Podcasts about m then

Download MP3 今回はクルマに関する会話をお届けします。路上で愛車の高級車を停め、困った表情で立っている女性に、男性は助けの手を差し伸べようとしますが…。今回は、日本語とは大きく異なるクルマ関係の英語表現に注意しましょう。 　 *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） (1) オープニングで登場したクルマ用語の表現 rear-view mirror バックミラー emergency break ハンドブレーキ air conditioner エアコン windshield フロントガラス（イギリス英語ではwindscreen） hood ボンネット（イギリス英語ではbonnet） ※以上はいずれも米語。これらを文中で使用する際には通例theを伴う。 (2) 会話に登場する表現 work うまく作動する fuel gauge ガソリンのゲージ（残量） The tank is full. タンクは満タンです。 *** Script *** A Problem with the Car A woman is standing by her new Mercedes, which is parked on the side of a busy road. The car bonnet is open. She doesn’t know what to do and is confused. A man in a car stops to help… M: Hi… Is there a problem? W: Oh, my driver got sick and I can’t drive by myself. The car is broken. M: OK. Don’t worry. I’m here to help you. What’s wrong with it? W: I don’t know! M: Is it the engine? It won’t start? W: No, the engine is fine. M: Then, maybe the breaks don’t work well? That would be bad… W: Oh no. The breaks work well. M: Maybe there’s no fuel? Have you checked the fuel gauge? W: No, the tank is full! I’m sure that’s not the problem. M: Hm… so what’s the problem? W: I just can’t drive! Let’s go inside and I’ll show you! (They get in.) M: OK. Start the car, please. (She starts the car normally) M: Well it seems fine. The car works fine. W: But I can’t drive! Look! I can’t see the road! M: Oh… I know what the problem is… You need to close the bonnet! (Written by Andrei Goncharov)

Download MP3 今回はクルマに関する会話をお届けします。路上で愛車の高級車を停め、困った表情で立っている女性に、男性は助けの手を差し伸べようとしますが…。今回は、日本語とは大きく異なるクルマ関係の英語表現に注意しましょう。 　 *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） (1) オープニングで登場したクルマ用語の表現 rear-view mirror バックミラー emergency break ハンドブレーキ air conditioner エアコン windshield フロントガラス（イギリス英語ではwindscreen） hood ボンネット（イギリス英語ではbonnet） ※以上はいずれも米語。これらを文中で使用する際には通例theを伴う。 (2) 会話に登場する表現 work うまく作動する fuel gauge ガソリンのゲージ（残量） The tank is full. タンクは満タンです。 *** Script *** A Problem with the Car A woman is standing by her new Mercedes, which is parked on the side of a busy road. The car bonnet is open. She doesn’t know what to do and is confused. A man in a car stops to help… M: Hi… Is there a problem? W: Oh, my driver got sick and I can’t drive by myself. The car is broken. M: OK. Don’t worry. I’m here to help you. What’s wrong with it? W: I don’t know! M: Is it the engine? It won’t start? W: No, the engine is fine. M: Then, maybe the breaks don’t work well? That would be bad… W: Oh no. The breaks work well. M: Maybe there’s no fuel? Have you checked the fuel gauge? W: No, the tank is full! I’m sure that’s not the problem. M: Hm… so what’s the problem? W: I just can’t drive! Let’s go inside and I’ll show you! (They get in.) M: OK. Start the car, please. (She starts the car normally) M: Well it seems fine. The car works fine. W: But I can’t drive! Look! I can’t see the road! M: Oh… I know what the problem is… You need to close the bonnet! (Written by Andrei Goncharov)

Download MP3 ８月の５週間は、恒例の「超濃縮！やさしい英語会話」です。この８年間に配信した284本の「やさしい英語会話」よりエピソードを厳選し、毎回４本分を濃縮してお届けします。ナチュラルスピードの会話をスクリプトとともにお楽しみください。 このお盆休み中、久しぶりに再会した人たちとお酒を飲む機会も多かったのではないでしょうか。そこで今回は「お酒」にまつわるエピソードを集めました。振り返れば、本ポッドキャストには飲酒の話題を取り上げた回が結構ありました…もちろん、お酒は20歳になってから！ （初級〜中級）*** Script *** [ (47) Drinking Parties ] M: Hey, Inez, how was your weekend? W: It was OK - I went to a drinking party on Saturday night. M: A drinking party? You drink a lot? W: No, I didn't. But my Japanese friends drank a lot of beer. They played some games, and the people who lost had to drink! Sometimes they drank it all in a single gulp. I was really a little surprised. They were really crazy about drinking. M: I see. Did you hear about the news that a Japanese student in a very famous university died from drinking too much? W: Oh. That's sad. But I can imagine how much he drank! At drinking parties, Japanese students don't stop drinking until they get badly drunk. Sometimes I just wonder why they have to do that. I don't drink much and I've never been drunk before，so I don't know how it feels to be drunk, but I just wonder why they wanna drink that much. M: Sometimes, you see, they don't really wanna drink that much, but their friends push them. I think it's peer pressure that makes them have to drink that much. W: Exactly: peer pressure. But anyway, I didn't drink that much. I just ordered some kind of soft drink with a little alcohol. It wasn't worth it for me, cause I paid 3,000 yen for a drink buffet. M: Haha, Oh, poor Inez! W: But that's not the main problem. Maybe because I didn't drink as much as my Japanese friends, I just felt I couldn't get into their talk, and I felt bad that I spent 3,000 yen and didn't like it very much. M: Hey, Inez, I have a question: why don't you drink just a little beer? I don't think you'll be forced to drink as much as your Japanese friends, so you don't have to worry about it at all. So why not drink just a little? W: Maybe that's why I didn't have such a good time. I still have the impression that it's not good for girls to drink alcohol. M: Ho ho. Kind of an old-fashioned idea? [ (120) The Morning After ] Scene: In the kitchen. M: Good morning! Well, you look exactly how I feel! W: I know. Right. I feel so hungover. How much did we drink last night? M: I have no idea, but I'll tell you this: I'm not drinking like that again for a long time! W: What were we even drinking? I remember we started with beers at that one bar, and then we had some whiskey, and then…? M: Then we went to that new club down the road and had god-knows-how-many shots of sambuca and tequila! Ah! I'm hanging like a bad painting! W: Here: a nice cup of tea will make us feel much better. M: And a fry up. Pass me the bacon and eggs, would you? W: So, do you remember getting with that girl last night? M: What!? W: Yeah, you went outside and were chatting with that girl for ages. The next thing I knew, you were all over each other! You two were really going for it! M: Oh, my gosh. I remember her! W: And you spilled so many of your drinks last night! M: So THAT explains why my shirt is so wrecked. W: And one girl almost slapped you when you nearly threw up on her shoes! M: Are you serious!? OK, so, let's not go back there for a while! W: You were such a mess! M: Oh no! And my bike's still outside that bar! W: Yeah, you tried to ride it back home but fell off into the bushes and we had to carry you home. M: What is my problem!? And why do I do this every time I have to write an essay! W: Isn't it due in tomorrow? M: I know, and I haven't even started! [ (172) Which Beer Is Best? ] M: [Sigh] I miss drinking beer in the US. W: Why? You don't like the beer here? M: No. I DO. It's just... Japanese beer all seems very light and refreshing. Don't get me wrong, Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin are definitely good. It's just, sometimes, I miss the VARIETY of beer in America. W: Really? Because I've heard that American beer isn't all that great. M: Well, we definitely have some bad national brands, but we also have a lot of great local brews. And if American beer is not what you're into, in the US it's extremely easy to get your hands on pretty much any beer you want-German, Belgian, African, Indian, even Japanese! W: Well, is there any other discontent you would like to express today? M: Well, actually... I don't understand canned beer in Japan. W: What? Canned beer? M: Pretty much any beer worth drinking in the States comes in a bottle or is on tap. It's kind of rare to drink canned beer, unless you're at a college party, or just running low on money. Especially I miss beer on tap. W: You mean when they pull the handle and it comes out of the spout, right? M: Exactly! W: You can definitely find that in bars in Japan. M: Yes, but they have tap beer in most restaurants in America, and they usually have about five different varieties. One of the bars in my university's city has 50 different beers on tap, and rotates them daily! W: Every day new kinds of beer? Wow, that seems a little excessive. M: Probably so, but at least there is no lack of options. W: So, you don't want another beer is what I'm hearing? M: Oh no, no, no. Wait, wait! I never said that! W: But it's in a can and everything. M: Hey, beer is beer! [ (268) A Great Drink ] A Great Drink Situation: At a party. Greg is acting quite drunk. Maria is not. W: Hey Greg. How's it going? M: Hey, Maria. I'm great! Isn't this party awesome? W: Yeah, it's not bad. You seem to be having a great time! M: Oh yeah, I'm having a blast! I was just chasing the chickens around the garden! It was great! W: You what? The chickens? M: Oh yeah, I felt like doing something crazy. Before that I played beer pong with Charlie -- he kicked my ass. But it was great fun. W: Oh, so you're drinking tonight? M: Yeah, I managed to score this bottle of wine -- took it from my parent's alcohol stash! W: You're drinking wine? Wow! I love wine too, although I prefer red wine. M: Mmm, well, this white wine is good stuff too! So fruity! So gooood! W: You've drunk a lot already, huh? M: Yeah, it's absolutely delicious! I don't know what it is exactly, though, because the label is all in French. But it IS good stuff. And strong! I am really feeling it! W: Hmm, I think I've had this drink before, actually. M: You have? I've never heard of it before! Where did you have it? W: At my little sister's 7th birthday party. This isn't wine, Greg … it's apple juice! M: Ugh … what??

