http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=5289878
Audio Index:
Slow dialogue: 1:20
Explanations: 3:24
Fast dialogue: 13:30
=================
Lee: Hello, Lee Williams.
Bruce: Hi, Lee. This is Bruce Eng. The reason I'm calling is to find out if there is any news about your company's takeover bid for Shamrock Corp. It's been a week and I was wondering what's happening.
Lee: Hi, Bruce. I'm glad you called. I was just about to call you with an update. Here's where we are. The offer we made to Shamrock was rejected by the board on Tuesday. Our company's board of directors has been meeting all week to decide the next course of action.
Bruce: Is there any chance that this could turn into a hostile takeover?
Lee: There is a distinct possibility. Our company is hoping to avoid that since we had hoped to do extensive due diligence, but a hostile takeover may be the only option right now if we decide to move ahead with this.
Bruce: Would the banks go for little or no due diligence? I thought that their support of the takeover bid was contingent on getting more information about the state of Shamrock's finances.
Lee: You're right and that may be the stumbling block.
Bruce: Okay, well, call me if you get more information.
Lee: I will. You can count on it.
====================
- takeover bid: to stock will be bought in order a another company can control a company
- the next course of action : the next steps, things to do
- distinct possibility : likely possible
- to move ahead :to continue, to proceed
- to be contingent : to be dependent
- a state of sth : a condition of sth
--
Thanks,
Duy Lam
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
ESL Podcast 360 – A Management Dispute
http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=5170562
Audio Index:
Slow dialogue: 1:40
Explanations: 4:06
Fast dialogue: 16:41
==================
Jeannie: Have you heard about the new management dispute?
Salih: No, what's happening?
Jeannie: Well, the CEO is having problems with the head of one of the subsidiaries.
Salih: Which one?
Jeannie: Lance Publishing. Apparently, the head, Bill Riker, is saying that he and the CEO differ too much in their business philosophy and they can't agree on a future direction for the company.
Salih: I really hope they can settle their dispute soon. It doesn't do anybody any good to have so much hostility in the office.
Jeannie: I hope so, too. This company can't afford to have another high-level departure. We've lost so many good people already this past year.
Salih: We've had a lot of bad press, that's for sure. It doesn't matter that our employment contracts have confidentiality agreements. When somebody is disgruntled, they talk, and they talk loudly and to whomever will listen.
Jeannie: You've got that right. I just hope none of us gets caught in the crossfire. I deal with people at Lance Publishing every week.
Salih: I'm with you. I'm keeping a low profile and hoping that the whole thing will blow over soon. What the CEO and the head of Lance Publishing need is a good mediator who can find some way for two incompatible personalities to meet in the middle.
Jeannie: What do you think the chances are of that happening?
Salih: Quite frankly, knowing the people involved, I think it has a snowball's chance in hell!
==================
- to differ : to disagree
- to settle : to solve
- high-level departure : a high-level employee leaving
- to keep a low profile : to remain quite and do job without trouble
- mediator (n): a person whose job is end a fight between two people or companies
--
Thanks,
Duy Lam
Audio Index:
Slow dialogue: 1:40
Explanations: 4:06
Fast dialogue: 16:41
==================
Jeannie: Have you heard about the new management dispute?
Salih: No, what's happening?
Jeannie: Well, the CEO is having problems with the head of one of the subsidiaries.
Salih: Which one?
Jeannie: Lance Publishing. Apparently, the head, Bill Riker, is saying that he and the CEO differ too much in their business philosophy and they can't agree on a future direction for the company.
Salih: I really hope they can settle their dispute soon. It doesn't do anybody any good to have so much hostility in the office.
Jeannie: I hope so, too. This company can't afford to have another high-level departure. We've lost so many good people already this past year.
Salih: We've had a lot of bad press, that's for sure. It doesn't matter that our employment contracts have confidentiality agreements. When somebody is disgruntled, they talk, and they talk loudly and to whomever will listen.
Jeannie: You've got that right. I just hope none of us gets caught in the crossfire. I deal with people at Lance Publishing every week.
Salih: I'm with you. I'm keeping a low profile and hoping that the whole thing will blow over soon. What the CEO and the head of Lance Publishing need is a good mediator who can find some way for two incompatible personalities to meet in the middle.
Jeannie: What do you think the chances are of that happening?
Salih: Quite frankly, knowing the people involved, I think it has a snowball's chance in hell!
