹牛大王这逃走，接着来听美国习惯用语吧!
Words and Idioms 845 NOT KNOW BEANS
(sound effect: tweet, tweet).
大家肯定都听过鸟叫，英语里形容鸟叫的相声词是 tweet, t-w-e-e-t, tweet. 你知道吗，现在有个网站叫 twitter, 可以用电脑或是手机在上面发送字数不超过140个字的短信。我也是最近才从年轻同事那里知道这个网站的，但还是不知道具体怎么操作。今天我们要学的习惯用语恰恰可以用来形容这种情况，那就是：
M: Not know beans about. Beans is spelled b-e-a-n-s. Not-know-beans-about. Not know beans about.
说一个人NOT KNOW BEANS ABOUT一件事情，意思就是对一件事情一无所知，毫无概念。就拿我来说吧，如果你让我上网 tweet 你，那我简直就是丈二和尚摸不着头脑，因为 I do NOT KNOW BEANS ABOUT it.
奥巴马夫妇入主白宫后，第一夫人米歇尔多次成为头版新闻。就在前不久，她在白宫开垦了一个菜园子。让我们听听下面这篇报道是怎么说的。
M: “First Lady Michelle Obama recently started a vegetable garden at the White House. It’s a reflection of the many gardens that are sprouting up in backyards across the county. Even Americans who doN’T KNOW BEANS ABOUT farming are trying it. Soon enough these absolute beginners are enjoying their own delicious and healthy produce.”
报道说：第一夫人米歇尔•奥巴马最近在白宫开了个菜园。眼下，这样的菜园子在全美各地象雨后春笋一样纷纷出现。就连对种植一窍不通的美国人也跃跃欲试。没过多久，这些初次“务农”的人就能尝到自己种出来的可口健康的水果和蔬菜了。
我和老公就是从去年开始种菜的，去年第一次尝试，We did NOT KNOW BEANS ABOUT IT. 所以只种了西红柿、黄瓜和韭菜，结果大丰收。你别说，自己种的菜味道就是不一样，又有利环保，绝对是一举两得。好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “First Lady Michelle Obama recently started a vegetable garden at the White House. It’s a reflection of the many gardens that are sprouting up in backyards across the county. Even Americans who doN’T KNOW BEANS ABOUT farming are trying it. Soon enough these absolute beginners are enjoying their own delicious and healthy produce.”
常听人说，爱情可以战胜一切，真是这样吗？听听下面这个例子，你就会得出答案。
M: “When Brenda was first introduced to Jack, she was intimidated by his knowledge. When it came to his field, astrophysics, she frankly didN’T KNOW BEANS. But over several dates, she fell in love with his enthusiasm for galaxies and electromagnetism. It’s amazing how much she understands now.”
这个人说：布兰达第一次经人介绍跟杰克认识的时候，杰克的博学多才让她有些无地自容。对于杰克研究的天文物理学，布兰达可以说是一无所知。但是几次约会下来，她就被杰克对宇宙和电磁的热情折服了。现在她懂得越来越多，简直不可思议。
有趣的是，NOT KNOW BEANS 的另外一种说法是 NOT KNOW JACK. 因此，在上面这个例子里，我们可以说，对于天文物理学，Branda doesn’t know Jack. 这里的 Jack 指的就不是 Jack 这个人了。好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “When Brenda was first introduced to Jack, she was intimidated by his knowledge. When it came to his field, astrophysics, she frankly didN’T KNOW BEANS. But over several dates, she fell in love with his enthusiasm for galaxies and electromagnetism. It’s amazing how much she understands now.”
大家也许会问，为什么要说 beans 豆子呢？或许恰恰是因为豆子小，微不足道吧。这个习惯用语早在十九世纪早期就已经出现了，一直沿用到今天。
好的，这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: Modern technology has been developing so fast. I remember just a year ago, when my friends introduced me to wechat, no one knew beans about it. But today everyone in China is using it!
B: That’s true. All this modern technology makes the world a smaller place. International businesses is everywhere now!
A: True. But it’s also a big challenge to understand how all these different cultures interact in the business world, and in your daily life.
B: In today’s business etiquette, we will get some tips about how to interact with your customers from different countries! Let’s check it out!
礼节美语Cross-Cultural SensitivityPart I
Jim 和 Emily 是一家跨国公司从中国聘用的新雇员，公司人事部的 Paula 对他们进行文化差异的培训。
Paula: Hello and good morning. I’m Paula Higgins and I’ve been asked to help prep all of you for your new positions.
J&E: Good morning.
P: Well, let’s get right down to business, shall we? Each of you will be traveling to business meetings, attending fairs and exhibitions as well as receiving clients from abroad. It’s therefore very important that you make a good impression. Let’s start with how to greet people.
Paula自我介绍后，马上展开培训 get right down to business. Paula 说的，to prep someone for his or her new position 指就职前的培训。做为跨国公司雇员，要经常出去开会，参展，接待外国客户，因此给别人的第一印象很重要。It’s important to make a good impression.
P: Yes, Emily?
E: Why do some Europeans kiss each other when they say hello? I’ve even seen men kiss each other!
P: Yes, in some places in Europe such as France, people do give each other a light kiss on the cheek. It’s considered friendly and is not sexual in any way.
J: But Americans wouldn’t do that, would they?
P: No, it’s highly unlikely that an American would offer a kiss.
欧洲人见面喜欢在脸颊上蜻蜓点水地亲一下，a light kiss on the cheek. 那美国人呢？Paula 说，It’s highly unlikely that an American would offer a kiss. 就是说美国人几乎绝对不可能这样做。
J: But Americans seem to like to hug each other frequently.
P: That’s true. In recent years it has become more popular to hug. But usually it’s people who have met before and perhaps haven’t seen each other in a while that might hug. At a first meeting, a hug would be very unlikely.
E: Hugs kind of creep me out! I don’t really like to be touched by strangers.
美国人似乎很喜欢拥抱。Paula 解释说，其实，只有很久不见的熟人才会彼此拥抱，初次见面一般不会。Emily 说自己不喜欢陌生人碰她。Hugs kind of creep me out! 拥抱让她浑身不自在。
P: Fair enough. I’d say hugging is not usually appropriate in a business situation. Some people are a bit overly friendly. But if the person initiates it, I’d recommend you grit your teeth and go along with it, otherwise people might think you are rude.
J: So the same rule would apply to getting a kiss from a European: if they initiate it, just go along and be friendly, right?
P: Yes. As the saying goes: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” In other words: follow the local customs.
Paula 也承认，拥抱并不适合商业场合，但有些人确实会 overly friendly 过份友好。在这种情况下，她建议员工 to grit your teeth and go along with it. 咬咬牙，硬着头皮去应和。 grit is spelled g-r-i-t. 常言说，When in Rome, do as the Romans do. 入乡随俗。
A: Paula说，欧洲人喜欢a light kiss on the cheek, 见面时行亲吻礼，而美国人呢则更习惯hug，拥抱。她说，有些人确实over friendly，过于热情，但是如果是在商业场合，you have to grit your teeth and go along with it, 得咬咬牙，硬着头皮去迎合。
B: Yep, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
A: 没错! 入乡随俗。So Mike, what was the biggest culture shock you encountered when you were in China?
B: That would have to be how Chinese girls behave around each other. You know, Chinese girls like to walk hand in hand, or feed each other food, etc. In America, girls would NEVER, EVER do that unless they are a couple. So…that always confused me until a friend set me straight.
A: 没错没错! 这倒是真的! 而且啊，东西方文化中还有很多谈话的禁忌也是不同的。我们接着来听Paula是怎么说的!
礼节美语Cross-Cultural SensitivityPart II
Jim 和 Emily 是一家跨国公司从中国聘用的新雇员，公司人事部的 Paula 对他们进行文化差异的培训。Emily 说，
E: I know that we will be expected to chat and make small talk with our customers, but I’m worried I’m going to put my foot in my mouth.
P: There are a couple of topics that are considered “no-nos” in Western culture. It’s best to avoid discussions on politics, religion and money.
J: Why is religion a sensitive topic?
聊天儿，to chat, 也可以说 to make small talk. Emily 担心跟客户聊天的时候会 to put my foot in my mouth, 意思是说话不得体，讲错话。Paula 说，在西方文化中，确实有一些话题是 “no-nos” 最好不要涉及的领域，包括政治、宗教和金钱。宗教为什么是敏感话题？
P: Well, there are a lot of religions and each one thinks very differently. Overall, it’s an area that could cause trouble; so it’s best to stay away from it.
J: When I visited Italy last year, I noticed a sign at a church asking people to remove their hats. Why is this necessary?
P: In some religious centers it’s considered impolite to wear hats. Many Western people also think you should remove your hat when dining or in a more formal setting.
Paula 解释说，不同宗教信仰的人，如果话不投机，就很容易出问题。So it’s best to stay away from it. 所以最好远离这个话题。Jim 问，为什么意大利有的教堂要大家摘掉帽子。Paula 解释说，某些宗教认为戴帽子很不礼貌，it’s considered impolite to wear hats, 而且在西方，正式场合和饭局一般都要把帽子摘下来。
J: You said money is off-limits as well. Can you explain?
P: In some parts of Asia, discussing salary amounts or how much you paid for something is an acceptable conversation topic, but in the West, people get very uncomfortable when discussing money.
E: That makes sense. Money can be a tricky subject.
金钱也是 off-limits 禁区。在亚洲某些地方，工资收入可以是聊天的话题，但是在西方，问别人赚多少钱，往往会让人觉得不舒服。所以说，Money can be a tricky subject.
P: Ok…a couple more important points: In some Asian societies, when you meet someone and you notice they have put on weight, you might say “Hey! You’ve gained weight!” But in the West, it’s almost never appropriate to comment on someone’s appearance.
J: But why? It’s not a criticism; it’s just an observation.
P: In the West it is viewed as a criticism. So don’t comment on age or weight.
E: I think it’s best to simply say, “You look well.”
P: Yes….that would be perfect. Thank you all for your attention and we will meet again next week.
还有一点至关重要，见面千万别说，“你发福了！”That’s a no-no. 西方人几乎从来不讨论别人的外表，还有年龄！Don’t comment on age or weight.
A: Emily 担心跟客户聊天的时候会put my foot in my mouth,意思是说话不得体，Paula说，在聊天中，不要涉及宗教，金钱和政治，it’s best to stay away from it. 而且don’t comment on age or weight,不要评价别人的外表还有年龄。But…but I always comment when you gain any weight!
B: Yeah…now you know. It’s considered very inappropriate in the western society.
A: But it’s common to comment on other people’s appearance in China! Like….you seemed to have put on a little bit of weight recently… Mike
B:You little…
A: Haha, its culture difference, so…you can’t blame it on me! (B:Ugh…) (笑) 好了同学们，我们接着来听下面的learn a word!
Learn A Word 1779 runner-up
今天我们要学的词是runner-up. Runner is spelled r-u-n-n-e-r, runner, and up, u-p, up, runner-up. Runner-up 比赛里的第二名。Jason came in as the runner-up in the 200-meter hurdles. 詹森在200米跨栏中名列第二。在美国国家地理小蜜蜂比赛中，12-year-old Sathwik Karnik got all five questions right in his one-on-one duel with the runner-up to clinch the title. 12岁的卡尔尼克在跟亚军的一对一对决中，五道问题全部答对，赢得冠军头衔。American Idol Season 12 runner-up Kree Harrison says that she has no regrets about her time on the show. 美国偶像第12季亚军克里.哈里森说，参加这个节目的全过程，她没有一丝遗憾。好的，今天我们学习的词是 runner-up, runner-up, runner-up…
A: In the competition between you and me, You are always the runner-up Mike
B: Whoa, Whoa, Whoa…hold on Yang Lin. Remember that time when we had the “president of the show” election, and you just ignored the results because you lost? I still have the evidence….I think Someone’s number is up!
A: Er…hmm….oh, you just mentioned a very good idiom, sb’s number is up! Let’s check it out first!
Words and Idioms 846 SB’S NUMBER IS UP
美国习惯用语第846讲
在美国，一到星期五，很多公司里的员工都会轮流带多纳圈到办公室，跟同事分享，我们办公室也不例外。老实说，我本人并不喜欢多纳圈，太甜，而且离我家最近的一家多纳圈专卖店开车二十分钟才能到，很不方便。你猜，明天轮到谁带多纳圈？没错，又轮到我了。这倒让我想起一个有趣的习惯用语，叫：
M: Somebody’s number is up. Number is spelled n-u-m-b-e-r. Somebody’s-number-is-up. Somebody’s number is up.
Somebody’s number is up 这个习惯用语的意思是气数已尽，要倒霉了。就好比我，虽然自己并不喜欢吃多纳圈，而且又要绕道去买，但是轮到我了，没办法，在这种情况下，就可以说 My number is up! 不过，跟下面例子里的这些人相比，我恐怕还算是幸运的。我们一起听下面这段话。
M: “We knew to expect another round of layoffs. So I had a bad feeling when my coworker got called in to meet with the boss. Sure enough, HIS NUMBER WAS UP. He and five other associates were given one hour to clean out their desks and turn in their office IDs. I’m just lucky I still have my position.
这个人说：我们都知道，还要裁一批人。所以，我的同事被老板叫去谈话，我就有一种很不好的预感。果不其然，轮到他倒霉了。他和另外五个人被要求在一个小时内整理好自己的东西，交还工作证件。我的运气还不错，至今还有工作。
现在经济不景气，谁都可能会丢饭碗。更糟糕的是，很多失业的人付不出房屋贷款，最后连房子都会被银行没收，我的一个朋友就担心，她老公如果在三个月内找不到新工作的话，THEIR NUMBER WILL BE UP，他们就要惨了。好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “We knew to expect another round of layoffs. So I had a bad feeling when my coworker got called in to meet with the boss. Sure enough, HIS NUMBER WAS UP. He and five other associates were given one hour to clean out their desks and turn in their office IDs. I’m just lucky I still have my position.
不过，也不是所有人都这么倒霉。比如说我的邻居 Judy Allen 就刚刚当选连任了市议员。我们一起来听听下面这段政治评论：
M: “Judy Allen’s reelection to the city council confirms that HER NUMBER ISN’T UP yet. It’s true that she may have made some political enemies in her first term. But the majority of voters still felt she did a good job. And what they want now is to see her build on her success.”
这个人说：Judy Allen 当选连任市议员说明，她的政治生涯还没有走到尽头。没错，她在第一个任期内确实树了一些政敌，但是大多数选民还是觉得她干得不错。他们希望她能在成功的基础上再接再励。
我的另外一个邻居可就没这么走运了。她儿子开车回家的路上跟一个醉酒开车的人撞上，结果车彻底报销，人也受了伤，在医院了躺了好几天。按我邻居的话说，现在马路上这么多危险驾驶的司机，You never know when YOUR NUMBER WILL BE UP. 谁也不知道什么时候会轮到自己倒霉。好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “Judy Allen’s reelection to the city council confirms that HER NUMBER ISN’T UP yet. It’s true that she may have made some political enemies in her first term. But the majority of voters still felt she did a good job. And what they want now is to see her build on her success.”
大家也许会问，这个习惯用语是怎么来的呢？根据我的研究，这个习惯用语最早是十九世纪早期出现的，NUMBER 当时指的可能是没中的彩票上的数字。也有人说，Number 是指任何可以用来辨别某个人身份的数字，比如说美国军人脖子上挂的身份牌。
好的，这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
B: So…huh? I guess there is no point in competing with me when you are not even in the same league!
B: Tune in next time for American English Mosaic!
A: See you next time!
美语训练班 第113课
A: 欢迎大家来到这期的美语训练班! 我是杨琳!
B: 我是Mike! 杨琳，来告诉大家今天都要学什么!
A: 嗯! 今天，我们一起来看看美国人怎么一起过白色圣诞，看看如何说时断时续，还要带你来看最流行的环保产品!
B: Christmas is my favorite holiday! There’s great food, presents, and most importantly you get the chance to spend time with you family! Talking, watching TV, eating food and opening presents…To me that’s what Christmas means -family time.
A: 没错! 好了同学们，我们等会再来讨论圣诞的传统，现在，我们赶快先来进入第一个单元….
B: Learn a word!
Learn A Word 1780 eco-friendly
今天我们要学的词是eco-friendly. eco-friendly is spelled eco, e-c-o, friendly, f-r-i-e-n-d-l-y, friendly, eco-friendly. Eco-friendly 有利环保的。2011年的一项研究显示，Forty seven percent of travelers will take eco-friendliness into consideration when booking a vacation. 百分之47的游客在预定渡假地时，都会把旅游区设施是否环保的因素考虑进去。如今，环保已经成为一种时尚。除了节水，省电，废物再循环使用外，Growing your own fruits and vegetables is a great way to be eco-friendly. 自己种水果，蔬菜也是环保的好办法。好的，今天我们学习的词是 eco-friendly, eco-friendly, eco-friendly…
B: Being eco-friendly is important, and it can be fun too!
A: 没错! Remember Bike to Work day? People seemed to be having a lot of fun! 既保护了环境，还能减肥! Mike, you should seriously consider doing it more often….
B: Ugh…there she is, I was wondering where the real Yanglin was hiding…At least I can ride a bike! Unlike some people I know!
A: I swear I learned how to ride a bike when I was little! But I only rode on again, off again.. and the result is not that pretty. They say that once you know how to ride a bike you will never forget, I’m the walking proof that’s a lie.
B: Wouldn’t that be “riding proof”? (laughs) Ok Ok….you mentioned an interesting term, “On again, off again” let’s check it out in today’s words and idioms!
Words and Idioms 847 ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN
美国习惯用语第 847 讲
我昨天收到了大学室友寄来的一张生日贺卡，让我感慨万千。一眨眼，大学毕业已经20多年了，虽然我们一直保持联系，但是大家都在为生活奔波，所以每年也只有逢年过节才会互通信息。这倒让我想起了我们今天要学的习惯用语，叫：
M: On again, off again. Again is spelled a-g-a-i-n. On-again, off again.
On again, off again 这个习惯用语的意思是断断续续的。就好象我毕业后跟大学室友的联络一样，on again, off again. 时断时续。下面例子里的这个远足爱好者打算退出自己的远足俱乐部，让我们听听他是怎么想的。
M: “I’m thinking of dropping out of my hiking club. It’s not that I don’t like getting out and exploring some of the great trails in the area. But one month there might be an outing every week, then the next there’s only one. I’d prefer a schedule of hikes that’s not so ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN.”
这个人说：我正在考虑是不是要退出远足俱乐部，这样做并不是因为我不喜欢跟大家一起去远足，探索这附近很多有意思的山间小道，但是有时候一个月每星期都有活动，下个月却可能只有一次。我真希望，俱乐部的远足活动不要这么时断时续。
这倒让我想起了我妹妹的那些男朋友，也许是因为她住在加州，那里的男人更不愿意安定下来吧，她每次交男朋友，都是几个月的热度，然后男方就会失去兴趣，但又藕断丝连，过一段时间又回来给她打电话，让我妹妹十分苦恼。这种 ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN 时断时续的交往方式并不适合她。好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “I’m thinking of dropping out of my hiking club. It’s not that I don’t like getting out and exploring some of the great trails in the area. But one month there might be an outing every week, then the next there’s only one. I’d prefer a schedule of hikes that’s not so ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN.”