Download MP3 ８月の５週間は、恒例の「超濃縮！やさしい英語会話」です。この８年間に配信した284本の「やさしい英語会話」よりエピソードを厳選し、毎回４本分を濃縮してお届けします。ナチュラルスピードの会話をスクリプトとともにお楽しみください。 このお盆休み中、久しぶりに再会した人たちとお酒を飲む機会も多かったのではないでしょうか。そこで今回は「お酒」にまつわるエピソードを集めました。振り返れば、本ポッドキャストには飲酒の話題を取り上げた回が結構ありました…もちろん、お酒は20歳になってから！ （初級〜中級）*** Script *** [ (47) Drinking Parties ] M: Hey, Inez, how was your weekend? W: It was OK - I went to a drinking party on Saturday night. M: A drinking party? You drink a lot? W: No, I didn't. But my Japanese friends drank a lot of beer. They played some games, and the people who lost had to drink! Sometimes they drank it all in a single gulp. I was really a little surprised. They were really crazy about drinking. M: I see. Did you hear about the news that a Japanese student in a very famous university died from drinking too much? W: Oh. That's sad. But I can imagine how much he drank! At drinking parties, Japanese students don't stop drinking until they get badly drunk. Sometimes I just wonder why they have to do that. I don't drink much and I've never been drunk before，so I don't know how it feels to be drunk, but I just wonder why they wanna drink that much. M: Sometimes, you see, they don't really wanna drink that much, but their friends push them. I think it's peer pressure that makes them have to drink that much. W: Exactly: peer pressure. But anyway, I didn't drink that much. I just ordered some kind of soft drink with a little alcohol. It wasn't worth it for me, cause I paid 3,000 yen for a drink buffet. M: Haha, Oh, poor Inez! W: But that's not the main problem. Maybe because I didn't drink as much as my Japanese friends, I just felt I couldn't get into their talk, and I felt bad that I spent 3,000 yen and didn't like it very much. M: Hey, Inez, I have a question: why don't you drink just a little beer? I don't think you'll be forced to drink as much as your Japanese friends, so you don't have to worry about it at all. So why not drink just a little? W: Maybe that's why I didn't have such a good time. I still have the impression that it's not good for girls to drink alcohol. M: Ho ho. Kind of an old-fashioned idea? [ (120) The Morning After ] Scene: In the kitchen. M: Good morning! Well, you look exactly how I feel! W: I know. Right. I feel so hungover. How much did we drink last night? M: I have no idea, but I'll tell you this: I'm not drinking like that again for a long time! W: What were we even drinking? I remember we started with beers at that one bar, and then we had some whiskey, and then…? M: Then we went to that new club down the road and had god-knows-how-many shots of sambuca and tequila! Ah! I'm hanging like a bad painting! W: Here: a nice cup of tea will make us feel much better. M: And a fry up. Pass me the bacon and eggs, would you? W: So, do you remember getting with that girl last night? M: What!? W: Yeah, you went outside and were chatting with that girl for ages. The next thing I knew, you were all over each other! You two were really going for it! M: Oh, my gosh. I remember her! W: And you spilled so many of your drinks last night! M: So THAT explains why my shirt is so wrecked. W: And one girl almost slapped you when you nearly threw up on her shoes! M: Are you serious!? OK, so, let's not go back there for a while! W: You were such a mess! M: Oh no! And my bike's still outside that bar! W: Yeah, you tried to ride it back home but fell off into the bushes and we had to carry you home. M: What is my problem!? And why do I do this every time I have to write an essay! W: Isn't it due in tomorrow? M: I know, and I haven't even started! [ (172) Which Beer Is Best? ] M: [Sigh] I miss drinking beer in the US. W: Why? You don't like the beer here? M: No. I DO. It's just... Japanese beer all seems very light and refreshing. Don't get me wrong, Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin are definitely good. It's just, sometimes, I miss the VARIETY of beer in America. W: Really? Because I've heard that American beer isn't all that great. M: Well, we definitely have some bad national brands, but we also have a lot of great local brews. And if American beer is not what you're into, in the US it's extremely easy to get your hands on pretty much any beer you want-German, Belgian, African, Indian, even Japanese! W: Well, is there any other discontent you would like to express today? M: Well, actually... I don't understand canned beer in Japan. W: What? Canned beer? M: Pretty much any beer worth drinking in the States comes in a bottle or is on tap. It's kind of rare to drink canned beer, unless you're at a college party, or just running low on money. Especially I miss beer on tap. W: You mean when they pull the handle and it comes out of the spout, right? M: Exactly! W: You can definitely find that in bars in Japan. M: Yes, but they have tap beer in most restaurants in America, and they usually have about five different varieties. One of the bars in my university's city has 50 different beers on tap, and rotates them daily! W: Every day new kinds of beer? Wow, that seems a little excessive. M: Probably so, but at least there is no lack of options. W: So, you don't want another beer is what I'm hearing? M: Oh no, no, no. Wait, wait! I never said that! W: But it's in a can and everything. M: Hey, beer is beer! [ (268) A Great Drink ] A Great Drink Situation: At a party. Greg is acting quite drunk. Maria is not. W: Hey Greg. How's it going? M: Hey, Maria. I'm great! Isn't this party awesome? W: Yeah, it's not bad. You seem to be having a great time! M: Oh yeah, I'm having a blast! I was just chasing the chickens around the garden! It was great! W: You what? The chickens? M: Oh yeah, I felt like doing something crazy. Before that I played beer pong with Charlie -- he kicked my ass. But it was great fun. W: Oh, so you're drinking tonight? M: Yeah, I managed to score this bottle of wine -- took it from my parent's alcohol stash! W: You're drinking wine? Wow! I love wine too, although I prefer red wine. M: Mmm, well, this white wine is good stuff too! So fruity! So gooood! W: You've drunk a lot already, huh? M: Yeah, it's absolutely delicious! I don't know what it is exactly, though, because the label is all in French. But it IS good stuff. And strong! I am really feeling it! W: Hmm, I think I've had this drink before, actually. M: You have? I've never heard of it before! Where did you have it? W: At my little sister's 7th birthday party. This isn't wine, Greg … it's apple juice! M: Ugh … what??

Download MP3 今月の「やさしい英語会話」では、オーストラリアに関する話題をお届けします。今回はオーストラリアで人気のスポーツについてのエピソードです。 オーストラリアと言えば、野球やサッカーの代表戦でたびたび日本の強敵として立ちはだかってきた国。でも、これらのスポーツはこの国で特に人気が高いわけではなさそうです。オーストラリアで最も人気があるのは、日本ではあまり知られていないあのスポーツだそうです…。 （初級〜中級） *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） AFL = Australian Football League cricket クリケット rather 少し、かなり protective gear プロテクター blokes = （イギリス・オーストラリア）guys (to) consist of 構成する potentially もしかすると (to) go on 続く *** Script *** There's Not Much Baseball in Australia M: So, we finally get to see a Carp game! Are you excited? W: Yeah! I've never seen a baseball game before. M: Really!? Never? W: Yeah, it's not really popular in Australia. M: Then, what is popular in Australia? W: Football. And we have rugby and AFL. Everyone loves a good game of footy. And cricket. I think it's more fun to play; it's rather boring to watch. M: What do you mean by football? American football or European football? W: We call European football "soccer." Our football is like American football, I guess. But our players don't wear the huge shoulder pads and protective gear. They're tougher than the American blokes. M: That sounds a bit dangerous. Then, what about cricket? W: I always assumed it was a little like baseball. Someone throws a ball, someone hits the ball with a bat, and lots of other people try and catch it. M: Is that all you know about baseball? W: Yes. M: OK, so, baseball is divided into sections called innings. Each inning involves both teams batting and fielding. And the game consists of at least nine innings. W: "At least" nine innings? M: If the teams are tied after the ninth inning, the game continues. W: So, the game could potentially go on for a long while? M: Yeah, don't worry too much, though. The game is pretty entertaining. So I think you'll enjoy it. W: Alright then, let's get this party started!... When does the game start? M: In about an hour. W: Ugghh, then I'm going to get some food. (Written by Stella-Maree Trounson)

Download MP3 今月の「やさしい英語会話」では、オーストラリアに関する話題をお届けします。今回はオーストラリアで人気のスポーツについてのエピソードです。 オーストラリアと言えば、野球やサッカーの代表戦でたびたび日本の強敵として立ちはだかってきた国。でも、これらのスポーツはこの国で特に人気が高いわけではなさそうです。オーストラリアで最も人気があるのは、日本ではあまり知られていないあのスポーツだそうです…。 （初級〜中級） *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） AFL = Australian Football League cricket クリケット rather 少し、かなり protective gear プロテクター blokes = （イギリス・オーストラリア）guys (to) consist of 構成する potentially もしかすると (to) go on 続く *** Script *** There's Not Much Baseball in Australia M: So, we finally get to see a Carp game! Are you excited? W: Yeah! I've never seen a baseball game before. M: Really!? Never? W: Yeah, it's not really popular in Australia. M: Then, what is popular in Australia? W: Football. And we have rugby and AFL. Everyone loves a good game of footy. And cricket. I think it's more fun to play; it's rather boring to watch. M: What do you mean by football? American football or European football? W: We call European football "soccer." Our football is like American football, I guess. But our players don't wear the huge shoulder pads and protective gear. They're tougher than the American blokes. M: That sounds a bit dangerous. Then, what about cricket? W: I always assumed it was a little like baseball. Someone throws a ball, someone hits the ball with a bat, and lots of other people try and catch it. M: Is that all you know about baseball? W: Yes. M: OK, so, baseball is divided into sections called innings. Each inning involves both teams batting and fielding. And the game consists of at least nine innings. W: "At least" nine innings? M: If the teams are tied after the ninth inning, the game continues. W: So, the game could potentially go on for a long while? M: Yeah, don't worry too much, though. The game is pretty entertaining. So I think you'll enjoy it. W: Alright then, let's get this party started!... When does the game start? M: In about an hour. W: Ugghh, then I'm going to get some food. (Written by Stella-Maree Trounson)