==================
- to differ : to disagree
- to settle : to solve
- high-level departure : a high-level employee leaving
- to keep a low profile : to remain quite and do job without trouble
- mediator (n): a person whose job is end a fight between two people or companies
--
Thanks,
Duy Lam
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
ESL Podcast 359 – A Fist Fight
http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=5150676
Audio Index:
Slow dialogue: 1:24
Explanations: 3:36
Fast dialogue: 14:39
===================
Isabella: What are you doing?! Why are you trying to hit that guy?
Tony: He deserves it. He insulted you. I'm going to knock his block off!
Isabella: Stop it! Be civilized. This isn't some free-for-all. You can't punch a guy just because he said something offensive.
Tony: Oh, yes I can. Let me at him! I'm going to clobber him.
Isabella: If you take another swing at him, he's going to have you arrested for assault. Get a hold of yourself.
Tony: I'm just trying to defend my sister's honor. What's wrong with that?
Isabella: Nothing, but violence isn't the answer. Let's get out of here and cool off a little.
Tony: All right, but if I ever see that guy again, he'll get what's coming to him.
Isabella: Okay, okay, let's go. You said he insulted me. What did he say?
Tony: He said you had nice legs. The nerve of that guy!
Isabella: That's it? He said I had nice legs and you tried to hit him?
Tony: Isn't that enough? He can't say those things about my little sister.
Isabella: I think we need to have another talk about you being overprotective. I'm an adult. I can take care of myself.
Tony: Yes, but I'm your big brother and I'm making sure that no one messes with you. That's what big brothers are for. You don't have to thank me.
Isabella: Thank you? Uh!
=====================
- to insult sb : to do/say sth to sb that it's rude
- to knock sb block off : to physically hurt sb in their face
- free-for-all (n): a fight without any rule
- to punch : to hit sb with hand
- offensive (adj) : rude, sth make sb angry
- to take swing at sb: to punch sb
- to get a hold of yourself : to control your action/emotion
- to cool off : to calm down
- to be overprotective : to take care too much
--
Thanks,
Duy Lam
Audio Index:
Slow dialogue: 1:24
Explanations: 3:36
Fast dialogue: 14:39
===================
Isabella: What are you doing?! Why are you trying to hit that guy?
Tony: He deserves it. He insulted you. I'm going to knock his block off!
Isabella: Stop it! Be civilized. This isn't some free-for-all. You can't punch a guy just because he said something offensive.
Tony: Oh, yes I can. Let me at him! I'm going to clobber him.
Isabella: If you take another swing at him, he's going to have you arrested for assault. Get a hold of yourself.
Tony: I'm just trying to defend my sister's honor. What's wrong with that?
Isabella: Nothing, but violence isn't the answer. Let's get out of here and cool off a little.
Tony: All right, but if I ever see that guy again, he'll get what's coming to him.
Isabella: Okay, okay, let's go. You said he insulted me. What did he say?
Tony: He said you had nice legs. The nerve of that guy!
Isabella: That's it? He said I had nice legs and you tried to hit him?
Tony: Isn't that enough? He can't say those things about my little sister.
Isabella: I think we need to have another talk about you being overprotective. I'm an adult. I can take care of myself.
Tony: Yes, but I'm your big brother and I'm making sure that no one messes with you. That's what big brothers are for. You don't have to thank me.
Isabella: Thank you? Uh!
=====================
- to insult sb : to do/say sth to sb that it's rude
- to knock sb block off : to physically hurt sb in their face
- free-for-all (n): a fight without any rule
- to punch : to hit sb with hand
- offensive (adj) : rude, sth make sb angry
- to take swing at sb: to punch sb
- to get a hold of yourself : to control your action/emotion
- to cool off : to calm down
- to be overprotective : to take care too much
--
Thanks,
Duy Lam
Monday, 15 February 2010
ESL Podcast 357 – Describing Facial Expressions
http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=5130790
Audio Index:
Slow dialog: 2:07
Explanations: 4:24
Fast dialog: 17:21
================
Marjorie: I wish I could have been there when you told the managers that you were leaving the company and starting your own business!
Pedro: Everyone was taken aback. Dan gave me a dirty look, of course. He's always looked down his nose at me. As for Sanjaya, if looks could kill...
Marjorie: Sanjaya? I thought if anyone would understand why you wanted to strike out on your own, he would. I honestly don't know him that well, but I thought he was a happy- go-lucky kind of guy.
Pedro: Maybe I misread him, but he certainly wasn't grinning ear to ear. He just had a frown on his face the entire time.
Marjorie: What about Wendy? How did she react?
Pedro: I'm not sure what to make of her reaction. She just raised her eyebrows at me. She sort of winced when I broke the news, and then she had a poker face. I really hope she's not angry with me.
Marjorie: I think you'd know it if she were angry with you. The last time she was mad at me, she was purple with rage. So, aren't you happy about your big announcement? I don't get it. Why the long face?