显然，连续性对很多事情来说都很重要。我们一起来听听下面这位居民的看法：
M: “The last neighborhood committee never got much done. Perhaps it was because of all the ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN meetings they had. But now, the new leaders get together regularly. As a result, they’ve been able to improve public safety, organize civic events and accomplished a lot that’s made our area a nicer place to live.”
这个人说：上一届居民委员会什么都没干，也许是因为他们开会太少、太没准日子了吧。新一届负责人走马上任后，定期开会，结果有效地改善了小区的公共安全，组织了各种活动，还做了很多其它事情，结果显著改变了我们这片地区的居住环境。
这倒让我想起了原来用的那家手机公司，信号特别不稳定，我每次开车出去买东西、办事情，手机的信号总是时断时续，丝毫没有保障，这种情况持续了不到一个月，我就忍无可忍了，换成了现在的这家手机公司。好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “The last neighborhood committee never got much done. Perhaps it was because of all the ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN meetings they had. But now, the new leaders get together regularly. As a result, they’ve been able to improve public safety, organize civic events and accomplished a lot that’s made our area a nicer place to live.”
大家猜猜看，这个习惯用语是怎么来的？有些语言学家说， on again, off again 这个习惯用语最早是指那些并不严重的火车事故，因为火车刚刚出现的时候，经常会脱离轨道，过一会儿又会自己重新回到轨道上去，因此就有了 on again, off again 的说法。
好的，这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。
M: Until next time.
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: My contact with my best friends from college is on again, off again. 但是每次我们一见面，都有说不完的话! I guess true friendships are like that, they aren’t faded by time or distance.
B: That’s true. My best friend is in Australia right now, and last year I visited him during Christmas! Man it was nice! It was Christmas but in the summer, we just sat on the beach and enjoyed summer drinks!
A: Oh yeah, In Australia Christmas is in the summer! That’s….intriguing! Actually, as long as you are with people you care about, it would be a great Christmas holiday.
B: In today’s business etiquette, we will go take a look at how American families celebrate Christmas! Let’s check it out!
礼节美语 Christmas in America Part I
来自中国的雇员 Dana 跟同事 Charlie 聊天儿，说自己要去美国朋友家过圣诞节。
Dana: Hey Charlie, you’re from Boston right?
C: Yeah, I’m from Newton. It’s a suburb of Boston.
D: I’m going to be visiting your hometown for Christmas.
C: Really? Boston is beautiful at Christmas time. Maybe you’ll get to experience a real white Christmas! Are you going there for business?
D: Actually, I was invited by an old friend of mine. He was an exchange student in Beijing in the 1980s. We’ve known each other for over 20 years now.
Dana 要到 Charlie 的 hometown 家乡 Boston 去过圣诞节。波士顿是美国东北部的大城市，冬天经常下大雪，所以 Charlie 说，Maybe you’ll get to experience a real white Christmas. 没准你能体验一下真正的白色圣诞节呢！Dana 说，自己不是去波士顿出差，not for business, 而是去看一个认识很久的老朋友。
C: I see. So you’re going to hang out with your friend for the holidays?
D: Yes, but I’m a little nervous.
C: Why would you be nervous?
D: Because I’m going to be staying with his family. I’ve never experienced an American Christmas. What if I say or do the wrong thing?
C: Oh…there’s nothing to worry about. Christmas is a time of goodwill. People are supposed to forget about any differences and be nice to each other. Usually every one is in a really good mood.
跟老朋友 hang out 一块儿过节，为什么还会紧张呢？原来，Dana 担心自己不了解过圣诞节的风俗，会说错话，或是做错事。Charlie 安慰她说，没什么可担心的，因为 Christmas is a time of goodwill. 圣诞节是展现友好的时候。大家一般心情都很愉快、平和。Usually everyone is in a really good mood.
D: So give me a basic rundown. What are the Christmas traditions?
C: Each family is different, but basically you just go with the flow. If your friend’s family is religious they might go to church on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.
D: I’ve never attended a church service before…that sounds interesting.
C: The singing and music can be quite beautiful, but many American families just hang around at home on Christmas talking, watching TV, eating food and opening presents.
Dana 让 Charlie 给她简单讲讲美国人过圣诞节都有哪些传统，a basic rundown of the Christmas traditions. Rundown is spelled r-u-n-d-o-w-n, rundown, 意思是概要。Charlie 说，每个家庭都不一样，教徒一般圣诞前夜或是圣诞节早上会去教堂，但是很多美国家庭就待在家里，聊天、看电视、吃东西、拆礼物。他建议 Dana, Basically you just go with the flow. 客随主便就对了。美国人过圣诞，还有哪些传统呢？我们下星期继续听。
A: Dana请Charlie给她a basic rundown of the Christmas traditions, 简介圣诞节的传统。Charlie说，Christmas is a time of goodwill，是大家展现友好的时候，除了去教堂，就是家人在家团聚， basically you just go with the flow，客随主便就对了。
B: True. I invited some of my Chinese friends to my parent’s house for Christmas when I was in college. It was so much fun introducing them to all of my family’s Christmas traditions!
A: Yeah…I think Christmas is the toughest time for me during the year, since I always miss my family so much!
B: Aww….well, if you are up for it, you can join my family for Christmas this year!
A: That’s so nice of you! 一言为定! Let’s keep listening to Charlie and learn more about Christmas traditions!
礼节美语 Christmas in America Part II
来自中国的雇员 Dana 跟同事 Charlie 聊天儿，说自己要去美国朋友家过圣诞节，请 Charlie 给她讲讲美国人过圣诞的习俗。
D: Would you say Christmas is the most popular American holiday?
C: Definitely. It’s a really big deal. Most people don’t work on that day, and if you ask someone to work you have to pay them a lot of overtime.
D: Should I bring presents for all of his family members?
C: That’s probably not necessary because you’re a guest. You could bring a small souvenir or something from China for them. But one tradition is to bring a nice bottle of wine.
圣诞节是美国的重要节日。Charlie 说，It’s a really big deal. 意思是说圣诞节确实非常重要。大家都放假，让人加班，得付很多加班费。you have to pay them a lot of overtime. overtime 是加班费的意思。去朋友家过圣诞节，要给每个人买礼物吗？Charlie 认为不用，只要带个中国纪念品就行了。但是美国人去朋友家作客，有带葡萄酒的传统。
D: Is there a lot of drinking during Christmas?
C: It depends on the family, but I’d say most people probably do enjoy alcoholic drinks. Have you ever tried eggnog?
D: No, what’s that?
C: It’s an alcoholic drink that sort of tastes like egg custard. It’s sweet and warm and perfect for the cold winter season.
D: Sounds delightful. What’s the traditional menu?
Charlie 说，美国人过圣诞节，most people do enjoy alcoholic drinks, 大多数人都喜欢喝一杯，其中一种很普遍的酒精饮料叫 eggnog, eggnog is spelled e-g-g-n-o-g, eggnog, 味道甜甜的，温温的，适合天气冷的时候喝。圣诞节有什么传统菜肴吗？
C: Probably roast chicken. During Thanksgiving most people eat turkey. Actually, we Americans eat way too much food during the holiday season. When New Year comes around, everybody makes a resolution to lose weight!
D: Are there fireworks or any kind of public events?
C: Not really. Usually in the town center there’s a huge Christmas tree. All the streets are lined with Christmas lights…it’s really quite pretty.
Charlie说，圣诞节很多家庭会吃烤鸡。他还说，美国人过节总会吃很多东西，we Americans eat way too much food during the holiday season. 所以新年一到，大家都会立志减肥。Charlie 还说，美国人过圣诞节，一般不放烟火，但是市中心往往会有一棵特别高大的圣诞树，街道两边也都是圣诞节的彩灯，充满节日气氛。美国是不是所有人都庆祝圣诞节呢？我们下星期继续听。
B: That’s true! I always over eat at Christmas.
A: You sure you only overeat at Christmas? (B: you…) Kidding kidding! Yeah things are the same in China! 春节7天猛吃，春节后开始减肥!
B: That’s the holiday spirit. Calories doesn’t count on Thanksgiving or Christmas.
A: Exactly! All right, let’s move on with our class. Let’s listen to another learn a word!
Learn A Word 1782 virus
今天我们要学的词是virus. Virus is spelled v-i-r-u-s, virus. Virus 病毒。The head of the WHO warned the world of a new virus named MERS-CoV, which is found in Saudi Arabia. 世界卫生组织负责人对一种在沙特阿拉伯发现的病毒向全世界提出警告，这种新病毒被命名为MERS-CoV病毒。The WHO has yet to learned how the new virus spreads, making it difficult to prevent infections. 世界卫生组织尚未研究出这种新病毒的传播方式，这就给预防传染增加了难度。The WHO is calling on all nations of the world to pull together their resources to study and tackle this new virus. 世界卫生组织呼吁世界各国集合资源，共同研究征服这种新病毒。好的，今天我们学习的词是 virus, virus, virus…
A: That’s why I choose to use a Mac. Since there are so few viruses for Macs, I don’t have to worry about my personal information getting stolen.
B: Identity theft is a big deal these days. You can’t be overly careful when you use online banking.
A: Exactly, the Internet is so convenient because it has tons of information on tap. But at the same time, it makes us more vulnerable to hackers!
B: And you just mention the idiom for our next segment: On tap. Let’s check it out!
Words and Idioms 848 ON TAP
美国习惯用语第 848 讲
上个周末特别热，我不得不把夏天的短裤和凉鞋全都找出来穿上。天气预报说，这段时间会有一股暖气流北上，所以会一直晴朗炎热。这倒让我想起了今天要学的习惯用语，叫：
M: On tap. Tap is spelled t-a-p. On-tap. On tap.
Tap 有水龙头的意思。On tap 这个习惯用语的意思是可以随时使用的。就像刚才说的，上周末一直晴朗无云，with lots of sunny weather ON TAP，我充分享受了户外活动的乐趣，又收拾花园、又去钓鱼、还跟朋友在公园里野餐。下面例子里一群志愿工作者为了一项有意义的事业而走到了一起。让我们一起听听他们做了些什么。
M: “When members of our church suggested holding an amateur talent show to raise money for charity, many of us were skeptical. But we were soon overwhelmed by all the people who volunteered, from singers to musicians, magicians to jugglers…Looking at all the performers we now have ON TAP, we could put on two shows!”
这个人说：我们教会有教友建议，可以举办一次业余才艺表演，为慈善事业集资，当时很多人对此表示怀疑。谁知道，后来居然有很多人表示愿意参加，包括歌唱家、音乐家、魔术师和杂耍艺人，让我们应接不暇，现在已经有的这些表演者足以组织两台演出。
我妹妹住的地方不久前遭水灾，附近很多人都赶去救灾，there was no shortage of help ON TAP. 前来帮忙的人源源不断，让那个城镇没有蒙受严重的损失。好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “When members of our church suggested holding an amateur talent show to raise money for charity, many of us were skeptical. But we were soon overwhelmed by all the people who volunteered, from singers to musicians, magicians to jugglers…Looking at all the performers we now have ON TAP, we could put on two shows!”
互联网的发展，给我们的生活带来了很多方便。比如说，下面例子里的这个网站，就给当地图书馆的服务带来了一场革命。我们一起来听听网站的设计师是怎么说的。
M: “The website I created for my local library has been a great success. Finally, patrons are linked to a variety of services, can locate and reserve books and other resources, and learn about sponsored events. They appreciate having so much information ON TAP; it’s all readily available with just a few clicks of the mouse.”
这个设计师说：我替本地图书馆设计的这个网站获得了巨大的成功。用户们终于可以通过网站得到一系列的服务了，包括查找资料、预定图书，等等，还可以了解图书馆举办的一些活动。能随时得到这么丰富的信息，让他们非常满意，只要点击几下鼠标，就能找到所有想要得到的信息了。
也许我表姐应该办个网站。她虽然是一名很出色的艺术家，但却没有多少固定的客户。She doesn’t have many clients ON TAP. 我想，如果她通过互联网的方式推销自己，一定会有很大的帮助。好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “The website I created for my local library has been a great success. Finally, patrons are linked to a variety of services, can locate and reserve books and other resources, and learn about sponsored events. They appreciate having so much information ON TAP; it’s all readily available with just a few clicks of the mouse.”
On tap 这个习惯用语最早是十九世纪中叶出现的，指某种饮料，比如说啤酒，可以随时从酒桶里倒出来。
凡是我们的忠实听众都知道，虽然我不能提前预告下次要教的习惯用语，但是大家不用担心，We have plenty of words and idioms on tap. 我们有足够多的习惯用语可以跟大家分享。
好的，这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。
M: Until next time.
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
B: Ugh, I wish my parents didn’t have so much good food on tap during the holidays.
A: I’m sure they wish you wouldn’t eat all their good food during the holidays……….
B: Wha??? Yanlin, you finally had the last laugh!
A: 当然! 好了同学们，这次节目时间就到这里了。
B: Tune in next time for American English Mosaic!
A: See you next time!
美语训练班 第114课
A: 欢迎大家来到这期的美语训练班! 我是杨琳!
B: 我是Mike! 杨琳，来告诉大家今天都要学什么!
A: 好的! 今天，我们要一起来聊聊盗版光碟的危害，告诉你怎么说一见如故，还要看看美国受欢迎的以旧换新行业!
B: Pirated DVDs can really harm the movie industry. A good movie can take years and millions of dollars to finish! We should really respect the artists by buying legal copies.
A: Plus with the availability of digital versions today, the originals are actually quite affordable!
B: True. All right, let’s go ahead and start our class.
A: 好!我们先来进入第一个单元: learn a word!
Learn A Word 1784 primary
今天我们要学的词是primary. Primary is spelled p-r-i-m-a-r-y, primary. Primary 主要的。美国的最新调查数字显示，A record four out of 10 households have mothers as the sole or primary source of income in the family. 在美国，每十个家庭里，就有四个家庭的唯一，或是主要收入来源是母亲工作赚来的，是美国历来的最高水平。美国人偏爱橄榄油。一项最新民意调查发现，According to 80 percent of the survey’s respondents, flavor is the primary reason for people to select olive oil over other oils. 百分之八十的被调查对象都说，喜欢橄榄油的味道是他们在各种食用油中，更愿意选择橄榄油的主要原因。好的，今天我们学习的词是 primary, primary, primary…
A: Hmm….I can’t really taste the difference between different kinds of cooking oil. I choose to use olive oil mostly for health reasons.
B: Well…that’s because you are not a gourmet chef! Unlike me….(A: ugh…) OKOK. Olive oil is indeed a lot healthier compare to other kinds of cooking oil. I think I read somewhere that eating olive oil will lower your risk of heart disease and cholesterol levels.
A:Yep! Society has become a lot more health conscious these days. Remember the New York City Schools’ ban on sugary drinks? What’s your thoughts on that?
B: I mean, I’m pretty much on the sidelines. I don’t think the government should limit people’s choices on food, but at the same time better education would help people make healthier food choices!
A: 没错! 你刚才还提到了一个词儿: on the sidelines! Let’s check it out in today’s words and idioms!
Words and Idioms 849 ON THE SIDELINES
美国习惯用语第849讲
我妈妈和我妹妹昨天又吵了起来。妹妹说老妈看她哪都不顺眼，而老妈却说妹妹从来不听她的话。我知道，她们都想拉我帮忙，不过我可没那么傻，决不搅和进去，用我们今天要学的习惯用语来形容这种情况恰如其分，那就是：
M: On the sidelines. Sidelines is spelled s-id-e-l-i-n-e-s. On-the-sidelines. On the sidelines.
对体育感兴趣的人都知道，sidelines 就是中文里说的边线。站在边线以外，就是不参与比赛，在一旁观战的意思。我妈跟我妹吵架，把我夹在了中间，她们两个我谁也得罪不起，所以只好 stay on the sidelines 在一边观战。换成你是不是也会这样做呢？在下面这个例子中，一份报纸的读者为什么不愿意待在边线以外呢？让我们一起来听听。
M: “The owner of our newspaper said he may have to end production. That caused lots of us readers to form a coalition. Our goal is to persuade management that the publication can and should be saved. We realize how critical it is to get involved right now and not sit ON THE SIDELINES.”
这位读者说：报社老板说，他可能不得不停办报纸，很多跟我一样的读者因此组成了一个联盟，我们的目标是说服报社的管理层，一定要保住这份报纸。我们都知道，这种时候不能在袖手旁观，必需要参与进来。
确实，由于经济衰退和读者群的流失，现在美国很多报纸都身陷困境，有的宣告破产、有的被迫减少版面，还有的逐渐向电子版过渡。好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “The owner of our newspaper said he may have to end production. That caused lots of us readers to form a coalition. Our goal is to persuade management that the publication can and should be saved. We realize how critical it is to get involved right now and not sit ON THE SIDELINES.”
你喜欢喝可乐、雪碧吗？学校里应不应该安装这类饮料的自动贩卖机呢？让我们一起听听下面例子里这个孩子是怎么说的。
M: “My parents got a letter from the superintendent. She wants to get rid of the soda machines at school. A lot of my friends think it’s unfair. Maybe I should be more concerned, but I’m ON THE SIDELINES. I’m going to wait and see what happens. Frankly, it’s no problem if I have to drink water or juice until I get home.”
这个学生说：我父母收到了校长寄来的一封信，她打算撤掉学校里的饮料自动贩卖机。我的很多朋友都觉得这样做不公平，也许我应该更关心这样事，可我偏偏在一旁观望。我倒是想看看结果会是个什么样子。老实说，就算是要等回家以后才能喝到水和果汁以外的东西，对我来说也没有什么大不了。
最近，很多年轻人在发短信的时候，会附上自己十分暴露的照片，这叫 sexting. 我的邻居觉得这无伤大雅，是时代的产物。可我觉得，这太可怕了。我女儿的学校不久前专门就此开会。我绝不会 remain on the sidelines, 坚决要求对 sexting 的学生进行惩罚。好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “My parents got a letter from the superintendent. She wants to get rid of the soda machines at school. A lot of my friends think it’s unfair. Maybe I should be more concerned, but I’m ON THE SIDELINES. I’m going to wait and see what happens. Frankly, it’s no problem if I have to drink water or juice until I get home.”
On the sidelines 这个习惯用语前面可以用很多动词，包括 be, sit, stay, wait 和 remain. 除此以外，还有另外一种说法，叫 to watch from the sidelines 站在边线以外观望。比如说开家长会的时候，如果有什么我觉得特别重要的问题，I will not watch from the sidelines. 我一定不会站在边线以外观望。
好的，这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。
M: Until next time.
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: I don’t like to be judgmental most of the time, so staying on the sidelines is a good way to avoid trouble.
B: That’s one way to think of it. But you can’t be silent about everything. If no one voices their opinion, there wouldn’t be any progress in society.
