ESL Podcast 529 – Insulting Other People

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7934716

- to mess around : to do unimportant thing to waste the time
Those kids are just messing around.
- to pipe down : to be quite, stop making noise
they'll pipe down and go home
- to get on sb's nerves : to annoy sb, to bother sb
- a disgrace : sth is very bad, unacceptable, unapproved
They're really getting on my nerves, playing loud music and making all that noise. They're a disgrace.
- to get a rise out of sb: to receive a response from sb who you're bothering intently
Get away from that window before they see you. If they see that they can't get a rise out of us, they'll move along
- to wave sb off : to move your hand in the air to show you tell sb to leave
I'm going to use it to wave them off.
- slight : small offensive saying
- to set sb off : to make sb angry
Teenagers can be unpredictable. You don't know if a small slight might set them off
- nut : crazy
Are you nuts?! You can't moon them back.

========================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page3.shtml

Closing topics
so...	anyway...	but...	right...	okay...	well...
Use these words with sentences that give your final opinion about the topic summarise what has already been said lead to you saying 'goodbye' Examples But, we shall see if it makes a difference... Anyway, I must be off! So, it's something, anyway, to look forward to... Well anyway, it's lovely talking to you, but I must get on... Right... well... I guess I'd better get back

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 528 – Negotiating Salary

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7914830

- salary requirement : a polite way to ask salary
What are your salary requirements?
- budget constraints : the allowance  of budget
Hmm, that's a bit higher than I was thinking, given our budget constraints.
- to be open to sth: to be willing to do sth
I'm certainly open to negotiations,
- to be comparable : to be similar
I think that the salary range I named is comparable to that of similar positions in the field
- to walk away : to say no (this content)
That's certainly true, and I don't you to walk away from this job
- to up : to increase
- to be doable : to make it, to be great
If you're willing to up the offer to $60,000, then I think it may be doable
- the ceiling : the highest amount
Well, $60,000 is really the ceiling for that position

I'll have to give it some thought and call you back.
Please do, and again, thank you very much for the offer. It would be an honor to work with you and to work at Cinetect.


===================
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/newsenglish/britain/081118_what_to_wear.shtml

- glam = glamorous : dress or made up to be extremely good-looking and fashionable
Some girls go for a 'glam' look. They wear T-shirts; trousers are usually preferred, blue or black
- to be finished off : to be completed
the look is finished off with metallic bags and shoes and arms full of bracelets
- out of place : strange, as if you don't belong
Follow the fashion tips above, and you shouldn't feel out of place.



--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 523 – Having Trouble Making a Decision

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7845229

- to weigh your options: to carefully consider choices
I'm still looking at consumer reviews and weighing my options.
- to keep options open : not decide yet
I'm keeping my options open for now.
- to live with the decision : to accept the result from the decision
I'm the one who has to live with the decision
- to be crippled : to be unable to do sth, work properly / correctly
- to stall : to delay in doing (unimportant) sth
I think you're crippled by indecision, and you're stalling.
- to hold sb to sth: to make sb do sth
I'm holding you to that!

===================




--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 518 – Learning Self-Defense

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7765685

- to size up sth : to access, to determine the characteristic of sth (how big, how serious)
Today, you'll learn how to size up a situation
- hand-to-hand combat : two people fighting without any arms/weapons , just their hand
You'll also begin to learn some hand-to-hand combat moves to defend yourselves.
- to beat up sb : to hit (many times) sb
I can beat up anyone who tries anything.
- to confront sb: to face, meet or feal with difficult situation or person
- to be pumped up : to be very exciting to do sth
It's not a good idea to confront someone pumped up on adrenaline
- to defuse the situation : to make it less dangerous, to make it more safer
If you can defuse the situation or run away, that would be the best strategy.
- mindset : perspective , the way of thinking things
I'm not sure if that's the right mindset…
- offense : # defense
The best defense is a good offense!