Pedro: I just wonder if I did the right thing by making an announcement, rather than telling each manager individually. I thought it would feel good to spring it on them all at once, but now I'm doubting whether I did the right thing.
Marjorie: It's no use crying over spilled milk. Forget about the announcement and focus on your new business. You're going to be big success!
======================
- to be taken aback:to be surprised and shocked in negative way
- to give sb a dirty look : to show that you're angry with them
- to look down your nose at sb : to believe you are better than sb
- happy-go-lucky (n) : relax, very calm, never get angry
- to misread sth/sb: to see/understand sth in this way but it's actually in other way
- to grin : to smile
- to grin ear to ear : to have very big smile
- what to make of sth : how to understand sth
- to raise your eyebrows at sb: to confuse/surprise
- to wince : to change your face expression to show negative emotion
--
Thanks,
Duy Lam
Audio Index:
Slow dialog: 2:07
Explanations: 4:24
Fast dialog: 17:21
================
Marjorie: I wish I could have been there when you told the managers that you were leaving the company and starting your own business!
Pedro: Everyone was taken aback. Dan gave me a dirty look, of course. He's always looked down his nose at me. As for Sanjaya, if looks could kill...
Marjorie: Sanjaya? I thought if anyone would understand why you wanted to strike out on your own, he would. I honestly don't know him that well, but I thought he was a happy- go-lucky kind of guy.
Pedro: Maybe I misread him, but he certainly wasn't grinning ear to ear. He just had a frown on his face the entire time.
Marjorie: What about Wendy? How did she react?
Pedro: I'm not sure what to make of her reaction. She just raised her eyebrows at me. She sort of winced when I broke the news, and then she had a poker face. I really hope she's not angry with me.
Marjorie: I think you'd know it if she were angry with you. The last time she was mad at me, she was purple with rage. So, aren't you happy about your big announcement? I don't get it. Why the long face?
Pedro: I just wonder if I did the right thing by making an announcement, rather than telling each manager individually. I thought it would feel good to spring it on them all at once, but now I'm doubting whether I did the right thing.
Marjorie: It's no use crying over spilled milk. Forget about the announcement and focus on your new business. You're going to be big success!
======================
- to be taken aback:to be surprised and shocked in negative way
- to give sb a dirty look : to show that you're angry with them
- to look down your nose at sb : to believe you are better than sb
- happy-go-lucky (n) : relax, very calm, never get angry
- to misread sth/sb: to see/understand sth in this way but it's actually in other way
- to grin : to smile
- to grin ear to ear : to have very big smile
- what to make of sth : how to understand sth
- to raise your eyebrows at sb: to confuse/surprise
- to wince : to change your face expression to show negative emotion
--
Thanks,
Duy Lam
Sunday, 14 February 2010
ESL Podcast 356 – Starting a Franchise Business
http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=5120847
Audio Index:
Slow dialog: 2:06
Explanations: 5:14
Fast dialog: 17:10
===============
Magdalena: Thanks for meeting with me today. I've read through the materials your company sent me, but I still have some questions about opening a franchise.
Phil: That's what I'm here for. What questions can I answer for you?
Magdalena: Well, I'm familiar with the franchise fee, but are there recurring fees not listed in these materials?
Phil: That's a good question. In addition to the annual franchise fee and the monthly royalties, we also charge a training fee and an advertising fee. Here's a list of these and other fees.
Magdalena: Oh, that's very useful, thanks. I was also wondering what kinds of quality controls the franchises are subject to.
Phil: As you know, when you start a franchise, you are buying into a proven formula for success. We offer a turnkey operation and you will be trained on how to run your business, down to the smallest details. To maintain these standards, we conduct spot checks of all of our franchises from time to time and we audit the books of each franchise once a year to make sure that our standards are being met. Only in very rare occasions do franchises lose their franchise rights because they've failed to meet our standards.
Magdalena: What if I have problems along the way? What kind of support does the corporate office provide?
Phil: We give our franchises as much support as possible. After all, it's in our own best interest that you succeed. We provide troubleshooting and training for your management and employees.
Magdalena: I think those are all of the questions I have right now. I really appreciate your time. If I have other questions in the future, can I contact you?
Phil: Certainly. Here's my card. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. Just give me a ring.
Magdalena: Thanks, I'll do that.
==================
- to recur : to happen many times
- turnkey : ready to be used right now without any change or preparation
- time to time : every time
- to audit the book : to look into the financial records
--
Thanks,
Duy Lam
Audio Index:
Slow dialog: 2:06
Explanations: 5:14
Fast dialog: 17:10
===============
Magdalena: Thanks for meeting with me today. I've read through the materials your company sent me, but I still have some questions about opening a franchise.