A: Wow, look at you, professor…不过也是，像我们下面要讲的盗版光碟，就不能纵容!
B: Let’s listen to today’s business etiquette and check it out!
礼节美语Piracy I
Carl 下课，看到室友 Benny 买东西刚回来，好象很兴奋。
Benny: Hey Carl! Check this out! I just picked up three brand-new Hollywood movies…they haven’t even been released in theaters yet!
Carl: Um…you mean they’re counterfeit copies?
B: Sure! They only cost a couple of bucks each!
C: Yeah, but…they’re illegal copies.
B: So? What’s the problem?
C: I just don’t think it’s right to buy pirated goods. I don’t want to sound too judgmental, but I think it’s wrong.
Benny 兴奋地叫 Carl，Check this out! 快来看。原来，Benny买了三张盗版影碟，都是尚未发行的好莱坞大片。盗版可以说 counterfeit goods, 也可以说 pirated goods. 盗版碟很便宜，每张只要 a couple of bucks 两美元。Carl 说，I don’t want to sound too judgmental, judgmental is spelled j-u-d-g-m-e-n-t-a-l, 意思是对别人妄加评论，但 Carl 还是要说，买盗版碟不对。
B: But Carl, those Hollywood film companies make millions and millions of dollars! It’s not like I’m hurting some poor kid in Africa. These guys are billionaires.
C: Yes, that’s true. But there’s a simple rule to find out if something is wrong or not: Ask yourself, “What would happen if everyone did what you are doing?”
B: Well, if everyone bought pirated copies, no one would buy originals.
C: And if that happened the movie companies would go bankrupt and you’d never be able to enjoy cool new films, right?
B: I guess so.
Benny 觉得，自己买盗版，受损失的只是那些身价数十亿美元的好莱坞制片公司，所以没什么了不起。Carl 让 Benny 想想，如果大家都象他一样买盗版，会是什么结果。Benny 承认，那就没人买正品了。正品叫 original, original is spelled o-r-i-g-i-n-a-l, original. 没人买正品，制片公司就会 go bankrupt 破产，那就没电影看了。Carl 还说
C: Also, think about the initial investment. When a drug company makes a new medicine, it takes years to test it before they can sell it. If we buy the fake version, the drug company might not have the money to test some newer medicine. Movies are a big investment, too.
B: But the prices they charge are insane! I could buy 35 pirated DVDs for the price of one original!
C: Actually, I agree with you there. The movie studios do need to reduce their prices to something more reasonable. But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s still stealing.
Carl 提醒说，拍电影跟开发新药一样，需要大笔投资，这一点也不能忘。Benny 争辩说，可正版影碟实在是太贵了。The prices are insane. Carl 在这一点上同意 Benny 的看法，觉得制片公司需要把价格降低到更合理的价位，to reduce their prices to something more reasonable. 但他坚持说，这改变不了买盗版就是盗取的事实。Carl 是否能够说服 Benny 以后不再买盗版，我们下次继续听。
A: Benny买回了一些counterfeit goods, 盗版碟，Carl说，他不想表现得太judgmental, 对别人妄加评论，但是买盗版碟不对。Benny说，the price of the originals are insane, 正品的价格太贵了，Carl对此表示同意，可是还是认为买盗版不对。
B: Exactly. I won’t stand on the sidelines if any of my friends are buying counterfeit goods. Just look at our team, it takes an enormous amount of time to make just a 10 minute video, let alone a 2-hour movie. We need to respect the efforts made by the people at these production studios.
A: To find out if something is wrong or not: Ask yourself, “What would happen if everyone did what you are doing?” So Mike, as yourself, what would happen if everyone acts like you, and keeps eating my snacks?
B: Hmm.. you will finally be skinny?
A: You evil….
B: (Evil laugh) Alright! Let’s keep listening and see if Carl can persuade Benny!
礼节美语Piracy II
Benny 买了便宜的盗版影碟，他室友 Carl 觉得这样做无异于盗窃。Benny 争辩说，
B: Come on. If you steal, it means you hurt someone, right? When I buy fake DVDs, who am I hurting?
C: Actually, lots of people. Movie and software companies all over the world have lots of employees performing all kinds of jobs. There are designers, lighting people, make-up people and many, many more. If the company doesn’t make money, these people lose their jobs.
买盗版影碟，会伤害到很多人，包括 designers 设计师、lighting people 灯光师、make-up people 化妆师，等等。如果电影制片厂不赚钱，这些人都得失业。此外，盗版影碟质量也不好。
C: Besides, isn’t the quality of pirated DVDs really terrible?
B: Some of them are pretty bad. Sometimes you can barely hear the dialogue because the audio is so poor.
C: Then why not really enjoy the movie by renting a legal copy? You don’t usually watch films again anyway. They just sit on your shelf taking up space!
B: (Laughs) That’s true. I have 1000 of these things just lying around. OK, I can sort of see your point. But originals are still way too expensive!
盗版影碟质量差，有时连对话都听不清楚。况且，Carl 说，一部电影也不会反复看，无非是放在架子上占地儿，take up space 。Benny 承认，I have 1000 of these things just lying around. 他确实有很多盗版影碟放在那里。可他又说，正版实在是太贵了。Originals are way too expensive. 这里的 way 起到了强调的效果。
C: Yes, I agree, but I think that will begin to change soon. Pretty soon everything will be digital and you’ll be able go online and cheaply buy a legal copy to download. Prices should start to go down soon.
B: It’s already happened for music. I can now buy single songs online legally for a very cheap price. Before I had to buy the whole album on a CD, but usually I only liked a couple of the songs on it.
Carl说，用不了多久，电影也会数字化，可以很便宜地合法下载。Prices should start to go down soon. 价格很快会下来。Benny 表示同意，因为他现在已经可以上网付费下载单曲，而不用象从前那样买整盘CD了。
C: Also, don’t forget that buying original copies helps pay the salaries of your favorite movie stars. You’re a big Jackie Chan fan, right?
B: Yeah! Jackie Chan is the best! Nobody can do stunts like Chan!
C: But how can the movie studios pay Jackie Chan millions of dollars to star in the films if everybody buys fake copies of his movies?
B: Ok, Ok I get it! …I’ll give up pirated movies. ….Now what am I going to do tonight?
C: Want to play chess?
B: Sure!
Carl 知道 Benny 是成龙的影迷，他继续劝 Benny 说，如果大家都买盗版，谁还付得起几百万美元请成龙拍电影呢？Benny 这才终于表示，Ok I get it! I’ll give up pirated movies. 意思是，好了，我明白了，以后不买盗版了。
B: Actually, I think the market for pirated DVDs is going to dry up soon. With everything being digitized these days, you can get an original copy at a very reasonable price.
A: Yeah, I always buy digital versions of songs on iTunes! It’s like 99 cents a song!
B: Exactly. And with that, you don’t have to worry about millions of DVD taking up space at your house!
A: 没错! 好吧，盗版问题就到这里, Now let’s go to another learn a word!
Learn A Word 1793 trade-in
今天我们要学的词是trade-in. Trade-in is spelled t-r-a-d-e, trade, and in, i-n, in; trade-in. Trade-in 是以旧换新的意思。Apple plans to launch an iPhone trade-in program, encouraging consumers to upgrade to the iPhone 5. 苹果公司计划启动苹果手机以旧换新的项目，以鼓励消费者把旧苹果手机升级到第五代。An elementary school in California will sponsor a toy-gun trade-in program, encouraging kids to swap their toy weapons for a chance to win a new bike. 美国加州的一所小学将组织玩具枪以旧换新的活动，鼓励孩子上缴玩具武器，参加这项活动的孩子都有机会赢得一辆崭新的自行车。好的，今天我们学习的词是 trade-in, trade-in, trade-in…
A: I’m thinking of getting a new car. Maybe I can trade-in my old car.
B: You can but you should be careful when dealing with used car salesmen- they’re….tricksters.
A: Tell me about it! I can never figure out what they are thinking! they are just really good at playing with your head.
B: Maybe you need someone smarter to go with you! Hence… me!
A: Oh gosh…
B: Hahahaha. OK OK, in the next words and idioms, we will learn a phrase that is the opposite of tricksters!
A: Let’s check it out!
Words and Idioms 850 An Open Book
美国习惯用语第 850 讲
这个周末我认识了我们的新邻居。当时我只是想去拜访她一下，顺便介绍一下自己，可是她非常热情，非要留我在她家吃饭。结果一顿饭下来，我对她的一切都了如指掌了，包括她的职业，她为什么要搬家等等。用英语来形容，她对我来说就是:
M: An open book. Open is spelled o-o-e-n, and book; b-o-o-k. An-open-book. An open book.
这个习惯用语中的形容词 Open是打开的意思，book是书。An open book是打开的书。用open book来形容一个人意思是这个人像一本打开的书一样，毫不掩饰他的个人情况，就像我那位新邻居一样，和我一见如故，什么都告诉我。
M: I’m sure she would have told me anything I wanted to know because she strikes me as AN OPEN BOOK.
美国有一位著名的黑人女诗人叫Maya Angelou，下面这位读者说，Maya Angelou能取得今天的成就，是因为她独特的生活经历:
M: Maya Angelou has written about her many challenges since growing up in the 1930s. From being discriminated against by Southern white society to being raped as a child, she’s experienced pain that many people might have kept secret. But Ms. Angelou’s life has been AN OPEN BOOK. Her courage and her insights are inspiring.
男:Maya Angelou 在她的作品中描述了她在1930年代成长的过程中遭遇的许多挑战。从南方白人的歧视到小时候被强暴，很多人可能会把这种痛苦的经历埋藏在心底，不愿意让别人知道。但是Maya Angelou 把自己的经历毫无保留地讲述给大家。她的勇气和见识鼓舞了很多人。
没错。她可以让这些痛苦的经历变成永久的秘密，但是她宁愿通过自己的作品向别人讲述她的经历。我觉得她很了不起。
前几天我去看车，那个卖车的人别提多讨厌了，油腔滑调不说，而且手段不高明，一眼就让人看穿了他的伎俩，用我们今天学的习惯用语OPEN BOOK来说:
M: You were able to READ HIM LIKE AN OPEN BOOK.
Read someone like an open book.
Read someone like an open book，意思是很容易就能猜到这个人在想什么。就像那个狡猾的汽车销售员一样，我可以READ HIM LIKE AN OPEN BOOK ，而且我知道这种人我不能和他打交道。
这样的人绝对不能到下面我们要讲的这个公司去申请工作，为什么呢? 我们听听这家公司的老板怎么说:
M: My construction company reflects my values as a builder. I believe in doing honest work at a fair price. I invite clients to ask any questions they’d like and look carefully at projects I’ve worked on. I think of my business as AN OPEN BOOK. I have absolutely nothing to hide.
男:我的建筑公司代表着我作为一个建筑商的价值观。我相信做生意要诚实，价格要公道。我欢迎我的客户提出任何问题，也欢迎他们审查我们以往的工程。我认为我的公司是一本打开的书。我没有任何东西需要隐瞒。
AN OPEN BOOK您觉得它的反义词会是什么呢? 不难猜， 就是
M:A CLOSED BOOK.
对。一本合上的书不知道它的内容当然很神秘了。 一个公司不想让别人知道他们的情况，我们可以说这个公司是一个CLOSED BOOK。形容一个人很神秘，也可以说这个人是CLOSED BOOK。
这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。以后我想到更精彩的习惯用语一定和大家分享。
M: Until next time.
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: Mike, you are totally an open book! An open cook book that is (hehehe)…….
B: At least my book has more than two pages in it OOOH BURN!
A: 好了同学们，这次节目时间就到这里了。
B: Tune in next time for American English Mosaic!
A: See you next time!
美语训练班 第115课
A: 欢迎大家来到这期的美语训练班! 我是杨琳!
B: 我是Mike! 杨琳，来告诉大家今天都要学什么!
A: 好的! 今天，我们要一起看看美国老板鼓励员工的方式，告诉你怎么说陷入困境，还要来看看如何说越界!
B: Performance evaluations are very common in American companies. Basically, your supervisor gives an evaluation of your work performance every three months. Most of the time, they just want to see whether you perform your job well.
A: Aren’t your nervous that your first evaluation is coming up Mike? I can put in a good word for you if you buy me lunch today….
B: As if I need it.
A: 呵呵，好了，不开玩笑了! 咱们赶快开始今天的课程吧! 先来进入第一个单元…
B: learn a word!
Learn A Word 1794 replica
今天我们要学的词是replica. Replica is spelled r-e-p-l-i-c-a, replica. Replica 是复制品的意思。Lego built a life-sized replica of an X-Wing Fighter, the iconic spaceship from the Return of the Jedi. 乐高公司搭建了一个跟星球大战6杰迪归来里的经典飞机X-Wing 一样大小的复制品。A scaled replica of the Titanic will be put on display. 一个泰坦尼克号的复制模型将向民众公开展览。瑞士手表生产行业说，The replica watch market costs them billions of dollars each year. 假冒伪劣的复制名表市场每年都会给他们造成数以十亿美元计的损失。今天我们学习的词是 replica, replica, replica…
B: So you just got back from your vacation to Las Vegas 杨琳。How do you like the city?
A: I heart it! Especially all the different theme hotels… and their buffets! But my favorite is the replica of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triumph, they’re breath-taking.
B: Yeah, Las Vegas is a very attractive city to visit. According to TripAdvisor.com, The fountains at the Bellagio Casino are actually the top place people wanted to see when they come to America.
A: You lived there for two years, right?
B: Yep, I really like the city. It’s diverse and energetic, but some times…it’s a little out of line…. But as we put it: what happens in Vegas ends up on Facebook.
A: 哈哈，对! 你正好提到了我们接下来要教的短语: Out of Line! Let’s check it out in today’s words and idioms!
Words and Idioms 851 Out of Line
美国习惯用语第 851讲
这个周末我去参加一个派对，其中一个客人显然是喝多了，居然去骚扰另一位客人的太太。 那位太太一气之下甩了他一巴掌。我看是活该。
这个人的行为可以说是:
M: Out of line. Line is spelled l-i-n-e. Out-of-line. Out of line.
Out of line 这个习惯用语由三个很简单的英文词组成。Out ，外面；line，线，界限；那么Out of line很容易理解，就是超越了界限。说一个人 Out of line，就是行为不检点。比如我上次碰到的那个醉酒的男子，骚扰别人的妻子。
M:He shouldn’t have been acting like that; he was OUT OF LINE.
下面我们再举个例子，有一位父亲在足球场的行为超越了界限而遭到其他父母的非议:
M: Some parents don’t know how to behave. At my son’s football game, one player’s dad ran onto the field and started screaming at the referee about a call he didn’t agree with. He was so OUT OF LINE. I don’t blame the officials for banning him from the stands for the rest of the season. What he did was unacceptable.
有的父母就是不懂得控制自己的行为。在我儿子的足球比赛上，有一个球员的父亲觉得裁判的判决不公平，所以就冲到足球场上，对着裁判大喊大叫。后来球队决定禁止他在本赛季观看比赛。他的行为让人无法容忍。
其实很多父母都会这样，看孩子比赛太投入了，常常就会做出一些缺乏理智的举动，明明是大人，行为却幼稚得像小孩子。
小孩也应该有大人正确引导，才不会行为出轨。有一天我走在路上，一只篮球滚到我脚边。有个孩子命令我说”把篮球给我扔过来”，我提醒他要加上一个”请”字，可是他既没有道歉，也没说”请”，自己把篮球捡起来转身就跑了。 这种行为在我看来就是OUT OF LINE。
很多学生大学毕业要申请工作，走入社会。申请工作要面试，考官可以问你哪些问题，哪些问题又会OUT OF LINE呢?
M: What can a potential employer ask you? It’s fair enough for an interviewer to inquire about your job history and education. Yet questions about your age, religion and political views are way OUT OF LINE. You never have to answer them. Not only are they inappropriate, but they are also illegal.
你未来的雇主可以问你哪些问题呢? 面试官有权询问有关你的工作经历和教育程度方面的问题。但是如果他问你的年龄、宗教信仰和政治立场，那就大大超越界限了。这种问题不仅不恰当，而且不合法。
注意刚才这个人说
M: Way out of line.
这里的 WAY 就是非常或者很严重的意思。
我们还可以在 out of line 前面用动词 GET; 和STEP; 表示超越了界限。
M:Get out of line; step out of line.
例如:
M:If that unruly father STEPS OUT OF LINE next season, he might never be allowed to watch another football game.
这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。以后我想到更精彩的习惯用语一定和大家分享。
M: Until next time.
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: True. Never talk about religion, sexual orientation, or politics in the work place. You may cross the line and get yourself in trouble.
B: Exactly. You don’t want that kind of record on your performance evaluation. Once your reputation is ruined, you can never get it back.
A: 没错! 今天的business etiquette里，部门经理就要来找手下谈谈他的年度中期工作表现!
B: Let’s check it out!
礼节美语Performance Evaluation I
部门经理 Fay 找手下 Steve 来，讨论他的年度中期工作表现。
Fay: Hi there, Steve….grab a seat.
Steve: Hi, Fay. How are you this morning?
F: Very well, thanks. Great weather we’ve been having.
S: I know! Makes me want to sneak away from work and go hiking!
F: Yeah…hiking would be great right about now! Ok…let’s get down to the task at hand…your bi-annual performance evaluation.
Steve 的上司 Fay 让他随便坐，grab a seat 是非常口语的说法，意思就是请坐。谈正事之前先要寒暄一下，Steve 说，最近天气好，让他恨不得上班开小差儿，去滑雪 to sneak away from work and go hiking. 寒暄过后，Fay 说，let’s get down to the task at hand，咱们开始谈正事吧。Fay 找 Steve 来为了每年两次 bi-annual 的工作表现评定。
S: So how did I do?
F: Well, in many areas you get high marks. You have a lot of creative thoughts and your enthusiasm regarding work projects is very much appreciated.
S: That’s good to hear. I enjoy being creative and I’m glad to see you appreciate that. Now what’s the bad news?
F: (Chuckle) Well, we all have areas in which we could do better.
S: And what are my areas?
Fay 首先表扬 Steve，说他很多方面都做得很好，get high marks, 得高分，尤其是他点子多 ，工作热情高。Steve 问，So what’s the bad news? 坏消息呢？意思是缺点呢？Fay 婉转地说，we all have areas in which we could do better. 大家都有可以改进的地方。
F: For starters, there is an issue of punctuality. You’ve been clocking in roughly 20 to 30 minutes late almost every day.
S: But I moved last month and the office is almost 40 miles away from my home now! Sometimes the traffic is really terrible.
F: Yeah, I know. I also live out in the suburbs. Sometimes I’m stuck in traffic for 45 minutes! But, as you know, the company requires all employees to be at work by nine A.M. sharp.