Download MP3 来月はいよいよ夏休み。リスナーの皆さんの中には、飛行機で海外に出かける計画を立てている人もいらっしゃると思います。 国際線の飛行機で楽しみなのが「機内食」。最近は機内食の質が向上し、エコノミークラスであっても工夫を凝らした機内食を提供する航空会社が増えてきました。それでも人の好みは様々ですから、ちょっと期待はずれの食事に遭遇することもあります。今回の会話の舞台は飛行機の機内ですが、機内食へのかなり辛辣な文句が聞こえてきました…。 （初級〜中級）*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） to have the courage to 〜 よく〜できたものだ crappy ひどい、おぞましい in charge of 〜担当の to take a stand 主張する edible 食べられる leftover(s) 残り物 to have no choice but 〜せざるを得ない You're such a pig. なんて下品なの。 ※pigには「食べ過ぎの」「汚い」「下品な」の３つの意味がある。 arrogant 傲慢な *** Script *** Delicious Food in Airplanes? W: Ah! How can airline flight attendants have the courage to serve such crappy food! M: Huh? W: You know: they're the ones in charge of passing out all the meals, yet they never take a stand and tell the sky chefs to make something edible. M: Ha ha. Tell me about it. W: Just think, most of those men and women working up in the skies are somebody's parents. Ugh. I'd hate to be their kids! M: Ha ha. You're so mean! W: Maybe. But can you honestly say you'd want a parent who brought home leftovers like that every night? I've been on flights where my o-kayu looked like manjyu, where my chicken tasted like fish, or where my chocolate cake smelled like feet! You CAN'T honestly tell me you'd want to eat that. M: Well, I guess not. W: Exactly! And it's not fair to the passengers who have no choice but to eat that junk! M: Good point. But the flight attendants are usually so cute that I don't really notice what I'm eating! W: Ah! You're such a pig. M: What can I say? The heart wants what the heart wants! W: I just want something edible. M: Then take a stand! Start a protest. Get involved! W: Yeah, because the next thing CNN really wants to cover is a group of arrogant college students complaining that their airline food isn't good enough? Talk about First World problems! M: Well, take it or leave it, I guess. There's not too much you can do. W: Hey, you should become a flight attendant. You're just about as helpful as one! (Written by Matteen Aminpour)

Download MP3 来月はいよいよ夏休み。リスナーの皆さんの中には、飛行機で海外に出かける計画を立てている人もいらっしゃると思います。 国際線の飛行機で楽しみなのが「機内食」。最近は機内食の質が向上し、エコノミークラスであっても工夫を凝らした機内食を提供する航空会社が増えてきました。それでも人の好みは様々ですから、ちょっと期待はずれの食事に遭遇することもあります。今回の会話の舞台は飛行機の機内ですが、機内食へのかなり辛辣な文句が聞こえてきました…。 （初級〜中級）*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） to have the courage to 〜 よく〜できたものだ crappy ひどい、おぞましい in charge of 〜担当の to take a stand 主張する edible 食べられる leftover(s) 残り物 to have no choice but 〜せざるを得ない You're such a pig. なんて下品なの。 ※pigには「食べ過ぎの」「汚い」「下品な」の３つの意味がある。 arrogant 傲慢な *** Script *** Delicious Food in Airplanes? W: Ah! How can airline flight attendants have the courage to serve such crappy food! M: Huh? W: You know: they're the ones in charge of passing out all the meals, yet they never take a stand and tell the sky chefs to make something edible. M: Ha ha. Tell me about it. W: Just think, most of those men and women working up in the skies are somebody's parents. Ugh. I'd hate to be their kids! M: Ha ha. You're so mean! W: Maybe. But can you honestly say you'd want a parent who brought home leftovers like that every night? I've been on flights where my o-kayu looked like manjyu, where my chicken tasted like fish, or where my chocolate cake smelled like feet! You CAN'T honestly tell me you'd want to eat that. M: Well, I guess not. W: Exactly! And it's not fair to the passengers who have no choice but to eat that junk! M: Good point. But the flight attendants are usually so cute that I don't really notice what I'm eating! W: Ah! You're such a pig. M: What can I say? The heart wants what the heart wants! W: I just want something edible. M: Then take a stand! Start a protest. Get involved! W: Yeah, because the next thing CNN really wants to cover is a group of arrogant college students complaining that their airline food isn't good enough? Talk about First World problems! M: Well, take it or leave it, I guess. There's not too much you can do. W: Hey, you should become a flight attendant. You're just about as helpful as one! (Written by Matteen Aminpour)

８月第２週〜第４週は、この７年間に配信した233本の「やさしい英語会話」よりエピソードを厳選し、毎回４本分を濃縮してお届けします。ナチュラルスピードの会話を、スクリプトとともにお楽しみください。ウェブ上で元のエピソードを検索して、解説を聞くこともできます。 第２回（通算６回目）の今回は"Fantasy"をテーマに、科学にまつわるファンタジーを選びました。もしも地球に巨大隕石が接近したら…？あるいは、もしもタイムマシンで時間旅行ができたら…？ロマンあふれるこれらの話題を、どうかお楽しみください！ Image credit: LoganArt via Pixabay Public Domain CC0. 　↓　↓　↓ Download MP3 （初級〜中級）1. やさしい英語会話 (185) Will the Earth be Hit by a Big Meteorite? M: Hey, did you hear about that meteorite that hit Russia about a year ago? W: Yeah, of course. It was all over the news. M: Did you see the reports of people claiming it marked the end of the world? W: Ha ha. Yeah, and some people apparently yelled that America was attacking! M: In the beginning I heard that almost 200 people were injured, but now I see the real number was close to 1,000! Which is weird, because the meteorite supposedly broke into a bunch of fairly small pieces after entering the earth's atmosphere, and mostly hit buildings or non-human things. W: That's because people were injured by the debris. M: I still don't understand how there could be 1,000 injuries, though. W: I recently watched an interview with the head physicist from the National Science Museum in New York. He explained that people first saw the light of the meteorite and, logically, walked to the window to see what it was. But, light travels faster than sound, so when they reached the window, they were then hit by the shockwave of the blast. Boom: Glass in face. M: Ooooohhhh~~~ That makes so much sense! But the fragments were still pretty small. Could they really create such a powerful blast? W: It's kind of scary to think, but yeah, they can. Little fragments can hit with the force of a bullet, but the 20-meter rock that hit Russia struck with the force of small atomic bomb! M: Wow! No wonder the dinosaurs went extinct! What are we going to do if one of those things hits us, and it's even bigger? Shouldn't we be building rockets or something to blast them out of the sky before they can hit the earth? W: Well, according to that physicist, rockets wouldn't be fast enough to destroy anything that has already entered the earth's atmosphere. M: Then what can we do? Anything? W: Maybe if we put satellites around earth's orbit, and we can somehow redirect the trajectory of a meteorite before it gets pulled in by earth's gravity. Since dangerous meteorites have a lot of metal in them, one idea would be to use giant magnets to redirect the trajectory. A small change in the asteroid's path early on in space can cause a huge shift in it's trajectory later on. M: Use magnets? Sounds impossible to me! But science sure is interesting and fun, don't you think? (Written by Sadie Cornforth) 2. やさしい英語会話 (205) Time Traveling Troubles (1) W: Hey, I've finally done it! I've built a fully-functioning time machine! Hahahaha! Now I can rule the world! But first, let's take a test run. Hmm… let's see… Yesterday around 2 in the afternoon should be good. I was at lunch then, so I shouldn't run into myself and potentially cause the destruction of the universe as we know it! OK. So, I just put the watch on, and turn this dial, and press this button… (Time traveling noises) W: Did I do it? Did it work!? Wait this doesn't look my laboratory. M: (With cowboy accent) Hey, can I help ya there, little lady? W: What! Who… Who are you? Where am I? M: Well, yer in the fine state of Texas! And I'm sheriff of this here town. W: Great… just where I always wanted to go, Texas (sigh). M: Excuse me, Miss. Were ya just disrespecting our great state? (pulls out six-shooter and cocks the gun) W: No, no, no. Of course not, my good sir! Um… Can you tell me what year it is? M: Well, it's 1865 and has been for 'bout five months. Um… are ya doing OK there, little lady? Did ya bump yer head or somethin'? W: Yes, yes, something along those lines… Darn, I really thought I had it this time, though I guess I did travel back in time, just not where or when I had thought. Man, how am I going to get back home? M: Hey, why ya wearin' such strange clothes? W: Oh… I… M: Well, it don't matter. Come on and get up on this here horse, and I'll take ya back to town and we can have the doc take a look at ya. W: Get on the horse? M: Yes, ma'am. (Written by Matthew Bola) 3. やさしい英語会話 (206) Time Traveling Troubles (2) W: Um… I think I'll just walk. M: Now really, ma'am, I must insist. It's a three-hour ride back, and there's all sorts of snakes, and coyotes, and a bunch of other stuff ya don't wanna be runnin' into. W: But… I've never been on a horse! M: What? Well, I'll be darned. Ya must be worth a pretty penny if you've only ridden in carriages yer whole life! I can tell by yer talk you've been brought up real proper too! W: What da ya mean “worth a pretty penny.” I'm not an object, you know! M: Well, yer a woman, ain't ya? W: I… I'm not going to even begin that conversation with a person such as yourself. Huh, I thought people in this time period would be a lot more polite… and… and less sexist. M: Hey, I done offered ya a ride. Now come on. Lets get goin' before the sun sets and we get stuck out here. W: All right, fine. Hey, wait. I have a time machine! Why don't I just try going back home!? M: A time what? W: Oh, oh. I hope I don't end up in a worse place than this. (sound of wolves) M: Hey, quiet! I think I can hear some coyotes comin'. W: And on that note, I'll take the risk. Well, good luck Mr. Sherriff. Bye! (Time machine noises) M: What? Where'd she go? I was gonna take her fer my wife! (Time machine noises) W: Ugh, wow, time traveling really makes ya nauseous. I wonder where I ended up, though anything is better than being out in the middle of nowhere with coyotes and a sexist sheriff. M: Hello there, good sister, where dost thou come from? (Written by Matthew Bola) 4. やさしい英語会話 (207) Time Traveling Troubles (3) W: Aww, man, here we go again. Um… Hello there… brother? I comest from-eth another village-eth, a far, far away village. M: Thy talk is so strange, so the village must be far indeed. W: You have no idea! M: Thou must be tired, weary traveler. Follow me back to town and we can accommodate you with some bread and shelter. W: Thank you. I AM actually starving. By the way, could you tell me which town exactly we are going to? M: Of course! We are on our way to Salem, a most noble and peaceful town. W: Salem… Salem… why does that name ring a bell? M: I should hope thou recognize the name Salem. It is renowned for being a town of good God-fearing people. W: God-fearing people?… It's right on the tip of my tongue, but I can't figure out where I've heard that name before. M: But before entering town, I'll have to ask thou a few simple questions. They're but precautions to protect us from the devil and his evil ways. W: OK. Shoot. M: Why dost thou wear such strange clothes? They look almost like the clothes a witch would wear. W: First, I'm wearing the normal clothes of people in my time?um, I mean VILLAGE?wear. And second, I thought witches wore black dresses and pointy hats. M: Yes, but they CAN disguise themselves easily, and indeed they love to take on such seductive forms such as thine. W: Somehow I don't think that was really a compliment. M: Oh, no! Why did I not see it before!? Thy speech, thy clothes, thy looks, surely thou art a witch! W: Ohhhh, the Salem witch trials. Ah! (Written by Matthew Bola)