======================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2010/07/100719_witn_marsupials_page.shtml

- treasure trove : collection of valuable things
- fossil : preserved remains of animals or plants, usually found in rocks
- breathtaking: exciting and surprising
The treasure trove of preserved fossils found in an outback cave has given palaeontologists a rare view into the weird and breathtaking world of prehistoric Australia.
- specimen : example
they've found the remains of some of the strangest specimens anyone could possibly imagine.
- gem : highly-prized articles; things that are very beautiful
- unearthed : discovered
These ancient gems were unearthed at the famous Riversleigh World Heritage fossil fields in north-western Queensland



--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 516 – Naming and Appointing Officials

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7735856

- to succeed sb: to take over sb position
Who do you think will be appointed to succeed Ramon on the board?
- to fill the job : to put sb in the job
I don't know whom they'll pick to fill the position
- higher ups (n): boss, top grass, management people
- to vet : to talk, look at candidate profile and decide who qualifies and not
The higher ups have been quietly vetting three people
- to be at liberty (formal) : to have permission , freedom to do sth
I'm not at liberty to say
- to be buddy-buddy with sb : to be close friend or relationship with sb
You mean we might actually get a new board member who's not buddy-buddy with the higher ups
- to have inside track : to have advantage to get a job because you know sb in company
Everybody thinks he has the inside track.
- to keep sth under wraps : to keep sth secretly
I can't tell you that. The selection is being kept under wraps until next Thursday.
- to let sth slip : to accidentally tell a secret sth to sb
I've already let slip too much.


===============

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2010/08/100805_6min_book_page.shtml

- to spill the beans : to reveal, to say secret things
Now, would you ever consider writing a book that spills the beans
- to spar : to argue in friendly, softly, gentle way with other
The Kans are as famous for her willingness to spar with him in public as for their endurin marriage.


--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 512 – Changing the Subject in Conversation

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7676198


- to turn to sth : to begin sth else
Let's turn to this month's report
- to hand sb sth (polite): to give sth to sb
I didn't get a copy of it. Could someone hand me one?
- to shift sth : to turn to  sth
I have just one last comment before we shift our focus to this month's report.
- off the record : unofficially
Dee is quitting and Kara will be taking her place. This is off the record, of course
- speaking of sth : by the way
Speaking of personnel changes, did you know that Lee is being promoted to V.P. next month?
- to be in line for : to wait for , will happen
She's been in line for that job for years.
- to be put on the back burner : to be delayed temporarily
I think it's being put on the back burner for now.
- precisely : exactly
I think that's precisely what you're trying to do
- what's the matter with : what's wrong with
What's the matter with this month's report?

=====================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/business/talkingbusiness/unit3presentations/1opening.shtml

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for coming along here today. I hope my presentation isn't going to take too long and that you will find it interesting. The purpose of today's presentation is to discuss how we can improve internal communications within our company.

Now let me begin by explaining that I'd like to talk about the business case for better communication; secondly, I want to cover different styles and methods; and finally

. I'd be very happy to invite you to ask questions at the end of the session and

At the end I'd be happy to answer any of your questions."

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 507 – Guarding One’s Privacy

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7606597

- to get a peek : to take a quick look on sth which is very to be seen
I don't want him to get a peek into my apartment.
- voluntarily (av): without any request or requirement
Do you think I would voluntarily give people that information
- to be on guard : to be very careful, alerted, cautious
I have to be on guard all of the time
- need-to-know : situation that is absolutely a must to comply
These days, I only give out personal information on a need-to-know basis.
- paranoid (n, negative expression): an extremely worry feeling without any reason
There's a lot of paranoia about crime at the moment.
- to be out to get sb : to try to sth (bad) to sb
But isn't that a little paranoid? You act as though everybody is out to get you.
- to disclose : to share or tell sb a secret to sb else
We constantly have to disclose our most personal information on forms
- rest assured : don't worry, there is no problem
Yes, that's right. But, rest assured,