首先是准点上班的问题，the issue of punctuality. Steve 几乎每天迟到二、三十分钟，to clock in 指进办公室的时间，to clock out 则是指离开办公室的时间。Steve 解释说，这是因为他最近搬家，路上堵车。Fay 表示理解，说自己有时也会 stuck in traffic for 45 minutes.有时路上会堵45分钟，可是公司要求员工九点准时到办公室，to be at work by nine A.M. sharp. 这一 点不能含糊。
S: Yeah…I know…but it’s really been tough for me lately! Can you possibly make an exception?
F: If it were up to me, I’d love for everyone to come in at noon. But I can’t make exceptions; otherwise everyone else will be unhappy. We’re a team and we all have to follow the rules.
S: All right. I guess I’m just going to have to wake up an hour earlier.
F: Sounds like a good plan.
Steve 问 Fay 能不能 make an exception 破例，让他稍微晚点到。Fay 说，如果依她，if it were up to me, 大家中午到都行，但是公司的规定，大家都要遵守。除了上班迟到，Steve 还有哪些缺点，我们下次继续听。
A: Fay跟Steve谈起了他的工作表现，Fay说，Steve有很好的一面，比如说have creative thoughts, 点子多，还有enthusiasm towards work，工作热情高。但是话峰一转，谈到了the issue of punctuality, 准时的问题。Steve表示自己搬到了离公司很远的地方，能不能make an exception.
B: I think rule No. 1 in work place is to be fair. You can’t make an exception for just one person, whatever the reason is. It’ll take a long time to get the office morale back.
A: I can say that again. Let’s keep listening to Fay and see what else he has to say about Steve!
礼节美语Performance Evaluation II
部门经理 Fay 找手下 Steve 来，讨论他的年度中期工作表现，除了上班迟到，Steve 还有哪些缺点呢？
S: OK…what other issues are there with my performance?
F: Well, like I said before, you are very enthusiastic and we appreciate that, but sometimes you can be a bit over-the-top.
S: What do you mean by that?
F: Well, sometimes your co-workers feel that you are too loud, or you tell inappropriate jokes during office hours.
S: Who said that about me? Tell me their name!
Fay 说 Steve 有时热情得 over-the-top, 有点过头，办公室同事觉得 Steve太吵，而且还开一些不合时宜的玩笑。Steve 气得不行，问是谁在背后打他的小报告。
F: You know I can’t do that and I don’t think it’s important who feels this way. The truth is that maybe you could try to tone down your volume and be more careful of what you say.
S: I think people are too sensitive.
F: That could be true, but we all have to work together so it’s probably best not to step on people’s toes.
S: OK…I guess I can try to tone it down.
F: Can you handle another criticism?
S: Sure…why not? Bring it on!
Fay 表示，谁说的并不重要，她也不能告诉 Steve，但她建议Steve 还是要 tone down your volume 说话小声点，Don’t step on people’s toes. 别踩到别人脚指头，意思是不要冒犯别人。Fay 问Steve说，Can you handle another criticism? 天啊，还有？
F: I would recommend that you work on following through with projects. You have a lot of good ideas and you start quite a few different projects, but many times you don’t follow through. Then all these ideas are just floating around but nothing is really getting done.
S: But I’m really more of an idea person. I come up with concepts and start them, but the legwork is really not my style.
Fay 建议 Steve 做项目要 follow through. 做事有始有终。Steve 好主意虽然多，可是 nothing is really getting done. 没有什么是真正落实了的。Steve 说自己就是擅长出点子，I’m more of an idea person. 但是具体跑腿儿、落实就不是他的风格了，the legwork is not my style. legwork 意思是跑腿儿的活，具体工作。Fay 表示，这不利于Steve升职。
F: Honestly Steve, You have a lot of talent, but if you don’t complete tasks, you won’t get promoted.
S: Well, thanks for the advice. I’ll try to work on that.
F: Again, I can’t stress enough how grateful we are for all the work you do. Overall, you are a quality employee and we’re glad to have you.
S: Thanks for saying that, Fay. I appreciate it.
F: Sure. Thanks for stopping by and we’ll do this again in six months.
S: See you then!
Steve 保证，他会努力改正。I’ll try to work on that. 谈话结束前，Fay 再次强调，Steve 是优秀员工，a quality employee，公司能有他这样的员工很高兴。We’re glad to have you.
A: 原来呢，Steve虽然很善于出点子，但是不善于follow through 做事有始有终, 而且有点不顾别人的感受, step on people’s toes, 有时会冒犯别人。Steve说，legwork is not my style, 不善于做具体工作，但是会从此注意，开始改正。
B: Creative ideas and the ability to follow through, that’s the way to get a promotion.
A: 没错! 哎，Mike,你两样都没有，怎么办呢?
B: Ugh….
A: (笑) 好了好了不开玩笑了! 工作表现就到这里吧! Now let’s go to another learn a word!
Learn A Word 1795 showstopper
今天我们要学的词是showstopper. showstopper is s-h-o-w-s-t-o-p-p-e-r, showstopper. Showstopper 意思是精彩的表演，或是吸引人的事物。New York is a city rich in landmarks and showstoppers for visitors to experience. 纽约有各种地标和吸引人的景点，给游客提供丰富的体验。音乐喜剧“海上情缘”正在美国的肯尼迪艺术中心上映。”Anything Goes” is a musical comedy full of showstopper numbers. “海上情缘”里一段段演唱，精彩纷呈。The new 2014 Jaguar F-Type is a true showstopper. 2014年新款捷豹 F-Type 实在是太吸引眼球了。今天我们学习的词是 showstopper, showstopper, showstopper…
B: Have you watched Pacific Rim? It’s a real showstopper! I highly recommend it!
A: Hmm…我不喜欢机器人打打杀杀的电影，我更喜欢看些轻喜剧什么的! 有一次硬着头皮跟朋友去看恐怖片，I was so afraid that I couldn’t look at the screen, but at the same time I couldn’t leave! I was stuck there, it was so painful…
B: Wow…OK. Then you probably should skip the next one. Well, the idiom we are going to teach next means exactly what you just said. Let’s check it out!
Words and Idioms 852 PAINT ONESELF INTO A CORNER
美国习惯用语>第 852 讲我表姐最近遇到了一件很为难的事。她准备两个月后结婚，并答应让自己最要好的朋友做伴娘，可是她忘了，其实她早就把伴娘的角色缸5c给了自己的亲妹妹。我真不知道她要如何才能脱身。用我们今天要学的习惯用语来形容她的处境恰如其分，那就是：
M: Paint oneself into a corner. Paint is spelled p-a-i-n-t, and corner; c-o-r-n-e-r. Paint-oneself-into-a-corner. Paint oneself into a corner.
在英语里，Paint 是画的意思，corner 是角落。TO PAINT ONESELF INTO A CORNER 意思是让自己陷入困境。我表姐的情况一个很好的例子，因为她把伴娘的重要任务许给了两个人。SHE PAINTED HERSELF INTO A CORNER. 别以为自己为难自己的人只有她一个。让我们一起来听听下面这个人的故事。
M: “To make extra money, I took a part-time job. But then one of my co-workers at my full-time job quit and I volunteered to do some of his work. Now I’ve really PAINTED MYSELF INTO A CORNER. I’ve taken on too much. It’s impossible for me to get everything done!”
这个人说：为了多赚点钱， 我找了份兼职工作。后来我的一个同事辞职，我主动提出分担他留下来的一部分工作，如今我是自作自受，揽了太多的工作，简直是分身乏术。
我也经常干这种傻事。比如说，最近公司有个大项目，时间很紧，我主动承担了下来，谁知负责该项目的另外一位同事突然生病，我只好周末加班，一个人干两个人的活。I PAINTED MYSELF INTO A CORNER. 好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “To make extra money, I took a part-time job. But then one of my co-workers at my full-time job quit and I volunteered to do some of his work. Now I’ve really PAINTED MYSELF INTO A CORNER. I’ve taken on too much. It’s impossible for me to get everything done!”
我上周末去看电影，是去年夏天一部大片的续集。电影里的主人公本来已经死了，可以因为影片很卖座，所以制片人决定让主人公起死回生。让我们一起听听下面这个娱乐记者的报道。
M: “How can there be a movie sequel when the main character was killed off? Writers are used to coming up with solutions to impossible situations. They’re not about to PAINT THEMSELVES INTO A CORNER. So they’ll find ways to miraculously save the hero or explain that his death was only a dream!”
这个记者说：主人公死了还能拍续集？不论是多么不可能的事情，编剧们都能找到出路。他们绝不会让自己陷在里面拔不出来。他们会神奇地找到解救主人公的办法，或是说他的死其实是一场恶梦。
让自己陷入困境是 PAINT ONESELF INTO A CORNER. 如果是别人让你陷入困境该怎么说呢？那就是要用到动词 BACK 了， 说 BACK SOMEONE INTO A CORNER. 我朋友的公司最近紧缩开支，通知他，要么同意减少工资，要么就走人。THEY BACKED HIM INTO A CORNER. 再比如，我们社区委员会主任让我组织节日游行，但是给我的经费又少得可怜。I FEEL LIKE SHE’S BACKING ME INTO A CORNER。好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “How can there be a movie sequel when the main character was killed off? Writers are used to coming up with solutions to impossible situations. They’re not about to PAINT THEMSELVES INTO A CORNER. So they’ll find ways to miraculously save the hero or explain that his death was only a dream!”
好的，这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。我建议大家，每次学习一个新的习惯用语，都要反复练习，这样真到了用的时候，才不会 PAINT YOURSELF INTO A CORNER.
M: Until next time.
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: You need to give yourself some free time. When I was in graduate school, I painted myself into a corner by attending school, being a TA, and interning at a company. The end result was that I couldn’t do any of them well enough.
B:Maybe someone smarter, aka me, could have handled it?
A: Yeah, as if. 好了同学们，这次节目时间就到这里了。
B: Tune in next time for American English Mosaic!
A: See you next time!
美语训练班 第116课
A: 欢迎大家来到这期的美语训练班! 我是杨琳!
B: 我是Mike! 杨琳，来告诉大家今天都要学什么!
A: 好的! 今天，我们要一起看看如果在工作场合遇到骚扰该怎么办，告诉你怎么说泼冷水，还要告诉你如何说意料之中!
B: Gosh, sexual harassment is the worst thing that could happen to anyone in the work place. The workplace is supposed to be a safe place to work in. You shouldn’t have to be looking over your shoulder all day.
A: I agree. But it’s also a very delicate situation that needs to be handled correctly.
B: And we will give you some tips later! Now let’s go into today’s lessons.
A: 先来进入第一个单元…learn a word!
Learn A Word 1797 breakdown
今天我们要学的词是breakdown. Breakdown is spelled b-r-e-a-k-d-o-w-n, breakdown. Breakdown 做为名词，有故障，崩溃的意思。AAA predicts nearly 115,000 motorists in Virginia will require assistance with car breakdowns this summer. 美国汽车协会预计，今年夏天维吉尼亚州会有11万5千辆车中途抛锚，需要帮助。She suffered a nervous breakdown after her boyfriend walked out of her life. 被男友抛弃后，她陷入精神崩溃状态。News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch has filed for divorce from his wife Wendi Deng Murdoch, citing a breakdown in the relationship. 新闻集团首席执行官默多克提出与妻子邓文迪离婚的申请，理由是关系破裂。好的，今天我们学习的词是 breakdown, breakdown, breakdown…
A: 我听到邓文迪和默多克离婚的消息时实在太惊讶了! All the news was saying they were super happy together! And…a breakdown in the relationship? What does that mean?
B: Relationships have to be maintained, if you don’t spend enough time and energy managing it, it can easily fall apart.
A: That’s true. Empathy, compassion, and a willingness to communicate are extremely important in any relationship.
B: Without mutual understanding of those things a breakdown becomes par for the course.
A: 没错! 这正好是我们下面words and idioms要教的词! 什么叫做par for the course 呢?
B: Let’s check it out!
Words and Idioms 853 PAR FOR THE COURSE
美国习惯用语 第 853 讲
如今很多人在网上写的博客简直让人难以置信。比如说，昨天就有个年轻的妈妈在博客里抱怨说，生了孩子以后，再没时间出去社交了，真没劲。
生养孩子当然要付出代价，要花费时间，这不是天经地义的吗？有什么好抱怨的呢！不过，这倒让我想起一个习惯用语，今天跟大家分享，那就是：
M: Par for the course. Par is spelled p-a-r, and course; c-o-u-r-s-e. Par-for-the-course.
有人打高尔夫吗？这个习惯用语是从高尔夫球来的。Par指的是某个洞、或是高尔夫整场打下来的标准击球杆数，比如说18洞72杆。说某件事情是 par for the course，意思就是正常的，意料之中的。就像我们刚才说的，有了孩子就不再有那么多时间出去社交了，It’s PAR FOR THE COURSE.
你打高尔夫吗？锻炼身体吗？注意饮食吗？如果既锻炼身体又注意饮食的话，你一定能长寿。相反的，不注意健康保健会有什么样的结果呢？让我们一起来听听下面这个人是怎么说的。
M: “Grandpa has never gotten much exercise. He also hasn’t watched what he eats. Is it any surprise that lab tests show he’s got a variety of health problems? After not taking care of himself, his poor condition is PAR FOR THE COURSE.”
这个人说： 我爷爷从来不锻炼身体，也不注意饮食。化验结果发现，他身上一大堆毛病，这也就没有什么好奇怪的了。常年不注意身体，结果当然会是这样。 我的一位伯父，从十几岁就开始抽烟，65岁的时候突然戒了烟，同时开始每天游泳。很多人都觉得毫无意义，但是医生说，改善生活习惯，不论年纪大小，都是有好处的。好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “Grandpa has never gotten much exercise. He also hasn’t watched what he eats. Is it any surprise that lab tests show he’s got a variety of health problems? After not taking care of himself, his poor condition is PAR FOR THE COURSE.”
我的一个好朋友 Donna 最近刚刚升任部门经理。工资涨了，责任自然也更重了，而且还要经常加班。但是她知道，That’s all PAR FOR THE COURSE. 这些都是很自然的。
现在经济不好，很多人找工作。下面这段话给那些经常在网上发信息的人提了个醒儿，让我们一起听听下面这段科技报道。
M: “Do you frequently post on the Internet? Sure, your friends can see comments you made about your old boss or your suggestive photo at a wild party. But potential employers might look, too. These days, it’s PAR FOR THE COURSE. Expect all kinds of people to be able to access your data.”
报道里说： 你经常在网上贴东西吗？确实，朋友们可以看到你对原来老板的评价，也能看到你参加派对时拍的那些出格的照片。不过别忘了，一些用人单位也能看得到，如今这年头儿，这是很正常的。什么人都能看到你的信息。
我可能真是老了，不能接受新鲜事物了。我怎么也想不通的是，为什么会有人愿意把自己的隐私拿到网上，让大家都来看。好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “Do you frequently post on the Internet? Sure, your friends can see comments you made about your old boss or your suggestive photo at a wild party. But potential employers might look, too. These days, it’s PAR FOR THE COURSE. Expect all kinds of people to be able to access your data.”
刚才说到，年纪越大，越不能接受新鲜事物了。Is it PAR FOR THE COURSE? 肯定有人不同意。你觉得呢？
好的，这次 美国习惯用语 就到此结束了。
M: Until next time.
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: Exactly! I’ve heard that potential employers are now going on Facebook and Linkedin to check if you seem like a responsible and qualified employee. They also want to rule out those with weird habits.
B: So pay attention to what you post on your Facebook! Don’t talk about things in the office, and don’t ever make any jokes relating to politics, religion, or sexual orientation.
A: 是啊! I’m so grateful that we have a great work environment. 今天business etiquette里的Clarie就没有这么好运了，咱们一起来听听是怎么回事吧!
礼节美语 Sexual Harassment I
Jessica 看到同事 Claire 情绪很低落。
Jessica: Hey Claire, you look sad. What’s up?
Claire: I guess I am a bit depressed.
J: Having a bad hair day?
C: (chuckle) No, that’ not it.
J: Come on. You can confide in me. I know how to keep a secret.
C: OK… but you really have to keep this to yourself. I don’t want to cause trouble.
J: Wow. Sounds serious!
C: You know my boss, Kevin?
J: Sure…I’ve met him at a couple of company functions.
Jessica 开玩笑，问 Clare 情绪低落是不是 having a bad hair day. 说某人 have a bad hair day 意思是因为不顺，心情不好。Jessica 说自己嘴很严，所以 Clair 可以 confide in me 把秘密告诉我。Claire 告诉 Jessica 说，事情跟自己的上司 Kevin 有关。听起来好象挺严重。
C: Well, he keeps commenting on how pretty I am and he frequently touches my shoulders. He says I look tense and could use a massage.
J: And this makes you uncomfortable, right?
C: Yeah! I don’t like it. I have a boyfriend and I’m not interested in Kevin at all. Plus, he’s my boss and it’s just a weird feeling!
J: That sounds like sexual harassment to me!
C: Really? Do you think it’s that serious?
原来，Claire 的上司 Kevin 经常夸她漂亮，还动手动脚，让 Claire 很不舒服。Claire 有男朋友，而且 I’m not interested in Kevin 对 Kevin 没兴趣，所以感觉很怪。Jessica 肯定地说，这是性骚扰 sexual harassment. 这么说性质可就严重了。
J: The workplace is supposed to be a comfortable place to work in. You shouldn’t have to be looking over your shoulder all day. It’s the responsibility of a boss to make sure your workday is safe and productive.
C: Well, every time he comes out to speak to me, I worry he’s going to do or say something that makes me uncomfortable.
J: That’s sexual harassment and it’s a crime!
Jessica 说，工作单位应该安全、舒适，员工不需要随时随地提心吊胆。You shouldn’t have to be looking over your shoulder all day. 这里所说的 to look over one’s shoulder 意思是小心提防。Claire 承认，每次 Kevin 跟她讲话，她都很紧张，生怕 Kevin 的举止会让自己感到别扭。不过，她又说…
C: But overall he is a pretty good boss and most of the people in the office like him. I don’t want to be the one to stir up trouble. Maybe I’m too sensitive.
J: Sexual harassment is a common problem. I remember I once had a boss who kept asking me out on a date…even though I was married and wearing my wedding ring!
C: What did you do about it?
Claire 说，Kevin 总的来说是个不错的老板，大家都很喜欢他，所以 I don’t want to be the one to stir up trouble. 不想当那个挑起是非的人. Jessica 说，性骚扰是个很常见的问题，自己就曾遇到过一个老板，明知她已经结婚，还三番五次要跟她约会。Jessica 是如何处理的呢？我们下次继续听。
A: Claire情绪不高，原来是因为她的上司Kevin总是对她动手动脚，sexual harassment，性骚扰。Jessica说，工作环境应该是舒适的，you shouldn’t have to look over your shoulder all day long, 不该成天提心吊胆，但是Claire不想stir up trouble, 挑起是非。
B: Luckily I have never been exposed to this, but I have heard that it is common for young women to experiencing harassment in the workplace. In my opinion, you need to tell the person that they are making you uncomfortable, and if they still don’t stop then you need to report them.
A: Ugh…what a horrible situation! Let’s keep listening to Jessica and see what advice she can offer to Claire!