８月第２週〜第４週は、この７年間に配信した233本の「やさしい英語会話」よりエピソードを厳選し、毎回４本分を濃縮してお届けします。ナチュラルスピードの会話を、スクリプトとともにお楽しみください。ウェブ上で元のエピソードを検索して、解説を聞くこともできます。 第２回（通算６回目）の今回は"Fantasy"をテーマに、科学にまつわるファンタジーを選びました。もしも地球に巨大隕石が接近したら…？あるいは、もしもタイムマシンで時間旅行ができたら…？ロマンあふれるこれらの話題を、どうかお楽しみください！ Image credit: LoganArt via Pixabay Public Domain CC0. 　↓　↓　↓ Download MP3 （初級〜中級）1. やさしい英語会話 (185) Will the Earth be Hit by a Big Meteorite? M: Hey, did you hear about that meteorite that hit Russia about a year ago? W: Yeah, of course. It was all over the news. M: Did you see the reports of people claiming it marked the end of the world? W: Ha ha. Yeah, and some people apparently yelled that America was attacking! M: In the beginning I heard that almost 200 people were injured, but now I see the real number was close to 1,000! Which is weird, because the meteorite supposedly broke into a bunch of fairly small pieces after entering the earth's atmosphere, and mostly hit buildings or non-human things. W: That's because people were injured by the debris. M: I still don't understand how there could be 1,000 injuries, though. W: I recently watched an interview with the head physicist from the National Science Museum in New York. He explained that people first saw the light of the meteorite and, logically, walked to the window to see what it was. But, light travels faster than sound, so when they reached the window, they were then hit by the shockwave of the blast. Boom: Glass in face. M: Ooooohhhh~~~ That makes so much sense! But the fragments were still pretty small. Could they really create such a powerful blast? W: It's kind of scary to think, but yeah, they can. Little fragments can hit with the force of a bullet, but the 20-meter rock that hit Russia struck with the force of small atomic bomb! M: Wow! No wonder the dinosaurs went extinct! What are we going to do if one of those things hits us, and it's even bigger? Shouldn't we be building rockets or something to blast them out of the sky before they can hit the earth? W: Well, according to that physicist, rockets wouldn't be fast enough to destroy anything that has already entered the earth's atmosphere. M: Then what can we do? Anything? W: Maybe if we put satellites around earth's orbit, and we can somehow redirect the trajectory of a meteorite before it gets pulled in by earth's gravity. Since dangerous meteorites have a lot of metal in them, one idea would be to use giant magnets to redirect the trajectory. A small change in the asteroid's path early on in space can cause a huge shift in it's trajectory later on. M: Use magnets? Sounds impossible to me! But science sure is interesting and fun, don't you think? (Written by Sadie Cornforth) 2. やさしい英語会話 (205) Time Traveling Troubles (1) W: Hey, I've finally done it! I've built a fully-functioning time machine! Hahahaha! Now I can rule the world! But first, let's take a test run. Hmm… let's see… Yesterday around 2 in the afternoon should be good. I was at lunch then, so I shouldn't run into myself and potentially cause the destruction of the universe as we know it! OK. So, I just put the watch on, and turn this dial, and press this button… (Time traveling noises) W: Did I do it? Did it work!? Wait this doesn't look my laboratory. M: (With cowboy accent) Hey, can I help ya there, little lady? W: What! Who… Who are you? Where am I? M: Well, yer in the fine state of Texas! And I'm sheriff of this here town. W: Great… just where I always wanted to go, Texas (sigh). M: Excuse me, Miss. Were ya just disrespecting our great state? (pulls out six-shooter and cocks the gun) W: No, no, no. Of course not, my good sir! Um… Can you tell me what year it is? M: Well, it's 1865 and has been for 'bout five months. Um… are ya doing OK there, little lady? Did ya bump yer head or somethin'? W: Yes, yes, something along those lines… Darn, I really thought I had it this time, though I guess I did travel back in time, just not where or when I had thought. Man, how am I going to get back home? M: Hey, why ya wearin' such strange clothes? W: Oh… I… M: Well, it don't matter. Come on and get up on this here horse, and I'll take ya back to town and we can have the doc take a look at ya. W: Get on the horse? M: Yes, ma'am. (Written by Matthew Bola) 3. やさしい英語会話 (206) Time Traveling Troubles (2) W: Um… I think I'll just walk. M: Now really, ma'am, I must insist. It's a three-hour ride back, and there's all sorts of snakes, and coyotes, and a bunch of other stuff ya don't wanna be runnin' into. W: But… I've never been on a horse! M: What? Well, I'll be darned. Ya must be worth a pretty penny if you've only ridden in carriages yer whole life! I can tell by yer talk you've been brought up real proper too! W: What da ya mean “worth a pretty penny.” I'm not an object, you know! M: Well, yer a woman, ain't ya? W: I… I'm not going to even begin that conversation with a person such as yourself. Huh, I thought people in this time period would be a lot more polite… and… and less sexist. M: Hey, I done offered ya a ride. Now come on. Lets get goin' before the sun sets and we get stuck out here. W: All right, fine. Hey, wait. I have a time machine! Why don't I just try going back home!? M: A time what? W: Oh, oh. I hope I don't end up in a worse place than this. (sound of wolves) M: Hey, quiet! I think I can hear some coyotes comin'. W: And on that note, I'll take the risk. Well, good luck Mr. Sherriff. Bye! (Time machine noises) M: What? Where'd she go? I was gonna take her fer my wife! (Time machine noises) W: Ugh, wow, time traveling really makes ya nauseous. I wonder where I ended up, though anything is better than being out in the middle of nowhere with coyotes and a sexist sheriff. M: Hello there, good sister, where dost thou come from? (Written by Matthew Bola) 4. やさしい英語会話 (207) Time Traveling Troubles (3) W: Aww, man, here we go again. Um… Hello there… brother? I comest from-eth another village-eth, a far, far away village. M: Thy talk is so strange, so the village must be far indeed. W: You have no idea! M: Thou must be tired, weary traveler. Follow me back to town and we can accommodate you with some bread and shelter. W: Thank you. I AM actually starving. By the way, could you tell me which town exactly we are going to? M: Of course! We are on our way to Salem, a most noble and peaceful town. W: Salem… Salem… why does that name ring a bell? M: I should hope thou recognize the name Salem. It is renowned for being a town of good God-fearing people. W: God-fearing people?… It's right on the tip of my tongue, but I can't figure out where I've heard that name before. M: But before entering town, I'll have to ask thou a few simple questions. They're but precautions to protect us from the devil and his evil ways. W: OK. Shoot. M: Why dost thou wear such strange clothes? They look almost like the clothes a witch would wear. W: First, I'm wearing the normal clothes of people in my time?um, I mean VILLAGE?wear. And second, I thought witches wore black dresses and pointy hats. M: Yes, but they CAN disguise themselves easily, and indeed they love to take on such seductive forms such as thine. W: Somehow I don't think that was really a compliment. M: Oh, no! Why did I not see it before!? Thy speech, thy clothes, thy looks, surely thou art a witch! W: Ohhhh, the Salem witch trials. Ah! (Written by Matthew Bola)