=================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/2010/07/100729_6min_smile_page.shtml

- universal : a sign or symbol that is immediately understood by everyone around the world
Smile is a universal signal for being friendly


--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 506 – Being Generous and Stingy

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7586711

- to hit up sb (informal) : to ask sb for money
I was thinking of hitting up Jane for a little loan
- to spot sb (informal): to make a loan to sb, to give money to sb
What are the chances she'll spot me a couple hundred dollars until next month
- cheapskate (informal, insult to call sb cheapskate) (n): person who spend very little money
I wouldn't exactly call her a cheapskate
- to part with sth: to be separate from sth
He could easily part with a couple hundred bucks without giving it a second thought.
- stingy (informal, insulting)  ~ cheapskate
Who do we know who isn't stingy?
- to be charitable : to share time, money with other people
Who do we know who is big-hearted and charitable?
- to tight sb over : to help sb for short period of time , maybe by giving money
- payday: day you're paid for your job
Here's $150 to tide you over until your next payday.


--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 505 – Teaching Children About Safety

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7576768

• field trip : at school, sometime the children can have trip organized by school to go somewhere (museum, park, zoo) to learn sth
  

I'm taking all of you on the field trip tomorrow

• ground rule: basic rule
• to go over : to review
  

There are some ground rules we need to go over

• to get through sth: to finish, complete sth
  

I'll take questions later. Let me get through all of my instructions first.

• to abduct : to kidnap
• to lure : to get sb to do sth wrong by making it exciting
  

There are predators out there who are looking to lure children away from their family and friends and to abduct them

• to let your guard down: to stop being careful
  

don't let your guard down.

=================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/newsaboutbritain/2009/01/090121_nab_advent.shtml

The four weeks before Christmas are called Advent

• on the way : approaching, coming
  

In fact, as early as September or October, you start to see signs that Christmas is on the way.

• apart from : here, in addition to
  

Apart from the special Christmas dinner of roast turkey or goose, people buy lots of chocolates, nuts and snacks for everyone to enjoy.



--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 504 – Training Inexperienced Employees

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7556882

• to be wet behind the ears: to be inexperience
  

Don't mention it. I remember when I was still wet behind the ears.

• veteran (n): experienced employee (done sth for a long time)
  

the veterans in the company gave me the benefit of their time and expertise

• to prop sb up : to support sb, to help sb
  

They propped me up until I can work well

• novice : newbie
  

I can't imagine you as a novice.

• cornerstone (n): sb/sth that is necessary for the success of a company
  

Everybody here thinks of you as the cornerstone of the institution.

• to be reckless: to do risky things without thinking the danger involved
  

I was naive and reckless

• to be adept at doing sth : to be able to do sth easily, quickly and well
  

I may be more adept at my job now

• old hand (n): person who has a lot of exp in doing sth
  

I gave them the same advice that an old hand gave me when I first started

================
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/newsextra/2010/03/100318_nw_money_laundering.shtml

• money laundering : action to make illegal money becomes legal
  

a law is designed to prevent money laundering

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 502 – Storing Luggage on an Airplane

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2010/07/100714_witn_cuba_page.shtml

The first group of political prisoners are on their way to freedom, heading for exile [forced to leave and live in another country] in Spain.

Omar Ruiz, who had been serving a 12-year sentence for treason [the crime of being disloyal to your country]

he and six other inmates [prisoner] had been driven there, where they were reunited with their relatives in a special waiting room.

All the dissidents [people who publically criticise the government] were arrested under a major government crackdown [strict, repressive action against people who the authorities feel have broken the law] in 2003, when Fidel Castro was still in power

*******************
http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7527053

Yoshi: Can you hold my jacket while I try to get my roller bag down the aisle?

Tatiana: All right, but I have to roll my own bag down the aisle, you know.

Yoshi: Fine, give it back to me. All of these overhead bins are full. Where are we supposed to store them?