礼节美语 Sexual Harassment II
Claire 告诉同事 Jessica，上司 Kevin 跟她动手动脚，让她很不舒服。Jessica 说，这是性骚扰，自己以前也遇到过。她的做法是：
J: One day when my boss made a joke about my body, I spoke up and told him – in front of several colleagues – that I thought he was out of line. I told him what he’s doing is sexual harassment. He never did it again, but he also never spoke to me again.
C: See? That’s what I’m worried about. I want him to stop, but I don’t want to cause a scene.
J: Well, sometimes you don’t have a choice. You can’t let this guy get away with it.
Jessica 说，有一次她当着同事的面告诉老板不要太过份。I told him that I thought he was out of line. 这里的 out of line 意思是出格。虽然 Claire 说，I don’t want to cause a scene. 我不想当众把事情闹大， 可 Jessica 表示，有时你没有其它选择。
C: But is it really sexual harassment? Could he just be a rude person?
J: If he comments on your appearance or body or if he asks questions or comments about your personal life, that’s considered harassment. You have a responsibility to stop him so he doesn’t do it to someone else.
C: Yeah, I guess so. But what should I do?
J: You can report him to a superior, but before you do that, maybe you should confront him first.
Claire 还是不敢肯定 Kevin 的行为是不是够得上性骚扰。Jessica 说，如果他对你的外表或个人生活过份关心或是说三道四，就属于骚扰。她建议 Claire 直接去找 Kevin 谈，confront him.
J: I suggest you look Kevin right in the eye and clearly and slowly tell him that you want him to stop touching you and commenting about your appearance. Don’t smile or joke this should be a serious conversation. When you finish speaking to him, just walk away and let him think about it.
C: And if it happens again?
J: Then you report him to company supervisors. If they are smart they will take care of it, otherwise, they know they could get sued. No one likes a lawsuit.
Jessica 说，应该直接去找 Kevin 明明白白地告诉他，希望他以后不要再动手动脚，或是品头论足。如果还是不行，再去找公司高层。如果他们聪明的话，they will take care of it. 他们就会妥善处理。No one likes a lawsuit. 没人愿意吃官司。
C: Could I maybe write him a letter? I’m not good at face-to-face confrontation.
J: That could work as well. Or, if you’d like, I’d be happy to stand with you when you talk to him. It might be nice to have some support…and I’d be a witness as well.
C: Thanks, Jessica. You’re a real friend. I’m sorry to drag you into this.
J: Not at all. We ladies have to stick together right?
C: Yeah. Thanks!
Claire 想写信给 Kevin，表达自己的意思，因为 I’m not good at face-to-face confrontation. 意思是我不擅长面对面的直接对抗。Jessica 很够意思，主动表示愿意陪 Claire 去找 Kevin, 给 Claire 壮胆，因为 We ladies have to stick together. 我们都是女性，应该抱团儿。
A: 显然，Kevin对Claire的态度是out of line， 出格了,但是Claire呢又不想cause a scene,把事情闹大。Jessica说，如果有人 对你性骚扰，一定要坚定地confront him，跟他对峙，让他以后再也不敢这么做。
B: I agree. You have a responsibility to stop him so he doesn’t do it to someone else.
A: True. And if confrontation doesn’t work out, you should always go to higher management to get it solved. 把任何罪恶消灭在萌芽状态!
B: Alright! Let’s take a break at this serious topic. Why don’t we do another learn a word!
Learn A Word 1799 keep in check
今天我们要学的词是keep in check. Keep is spelled k-e-e-p, keep, and check, c-h-e-c-k, check, keep in check. To keep something in check 意思是约束，控制某事。美国乔治华盛顿大学的研究人员说，A 15-minute walk three times a day after meals helps people in their 70s and 80s to keep their blood sugar levels in check. 每天三次饭后走15分钟，有利于七八十岁的人控制血糖水平。Bank Indonesia’s new Governor said that keeping inflation in check would be one of the central bank’s top priorities. 印尼央行新行长说，控制通货膨胀将是央行的工作重点之一。好的，今天我们学习的词是 keep in check, keep in check, keep in check…
A: I always stand for half an hour after meals! I’ve heard that it will help keep your weight in check!
B: Hmm…based on what I see, I seriously doubt that that’s true …
A: You…
B: Haha, I’m just getting back at you! I didn’t mean to pour cold water on you, actually I think you look really fit these days!
A: Watching your intake and keeping a regular exercise schedule, that’s the trick! 哎，你刚提到了一个俗语:pour cold water on, let’s check it out!
Words and Idioms 854 POUR COLD WATER ON
美国习惯用语 第 854 讲
有时候觉得，当父母真不容易。最近，我们同意女儿重新粉刷自己的房间，谁知她要刷黑色。明知她会不高兴，我们还是决定要打消她的这个念头，在英文里这叫：
M: Pour cold water on. Pour is spelled p-o-u-r. Pour-cold-water-on.
Pour cold water on 很容易理解，就是中文里面所说的泼冷水。虽然我们同意让女儿自己选择房间的颜色，但是黑色已经超过了我们的容忍范围。We just have to POUR COLD WATER ON that choice. 她虽然有些不高兴，但最后还是同意妥协，这才让我们长长地出了一口气。让我们一起听听下面这些人最近遇到了什么丧气的事情。
M: “A spokesperson for the company had announced that we’d all be getting raises at the end of the year. Unfortunately, she made the announcement before the board of directors reviewed our financial situation. Given our recent losses, they decided it was best to POUR COLD WATER ON the increases for now. They didn’t want to go ahead with a plan that made little sense.”
这个人说： 公司发言人刚刚宣布，员工年底一律加薪。糟糕的是，她宣布这一消息赶在了董事会审查财政状况之前。由于公司最近亏损，董事会决定最好先不提涨工资的事。他们不愿意批准一项不合情理的计划。
如果公司亏损超过了预期，这种决定是可以理解的。
我妹妹原来打算到哥斯达黎加去玩，谁知那里突发地震，她只好推迟行程。It poured cold water on her itinerary.
好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “A spokesperson for the company had announced that we’d all be getting raises at the end of the year. Unfortunately, she made the announcement before the board of directors reviewed our financial situation. Given our recent losses, they decided it was best to POUR COLD WATER ON the increases for now. They didn’t want to go ahead with a plan that made little sense.”
刚才说到，由于地震，我妹妹没能按计划到哥斯达黎加去玩，十分失望。下面例子里的一个男子本打算去拉斯维加斯玩个痛快，结果呢？让我们一起听听。
M: “My buddies and I organized a fun weekend in Las Vegas. But then my girlfriend POURED COLD WATER ON the trip. She made it clear that she wasn’t about to let me go to “Sin City”. She was afraid that four guys together would get into too much trouble with all the casinos and bars there.”
他说：我们几个哥们儿准备好一起去拉斯维加斯痛痛快快过个周末。结果我女朋友搅局。她明明白白地告诉我，不让我去“罪恶之城”。她担心，那里到处都是赌场和酒吧，四个男人肯定会惹祸。
拉斯维加斯素有“sin city”罪恶之城的称号，不过，除了赌场和酒吧以外，那里也有很多超级享受的餐馆和演出。这倒让我想起，今年渡假可以到拉斯维加斯去，I don’t think my husband would POUR COLD WATER ON this one. 好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “My buddies and I organized a fun weekend in Las Vegas. But then my girlfriend POURED COLD WATER ON the trip. She made it clear that she wasn’t about to let me go to “Sin City”. She was afraid that four guys together would get into too much trouble with all the casinos and bars there.”
这个习惯用语是从救火来的，这一点恐怕不难理解。如果大家在学习习惯用语的过程中遇到任何困难，尽管跟我们联系，我保证，I am not going to POUR COLD WATER ON your enthusiasm for learning. 不会给大家的学习热情泼冷水。
好的，这次 美国习惯用语 就到此结束了。
M: Until next time.
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: I hate to pour cold water on your weekend plans Mike, but your going to have to come in this weekend to help edit.
B: That’s ok Yanglin, I can get done in 2 hours what it takes you 8 hours to do. Plus I never say no to overtime…..
A: Yeah, as if. 好了同学们，这次节目时间就到这里了。
B: Tune in next time for American English Mosaic!
A: See you next time!
美语训练班 第117课
B: Welcome to American English Mosaic, I’m Mike Bond!
A: And I’m Lin Yang.
B: We have a great lesson prepared for you today. First we will take you to see how to effectively build your social network.
A: 我们还要带你去探索美国人对节食的看法，还有相关的有趣说法!
B: Then in words and idioms we will learn what “pull one’s weight” and “when push comes to shove” means!
A: All coming up on American English Mosaic!
B: Now let’s go into our first segment, Learn a word!
Learn A Word 1800 diet
今天我们要学的词是diet. Diet is spelled d-i-e-t, diet. Diet 名词，意思是饮食。对人类早期的牙齿化石进行的研究发现，About 3.5 million years ago early humans expanded their diet to include grasses and possibly animals。 古人类在大约350万年前急剧扩大饮食结构，开始食用草类，甚至是动物。你是素食主义者吗？最新研究显示，A vegetarian diet has been linked to lower death rates when compared to meat-eaters. 素食者跟吃肉的人相比，同期死亡率偏低。另外一项有趣的研究发现，Obese patients trust diet advice from overweight doctors more than advice from normal weight doctors. 跟正常体重的医生相比较，肥胖病人更相信体重超重医生提供的饮食建议。今天我们学习的词是 diet, diet, diet…
A: I know there’s a lot of health benefit to being a vegetarian, but…I just can’t give up meat. I mean, chicken wings might be bad for you, but it’s soul food! 鸡翅最能慰藉我的心灵。
B: Haha, I hear you. Keeping a good diet doesn’t mean you need to limit the kinds of food that you take in. You just need to watch your overall calories. I think the best way is to keep your intake to a modest amount.
A: That’s true. 都说吃8分饱最好，听见了吗Mike? 8分饱….
B: Right, it only takes 60 dumplings to make me feel 80% full!
A: You certainly pulled your weight at the Korean BBQ restaurant last weekend!
B: You bet! Well, let’s check out today’s words and idioms, and learn the meaning of “pull one’s own weight”!
Words and Idioms 855 Pull One’s Own Weight
美国习惯用语第 855
讲我最喜欢参加的志愿活动就是翻修房子，为低收入的人提供住处。亲手让一栋破破烂烂的老房子焕然一新，会有一种难以言表的成就感，不过，这份工作也很辛苦，每个志愿者都不能偷懒。我们今天要学的习惯用词就与此有关，叫：
M: Pull one’s weight. Pull is spelled p-u-l-l, and weight; w-e-i-g-h-t. Pull-one’s weight.
Pull 是拉的意思；Weight 是体重。pull one’s weight 意思是完成自己那份工作。就象我刚才说的，整修房子工作艰巨，每个志愿者都要 pull his weight 齐心协力，才能顺利完成工作。
现在的美国社会，男人主外赚钱，女人主内持家已经不再是惯例。让我们听听下面这个例子里家庭成员的分工。
M: “For the last two years, I’ve been a stay-at-home dad while my wife has continued her law practice. Anyone who thinks I’m not doing my share of work is wrong. In addition to taking care of our two kids, I’m busy grocery shopping, running errands, doing the laundry, cleaning the house and maintaining the yard. I’m definitely PULLING MY WEIGHT.”
这个人说：过去两年，我太太继续在律师事务所上班，而我却待在家里。不过，如果有人觉得我没有尽到自己那一份家庭义务的话，那可是冤枉了我。除了要照顾两个小孩外，我每天还忙着买菜、处理杂事、洗衣服、打扫房间、收拾院子。我绝对尽了自己的那一份义务。
有趣的是，这种家庭分工模式如今在美国已经越来越普遍。我个人觉得这样很好，让男人们也有机会去体会一下女人持家的辛苦。We’ve been PULLING OUR WEIGHT for centuries. 好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “For the last two years, I’ve been a stay-at-home dad while my wife has continued her law practice. Anyone who thinks I’m not doing my share of work is wrong. In addition to taking care of our two kids, I’m busy grocery shopping, running errands, doing the laundry, cleaning the house and maintaining the yard. I’m definitely PULLING MY WEIGHT.”
在下面这个例子里，Carla 工作非常努力。让我们一起听听老板对她的评价。
M: “Don’t underestimate Carla. She may have a lot less experience than other employees. But she contributes just as much as anyone on our team. There’s no doubt in my mind that she PULLS HER WEIGHT around this office.”
他说：千万不要低估 Carla. 也许她没有别的员工那么丰富的经验，但是她的贡献跟组里其它成员一样多。我丝毫也不怀疑，她尽了自己的那份力量。
我老公那儿刚刚开除了一个新员工。从简历上看，此人非常优秀，但是没用几个月的时间，老板就发现，他非常懒惰。He hadn’t PULLED HIS WEIGHT. 好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “Don’t underestimate Carla. She may have a lot less experience than other employees. But she contributes just as much as anyone on our team. There’s no doubt in my mind that she PULLS HER WEIGHT around this office.”
在英语里，专门有个词，用来指工作特别懒的人，叫 slacker, s-l-a-c-k-e-r, slacker。
Pull one’s weight 这个习惯用语最早是从划船来的。大家都知道，划船的时候大家要齐心协力，每个人都要出力，船才会前进。
Pull one’s weight 这个词的来历和用法我已经倾囊相赠，接下来就靠大家自己去练习了。You have to PULL YOUR WEIGHT.
M: Until next time.
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: 确实，学习外语很多程度在于自身的坚持和努力。俗话说，师父领进门，修行在个人。
B: That’s for sure. It also helps a lot if you immerse yourself in the environment. My Chinese was way better when I lived in Qingdao. Now I try to hang out with other people here in DC who speak Chinese to keep up my fluency.
A: So that’s the reason you hang out with me?
B: Duh. You think I really want to hang with you? (awkward silence) I’m kidding, kidding! All I’m saying is, I love to meet new people, and networking is very important in this town.
A:哼，饶了你! 没错，建立自己的人际网非常重要，不过如果你天性比较内向，不爱社交怎么办呢?
B: We can offer you some tips! Let’s check them out in today’s Business etiquette!
礼节美语 Social Networking I
Brad 和 Pam 邀请同事 Jimmy 下班后一起去酒吧，可 Jimmy 一再推辞，我们听听为什么。
Brad: Hey Jimmy, a couple of us are going out to Sam’s Bar after work. Care to join us?
Jimmy: Oh, um…thanks for the invitation, but I’m pretty tired. I think I’ll take a rain check.
Pam: But you took a rain check last time!
J: Yeah, I know. I’m just not so fond of bars.
Brad 说他们几个人下班准备一起去酒吧，问 Jimmy 要不要一起来， Care to join us? Jimmy 推辞说很累，还说 I’ll take a rain check. 意思是这次算了，改天吧。比如说，朋友约你去逛街，可你已经说好跟男朋友吃饭，就可以说 I’ll take a rain check. 下次吧！
P: Well, how about joining the company picnic next Saturday? We’re playing beach volleyball and you could join our team! Come on! It’ll be fun!
J: Um…you’re so kind, but…I’m really not sure if I’ll be able to make it.
B: Hey! I’ve got the perfect idea! We’re making plans for a dinner appointment with all the department heads this Sunday…you should definitely come!
Pam 不肯放弃，问 Jimmy 要不要参加下星期六的公司野餐，company picnic, 还可以加入他们的沙滩排球队。 Jimmy 再次推辞，说自己可能去不了。I’m really not sure if I’ll be able to make it. 这里说的 to make it 就是参加、出席的意思。比如说，朋友请你参加生日派对，可你那天已经有了安排，你就可以说 I’ll try to make it. 我一定争取来。
J: Uh…guys, I really appreciate what your trying to do, and I don’t mean to be a wallflower. I’m just a bit shy. Plus, I really don’t like loud bars or clubs.
B: Let me tell you a secret. I hate bars and clubs too! But, I know that going out and being seen is a big part of networking.
J: You mean like on a computer?
P: No, Brad means social networking.
B: Basically, it means going out and meeting people. It really can mean the difference between success and being stuck at a career dead-end.
Jimmy 知道 Brad 和 Pam 的好意， 说自己 I don’t mean to be a wallflower. 这里所说的 wallflower 壁花，指的是因为天性腼腆，或是不招人喜欢、所以很不合群的人。Jimmy 承认，自己不愿意参加这些活动，主要是因为害羞。Brad 马上说，其实他也很讨厌酒吧、夜总会这种地方，但是 I know that going out and being seen is a big part of social networking. 经常出去，跟人接触是建立社交关系网的一个重要部分。这里所说的的 social networking 就是多结识一些人，扩大社交关系圈子。Social networking 对事业发展很重要，可能会决定一个人的成功，还是 being stuck at a career dead-end 在事业上走进死胡同。
A: Brad和Pam约Jimmy出去跟大家一起social networking, 社交，但是Jimmy说，他不想做wallflower, 不合群的人，但是自己生性腼腆，not fond of bars, 不喜欢酒吧。Brad说，社交很重要，认识各个领域的人，这样你才不会being stuck at a career dead-end, 在事业上走进死胡同。
B: Yeah, networking seems like no problem for extroverts, but for introverts it’s often a burden. Actually, I used to be really shy because I was afraid people would judge me if I said something wrong.
A: How did you overcome your fear?
B: I realized that most people don’t judge! Once I overcame that psychological obstacle, networking becomes a piece of cake.
A: Good for you! Let’s keep listening to Brad and Pam and see what advice they can offer Jimmy!
礼节美语 Social Networking II
Jimmy 因为天性腼腆，所以每逢社交活动，一律能推就推。同事 Brad 和 Pam 努力说服 Jimmy, 因为 social networking 是事业发展一个不可缺少的环节。Pam 说，
P: You know, I’m not such a big fan of company events myself. I don’t like all the organization involved. I don’t like being told when and where to do things. In fact, I don’t even like big crowds of people.
B: But, in today’s society these are the ways we connect. Social networking has boosted my career in so many ways.
J: Such as?
B: Well, take last week for example. I was at a club when I saw this guy I hadn’t seen in a long time. He starts talking about his friend who is looking for a computer programmer.
Pam 说，其实她也不是特别喜欢公司举办的各种活动。I’m not such a big fan of company events myself. 这里说的 a big fan of something 意思就是对某件事情非常热衷。比如说，I’m a big fan of sushi. 我特别爱吃寿司。I’m a big fan of hip hop. 我特别爱听嘻哈歌曲。I’m not a big fan of horror movies. 我不喜欢看恐怖电影。
Brad 补充说，参加社交活动为他提供了不少机会，上星期他去夜总会，遇到一个很久不见的熟人，这个人的朋友正好在找电脑编程师。
J: And you got the job?
B: Yeah! The next day his friend called me and yesterday we signed a contract. I’m going to be setting up their company website, and the money is pretty good.
P: So I guess what Brad’s saying is that if you don’t get out there and be seen, people might forget about you.
J: Yeah, I can sort of understand your point. But how do I overcome my shyness? I’m just not very good with people.