第一节1W: Normally, we supply 3 colors only, black, blue and red.M: But we really want green ones.W: In that case, it will be more expensive.2M: Are you finished with the newspaper, Mary?W: Almost. Here, you can take the news section. And the entertainment section is in the living roo m.M: Oh, I just want to read the sports section.3M: I need a summer job that will give me some exercise.W: How about being a life guard?M: Life guards don’t swim that much. They usually just sit.W: Well then, you could become a swimming coach, or a tour guide.M: Tour guide is a good idea. I’d walk all day.4M: Are you going on holiday with your brother again this year?W: Yes. He’s coming home from Canada tomorrow.M: Where are you going?W: I’ve already booked a hotel in Turkey, but my brother wanted t o go to Italy, so I hope he doesn’t mind.5W: I thought it was a great movie. So visually exciting and the s harks look really scary at times.M: I hated to admit it, but it made me ju mp a bit of times too. I guess recent advances in camera technology helped.第二节6-7M: Hello, 6632278.W: Hi, Jack. It’s me, Ann. I wasn’t at school today. Have we got any homework to do f or tomorrow?M: Let me see. Well, we got to do the math problems on page 40 in our textbook.W: All right. I’ve got it.M: Then, we have to go on with our reading for English. The history teacher wants us to read the chapter on the History of London for tomorrow, and write down the most important dates and events in that chapter.W: Anything else? Ah…music?M: No, we haven’t any music homework, but the science teacher is giving us a test on Friday, so we have to study for that.W: Oh no. I’m so bad at science. I hate it. Thanks, Jack.M: Don’t mention it. See you tomorrow.8-9M: Still feeling ill?W: Yes. That medicine hasn’t helped. Not a good start to our vacat ion, I’m afraid.M: Do you have any idea what caused it?W: Well, I thought it might be last night’s dinner.M: But I’m fine. Could it be the heat? It’s enough to make anyone ill.W: I know. But we’ve been here a week now. Anyway, I’ve been careful in the sun and I’ve been drinking bottles of water.M: Then we’d better stay in the hotel today.10-12M: Well, do you have anything planned for the Saturday?W: Eh, I’m kind of busy. Why do you ask?M: I was wondering if we could get together and do something, like going to a concert or taking a walk by the lake.W: I’d love to, but I’m really busy this weekend.M: That’s too bad.W: I have promised to help with the cleaning of the house at 10:30 in the morning. And then, I have an appointment with the dentist at 12:30pm.M: How about after the dentist’s appointment?W: Then, I have to meet Jim at 4:30pm to help him with the science project due on Monday morning.M: OK, then, maybe some other time.13-15Well, we are now looking at ways to make shopping less tiring. You know, a day at the shops wears people o ut. And we considered a number of ideas. Carrying shopping around is very tiring, and we looked at ways to avoid that. We thought of hiring out small electrically driven cars to shoppers, but we came up against problems of space. There just isn’t enough room. We also thought about those moving walk ways, like the ones you see at the airports. We decided it against then though, because they require a major redesign of the whole center. What we have actually come up with is a new technology where you but what you want and then just leave it on the shelf. That way, you don’t need to carry your heavy shopping around with you all day. When you want to go home, our computer system automatically sends everything you’ve bought to your exit point, and you pick it up there.第三节16-20W: Good morning, Sir. Can you help me?M: What’s wrong?W: My daughter is missing. I can’t find her anywhere.M: OK, calm down. I’m going to help you to find her. How long ago did she go missing?W: About one hour ago. At 4 o’clock, perhaps. I’ve been looking for her for almost an hour now.M: And where did you last see her?W: We were just shopping in the vegetable section. I turned around and she was gone.M: What’s her name?W: Melissa. M-E-L-I-S-S-A. She’s only five. She doesn’t speak Spanish.M: OK. What does she look like?W: She has dark brown hair. She’s thin and small for her age.M: OK. What is she wearing today?W: Blue shorts and a pink T-shir t. She has a hat on too, I think.M: Don’t worry. Ev erything is going to be OK.W: What should I do?M: Stay right at the front of the store in case she is looking for you. We will start looking for her now.

８月は、この６年間に配信した207本の「やさしい英語会話」よりエピソードを厳選し、毎回４本分を濃縮してお届けします。ナチュラルスピードの会話を、スクリプトとともにお楽しみください。ウェブ上で元のエピソードを検索して、解説を聞くこともできます。 第２回の今回は"Amazing Stories...!?"。宇宙人からクリスマスの奇跡まで、日常生活ではありえない不思議なお話を集めました。お盆休みは、これらの奇想天外なお話でどうかお楽しみください！ Image credit: bngnaranjo via Pixabay Public Domain CC0. Download MP3 スマートフォン用（テスト中） （9:53　9.6MB　中級〜上級）1. やさしい英語会話 (131) A Visitor from "Up There" Scene: In the office, two co-workers are talking. M: Susan, we're having in-service training tomorrow. You'll be there, right? W: Jiff, I'm afraid I can't make it to the training. I'm going to take some days off till next week. M: Are you kidding? Don't be silly. Tomorrow's training is really important! All the bosses will be there. And we're having an important meeting after the training. If you miss this training, you'll be off the career track! W: You're going a little overboard, aren't you? The career track means nothing to me. I'm doing this job as an editor because I like it. I don't care about money, authority, or popularity. M: Hmm… That sounds great, but this training is different. It'll be lots of fun, too. And if you are in a lowly position forever, your motivation and satisfaction will eventually go down. Come on. You have to cancel your holiday. W: Um… I can't, really. M: OK, the decision's up to you! W: Hey, can you grab that scratch pad for me, please? M: Here you go. Um… What are you doing? W: Oh, I'm writing a letter of resignation. M: Wait! Don't be in such a rush to quit! W: Why? It's for me and for my life. The decision is always up to me. M: Yeah, true. But you like this job, don't you? W: Yes, there's nothing better than being an editor. M: Then why? W: I'm writing a letter of resignation for not the position of editor, but for my other job up there. In the upcoming paid holidays, I'm supposed to go back to our ship and make a presentation about the earth and human beings. M: Other job? Your ship up there? A presentation about the earth? W: Yes, Jiff. To tell the truth, I... I'm from another planet, and my body here is not real. I'm just borrowing this human body. But now I know that our company's training is more important. As you said: I like being an editor better than being an alien! M: What? Another planet? You're… you're an ALIEN? (scream) (Written by Inori Okawa) 2. やさしい英語会話 (139) Sleeping Well at Night Scene: At the hospital M: Doctor, I'm having a terrible time sleeping well at night. You got any tips for me? I haven't had a good night's sleep for a month. What's wrong with me? Is it insomnia? W: OK. Let me ask you a few questions. Is there anything you're particularly worrying about these days? M: No, not really. (The sound of a machine) W: Hey, what's that sound? Can you hear it? Anyway, have you ever been diagnosed with insomnia? M: No. I always used to sleep like a rock through any noises at night. I always had great dreams. But now… W: OK. Are there any big changes in your life, such as divorce, a promotion, or did you move recently? M: No. Divorce? I have a beautiful wife and I do love her. There have been no big changes. (the sound of a machine) W: Again? What's that sound?... Hmm… alright. Do you feel tired during the day because you can't sleep well at night? M: Hmm… It's a mystery, doctor, but I don't really feel tired at all! I'm fine. W: Wow, that's weird. What do you do when you can't fall asleep? M: I usually read books, watch movies, and just drive into my imagination. W: So, you do not actually have troubles with those things? M: No, doctor. I just want to sleep better at night! Like other human beings. W: What do you do during the day? M: I work for a company. I used to do lots of paperwork, but now I have lots of meetings. (The sound of the machine) W: Are those meetings stressful for you? M: I don't think so. We have the meetings in the huge conference room. Since there are lots of people, nobody cares if I nod off during mee… mee… meetings. Pi pi pi this machine is out of batteries….This, human-like machine is out of batteries W: Oh, he's not a human, but a machine!? (Written by Inori Okawa) 3. やさしい英語会話 (181) Knocking on Heaven's Door Scene: Outside the gates of heaven. M: Ugh, where am I? All I remember is driving, and then a bright light. Man, my head hurts. W: Hello, and welcome to heaven! M: Heaven? No way! W: Yes way, sir. M: Wait. Was it you? Were you the bright light I saw while driving? Did you save me? W: No, sir, unfortunately that was the sixteen-wheeler crashing into the front of your car. M: Oh… I see. W: But, as you can see, sir, you don't have to worry about any of that old stuff anymore, because… you're in heaven! M: Wow… I'm so excited! So, what's it like here? Do you guys have, like, beer and stuff here? W: Yes sir, heaven distills the highest quality spirits daily for your consumption. M: Great! W: OK, well, let me just get your name, sir, and then we can set you up with whatever your heart desires. And it's just your luck that we are having a special this week on all the carnal desires. M: What, really?! So all that stuff is OK up here? W: Actually, yes, whatever, whenever, however you want it. Anything. As soon as it pops into your head you can have it! There are no laws, no taboos. M: Oh my God… W: Actually, he's out right now. Sorry sir. M: Hey, this is too good to be true! I must be dreaming! W: Isn't life but a dream? M: What? W: Never mind. You'll have plenty of time to brush up on your intelligence while here. But again, let me just get you name sir. M: It's Bieber, Justin Bieber. W: Bieber…Bieber… hmmm I'm not seeing it on the list… M: Are you sure? Check again. W: Nope, sorry sir. I got a Justin Beetman, but no Bieber. M: What! NO! W: If you'd just step over here sir. This pack of wild dogs will drag you to your next destination. M: NOOOOOOOOOO! (Written by Matthew Bola) 4. やさしい英語会話 (152) A White Lie: Santa Claus M: Rika, do you think it's a good thing to tell a white lie. W: What's a white lie? M: A white lie is a lie that doesn't really hurt anybody. For example, if your boyfriend buys a new shirt and you don't really like it. He asks you what you think about it. How do you answer? W: I'd answer that it looks fine. M: See! That's a white lie. You don't think it's nice but you tell him it is. W: I got it. M: Another example is Santa Clause. The whole idea of a fat guy in a red suit, going around the world in a flying sleigh pulled by reindeer, sliding down chimneys with toys… The story doesn't harm anyone. It's a cute lie! W: Excuse me! Santa Clause is NOT a lie. He really exists! M: Ha! You're a dreamer. I'm a person who believes in science. So I'm not going to believe that. W: He IS real. I saw him when I was little. Didn't your parents tell you that Santa Clause only comes to children who really believe in him? M: Rika, grow up. You're an adult and still believe in Santa Clause? It's just a white lie. W: No, it's true! Have you ever read the article "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Clause"? A lot of things that we cannot see exist! Also I'm grown up, but I want to be childlike forever. I don't want to lose my dreams and hopes. M: OK. That's one idea. I'm different from you. W: Yes, maybe so. (Sounds of Christmas bells jingling) W: Hey, you hear that? M: What? (Sounds of Christmas bells jingling) W: He's coming! I know it! He's coming! Santa Clause: Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!! M: Hey, Rika. Did you see him? W: Yes I did! M and W: Santa Clause is really really real!! (Written by Inori Okawa)