Tatiana: Look, there are two spaces in the back of the plane. You put our big bags in those bins, and I'll put our carry-ons under the seats in front of us.

Yoshi: Fine, but these seats are already cramped, and now, I'll have no legroom for the entire flight. Great! That's what we get for not getting seats in the emergency exit row.

Tatiana: If we had seats in the emergency exit row, you'd be complaining about not being able to recline in your seat right now. At least we don't have bulkhead seats. Stop grumbling and get moving before somebody else snags those overhead bins and we have to check those bags.

Yoshi: Whose idea was it to go on vacation?

Tatiana: It was mine. We both need some time to get away and unwind.

Yoshi: Yeah, right, I can't remember the last time I felt this relaxed!

===========

- roller bag : suit case on wheel
- overhead bin : space above the seat in airplane to keep things for you
- to be cramped : to be crowed
- to recline your seat: to lean backward
- to snag : to grab or get sth quickly
- to check their bag : to give the bag to air plane so that they are kept in basement of air plane
- to unwind : to relax



--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 498 – Joking and Making Fun of People

http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7467395

Dmitry: Stan is really miffed at you. All of that teasing at lunch really upset him.

Charlene: What? I was just poking fun at him for trying to hit on the new, young receptionist.

Dmitry: You called him an old goat.

Charlene: I said that tongue in cheek. If he didn't find that funny, then he can't take a joke.

Dmitry: What about last week when you told that joke about fat people trying to dance and you made him the butt of the joke?

Charlene: Everybody knows I'm the class clown around here, and I make wisecracks about everybody. Nobody else is as thin-skinned as Stan.

Dmitry: I wouldn't be so sure about that. I suggest you watch your back. The next joke may be on you.

Charlene: Why? What have you heard?

Dmitry: Oh, nothing. I just think it may be time for some payback – big time!


=======================

- to be miffed with sb : to be mad at sb. upset with sb (but less serious)
- to tease about sth : to make joke about sth in friendly way
- to poke fun at sb : to make joke at sth (to tease or not tease)
- to hit on sb :  to say sth to another person when you're interesting in sb romantically
- to take a joke : you can launch at a joke
- the butt of the joke : the person who is being launched at
- to be thin-skinned # thick-skinned : 1. to be easily upset when being launched at 2. to get easily hurt when being criticized
- payback : revenge



--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 496 – Driving a Company Car

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/business/talkingbusiness/unit2meetings/4anyother.shtml

Will:	I would like to be able to show her drawings and her portfolio in the next couple of days. If that's all right...
All:	That sounds good…

******************
http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7437566

Michael: Shall we?

Robin: Oh, this is nice. Did you get a new car?

Michael: No, this is a company car. Getting to drive one is one of the perks of my new job.

Robin: Does your new position call for a lot of driving?

Michael: It does. As the regional supervisor, I have to cover a large territory. I'll be visiting all of the affiliates across the state.

Robin: Does that mean you can drive the company car anytime, anywhere?

Michael: Well, I'm only supposed to use it for official business since the company deducts the standard mileage allowance on their taxes, but there are ways to account for any extra miles I log.

Robin: You mean you fudge the mileage numbers?

Michael: You could say that. It's no big deal. Everybody does it, or so I've heard. You know, I've been meaning to ask you. Do you want to go with me to San Diego this weekend?

Robin: That depends. Are you taking your company car?

Michael: I was thinking about it.

Robin: In that case, no, thanks. I don't want to be an accessory to whatever rules you're breaking.

Michael: Suit yourself, but what's a company perk if you can't take full advantage of it?

==============

- perk (n): sth you get from your job in addition money
- to call for : to need, to require
- affiliate : a person / business org that connects to other person or business org
- to account for sth : to explain sth
- to fudge : to change a number slightly (dishorest)


--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

Fwd: ESL Podcast 492 – Importing and Exporting Goods

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Duy Lam <duylamphuong@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Aug 4, 2010 at 9:32 PM
Subject: ESL Podcast 492 – Importing and Exporting Goods
To: postgraduate@ou.edu.vn


http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7377908

Giselle: Good morning, Brian. This is Giselle calling from Intergroup in Kansas City.