结果，Brad 还真拿到了这份工作，帮一家公司 set up their company website 设计网站，而且 the money is pretty good. 报酬也很好。看来，有熟人介绍就是不一样。Jimmy 听后表示，I can sort of understand your point. 我大约明白你的意思了。这里所说的 point 是指问题核心。我们经常听人说 The point of the matter is….问题关键是。。。言归正传，就算真愿意出去社交，Jimmy 要如何克服性格腼腆的障碍呢？按他的话说，I’m just not very good with people. 我就是不擅于跟人打交道。
P: I was super shy for years! Then one day I finally realized that the world isn’t looking at me.
J: What do you mean?
B: In other words, sometimes we feel shy because we think people are looking at us and judging us. But in reality, that’s almost never the case.
Pam 说，自己以前也特别腼腆，I was super shy for years! 这里所说的 super 是特别的意思，用来加重语气。我们可以说，Her boyfriend is super sweet. 她男朋友特别温柔体贴，或是 It’s super hot in here. 这里简直热死了，还可以说 I have been super busy this week. 我这个星期忙得两脚朝天。
Brad 也说，很多人天性腼腆，是因为觉得大家都在注意自己，但事实上 that’s almost never the case. 根本不是这样。Pam 跟 Brad 能说服 Jimmy 吗？我们下次继续听。
A: Jimmy说，他不是a big fan of company events, 不是很喜欢公司的活动，又说自己not so good with people, 不善于和别人交往，Brad说，社交can boost up your career, 是事业发展的推动力。
B: Sometimes good networking skills mean the difference between success and being stuck at a dead-end job.
A: Networking is easy for me, I love to hear other people’s stories, sometimes it can be inspiring for your own life!
B: Good Point! We will continue talking about social networking in our next class. For now, let’s take a break from this topic.
A: 好，来听接下来的learn a word!
Learn A Word 1801 hold true
今天我们要学的词是hold true. Hold is spelled h-o-l-d, hold, and true, t-r-u-e, true, hold true. To hold true 意思是证明是对的，正确的，过去时是 held true。最新研究显示，每天睡眠不足六小时会加重心脏病，增加心脏病突发的机率。不过，The findings only held true for women. 研究结果只适用在女性身上。另外一项有趣的研究发现，脸书网站有利于提高申请大学的高中生的信心。However, the study only held true for first-generation college students. 不过，这项研究只适用于第一代大学生，也就是父辈从来没有人上过大学的孩子。今天我们学习的词是 hold true, hold true, hold true…
A: Going on facebook can boost your confidence? I think it’s the opposite! People only post the best moments of their lives on facebook.
B: I feel the same way, whenever I’m on facebook, I feel like my life is not as awesome as my friends’.
A: That’s because your life IS not as awesome as your friends’…
B: You…
A: Kidding kidding! I think there is some scientific study that proves that logging onto facebook all the time can actually leads to symptoms of depression because you are constantly comparing yourself to others.
B: That’s true. I guess, if push comes to shove I will just delete my facebook account.
A: Yeah, as if. (laugh) 哎，你刚提到了一个俗语:when push comes to shove, let’s check it out!
Words and Idioms 856 When Push Comes to Shove
美国习惯用语第 856 讲我叔叔一家来华盛顿玩，最后一天本来说好我带他们出去参观景点，我妹妹请他们在家吃饭。谁知到下午，我妹妹突然打电话说她不舒服。我只好赶快订餐馆，带叔叔一家去吃饭，好在一切都很顺利，这倒让我想起一个今天要学的习惯用词，叫：
M: When push comes to shove. Push is spelled p-u-s-h, and shove; s-h-o-v-e. When push comes to shove.
Push 是推；shove 是猛推。When push comes to shove 一般的推变成了猛烈的推，意思就是情况变得紧急时，迫不得已的时候。就象刚才所说的，我妹妹突然身体不舒服，只好由我来招待叔叔一家吃饭。When push comes to shove 出现紧急状况时，出面解决问题的总是我。
在下面这个例子中，一位公司总裁虽然公务繁忙，经常出差，但还是坚持锻炼身体，让我们一起听听他是如何做到这一点的。
M: “Normally I work out every day. But sometimes I have to travel out of town for work and I don’t have access to a gym. So I run up and down the stairs at the hotel where I’m staying and use the room’s furniture for doing sit-ups and dips. WHEN PUSH COMES TO SHOVE, I find ways to exercise.”
这个人说：我通常每天健身，但有时出差，旅馆没有健身房，我就在旅馆的楼梯上跑上跑下，借助旅馆房间里的家具，做仰卧起坐，做支撑臂屈身推起，条件虽然不好，我也能想办法坚持健身。
这个人还真挺会随机应变的。其实，为了满足这些人的健身要求，现在越来越多的旅馆都开始增设健身中心，里面至少会有几台跑步机和一些哑铃。好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “Normally I work out every day. But sometimes I have to travel out of town for work and I don’t have access to a gym. So I run up and down the stairs at the hotel where I’m staying and use the room’s furniture for doing sit-ups and dips. WHEN PUSH COMES TO SHOVE, I find ways to exercise.”
在美国，贷款是常事，不论是买房还是买车，跟银行借钱都是少不了的。不过，跟别人联合贷款必须十分谨慎，为什么呢？让我们一起来听听。
M: “Has a friend or relative ever asked you to co-sign for a loan? Although it sounds like an innocent request, be careful. In the event that person isn’t able to make regular payments, it will be you who’s legally responsible. That means you could have your salary or property taken away. IF PUSH COMES TO SHOVE, the lender will do whatever is necessary to be repaid.”
他说：你遇到过亲戚朋友求你跟他联名，一起向银行贷款的事情吗？虽然这个要求听起来没什么错，可你一定要小心。一旦这个人无力还钱，还钱的法律责任就会落到你的头上，也就是说，你的工资和财产都会面临被没收的风险。如果迫不得已，银行会不惜一切代价，把欠款要回来。
大家一定注意到了，这个例句里用 IF 取代了 WHEN。这个习惯用语是从英式橄榄球来的，交战双方队员有时挤做一团，相互推搡，直到哪个队员把球抢走为止。好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “Has a friend or relative ever asked you to co-sign for a loan? Although it sounds like an innocent request, be careful. In the event that person isn’t able to make regular payments, it will be you who’s legally responsible. That means you could have your salary or property taken away. IF PUSH COMES TO SHOVE, the lender will do whatever is necessary to be repaid.”
M: Until next time.
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: If push comes to shove 领导 would totally fire you first!
B: And if push comes to shove I would totally rat you out for not coming to work that week 领导 was on vacation. Nothing personal, but I’ve got bills to pay!
A: Yeah, as if. 好了同学们，这次节目时间就到这里了。
B: Tune in next time for American English Mosaic!
A: See you next time!
美语训练班 第118课
B: Welcome to American English Mosaic, I’m Mike Bond!
A: And I’m Lin Yang.
B: Today we are going to take a look at the business world. What do you need to enter the global market? A competitive product, great service, and a little thing called international certification!
A: 我们还要来看看开车用手机带来的安全隐患!
B: And in words and idioms, we will learn what “put in mothballs” and “quit while one’s ahead” means!
A: All coming up on American English Mosaic!
B: Now let’s go into our first segment, Learn a word!
Learn A Word 1802 distracting
今天我们要学的词是distracting. Distracting is spelled d-i-s-t-r-a-c-t-i-n-g, distracting. Distracting 形容词，意思是分散注意力的。A new study shows that hands free cell phones are two times more distracting for motorists than those not using a cell phone behind the wheel. 一项最新研究显示，跟开车时完全不用手机的人相比，使用免提手机的司机注意力分散程度要高出一倍。澳大利亚的另外一项关于驾车安全的研究说，Children riding in the car are 12 times more distracting to drivers than cell phones. 孩子让开车人分散注意力的危险程度是手机的12倍。这一点估计做父母的都深有体会。好的，今天我们学习的词是 distracting, distracting, distracting…
A: Yeah, nothing is more dangerous than being distracted while you are driving. People with smart-phone addiction should pay special attention to this, ahem ahem…
B: Ok Ok, I have to admit I’ve been guilty of that. I agree with you though, texting while driving is extremely dangerous. Nothing is more precious than your life, nothing is so important that it can’t wait till you park your car.
A: I know! But today we are just too attached to our smart phones; Now we’re habitually checking them without even knowing we are doing it!
B: Yeah…The first thing I do in the morning is check my phone for emails and Facebook updates….
A: We are definitely checking our emails and social media more than necessary these days…Hmm, I was about to buy a smart phone for my niece for her birthday. Now I’m thinking that plan should be put in mothballs…
B: Hmm…you certainly need to make it clear to her when she’s allowed to use it! Well, to continue our class, you just mentioned a interesting idiom，put in mothballs.
A: Let’s check it out!
Words and Idioms 857 PUT IN MOTHBALLS
美国习惯用语第 857 讲
我最近建议制作一个新节目，以美国语言和文化为主题，举行相关的知识竞赛，大家都说是个好主意，让我立即开始做。谁知我的一个同事突然请长假，她的工作全都推给了我，结果我的新节目还没开始，就被无限期搁置了。这在英语里叫：
M: Put in mothballs. Mothballs is spelled m-o-t-h-b-a-l-l-s. Put-in-mothballs.
mothball 在中文里是卫生球，樟脑丸。put in mothballs 就是束之高阁，无限期搁置的意思。My show idea has been put in mothballs. 我新节目的提案就这样被无限期地搁置起来了，不知道什么时候才有时间去做。
很多人喜欢收藏旧东西，不舍得扔，其实，这些看似没用的东西有时也能派上用场。让我们听听下面例子里这个父亲是怎么说的。
M: “My son loves the ice skates his grandmother gave him. I don’t think he realizes they had been mine when I was his age. Mom had PUT them IN MOTHBALLS, not sure if anyone would ever get any use from them. I’m sure glad she’d decided not to throw them out.”
这个人说：我儿子特别喜欢奶奶送他的冰鞋。其实他可能不知道，这双冰鞋是我小时候穿过的，后来被妈妈收了起来，并不知道以后会不会有人能穿。她没把这双冰鞋丢掉，让我太高兴了。
我祖母也是一样，什么东西都不舍得扔。She puts everything in mothballs. 家里跟个二手店似的。英语里有个词专门形容这种人，叫 packrat, p-a-c-k-r-a-t, packrat。好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “My son loves the ice skates his grandmother gave him. I don’t think he realizes they had been mine when I was his age. Mom had PUT them IN MOTHBALLS, not sure if anyone would ever get any use from them. I’m sure glad she’d decided not to throw them out.”
刚才说到，我祖母什么都不舍得扔，经常拿个旧打字机什么的老古董问我要不要。你别说，有时候还真有点儿值钱的东西。我觉得，她可以把所有东西都捐给下面这个例子里正在筹备中的历史博物馆。让我们一起听。
M: “Our town clearly supports building a history museum. But the mayor came out to say that he’s PUTTING the proposal IN MOTHBALLS for now. Apparently there isn’t enough funding available. Still, no one’s giving up hope that it can be reconsidered in the not-to-distant future.”
他说：我们镇里的人显然都很赞成建一个历史博物馆，但是镇长却说，他要暂时把这项提案搁置起来，因为没有足够的资金。不过，大家都不肯放弃，希望不久的将来这项提案会重新被考虑。
很多项目不能上马，问题都出来资金上。我的一个朋友在美国航空航天局工作，他开发的很多项目都是因为缺少联邦拨款而处于停顿状态。好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “Our town clearly supports building a history museum. But the mayor came out to say that he’s PUTTING the proposal IN MOTHBALLS for now. Apparently there isn’t enough funding available. Still, no one’s giving up hope that it can be reconsidered in the not-to-distant future.”
Put in mothballs 最早是二十世纪四十年代出现的，如果更简单一点的话，可以直接把 mothball 做为动词来用，比如我可以说，My show idea has been mothballed. 或者说 The mayor is mothballing the proposal for a new museum.
好的，这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。我是杨晨，我是 Douglas Johnson。这次节目的制作人是胡小玲。谢谢各位的收听。
M: Until next time.
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: Because of sequestration, a lot of government projects are being put in mothballs.
B: Yeah, the budget situation is not pretty right now. But I think the whole economic picture is on the right track. Actually, because of the expansion in international market, hiring in the private sector is on the rise again in our area.
A: 对啊! 现在所有公司都要攻占国际市场，全球化嘛!
B: And that will lead to an important procedure called international certification.
A:国际认证! 大家都听过这个词儿，到底这都需要哪些程序呢?
B: Let’s find it out in today’s Business Etiquette!
礼节美语International Certification I
一家香港公司的老板 Hank 带 Chris 去见部门主管 Rebecca。
Hank: Rebecca, I’d like you to meet Chris Lee.
Rebecca: How do you do, Mr. Lee?
Chris: Very well, thank you. And call me Chris.
H: Chris is here to walk us through the certification process.
R: Why are we getting certified?
老板 Hank 为部门主管 Rebecca 引见 Chris。Chris is here to walk us through the certification process. 原来，Chris 是要帮他们公司完成国际认证程序。to walk someone through something 意思是带某人按部就班完成某一程序。这里用的名词 certification is spelled c-e-r-t-i-f-i-c-a-t-i-o-n, 意思是认证，动词则是 certify, c-e-r-t-i-f-y, certify. 这家公司为什么要申请国际认证呢？
C: You’re required to get certified by an independent auditor before beginning business with certain American companies.
H: And as we just landed that new account in California, we have to get the ball rolling on this ASAP.
R: Ok, what is required?
C: To be honest, it’s quite a lengthy list of things. Let’s start with safety issues.
原来，要跟特定美国公司做生意，就必须通过 independent auditor 独立审计师，完成国际认证。公司在加州刚找到一个新客户，just landed a new account. 这里的 account 不是帐户，而是指正式商业伙伴和客户。所以，we have to get the ball rolling on this ASAP. 所以要立刻开始申请国际认证。to get the ball rolling, 意思是着手做某件事。ASAP 是 as soon as possible 意思是立即动手。Chris 说，申请国际认证非常繁琐，首先是安全方面的要求。
C: We need to make sure there are fire extinguishers on every floor and there should be proper ventilation.
H: I think we are already compliant in these areas.
C: Workers need to wear protective gear if they’re near dangerous chemicals or machines.
R: Yes, we already require that.
C: Also, we need to make sure your factory is safe from the threat of terrorism.
Chris 说，每层楼都要有灭火器，fire extinguisher, 要有通风设施，ventilation, 靠近化学物品和危险仪器的员工要穿戴保护性工作服 wear protective gear。这些都没问题。We are already compliant in these areas. 这些措施公司已经在做了。compliant is spelled c-o-m-p-l-i-a-n-t, compliant 意思是遵守的，服从的。可是，生产家用产品的公司为什么要防范恐怖袭击呢？我们下次继续听。
A: 老板Hank说，公司just land a new account, 刚刚在加州争取到一个新客户进行国际业务，所以要get international certification, 国际认证。Chris来这里walk them through the process, 来帮助他们按步就班完成这个程序。与美国公司合作，程序很多，他们需要get the ball rolling ASAP， 立即开始这项程序。
B: International certification is a very complicated process and involves a lot of change and compromise. But once you get certified, you can open a lot of new doors.
A: Yep, in today’s economy, you can’t just stay in the domestic market. You need to improve yourself so you can fit into the global village economic model!
B: True! Let’s keep listening to Chris and see what else the company needs to do!
礼节美语International Certification II
Chris 向一家香港公司的老板 Hank 和部门主管 Rebecca 介绍申请国际认证的程序。首先是安全，其中还有防范恐怖袭击的要求。老板 Hank 表示不解。
C: Well, after the terrorist attacks on September 11th, all the rules and regulations have become much stricter. If you ship a container to the United States, it could possibly be used by bad guys to send dangerous materials.
R: So what kind of precautions do we need to take?
C: You need to have a 24-hour surveillance and alarm system set up, and the doors and gates should be monitored by guards to make sure only those who should be in the factory are in the factory.
H: That’s pretty reasonable and I think we can handle that.
Chris 解释说，九一一恐怖袭击事件发生后，保安方面的要求严格了很多。要得到国际认证，需要安装全天候的监视和警报系统，24-hour surveillance and alarm system; 门口需要警卫站岗。老板 Hank 觉得，这些要求很合理，pretty reasonable, 公司完全可以做到。We can handle that. Chris 继续说，
C: Ok, let’s move on to the next point: treatment of workers.
H: You know, I don’t mean to be rude, but why do U.S. companies need to know how we treat our workers? That’s an internal affair, isn’t it?
C: I can understand your frustration, but nowadays it’s a big issue. A few years ago, many activist groups began targeting the big American retailers. They demanded that the big sellers prove that the cheap items they are selling weren’t made by child laborers or through other unethical practices.
除去安全保障措施外，还有工人待遇的问题。Hank 不明白，自己公司的事情，internal affair, 美国公司为什么要插手。Chris 解释说，这是因为几年前，一些人权活动团体开始针对美国一些主要零售商家，要求他们证明，自己出售的廉价商品，没有使用童工 child laborers, 也没有其它unethical practices不正当的做法。
R: So now any company that sells to the big retailers has to prove they are above board?
C: Yep. And it’s not just America. When you sell to Europe you have to do the same thing in fact, the European laws are even stricter!
H: Well, I guess I can understand their position, but it is quite a hassle.
R: Yeah, but it’s worth it. As soon as we’re certified we can sell our goods all across Europe and the U.S.
因此，现在凡是这些美国零售商的供货商家，都必须证明，They are above board. 他们的经营方式是光明正大的。虽然申请国际认证很麻烦，it is quite a hassle. 可是 Rebecca 觉得值，it’s worth it. 因为有了国际认证，跟美国和欧洲公司做生意就可以畅通无阻了。
A: 原来，国际认证中还有一大部分涉及到如何对待员工。比如，不使用童工, child labor, 没有不正当的做法, no unethical practices。老板觉得，it’s quite a hassle, 很麻烦，但是Rebecca 认为，一旦完成，公司就能自由与美国和欧洲国家做生意了。
B: I agree international certification is a hassle, but it’s worth it. The employees get fair treatment, and the companies can expand their business into the global market. It’s a win-win situation.
A: 没错! 好啦，国际认证就先到这里，我们下面换个话题，来听今天的learn a word!
Learn A Word 1803 sibling
今天我们要学的词是sibling. Sibling is spelled s-i-b-l-i-n-g, sibling. Sibling 是兄弟姐妹的意思。Sibling rivalry is a normal part of growing up. 兄弟姐妹间的竞争是成长中很正常的一部分。Normal rivalries with siblings can foster healthy competition. 正常的你争我斗可以促进孩子间的健康竞争。然而，有时候，这种争斗也会对孩子的心理造成严重伤害。一项最新研究就发现，Bullying by a sibling can be as damaging as bullying by a classmate, neighbor, or other peers. 被自己的兄弟姐妹欺负，跟被同学，邻居或是其他同龄人欺负，会对孩子造成同等的伤害。好的，今天我们学习的词是 sibling, sibling, sibling…
A: I so wish I had a brother or a sister…
B: Haha, be careful what you wish for…when I was growing up, my sister and I fought all the time.