８月は、この６年間に配信した207本の「やさしい英語会話」よりエピソードを厳選し、毎回４本分を濃縮してお届けします。ナチュラルスピードの会話を、スクリプトとともにお楽しみください。ウェブ上で元のエピソードを検索して、解説を聞くこともできます。 第２回の今回は"Amazing Stories...!?"。宇宙人からクリスマスの奇跡まで、日常生活ではありえない不思議なお話を集めました。お盆休みは、これらの奇想天外なお話でどうかお楽しみください！ Image credit: bngnaranjo via Pixabay Public Domain CC0. Download MP3 スマートフォン用（テスト中） （9:53　9.6MB　中級〜上級）1. やさしい英語会話 (131) A Visitor from "Up There" Scene: In the office, two co-workers are talking. M: Susan, we're having in-service training tomorrow. You'll be there, right? W: Jiff, I'm afraid I can't make it to the training. I'm going to take some days off till next week. M: Are you kidding? Don't be silly. Tomorrow's training is really important! All the bosses will be there. And we're having an important meeting after the training. If you miss this training, you'll be off the career track! W: You're going a little overboard, aren't you? The career track means nothing to me. I'm doing this job as an editor because I like it. I don't care about money, authority, or popularity. M: Hmm… That sounds great, but this training is different. It'll be lots of fun, too. And if you are in a lowly position forever, your motivation and satisfaction will eventually go down. Come on. You have to cancel your holiday. W: Um… I can't, really. M: OK, the decision's up to you! W: Hey, can you grab that scratch pad for me, please? M: Here you go. Um… What are you doing? W: Oh, I'm writing a letter of resignation. M: Wait! Don't be in such a rush to quit! W: Why? It's for me and for my life. The decision is always up to me. M: Yeah, true. But you like this job, don't you? W: Yes, there's nothing better than being an editor. M: Then why? W: I'm writing a letter of resignation for not the position of editor, but for my other job up there. In the upcoming paid holidays, I'm supposed to go back to our ship and make a presentation about the earth and human beings. M: Other job? Your ship up there? A presentation about the earth? W: Yes, Jiff. To tell the truth, I... I'm from another planet, and my body here is not real. I'm just borrowing this human body. But now I know that our company's training is more important. As you said: I like being an editor better than being an alien! M: What? Another planet? You're… you're an ALIEN? (scream) (Written by Inori Okawa) 2. やさしい英語会話 (139) Sleeping Well at Night Scene: At the hospital M: Doctor, I'm having a terrible time sleeping well at night. You got any tips for me? I haven't had a good night's sleep for a month. What's wrong with me? Is it insomnia? W: OK. Let me ask you a few questions. Is there anything you're particularly worrying about these days? M: No, not really. (The sound of a machine) W: Hey, what's that sound? Can you hear it? Anyway, have you ever been diagnosed with insomnia? M: No. I always used to sleep like a rock through any noises at night. I always had great dreams. But now… W: OK. Are there any big changes in your life, such as divorce, a promotion, or did you move recently? M: No. Divorce? I have a beautiful wife and I do love her. There have been no big changes. (the sound of a machine) W: Again? What's that sound?... Hmm… alright. Do you feel tired during the day because you can't sleep well at night? M: Hmm… It's a mystery, doctor, but I don't really feel tired at all! I'm fine. W: Wow, that's weird. What do you do when you can't fall asleep? M: I usually read books, watch movies, and just drive into my imagination. W: So, you do not actually have troubles with those things? M: No, doctor. I just want to sleep better at night! Like other human beings. W: What do you do during the day? M: I work for a company. I used to do lots of paperwork, but now I have lots of meetings. (The sound of the machine) W: Are those meetings stressful for you? M: I don't think so. We have the meetings in the huge conference room. Since there are lots of people, nobody cares if I nod off during mee… mee… meetings. Pi pi pi this machine is out of batteries….This, human-like machine is out of batteries W: Oh, he's not a human, but a machine!? (Written by Inori Okawa) 3. やさしい英語会話 (181) Knocking on Heaven's Door Scene: Outside the gates of heaven. M: Ugh, where am I? All I remember is driving, and then a bright light. Man, my head hurts. W: Hello, and welcome to heaven! M: Heaven? No way! W: Yes way, sir. M: Wait. Was it you? Were you the bright light I saw while driving? Did you save me? W: No, sir, unfortunately that was the sixteen-wheeler crashing into the front of your car. M: Oh… I see. W: But, as you can see, sir, you don't have to worry about any of that old stuff anymore, because… you're in heaven! M: Wow… I'm so excited! So, what's it like here? Do you guys have, like, beer and stuff here? W: Yes sir, heaven distills the highest quality spirits daily for your consumption. M: Great! W: OK, well, let me just get your name, sir, and then we can set you up with whatever your heart desires. And it's just your luck that we are having a special this week on all the carnal desires. M: What, really?! So all that stuff is OK up here? W: Actually, yes, whatever, whenever, however you want it. Anything. As soon as it pops into your head you can have it! There are no laws, no taboos. M: Oh my God… W: Actually, he's out right now. Sorry sir. M: Hey, this is too good to be true! I must be dreaming! W: Isn't life but a dream? M: What? W: Never mind. You'll have plenty of time to brush up on your intelligence while here. But again, let me just get you name sir. M: It's Bieber, Justin Bieber. W: Bieber…Bieber… hmmm I'm not seeing it on the list… M: Are you sure? Check again. W: Nope, sorry sir. I got a Justin Beetman, but no Bieber. M: What! NO! W: If you'd just step over here sir. This pack of wild dogs will drag you to your next destination. M: NOOOOOOOOOO! (Written by Matthew Bola) 4. やさしい英語会話 (152) A White Lie: Santa Claus M: Rika, do you think it's a good thing to tell a white lie. W: What's a white lie? M: A white lie is a lie that doesn't really hurt anybody. For example, if your boyfriend buys a new shirt and you don't really like it. He asks you what you think about it. How do you answer? W: I'd answer that it looks fine. M: See! That's a white lie. You don't think it's nice but you tell him it is. W: I got it. M: Another example is Santa Clause. The whole idea of a fat guy in a red suit, going around the world in a flying sleigh pulled by reindeer, sliding down chimneys with toys… The story doesn't harm anyone. It's a cute lie! W: Excuse me! Santa Clause is NOT a lie. He really exists! M: Ha! You're a dreamer. I'm a person who believes in science. So I'm not going to believe that. W: He IS real. I saw him when I was little. Didn't your parents tell you that Santa Clause only comes to children who really believe in him? M: Rika, grow up. You're an adult and still believe in Santa Clause? It's just a white lie. W: No, it's true! Have you ever read the article "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Clause"? A lot of things that we cannot see exist! Also I'm grown up, but I want to be childlike forever. I don't want to lose my dreams and hopes. M: OK. That's one idea. I'm different from you. W: Yes, maybe so. (Sounds of Christmas bells jingling) W: Hey, you hear that? M: What? (Sounds of Christmas bells jingling) W: He's coming! I know it! He's coming! Santa Clause: Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!! M: Hey, Rika. Did you see him? W: Yes I did! M and W: Santa Clause is really really real!! (Written by Inori Okawa)

(image credit: OpenClips via Pixabay cc) 寒い日々が続きますね。今回は冬の夜空に目を向けてみましょう。つい最近も、アイソン彗星やラブジョイ彗星の話題がニュースを賑わせていましたが、今回の話題は「隕石」（a meteorite）です。 以前English News Weeklyの方で、隕石がロシアに落下したニュースをお届けしました。果たして人間の住む地域に大きな隕石が衝突する可能性は高いのでしょうか。また、もしそんな可能性が生じたら、地球に隕石がぶつかるのを防ぐ方法は果たしてあるのでしょうか。 Download MP3 （17:20　10.4MB　初級～中級）Will the Earth be Hit by a Big Meteorite? *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） a meteorite = 隕石 (to be) all over the news = ニュースを賑わせている to claim = 主張する supposedly = おそらく a bunch of = a lot of fairly = かなり debris = （発音注意）がれき the shockwave of the blast = 爆発の衝撃波 Glass in face = People got pieces of glass in their faces Little fragments can hit with the force of a bullet. = 小さな破片は弾丸の力ほどの衝撃をもちうる No wonder ... = なるほど ... だ。 trajectory = 弾道、軌道、進む方向 *** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:45-06:00 (Natural speed) 12:45-15:15 Will the Earth be Hit by a Big Meteorite? M: Hey, did you hear about that meteorite that hit Russia about a year ago? W: Yeah, of course. It was all over the news. M: Did you see the reports of people claiming it marked the end of the world? W: Ha ha. Yeah, and some people apparently yelled that America was attacking! M: In the beginning I heard that almost 200 people were injured, but now I see the real number was close to 1,000! Which is weird, because the meteorite supposedly broke into a bunch of fairly small pieces after entering the earth's atmosphere, and mostly hit buildings or non-human things. W: That's because people were injured by the debris. M: I still don't understand how there could be 1,000 injuries, though. W: I recently watched an interview with the head physicist from the National Science Museum in New York. He explained that people first saw the light of the meteorite and, logically, walked to the window to see what it was. But, light travels faster than sound, so when they reached the window, they were then hit by the shockwave of the blast. Boom: Glass in face. M: Ooooohhhh~~~ That makes so much sense! But the fragments were still pretty small. Could they really create such a powerful blast? W: It's kind of scary to think, but yeah, they can. Little fragments can hit with the force of a bullet, but the 20-meter rock that hit Russia struck with the force of small atomic bomb! M: Wow! No wonder the dinosaurs went extinct! What are we going to do if one of those things hits us, and it's even bigger? Shouldn't we be building rockets or something to blast them out of the sky before they can hit the earth? W: Well, according to that physicist, rockets wouldn't be fast enough to destroy anything that has already entered the earth's atmosphere. M: Then what can we do? Anything? W: Maybe if we put satellites around earth's orbit, and we can somehow redirect the trajectory of a meteorite before it gets pulled in by earth's gravity. Since dangerous meteorites have a lot of metal in them, one idea would be to use giant magnets to redirect the trajectory. A small change in the asteroid's path early on in space can cause a huge shift in it's trajectory later on. M: Use magnets? Sounds impossible to me! But science sure is interesting and fun, don't you think? (Written by Sadie Cornforth)