Phil: That's what I'm here for. What questions can I answer for you?
Magdalena: Well, I'm familiar with the franchise fee, but are there recurring fees not listed in these materials?
Phil: That's a good question. In addition to the annual franchise fee and the monthly royalties, we also charge a training fee and an advertising fee. Here's a list of these and other fees.
Magdalena: Oh, that's very useful, thanks. I was also wondering what kinds of quality controls the franchises are subject to.
Phil: As you know, when you start a franchise, you are buying into a proven formula for success. We offer a turnkey operation and you will be trained on how to run your business, down to the smallest details. To maintain these standards, we conduct spot checks of all of our franchises from time to time and we audit the books of each franchise once a year to make sure that our standards are being met. Only in very rare occasions do franchises lose their franchise rights because they've failed to meet our standards.
Magdalena: What if I have problems along the way? What kind of support does the corporate office provide?
Phil: We give our franchises as much support as possible. After all, it's in our own best interest that you succeed. We provide troubleshooting and training for your management and employees.
Magdalena: I think those are all of the questions I have right now. I really appreciate your time. If I have other questions in the future, can I contact you?
Phil: Certainly. Here's my card. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. Just give me a ring.
Magdalena: Thanks, I'll do that.
==================
- to recur : to happen many times
- turnkey : ready to be used right now without any change or preparation
- time to time : every time
- to audit the book : to look into the financial records
--
Thanks,
Duy Lam
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
ESL Podcast 354 – Being Scared
http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=5030375
Audio Index:
Slow dialogue: 1:22
Explanations: 3:07
Fast dialogue: 13:50
========================
Emily: I'm not going into that house. It's supposed to be haunted.
Stephen: Come on. Don't be a coward. You don't believe in ghosts, do you?
Emily: I don't, but I'm not taking any chances. Just look at that house! It's spooky. I'm getting goosebumps just looking at it.
Stephen: You're only freaking out because you've watched too many horror movies. It's just a house. Now, come on!
Emily: Why are we doing this anyway? Just because your friends dared you to go in doesn't mean you have to. This is stupid!
Stephen: I took the dare and I told them I'd spend the night in that house. If you're a scaredy cat, you can go home right now.
Emily: And let you go in there by yourself? What kind of girlfriend would I be? I'm scared to death, but I'm not going to chicken out. Okay, let's go before I change my mind.
Stephen: Really? I didn't think you'd have the nerve. You're braver than I thought. Don't worry. Nothing in there can hurt us.
Emily: Famous last words!
=====================
- to be haunted: there are many ghost stay here and scare people (to haunt)
- coward (n): sb is afraid, doesn't have courage
- to take changes : to take risk
- to get goosebumps : noi da ga`
- to freak out : to become very scare, to act very strangely
- to dare sb to do sth, dare (n): to challenge sb to do sth
- to chicken out : to decide not do sb because you're too scaring
- to have the nerve : to be able to do sth which is scary
- famous last words: used to show that sb had said is properly wrong
--
Thanks,
Duy Lam
Audio Index:
Slow dialogue: 1:22
Explanations: 3:07
Fast dialogue: 13:50
========================
Emily: I'm not going into that house. It's supposed to be haunted.
Stephen: Come on. Don't be a coward. You don't believe in ghosts, do you?
Emily: I don't, but I'm not taking any chances. Just look at that house! It's spooky. I'm getting goosebumps just looking at it.
Stephen: You're only freaking out because you've watched too many horror movies. It's just a house. Now, come on!
Emily: Why are we doing this anyway? Just because your friends dared you to go in doesn't mean you have to. This is stupid!
Stephen: I took the dare and I told them I'd spend the night in that house. If you're a scaredy cat, you can go home right now.
Emily: And let you go in there by yourself? What kind of girlfriend would I be? I'm scared to death, but I'm not going to chicken out. Okay, let's go before I change my mind.
Stephen: Really? I didn't think you'd have the nerve. You're braver than I thought. Don't worry. Nothing in there can hurt us.
Emily: Famous last words!
=====================
- to be haunted: there are many ghost stay here and scare people (to haunt)
- coward (n): sb is afraid, doesn't have courage
- to take changes : to take risk
- to get goosebumps : noi da ga`
- to freak out : to become very scare, to act very strangely
- to dare sb to do sth, dare (n): to challenge sb to do sth
- to chicken out : to decide not do sb because you're too scaring
- to have the nerve : to be able to do sth which is scary
- famous last words: used to show that sb had said is properly wrong
--
Thanks,
Duy Lam
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