A: But you also learn how to share and compromise during those fights!
B: Well, we used to fight a lot when we were little kids. But then I grew up and got bigger than my older sister, and she decided to quit while she’s still ahead!
A: 哈哈，she’s the clever one! 哎，你刚提到了一个俗语:quit while one’s ahead, let’s check it out!
Words and Idioms 858 QUIT WHILE ONE’S AHEAD
美国习惯用语第 858 讲这么多年来我最喜欢的一家冰激凌店居然要关门了。我问经理是怎么回事，经理说本来公司经营得很好，结果拓展业务，增加商品，反倒失去了很多老顾客。这让我想起了今天要学的习惯用语，叫：
M: Quit while one’s ahead. Quit is spelled q-u-i-t, and ahead; a-h-e-a-d. Quit-while-one’s-ahead.
Quit 在中文里是停止、放弃的意思。ahead 意思是在前面。Quit while one’s ahead 就是中文里所说的见好就收。就说我喜欢的那家冰激凌店吧，本来卖冰激凌挺赚钱的，可偏偏要增加产品种类，结果反而造成了服务和产品质量的下降。They should have QUIT WHILE THEY WERE AHEAD。他们本该见好就收才对。下面例句里玩扑克牌的人就明白这一点。我们一起听。
M: “I’m not the greatest poker player. But so far tonight, I’ve managed to win about $500. If I stay in the game, I stand to make even more. But I also risk losing it. I think I’ll QUIT WHILE I’M AHEAD. That way, I’m sure to walk out with a nice pot of money I hadn’t expected.”
这个人说：我打牌不是最厉害的，但是今天晚上已经赢了五百美元。如果继续打下去，我可能会赢更多，但也有输钱的风险。我觉得最好是见好就收，这样一来，我就能带着一笔不小的外财离开这里。
我老爸告诉过我，他年轻时有一次刚领了工资就被朋友拉着去赌场，一上来赢了不少，可是 He didn’t QUIT WHILE HE WAS AHEAD. 最后输了个精光，整整吃了一个月的方便面。好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “I’m not the greatest poker player. But so far tonight, I’ve managed to win about $500. If I stay in the game, I stand to make even more. But I also risk losing it. I think I’ll QUIT WHILE I’M AHEAD. That way, I’m sure to walk out with a nice pot of money I hadn’t expected.”
我喜欢看电影，特别是老片子。上星期，我又把七十年代的几部经典影片拿出来看。大家一定看过 GODFATHER“教父”，如果没有的话，请听下面这段介绍。
M: “Have you watched “The Godfather”, a thriller about the lives of a fictional Italian-American crime family? It’s ranked as the second greatest film in our country’s cinematic history. After it won several Academy Awards, a sequel was planned. Although producers considered QUITTING WHILE THEY WERE AHEAD, they soon went on to make “The Godfather, Part II”. It also received Oscars, including one for Best Picture.”
这个人说：你看过“教父”吗？教父是一部关于意大利裔美国人犯罪家庭的惊险片，是美国电影史上第二大经典影片，拿了很多项奥斯卡奖，后来有人计划排续集。虽然制片人也考虑见好就收，但最后还是选择拍了教父第二部，又赢得了包括最佳影片在内的多项奥斯卡奖。
你也许会问，那排名第一的电影是哪部？排名第一的电影就是”CITIZEN KANE”公民凯恩。好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “Have you watched “The Godfather”, a thriller about the lives of a fictional Italian-American crime family? It’s ranked as the second greatest film in our country’s cinematic history. After it won several Academy Awards, a sequel was planned. Although producers considered QUITTING WHILE THEY WERE AHEAD, they soon went on to make “The Godfather, Part II”. It also received Oscars, including one for Best Picture.”
好的，这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。
M: Until next time.
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: Mike, it looks like you have put on 15 pounds while I was gone, I think it’s time for you to quit while you’re ahead!
B: Well I think…..Uh…. darn I can’t argue with you when you’re right………
A: 好了同学们，这次节目时间就到这里了。
B: Tune in next time for American English Mosaic!
A: See you next time!
美语训练班 第119课
B: Welcome to American English Mosaic, I’m Mike Bond!
A: And I’m Lin Yang.
B: Do you often work over time? Are you addicted to stress? Do you know what Karoshi means?
Let’s take a closer look at this modern day disease and give you some tips on how to balance your work and social life.
A: 我们还要来看看特技演员的生活，还有男性和女性对待闲暇时间有什么不同!
B: Then in words and idioms we will learn what “rack one’s brain” and “rant and rave” means!
A: All coming up on American English Mosaic!
B: Now let’s go into our first segment, Learn a word!
Learn A Word 1804 stunt double
今天我们要学的词是stunt double. Stunt is spelled s-t-u-n-t, stunt, and double, d-o-u-b-l-e, double, stunt double. Stunt double 意思是特技演员，替身演员。 A former stunt double for Angelina Jolie launched a lawsuit against News Corp. 安吉丽娜.朱莉以前的一个替身演员对新闻集团提出起诉。超人“钢铁之躯”剧组主要演员之一克里斯托弗.梅洛尼在一次采访中说，He almost shot his stunt double. 他差点开枪误伤他的替身演员。Bruce Willis’ long-standing stunt double Larry “the Ripper” launched the “Die Hard Workout.” 长期饰演布鲁斯.威利斯替身的拉里.瑞宾克罗伊格推出了“虎胆龙威”健身法。今天我们学习的词是 stunt double, stunt double, stunt double…
B: Maybe I should go be the stunt double for superman! you know… a lot of my friends say that I kinda look like him from the side.
A: You have REALLY sweet friends then. 做人要有自知之明…
B: Hmm…yeah I can’t argue with you when you are right.
A: Haha, well, 你还是有优点的嘛! I really envy your great memory! You have a memory like an elephant, and I have a memory like an ant…I racked my brain today and I still couldn’t recall my online bank password…
B: That happens to everybody! With everything going electronic these days, it’s impossible to keep it all straight! What you need to do is write them down on a piece of paper and keep the paper in a safe place.
A: What if I forget where I keep the paper?
B: Haha, then I can’t help you anymore! Anyways, you just mentioned an idiom: rack one’s brain, let’s check it out in today’s word’s idioms!
Words and Idioms 859 RACK ONE’S BRAIN(S)
美国习惯用语 第 859 讲
我最近发现自己还没上年纪，就已经开始健忘了。昨天，一个接受采访的专家向我推荐了一家很有介绍价值的机构，今天本想搜集点资料，可是那家机构的名字却死也想不起来了。如果你有类似经历的话，那你一定会喜欢今天要学的习惯用语，
M: Rack one’s brain. Rack is spelled r-a-c-k, and brain; b-r-a-i-n. Rack-one’s-brain.
大家都知道，Brain 是头脑的意思，前面加上动词 rack 意思就是挖空心思地努力想要记起、理解，或是解决某件事情。今天一大早，我就一直在努力回忆昨天那个专家推荐的机构的名称，I’ve been RACKING MY BRAIN ever since this morning, 可死活就是想不起来。我们一起听听下面这个人有什么高招。
M: “You probably have passwords for a wide variety of purposes, right? From a personal identification number to access your bank account to secret codes for your e-mail, webpage, and other on-line affiliations, your list keeps growing. But why struggle to remember all of these? Write them down in one secure place and then you won’t have to RACK YOUR BRAIN anymore!”
这个人说： 你八成有很多各种各样的密码吧？从进入银行帐户、到登陆电子邮件信箱、网页等等，密码清单越来越长。干嘛非得都记在脑子里呢？把它们写下来，放在一个安全的地方不就完了？那就再也不用绞尽脑汁去记密码了。
这倒是个好主意，我甚至听说，有专门的网站让用户存放密码。不过，要登陆这个网站，想必也一定需要密码。HA HA! 好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “You probably have passwords for a wide variety of purposes, right? From a personal identification number to access your bank account to secret codes for your e-mail, webpage, and other on-line affiliations, your list keeps growing. But why struggle to remember all of these? Write them down in one secure place and then you won’t have to RACK YOUR BRAIN anymore!”
我老公经常乱放东西，每天早上上班出门前不是找这就是找那，最常找不到的是钥匙，还好有我在。不过，下面这个例子中的人可就没这么幸运了。我们一起听。
M: “When I went to pick up my girlfriend, there was a note on the door. She wrote that she didn’t want to see me anymore. Huh?! How could our relationship be over? I’ve been RACKING MY BRAIN trying to recall everything I’ve done and said lately. Instead of making me struggle, couldn’t she at least let me know how I upset her?”
这个人说： 我去接我女朋友，发现门上有张条。条上说，她不想跟我交往下去了。我们怎么会就这么结束了呢？我绞尽脑汁，回想最近自己是不是做错了什么事，说错了什么话。她至少可以告诉我我什么地方得罪了她，让我不用这么百思不得其解。
我对此人深表同情，不管发生了什么，跟别人分手也应该有个说法。Rack one’s brain 这个习惯用语可以追溯到十六世纪。Rack 是一种刑具，有点象五马分尸。除了 rack one’ brain 外，大家还会经常看到 w-r-a-ck, wrack one’s brain, 或是 rack one’s brains, brains 用复数，意思其实都是一样的。好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “When I went to pick up my girlfriend, there was a note on the door. She wrote that she didn’t want to see me anymore. Huh?! How could our relationship be over? I’ve been RACKING MY BRAIN trying to recall everything I’ve done and said lately. Instead of making me struggle, couldn’t she at least let me know how I upset her?”
好的，这次 美国习惯用语 就到此结束了。
M: Until next time.
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: 哎，这个乱放东西真是说到了我心上，我每天不是在找钥匙，就是在找手机，不然就是在找钱包….
B: You certainly need to find a better system for managing your personal effects. The fast pace of lifestyles of today makes things even harder. When there’s no work-life balance, you are more likely to mess things up.
A: True. 压力大是现代白领的通病，好多人就这样一直处于亚健康状态!
B: Yep, but what does stress do to your mental and physical health?
A: Let’s find it out in today’s Business Etiquette!
礼节美语 Working Overtime I
星期五晚上，Jason 和 Wanda 准备下班，跟同事 Larry 说再见。
Jason: Goodnight, Larry! I’m heading home. It’s been a long day.
Larry: Goodnight, Jason. Have a good evening.
Wanda: You’re not going home, Larry?
L: Na…thought I’d try and finish up this project I’ve been working on.
J: But it’s already 9:30! How many more hours do you plan to work?
L: Oh, I’d say this project will be done in six hours or so.
W: So you’re going to work through the night? Larry…have you ever heard of “karoshi?”
Jason 准备下班回家，I’m heading home. Larry 却说要把手头项目做完 finish up the project. 当时已经九点半了，Larry 估计还要六个小时才能完事，所以一定要熬夜，work through the night. Wanda 问 Larry 听没听说过 karoshi.
L: Karaoke?
W: No…karoshi, the Japanese word for death by overwork! You’ve been putting in overtime every night this week!
J: You know, Wanda has a point. We all need some down time. If you put in too many hours, it can hurt your body and it can affect your work.
L: So people in Japan actually die from working too hard?
W: Yep. It’s becoming a big problem. More than 100 people die from overwork in Japan every year.
原来，karoshi 是个日本词，意思是工作过度而死，俗称过劳死，Wanda 说，日本每年有一百多人过劳死，劝 Larry 不要太玩命 put in too many hours, 工作太长时间。Jason 也说，We all need some down time. 所有人都要劳逸结合，down time 就是放松的时间。
L: But I have so much to do, it seems the best way to get it all done is to plow through it until it’s complete!
J: Well, that might seem like a smart way but you might be shooting yourself in the foot.
W: These days we are connected to each other with computers, cell phones and email…and that means work can find us at any time. If you’re not careful, you’ll never get time off!
Larry 说，自己永远有做不完的事，只能一点点去做完。Jason 警告他说，you might be shooting yourself in the foot. 这样做可能是在搬起石头砸自己的脚，因为现在有电脑、手机，工作随时随地会找上门来，如果不小心，you’ll never get time off. 就永远没有时间休息。
J: Scientists say rest is one of the most important things a human brain needs. Did you know you will have more creative ideas if you are well-rested?
L: These days I hardly have any good ideas. I drink a lot of coffee and I always finish my work, but I’m not having many creative ideas.
W: Maybe that’s because your brain is overloaded. You know how you have to “defragment” your computer? Well, sometimes our brains need some defragmenting, too!
科学家说，大脑需要休息，休息好了，就能有更多的创意，creative ideas. Wanda 也表示，不能让大脑负荷过重，overload, 人脑跟电脑一样，也需要 defragmenting清理清理。
A: Larry呢是个工作狂，经常put in too many hours, 工作时间过长。Jason说，大脑需要休息，人呢也need some down time, 需要放松的时间。Work overtime，加班是现代社会的一个问题，日本就有很多人Karoshi，因为工作过劳死。
B: That’s terrifying. I try to separate my work and home lives. I try not to think about work while I’m hanging out with friends, and vice versa.
A: That’s the ideal situation. But I find it hard to do considering how connected we are with emails, cell-phones, social media now. Work always finds its way to you.
B: Then it’s time to turn off some of that technology when it’s your down time! Let’s keep listening to Jason and Wendy and see what tips they have!
礼节美语–Working Overtime II
星期五晚上，Jason 和 Wanda 劝同事 Larry 不要老加班，应该劳逸结合。Larry 却说，手头总有做不完的工作。
L: But I feel like I’m wasting time if I go home and watch TV…even if I’m reading a good book I still feel like I should be working!
J: You know Larry; you might be addicted to work.
L: Really? A person can get addicted to work?
J: Well, maybe it’s not the same as being addicted to drugs, but many people believe you can get addicted to stress.
W: Yeah. If you find that you can’t enjoy being at home and relaxing, it might be a problem.
Larry 说，如果回家去看电视、读书，就会觉得自己是在浪费时间。Jason 和 Wanda 都觉得，他简直是个工作狂 addicted to work。原来，除了毒品会让人上瘾，addicted to drugs, 工作和疲劳同样会让人上瘾，addicted to work and addicted to stress.
L: I guess I am a bit of a perfectionist. It irritates me when things aren’t perfect.
J: Maybe you are too hard on yourself. If you were your own boss, would you demand such long hours?
L: No way…I think it would be illegal anyway.
J: Well then maybe you need to treat yourself better. You have to believe that you deserve to relax!
W: You not only deserve it, you need it. You know, I find that sometimes I have my best ideas in the strangest places. The last time I had a really great idea, I was scuba diving on vacation!
Larry 说自己的问题可能是过于追求完美。perfection 意思是完美，后面加上-ist, perfectionist 就是追求、崇尚完美的人。Jason 说 Larry 对自己过于严格 too hard on yourself，应该对自己好一些，treat yourself better.
L: But I want the boss to notice my devotion! The economy is not great these days and I don’t want to get laid off!
W: Yeah, that’s true. Some bosses do think the guy who puts in overtime is the most loyal. But smart bosses know that quantity is not as important as quality.
J: Besides, this is your job, not your life. You’re too young to die of a heart attack!
L: Thanks guys! Your advice makes sense. I’m going to go home and have a nice long bath! See you on Monday!
Larry 说，自己加班也是为了让老板注意到自己的敬业精神，my devotion. devotion is spelled d-e-v-o-t-i-o-n, devotion. Wanda 却说，聪明的老板都知道，工作数量的重要性远远赶不上质量。Quantity is not as important as quality. 再说了，按 Jason 的话说，This is your job, not your life. 这毕竟是你的工作，不是你生活的全部。Larry 最后终于想通了，决定回家去，好好洗个热水澡。
A: Larry说，自己是个perfectionist, 追求完美的人，所以经常too hard on himself, 对自己要求过高。Jason说，他看起来addicted to work and addicted to stress, 是个工作狂，应该treat himself better, 对自己好一些。
B: I think it helps if you develop a hobby. I enjoy running and am currently training for Marathon. Exercise helps me relax and having a goal to reach helps keep me going!
A: That’s true. 好啦，你正好说到了leisure time，今天我们的Learn a word就要来教教你这个词儿的用法!
B: Let’s listen!
Learn A Word 1805 leisure time
今天我们要学的词是leisure time. Leisure is spelled l-e-i-s-u-r-e, leisure, and time, t-i-m-e, time, leisure time. Leisure time 闲暇时间。皮尤研究中心的报告显示，Although men and women spend roughly the same amount of time working each week, men tend to have more leisure time than woman. 虽然男性和女性每周工作时间大致相当，但是男性的闲暇时间比女性多。Without young children at home, men spend about 5 more hours of leisure time than women. 如果家里没有小孩子的话，男性比女性的闲暇时间多五个小时。When there are young children at home, the gap in leisure time drops down to three hours. 如果家里有小孩子的话，男性比女性多享受的闲暇时间就减少到了三个小时。今天我们学习的词是 leisure time, leisure time, leisure time…
A: Men have more leisure time than women even if they work the same amount of hours? That’s weird…
B: I know why. Take you for example, because you are a clean freak, you are constantly cleaning at home while I’m relaxing watching TV….
A: That’s called not being a caveman!
B: Haha, all right, at least you never rant and rave! That consumes a lot of energy too, from what I can tell from my sister…
A: Hahaha, I bet it’s because she’s around you! 你刚提到了一个俗语:rant and rave, let’s check it out!
Words and Idioms 860 Rant and Rave
美国习惯用语 第 860 讲
昨天晚上我去参加一个社区居民大会，会上有位太太发言，反对在社区增设交通标志，颇有一种控诉的感觉。我虽然主张大家各抒已见，可我觉得，任何事情都可以心平气和地谈。这位太太的表现让我想起了一个可以跟大家分享的习惯用语。
M: Rant and rave. Rant is spelled r-a-n-t, and rave; r-a-v-e. Rant-and-rave.
Rant, r-a-n-t 和 rave, r-a-v-e, 都是指怒气冲冲地大喊大叫。让我无法理解的是，为什么有人情绪那么容易失去控制，比如上面说的那位太太，还有下面例子里的这个妈妈。让我们一起听听她儿子是怎么说的。
M: “So I flunked a quiz in history; I don’t know why mom had to get so angry. She could have been more understanding. But instead of being cool, she RANTED AND RAVED about how I wasn’t studying hard enough and would never go to college, and blah, blah, blah…”
这个人说： 我只不过是历史小测验不及格，真不明白妈妈干嘛那么生气。她本来应该表示理解，冷静一点儿，可她却没完没了地骂我，说什么我学习不够努力，肯定上不了大学之类的话。
还真不好说是谁的错。也许是妈妈说话，儿子不听；也有可能是妈妈脾气过于暴躁。我侄子以前就常说，上了大学，离开家，就不用再挨他妈妈的骂了，可如今，She still rants and raves, only now by texting. 她还是会通过发短信责骂他。看来，下次我去练瑜珈得带上姐姐，让她学会放松，别动不动就上火。好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “So I flunked a quiz in history; I don’t know why mom had to get so angry. She could have been more understanding. But instead of being cool, she RANTED AND RAVED about how I wasn’t studying hard enough and would never go to college, and blah, blah, blah…”
在下面这个例子里，一个员工抱怨自己的上司脾气不好，让我们一起听听情况是如何出现好转的。
M: “I’m glad our last foreman was let go. Every time some little thing went wrong on the assembly line, he was RANTING AND RAVING. The new guy is the complete opposite. He explains problems calmly, never getting agitated. I find his approach helps the team work a lot more effectively.”