(image credit: OpenClips via Pixabay cc) 寒い日々が続きますね。今回は冬の夜空に目を向けてみましょう。つい最近も、アイソン彗星やラブジョイ彗星の話題がニュースを賑わせていましたが、今回の話題は「隕石」（a meteorite）です。 以前English News Weeklyの方で、隕石がロシアに落下したニュースをお届けしました。果たして人間の住む地域に大きな隕石が衝突する可能性は高いのでしょうか。また、もしそんな可能性が生じたら、地球に隕石がぶつかるのを防ぐ方法は果たしてあるのでしょうか。 Download MP3 （17:20　10.4MB　初級～中級）Will the Earth be Hit by a Big Meteorite? *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） a meteorite = 隕石 (to be) all over the news = ニュースを賑わせている to claim = 主張する supposedly = おそらく a bunch of = a lot of fairly = かなり debris = （発音注意）がれき the shockwave of the blast = 爆発の衝撃波 Glass in face = People got pieces of glass in their faces Little fragments can hit with the force of a bullet. = 小さな破片は弾丸の力ほどの衝撃をもちうる No wonder ... = なるほど ... だ。 trajectory = 弾道、軌道、進む方向 *** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:45-06:00 (Natural speed) 12:45-15:15 Will the Earth be Hit by a Big Meteorite? M: Hey, did you hear about that meteorite that hit Russia about a year ago? W: Yeah, of course. It was all over the news. M: Did you see the reports of people claiming it marked the end of the world? W: Ha ha. Yeah, and some people apparently yelled that America was attacking! M: In the beginning I heard that almost 200 people were injured, but now I see the real number was close to 1,000! Which is weird, because the meteorite supposedly broke into a bunch of fairly small pieces after entering the earth's atmosphere, and mostly hit buildings or non-human things. W: That's because people were injured by the debris. M: I still don't understand how there could be 1,000 injuries, though. W: I recently watched an interview with the head physicist from the National Science Museum in New York. He explained that people first saw the light of the meteorite and, logically, walked to the window to see what it was. But, light travels faster than sound, so when they reached the window, they were then hit by the shockwave of the blast. Boom: Glass in face. M: Ooooohhhh~~~ That makes so much sense! But the fragments were still pretty small. Could they really create such a powerful blast? W: It's kind of scary to think, but yeah, they can. Little fragments can hit with the force of a bullet, but the 20-meter rock that hit Russia struck with the force of small atomic bomb! M: Wow! No wonder the dinosaurs went extinct! What are we going to do if one of those things hits us, and it's even bigger? Shouldn't we be building rockets or something to blast them out of the sky before they can hit the earth? W: Well, according to that physicist, rockets wouldn't be fast enough to destroy anything that has already entered the earth's atmosphere. M: Then what can we do? Anything? W: Maybe if we put satellites around earth's orbit, and we can somehow redirect the trajectory of a meteorite before it gets pulled in by earth's gravity. Since dangerous meteorites have a lot of metal in them, one idea would be to use giant magnets to redirect the trajectory. A small change in the asteroid's path early on in space can cause a huge shift in it's trajectory later on. M: Use magnets? Sounds impossible to me! But science sure is interesting and fun, don't you think? (Written by Sadie Cornforth)

今週のテーマは「宇宙人」。職場で男女が実地研修（in-service training）の話をしています。このように会話の出だしはTOEIC(R)テストでも登場しそうな場面なのですが、いったい宇宙人とどのような関係があるのでしょうか・・・？ なお今回は、１年半にわたってアシスタントを務めてくれたKanaさんによる「やさしい英語会話」の最後の回となります（Kanaさんは本年後半に配信する番組で再登場する予定です）。Hiroshima University's Podcastはこれからも続いていきますので、どうか今後ともよろしくお願いします。 今回お借りした素材 画像：Open ClipArt Library Download MP3 （15:01　8.7MB　初級～中級） A Visitor from "Up There" *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） in-service training = 実地研修 I'm afraid (that) 〜 = 残念だけど〜（I'm sorry） can't make it (to〜) = (〜に)行けない to take a day off = (仕事を休んで)休暇を取る to be off the career track = 出世コースから外れる to go overboard = 極端なことを言う an editor = 編集者 authority = 権力 (power) a position of authority/authority figures a scratch pad = メモ帳 to grab = 〜をつかむ、取ってもらう a letter of resignation = 退職届 upcoming = 今度の to be supposed to do = 〜することになっている、〜しなければいけない *** Script *** (Slow speed) 01:40-04:25 (Natural speed) 11:55-13:55 Scene: In the office, two co-workers are talking. M: Susan, we're having in-service training tomorrow. You'll be there, right? W: Jiff, I'm afraid I can't make it to the training. I'm going to take some days off till next week. M: Are you kidding? Don't be silly. Tomorrow's training is really important! All the bosses will be there. And we're having an important meeting after the training. If you miss this training, you'll be off the career track! W: You're going a little overboard, aren't you? The career track means nothing to me. I'm doing this job as an editor because I like it. I don't care about money, authority, or popularity. M: Hmm… That sounds great, but this training is different. It'll be lots of fun, too. And if you are in a lowly position forever, your motivation and satisfaction will eventually go down. Come on. You have to cancel your holiday. W: Um… I can't, really. M: OK, the decision's up to you! W: Hey, can you grab that scratch pad for me, please? M: Here you go. Um… What are you doing? W: Oh, I'm writing a letter of resignation. M: Wait! Don't be in such a rush to quit! W: Why? It's for me and for my life. The decision is always up to me. M: Yeah, true. But you like this job, don't you? W: Yes, there's nothing better than being an editor. M: Then why? W: I'm writing a letter of resignation for not the position of editor, but for my other job up there. In the upcoming paid holidays, I'm supposed to go back to our ship and make a presentation about the earth and human beings. M: Other job? Your ship up there? A presentation about the earth? W: Yes, Jiff. To tell the truth, I... I'm from another planet, and my body here is not real. I'm just borrowing this human body. But now I know that our company's training is more important. As you said: I like being an editor better than being an alien! M: What? Another planet? You're… you're an ALIEN? (scream) (Written by Inori Okawa)

今週のテーマは「宇宙人」。職場で男女が実地研修（in-service training）の話をしています。このように会話の出だしはTOEIC(R)テストでも登場しそうな場面なのですが、いったい宇宙人とどのような関係があるのでしょうか・・・？ なお今回は、１年半にわたってアシスタントを務めてくれたKanaさんによる「やさしい英語会話」の最後の回となります（Kanaさんは本年後半に配信する番組で再登場する予定です）。Hiroshima University's Podcastはこれからも続いていきますので、どうか今後ともよろしくお願いします。 今回お借りした素材 画像：Open ClipArt Library Download MP3 （15:01　8.7MB　初級～中級） A Visitor from "Up There" *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） in-service training = 実地研修 I'm afraid (that) 〜 = 残念だけど〜（I'm sorry） can't make it (to〜) = (〜に)行けない to take a day off = (仕事を休んで)休暇を取る to be off the career track = 出世コースから外れる to go overboard = 極端なことを言う an editor = 編集者 authority = 権力 (power) a position of authority/authority figures a scratch pad = メモ帳 to grab = 〜をつかむ、取ってもらう a letter of resignation = 退職届 upcoming = 今度の to be supposed to do = 〜することになっている、〜しなければいけない *** Script *** (Slow speed) 01:40-04:25 (Natural speed) 11:55-13:55 Scene: In the office, two co-workers are talking. M: Susan, we're having in-service training tomorrow. You'll be there, right? W: Jiff, I'm afraid I can't make it to the training. I'm going to take some days off till next week. M: Are you kidding? Don't be silly. Tomorrow's training is really important! All the bosses will be there. And we're having an important meeting after the training. If you miss this training, you'll be off the career track! W: You're going a little overboard, aren't you? The career track means nothing to me. I'm doing this job as an editor because I like it. I don't care about money, authority, or popularity. M: Hmm… That sounds great, but this training is different. It'll be lots of fun, too. And if you are in a lowly position forever, your motivation and satisfaction will eventually go down. Come on. You have to cancel your holiday. W: Um… I can't, really. M: OK, the decision's up to you! W: Hey, can you grab that scratch pad for me, please? M: Here you go. Um… What are you doing? W: Oh, I'm writing a letter of resignation. M: Wait! Don't be in such a rush to quit! W: Why? It's for me and for my life. The decision is always up to me. M: Yeah, true. But you like this job, don't you? W: Yes, there's nothing better than being an editor. M: Then why? W: I'm writing a letter of resignation for not the position of editor, but for my other job up there. In the upcoming paid holidays, I'm supposed to go back to our ship and make a presentation about the earth and human beings. M: Other job? Your ship up there? A presentation about the earth? W: Yes, Jiff. To tell the truth, I... I'm from another planet, and my body here is not real. I'm just borrowing this human body. But now I know that our company's training is more important. As you said: I like being an editor better than being an alien! M: What? Another planet? You're… you're an ALIEN? (scream) (Written by Inori Okawa)