Brian: Hi, Giselle. How are you?

Giselle: I'm great, thanks. Listen, the reason I'm calling is that I wanted to touch base with you about the new proposed regulations. Have you had a chance to review them?

Brian: We've only had time to give them a cursory look, but I think we have a grasp on what the changes will be. I don't think that most of the new regulations would apply to our class of cargo. As long as our certificates of origin are in order and our shipping agents are well informed of the changes, we won't have anything to be concerned about. Rest assured we'll take care of all that.

Giselle: That's good to hear. Won't the customs procedures be different, though? I understand that there are changes to the regulations affecting which containers we can use and how we transport our freight.

Brian: No, lucky for us, all we need to do is to put some additional information on our waybills and make sure our packing lists reflect the same information.

Giselle: I'm relieved to hear that. You've really put my mind at ease, thanks.

Brian: Don't mention it. While I have you on the phone, do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions about the latest order?

Giselle: No, not at all. Fire away.

===================

- to tough base with sb : to be able to contact with sb (speaking, email) to get their opinions
- to have a grasp on sth : to understand sth well
- to be in order : to be done correctly
- rest assured : everything is under control
- packing list : a piece of paper says what're inside a container
- don't mention it : it's ok



--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

--
Thanks,
Duy Lam

ESL Podcast 489 – Talking About Wealth

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/148_phrasalverbs/page4.shtml

Part 2

VICKI:So you feel comfortable and happy living here then?
CALLUM:Yup. I definitely won't be moving on [leave to new house] for a while.

VICKI:So, a toast to your new flat.
CALLUM:Yes, let's drink to [to congrat sth] the flat.

*************
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1756_how_to_discuss/page6.shtml

Stopping someone while they are talking

Just a minute... Hang on... Hold on... Just a second...

Showing that you disagree

Certain words show that you have a different opinion. Try using actually, well, but, and I'm sorry: Actually, the discount was only 5%. Well, you're wrong about that actually. I'm sorry, but you're totally wrong about that!

Stating that you are offended by something

I really take exception to that!

Asking someone to apologise for their words or change their view

(I think you should) take that back! Take back what you just said!

Stengthen your words

Your words will have more power if you use people's names: Just a second, Martin. I really take exception to what you've just said. Use emphatic devices like really and do: I really really do take exception to that!

Other useful phrases

I'm sorry, but I'm not going to let you talk to me like this!

***********
http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7338136

Anton: Look at that guy. He's been in town two weeks and he's already throwing his money around.

Vanessa: You know as well as I do that money talks. He's just trying to make a splash in the business community.

Anton: If that were all he was doing then I wouldn't say anything, but he's a social climber of the worst kind. Who does he think he is?

Vanessa: He's someone who's used to getting his way, that's obvious. He's not the first affluent person to try to buy influence and social standing in a community.

Anton: Yeah, but look at all of the people in this town throwing themselves at him!

Vanessa: He has donated generously to the town and given to the arts. He's even given money toward building the new community center, and it wasn't chump change either. If he wants to be a patron in this town, who are we to look a gift horse in the mouth?

Anton: Right, so spreading money around gives him the right to walk around like he owns this town?

Vanessa: Is this a case of sour grapes?

Anton: Ha, right! Haven't you heard? Money is the root of all evil!

=================

- to throw money around : to spend a lot of money so that everyone knows you have money
- money talks (expression): get attention
- social climber (n): person who tries to be important by making friend with other important people
- to get your way : to have things happen in the way you want them to happen, to be able to control things
- affluent : rich
- to throw yourself at sb : to anything to get sb's attention
- patron : person who supports (money) an organization (non-profit)
- to look a gift horse in the mouth : to not be thankful and instead ask why having the gift


--
Thanks,
Duy Lam