这个人说： 我们的上个工头被解雇，我真是太高兴了。每次组装线出点儿什么小问题，他都要没完没了地骂了这个骂那个。新来的这个工头完全两样，他总是心平气和地说明情况，从不着急上火。我发现他的这种方式使我们的工作效率提高了许多。
别人发火的时候，有时候越劝越糟。上星期六，邻居家开派对，一直闹到夜里三点，我老公睡觉本来就轻，被吵醒了好几回，更有甚者，其中一个客人的车竟然停在了我们家的私人车道上。星期天早上，My husband RANTED AND RAVED all morning. 我老公整个一上午都没好气。好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
“I’m glad our last foreman was let go. Every time some little thing went wrong on the assembly line, he was RANTING AND RAVING. The new guy is the complete opposite. He explains problems calmly, never getting agitated. I find his approach helps the team work a lot more effectively.”
大家可能会问，既然 RANT 和 RAVE 是一个意思，为什么还有把两个词连在一起用呢。这可能是因为这两个字都是 R 打头，压头韵吧。英语里很多绕口令都是压头韵的，比如说 Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers. 大家要不要试着连起来说上几遍？好的，这次 美国习惯用语 就到此结束了。
M: Until next time.
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: I’ve thought about trying to rant and rave at you to get more work done, but then I realize I can’t change how a person naturally is.
B: Hmm, is that why you never come to work on time? Your just naturally late for everything?
A: 好了同学们，这次节目时间就到这里了。
B: Tune in next time for American English Mosaic!
A: See you next time!
美语训练班 第120课
B: Welcome to American English Mosaic, I’m Mike Bond!
A: And I’m Lin Yang.
B: Today we will tell you how to dress to impress! Get ready to learn all the different kinds of dress codes in the business world.
A: 成天兴高采烈得到升职的机会比较小? 我们在下面的课程里为你介绍。
B: And in words and idioms, we will learn what “ride high” and “blessing in disguise” means!
A: All coming up on American English Mosaic!
B: Now let’s go into our first segment, Learn a word!
Learn A Word 1807 critical
今天我们要学的词是critical. Critical is spelled c-r-i-t-i-c-a-l, critical. Critical 形容词，重要的。Proactively managing your health is critical to staying healthy. 积极注意自己的身体对保持健康很重要。Experts say getting enough sleep plays a critical role in maintaining good health. 有关专家说，保证睡眠充足对身体健康有很重要的作用。
Location is a critical factor for the success of any business. 对于任何商业机构来说，地理位置是成功的一个重要因素。Job creation is critical to the growth of any economy. 创造就业对任何一个经济体的成长来说都很重要。好的，今天我们学习的词是 critical, critical, critical…
A: Enough sleep is critical in maintaining good health. 我就是，要是睡不好昏沉沉的，我一天什么都干不好。
B: Yeah, I definitely agree with that. I once read a scientific study that said sleep deprivation will not only affect how you behave, but can also permanently damage your brain. That’s why sleep deprivation is used as a torture technique in some countries.
A: 哎呀太可怕了! Having a good night sleep can make your brain function at peak efficiency, thus everything will ride high!
B: See, that’s what I’m talking about. All you need is more sleep, Yang Lin.
A: What?
B: Haha, OK, you know I’m kidding! Well, you just mentioned an interesting idiom: ride high. Let’s check it out in today’s word’s idioms!
Words and Idioms 861 RIDE HIGH
美国习惯用语第 861 讲。
真希望每个礼拜都象上星期一样。先是推出新节目受领导表扬，接下来是一个接受采访的嘉宾请我去给他学生做报告，居然还有一个以前的实习生请我吃饭，感谢我对他的关照。喔赛，简直让我不知道姓什么了。这也让我想起了一个习惯用语，
M: Ride high. Ride is spelled r-i-d-e, and high; h-i-g-h. Ride-high.
Ride 是骑、驾驭的意思； high 是高的意思。Ride high 连在一起，意思是“大获成功”。我最近的生活就是这句话，I’ve been RIDING HIGH. 做什么事儿都顺。如果能一直这样该多好！我敢说，美国总统奥巴马一定了解我的感受，让我们听听下面这段报道。
M: “After a U.S. President is inaugurated, he usually RIDES HIGH in the polls. Such is the case with Barack Obama, who enjoyed the support of a significant majority of the population. After a number of months, however, his standing began to slip. Some Americans became more critical of his performance in office.”
这个人说：美国总统宣誓就职后，民意调查的支持率向来很高，奥巴马也是一样，得到了大多数美国人的支持。然后，短短几个月后，他的民众支持率就开始下滑了，一些美国人开始对他的业绩感到不满。
这就是我们常说的蜜月期结束，Honeymoon is over. 这也让我想起了参加 British Got Talent “英国达人”比赛而轰动一时的 Susan Boyle 苏珊.波伊尔。一夜之间，世界各地的人都从互联网上知道了苏格兰有个天才歌手，叫苏珊.波伊尔。 She was RIDING HIGH. 可是没过多久，媒体的狂轰滥炸就让她承受不起了。看来，不管是谁，一夜成名都是很难适应的。让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “After a U.S. President is inaugurated, he usually RIDES HIGH in the polls. Such is the case with Barack Obama, who enjoyed the support of a significant majority of the population. After a number of months, however, his standing began to slip. Some Americans became more critical of his performance in office.”
你知道全球最大的咖啡连锁店是哪一家吗？没错，就是1971年在美国西雅图成立的星巴克。让我们听听下面的报道。
M: “Throughout the 1990s, Starbuck’s Coffee opened a new store every workday. It was RIDING HIGH. But lately, despite its more than 16,000 locations in 49 countries, success hasn’t come as easily. A struggling economy and increased competition have created challenges for the world’s largest coffeehouse.”
报道说：上个世纪九十年代，星巴克每天都有新店开张，获得了巨大的成功。但是最近，尽快星巴克在全球49个国家开设了一万六千多家分店，但是成功之路并不平坦。举步维艰的经济和不断加剧的行业竞争都为这家全球最大的咖啡店带来了挑战。
是啊，现在象麦当劳这种快餐店都卖咖啡，物美价廉。但是在快餐店买咖啡，跟去星巴克里坐坐感觉还是不一样。毕竟，星巴克的经营策略就是要为顾客提供一个在家庭和公司以外，能跟别人接触的第三类场所。好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “Throughout the 1990s, Starbuck’s Coffee opened a new store every workday. It was RIDING HIGH. But lately, despite its more than 16,000 locations in 49 countries, success hasn’t come as easily. A struggling economy and increased competition have created challenges for the world’s largest coffeehouse.”
好的，这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。
M: Until next time.
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: 说起苏珊大妈，she was riding high for quite a while! But then she got fed up with the crazy amount of attention on her life. 看来一夜成名真不容易。
B: You can say that again. You know, sometimes I watch these talent shows as well. What fascinates me is not only how well they sing, but how ridiculously dressed up they get.
A: I guess stars needs to dress differently than normal people. I find that you can tell a person’s occupation by observing how he/she dresses.
B: That’s true. Especially in business world, you need to be a lot more careful about what you are wearing.
A: Yep, beauty is skin deep, but first impression do make a difference. Let’s learn about different dress codes in today’s Business Etiquette!
礼节美语 Dress Code I
公司高层开会，老板 Frank 建议，规定着装标准，不能太随便。
Frank: Good morning everyone. Thanks for being on time.
Gary & Penny: Good morning, Frank.
F: We’ve got a whole bunch of topics to go over today, but let’s start with a simple one: our company’s dress code.
G: We have a dress code?
F: Well…if we didn’t have one before, I’m instituting one, starting now.
P: What exactly does this mean?
公司老板 Frank 说，首先讨论着装要求，dress code。Gary 觉得奇怪，不知道公司什么时候有了 dress code. Frank表示，以前没有没关系，I’m instituting one starting now. 就从现在开始定。
F: I’ve become concerned that we are getting a bit too casual. I was walking through the office the other day and some people were wearing shorts and T-shirts! I don’t think that is appropriate office wear.
P: It’s true. Our standards have been going down. It used to be that we wore casual clothes only on Fridays, but these days it seems we do it almost everyday.
Frank 原来是看到员工穿得太随便，a bit too casual. T恤衫，短裤，什么都有，不合适上班穿。Penny 承认，着装标准是有些下降，原来只有星期五不用穿得太正式，也就是常说的 Casual Friday, 可如今大家每天都穿得很随便。
G: But Frank, don’t you think maybe this isn’t such a big issue? I mean, why does it matter what we are wearing? I think productivity is more important!
F: Actually, I agree with you, Gary. Productivity is the most important thing. But I think what we wear is linked to productivity.
P: In what way are they linked?
F: Police officers wear uniforms, right? It’s a symbol to both them and the public that they are serious about what they do.
Gary觉得，穿着并不重要，重要的是工作效率，productivity. Frank 却认为，穿着跟效率之间也有密切联系。比如警察穿制服，就是一个象征，a symbol, 告诉自己，也告诉大众，他们觉得自己的工作很重要。
G: You’re the boss, Frank, so of course it’s your call…but I have to say, I’m not so keen on this idea. I think neckties cut off blood circulation. I’m much more in favor of a relaxed workplace environment.
F: And for some companies a relaxed atmosphere might work. At Google they let you bring your dog to work! But we are a serious financial company with an image to uphold.
Frank 的工作态度论并没有说服Gray. 他说，you’re the boss. It’s your call. 你是老板，你说了算，但我还是主张有一个轻松的工作环境 I’m in favor of a relaxed workplace environment. Frank 看来已经拿定主意，说轻松的工作环境适合某些公司，但他们是一家严谨的金融公司，with an image to uphold. 要保持公司形象。新的 dress code 是什么呢？我们下次继续听。
A: 公司领导Frank给大家开会，希望给公司员工制定 dress code，着装标准，他认为what we wear is linked to productivity, 着装与效率有直接的关系。员工Gary说，I’m in favor of a relaxed workplace environment, 主张有轻松的工作环境。
B: I agree with the boss. Sometimes what you wear is like a symbol of your work. It shows that you take your job seriously.
A: That’s true. I have an uncle who is a business man. He once told me that he needs to drive a Benz to business meetings, so first time customers will take him and his company more seriously. I think that’s the symbol of power.
B: That’s why luxurious brands are so expensive! They are just selling the social status! Well, let’s keep listening to Frank and see what dress code they are going to have!
礼节美语 Dress Code II
公司高层开会，老板 Frank 建议，严格员工的着装标准，穿得不能太随便。公司主管 Penny 说，
P: I’m inclined to agree with Frank. You know that old saying: “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” Well, almost everyone DOES judge by what they see on the outside. I think we do need to present a more professional image.
F: Some of the ladies may also have to tone down their attire as well. Clothes that are too revealing are not appropriate either.
G: What exactly is acceptable and what is not?
俗话说，Don’t judge a book by its cover. 人不可貌相，可实际上，Penny 表示，几乎所有人都难免以貌取人 judge by what they see on the outside, 因此公司需要树立专业形象。Frank又说，女员工穿着也要 tone down 收敛，不能过于暴露，revealing, r-e-v-e-a-l-i-n-g, revealing 是暴露的意思。 那到底什么样儿才符合要求呢？
F: Well, for the men it’s pretty simple. They should wear a button-down shirt with a collar and preferably a tie as well. Jeans are not acceptable.
P: For the women I’d say professional looking skirts or dresses that go down to at least the knee are acceptable. And blouses or shirts should not show too much skin.
F: And of course, no sandals or flip-flops. Shorts are NEVER acceptable.
P: Do you think members of the board should try to dress especially well?
F: Yes I do. We are representatives of the company and we need to be a good example. I’d say the men should try to wear a full business suit when possible.
男人简单，无非是衬衫领带，不穿牛仔。女人则要穿职业女装，裙子过膝，上衣不能太露，一个字，professional looking 看上去要职业化。此外，凉鞋、拖鞋和短裤是万万不能穿的。Frank 还说，理事会成员代表公司，要以身作则，穿得更正式。
G: Can we still have “Casual Fridays?”
F: (chuckle) Sure, Gary…let’s keep that tradition. But “casual” can’t be too casual. I’d say jeans are OK on Fridays, but no T-shirts. Polo shirts or short-sleeved sports shirts are OK.
G: So I guess we are going to need to send out a memo with these new guidelines. Some people aren’t going to be very happy about this.
F: Well, we in management can lead by example.
P: Actually, I kind of enjoy getting dressed up! It’s fun!
G: And I guess I’ll get used to the new rules. I do look pretty good in a suit.
F&P: (Chuckle)
Frank 同意保留星期五随意着装的传统，但不能太过份，牛仔裤可以穿，带领子的马球衫 Polo shirts 和短袖衬衣可以穿，但是没领子的T恤衫还是不行。Gary 最后无可奈何地说，I guess I’ll get used to the new rules. 我想我会慢慢习惯新规矩的。
A: Frank给大家制定了着装标准，男士要穿a button-down shirt with a collar，有领的衬衫，女士呢要穿professional looking skirts or dresses，职业装。他们将保留casual Friday, 便装星期五。这意味星期五可以穿Jeans和Polo shirt, 牛仔裤和马球衫。Frank说，管理层要穿a full business suit, 全套西装，because they are representatives of the company.他们代表公司的形象。
B: I guess if a company is in service industry, it needs to have a dress code. Clients are going to judge how professional you are by what they see on the outside.
A: That’s true. 好啦，着装这个话题呢就到这。咱们接着今天的课程吧!
B: Let’s listen to another learn a word!
Learn A Word 1808 overly
今天我们要学的词是overly. Overly is spelled o-v-e-r-l-y, overly. Overly 过多的，过份的。Critics say the new rules are overly restrictive. 批评人士指责说，新规定过于严格了。一项最新研究显示，Overly cheerful women are less likely to be promoted. 每天老是兴高采烈的女性，跟其他人比，得到升职的机会比较少。家长关爱孩子没有错，但是孩子长大了一定要学会放手。Helicopter parents who are overly involved in their adult children’s lives can do more harm than good. 过份介入成人子女正常生活的“直升机”父母，给孩子带来的伤害可能要超过给孩子带来的好处。 好的，今天我们学习的词是 overly, overly, overly…
B: You hear that Yang Lin? Overly cheerful women are less likely to be promoted.
A: Overly cheerful? It’s called having a sunshiny personality! You know, being positive can make your life a lot easier. You should try it Mike.
B: Ha! I would rather get promoted! But I do find that if you have a positive attitude, a lot of bad things can actually turn out to be not so terrible. You just need to keep calm and handle things in a logical way.
A: I call those blessings in disguise!
B: And let’s check this idiom out!
Words and Idioms 862 BLESSING IN DISGUISE
美国习惯用语第 862 讲。工夫不负有心人。我们终于买到房子了。这是我们看着满意，出价想买的第三栋房子，也是我们最满意的一栋。现在看来，好在前两栋都被别人出更高的价钱抢走了，塞翁失马，焉知非福，用英语说，就叫
M: Blessing in disguise. Blessing is spelled b-l-e-s-s-i-n-g. Blessing. Disguise is spelled d-i-s-g-u-i-s-e. Disguise. Blessing in disguise.
Blessing 在这里是好事，喜事的意思。Disguise 是伪装、掩饰。a blessing in disguise 意思就是原来以为是倒霉事，可结果证明反倒是件好事。塞翁失马，焉知非福。就好象我们家买房子，前两栋房子都没买到手，本来觉得挺沮丧，后来买到第三栋房子，最符合我们的要求，这才意识到，前两栋房子没买到原来是 a blessing in disguise. 在下面的例子里，一名飞机乘客遇到的倒霉事最后居然救了他的命。让我们一起来听听。
M: “I was so annoyed when I missed my flight. I knew it meant waiting an extra five hours for the next plane to Hawaii. But when I heard that my original flight had been hijacked. Oh my god, what a BLESSING IN DISGUISE it was to miss it!”
这个人说：我误了飞机，心里本来特别烦，因为这就意味着我要在机场多等五个小时，才有下一班飞机去夏威夷。后来听说，我原来要坐的那架客机被劫持了。天啊，错过那架航班原来是塞翁失马，焉知非福。
这个人运气可真是够好的。Blessings in disguise 这个习惯用语最早出现于十八世纪，当时，虔诚的清教徒认为，所有好事都是上帝的赐福 blessing，而那些表面上看起来很倒霉的事情，其实都是 blessings in disguise 是好事经过了伪装，不让你一下子识别出来。不过，今天大家说 blessings in disguise 已经不再带有宗教意义了。好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
M: “I was so annoyed when I missed my flight. I knew it meant waiting an extra five hours for the next plane to Hawaii. But when I heard that my original flight had been hijacked. Oh my god, what a BLESSING IN DISGUISE it was to miss it!”
如今经济不景气，很多人都面临失业。对于下面这个例子里的年轻人来说，失业反而变成了他生活的动力。让我们一起来听听。
M: “Getting fired turned out to be a BLESSING IN DISGUISE because it made me think about my future for the first time. Now I have clear goals for the first time and I intend to follow them.”
报道说：被公司解雇让我第一次开始为自己的前途认真思考。这可是塞翁失马，焉知非福。如今，我第一次为自己找到了明确的目标，决定就朝着这个方向发展。
我的一个搞室内装修的朋友不久前被公司解雇，只好自己开公司单干，结果反倒做得越来越有起色。看来，有时候人确实不能安于现状，失去朝九晚五，给人打工的饭碗，未必是件坏事，兴许就是 A BLESSING IN DISGUISE. 好的，我们再来听一下上面那个例句。
M: “Getting fired turned out to be a BLESSING IN DISGUISE because it made me think about my future for the first time. Now I have clear goals for the first time and I intend to follow them.”
我侄子去年踢球把小腿踢断了，不能再去参加训练和比赛，结果反倒专心学习，SAT 考了很高的分数，被哈佛大学录取。我姐姐私下里跟我说，这可真是 A BLESSING IN DISGUISE.
好的，这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。
M: Until next time.
下次节目再见。
M: This has been Words and Idioms.
A: Well, I can honestly say working with you has been a blessing in Disguise.
B: huh? Why is that?
A: Since your so lazy I’ve been having to do both of our work, which has taught me how to be more efficient with my time and showed me that I can accomplish more than I ever believed possible!
B: Ow Yanglin, just ow……..
A: You are welcome! 好了同学们，这次节目时间就到这里了。
B: Tune in next time for American English Mosaic!
A: See you next time!
返回《美语训练班》页。