昨日は成人の日（Coming-of-Age Day）。今年成人を迎えられた学生とリスナーの皆さん、心よりおめでとうございます。 そういうわけで、今回のエピソードはお酒に関するちょっと大人の話題をお届けします。 会話に登場する男女は、どうやら前の晩、強いお酒を飲み過ぎたようで、二日酔い（a hangover）で苦しそうです。そして男性は、前の晩の出来事の記憶が定かではないようですが、いったい何が起こったのでしょうか。 番組では、二日酔いを防いで上手にお酒を飲む方法をJoeが話していますので、特に新成人の皆さんのご参考になればと思います。 今回お借りした素材 写真（a fry up: イギリスの朝ごはん）：Wikipedia Download MP3 （15:40　9.1MB　初級～中級） ** Script *** (Slow speed) 01:55-04:05 (Natural speed) 12:15-13:55 The Morning After Scene: In the kitchen. M: Good morning! Well, you look exactly how I feel! W: I know. Right. I feel so hungover. How much did we drink last night? M: I have no idea, but I'll tell you this: I'm not drinking like that again for a long time! W: What were we even drinking? I remember we started with beers at that one bar, and then we had some whiskey, and then…? M: Then we went to that new club down the road and had god-knows-how-many shots of sambuca and tequila! Ah! I'm hanging like a bad painting! W: Here: a nice cup of tea will make us feel much better. M: And a fry up. Pass me the bacon and eggs, would you? W: So, do you remember getting with that girl last night? M: What!? W: Yeah, you went outside and were chatting with that girl for ages. The next thing I knew, you were all over each other! You two were really going for it! M: Oh, my gosh. I remember her! W: And you spilled so many of your drinks last night! M: So THAT explains why my shirt is so wrecked. W: And one girl almost slapped you when you nearly threw up on her shoes! M: Are you serious!? OK, so, let's not go back there for a while! W: You were such a mess! M: Oh no! And my bike's still outside that bar! W: Yeah, you tried to ride it back home but fell off into the bushes and we had to carry you home. M: What is my problem!? And why do I do this every time I have to write an essay! W: Isn't it due in tomorrow? M: I know, and I haven't even started! (Written by Ben Razey)

昨日は成人の日（Coming-of-Age Day）。今年成人を迎えられた学生とリスナーの皆さん、心よりおめでとうございます。 そういうわけで、今回のエピソードはお酒に関するちょっと大人の話題をお届けします。 会話に登場する男女は、どうやら前の晩、強いお酒を飲み過ぎたようで、二日酔い（a hangover）で苦しそうです。そして男性は、前の晩の出来事の記憶が定かではないようですが、いったい何が起こったのでしょうか。 番組では、二日酔いを防いで上手にお酒を飲む方法をJoeが話していますので、特に新成人の皆さんのご参考になればと思います。 今回お借りした素材 写真（a fry up: イギリスの朝ごはん）：Wikipedia Download MP3 （15:40　9.1MB　初級～中級） ** Script *** (Slow speed) 01:55-04:05 (Natural speed) 12:15-13:55 The Morning After Scene: In the kitchen. M: Good morning! Well, you look exactly how I feel! W: I know. Right. I feel so hungover. How much did we drink last night? M: I have no idea, but I'll tell you this: I'm not drinking like that again for a long time! W: What were we even drinking? I remember we started with beers at that one bar, and then we had some whiskey, and then…? M: Then we went to that new club down the road and had god-knows-how-many shots of sambuca and tequila! Ah! I'm hanging like a bad painting! W: Here: a nice cup of tea will make us feel much better. M: And a fry up. Pass me the bacon and eggs, would you? W: So, do you remember getting with that girl last night? M: What!? W: Yeah, you went outside and were chatting with that girl for ages. The next thing I knew, you were all over each other! You two were really going for it! M: Oh, my gosh. I remember her! W: And you spilled so many of your drinks last night! M: So THAT explains why my shirt is so wrecked. W: And one girl almost slapped you when you nearly threw up on her shoes! M: Are you serious!? OK, so, let's not go back there for a while! W: You were such a mess! M: Oh no! And my bike's still outside that bar! W: Yeah, you tried to ride it back home but fell off into the bushes and we had to carry you home. M: What is my problem!? And why do I do this every time I have to write an essay! W: Isn't it due in tomorrow? M: I know, and I haven't even started! (Written by Ben Razey)

７月より、毎月第１週は「ドラマで英語を学ぼう」をお届けしてきました。NASAの宇宙船を舞台としたSFドラマ「スペースシップ（Spaceship）」の最終回となる第５話です。 宇宙船の二人は、宇宙人の女王様とその部下に遭遇します。二人を処刑しようとする宇宙人に対し、宇宙船の男性は突然「パラレルユニバース」（a parallel universe）の話をします。果たして彼の目的は・・・？ 毎回、ドラマの中で使われている表現をJoeとAyakoがていねいに解説します。 今回お借りした素材 写真（スペースシャトル）：NASA BGM：パブリックドメイン・クラシック Download MP3 （17:29　10.1MB　中級） "Spaceship" (C) 2010 Kyle Kumashiro and FLaRE.Spaceship Written by Kyle Kumashiro Part 5: Two minutes later ---------- Characters: M = Astronaut Man, W = Astronaut Woman, A = Alien Male Official, B = Alien Queen  ---------- M: Let’s just show them our proof and get out of here as fast as possible. W: No.  We must ask them if we can co-exist.   
M: Co-exist?  Are you crazy?  No one can co-exist with these aliens.  Look at their hospitality.  One of them wanted to punish us, to annihilate us.  
W: And yet here we are: Alive and well.   
M: After one minute? Don’t count on it.    (One minute later.  The shuttle docks at the space station.) M: (After noticing the aliens) Oh boy!  
W: No way!  
B: So, where is this proof of your planet?     
M: Well, this is quite unexpected.  
B: What is?  
M: You look exactly like us.  Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hair. 10 fingers.  Oh boy!  
B: What are you playing at? W: Please, your majesty.  We mean no harm.  This is going to be hard for you to believe, but the people back on Earth look exactly like the people of this planet.   A: Outrageous.  These clowns are trying to trick us, your majesty.  They are just commoners trying to escape.  
B: Silence!  
M: Your highness, have you ever heard of parallel universe theory?  
B: No.  Please, enlighten me. M: Well, according to parallel universe theory, there is another world in the universe exactly analogous or parallel to the world we live in.  It appears that we are the parallel of each other.   
B: Do you really expect me to believe this story?  
A: I say we execute these traitors right here and now. B: Silence! This is the last time. Any more from you and YOU will be executed. A: Yes, your highness.  
W: Your majesty, I’m afraid, this story is the best we got.  
B: Is that so?  If that is truly the case, I hereby sentence you to . . .  
M: Wait!  There’s one more thing.  If we truly are in a parallel universe, then killing us would kill our matches.  Is there anyone on your planet who looks exactly like us?  
B: Hmm…  No one.  
W: Please . . .think quite hard before sentencing us.  
B: Hmm…  Now that I think about it, you do look awfully similar to my nephew and his girl. But that can’t be. You two aren’t together.  
W: But of course we are.   M: Yes.  Do you want proof? B: No.  I do not want you two Earthlings making love on my planet. M: Then, how shall we prove our love to each other? B: You shall not.  Leave this planet.  I will spare your lives, but I shall not do anything for your planet Earth. M: Thank you.  You are far too kind. B: Leave before I change my mind. A: Wait! You are just letting them go free? B: Waymeather, you are hereby sentenced to life in prison for inappropriate conduct!    (Back on the spaceship) W: Whew!  That was a close one!  You weren’t really going to prove your love, right there in front of them, were you?   
M: Ha, ha.  What do you think?? 

７月より、毎月第１週は「ドラマで英語を学ぼう」をお届けしてきました。NASAの宇宙船を舞台としたSFドラマ「スペースシップ（Spaceship）」の最終回となる第５話です。 宇宙船の二人は、宇宙人の女王様とその部下に遭遇します。二人を処刑しようとする宇宙人に対し、宇宙船の男性は突然「パラレルユニバース」（a parallel universe）の話をします。果たして彼の目的は・・・？ 毎回、ドラマの中で使われている表現をJoeとAyakoがていねいに解説します。 今回お借りした素材 写真（スペースシャトル）：NASA BGM：パブリックドメイン・クラシック Download MP3 （17:29　10.1MB　中級） "Spaceship" (C) 2010 Kyle Kumashiro and FLaRE.Spaceship Written by Kyle Kumashiro Part 5: Two minutes later ---------- Characters: M = Astronaut Man, W = Astronaut Woman, A = Alien Male Official, B = Alien Queen  ---------- M: Let’s just show them our proof and get out of here as fast as possible. W: No.  We must ask them if we can co-exist.   
M: Co-exist?  Are you crazy?  No one can co-exist with these aliens.  Look at their hospitality.  One of them wanted to punish us, to annihilate us.  
W: And yet here we are: Alive and well.   
M: After one minute? Don’t count on it.    (One minute later.  The shuttle docks at the space station.) M: (After noticing the aliens) Oh boy!  
W: No way!  
B: So, where is this proof of your planet?     
M: Well, this is quite unexpected.  
B: What is?  
M: You look exactly like us.  Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hair. 10 fingers.  Oh boy!  
B: What are you playing at? W: Please, your majesty.  We mean no harm.  This is going to be hard for you to believe, but the people back on Earth look exactly like the people of this planet.   A: Outrageous.  These clowns are trying to trick us, your majesty.  They are just commoners trying to escape.  
B: Silence!  
M: Your highness, have you ever heard of parallel universe theory?  
B: No.  Please, enlighten me. M: Well, according to parallel universe theory, there is another world in the universe exactly analogous or parallel to the world we live in.  It appears that we are the parallel of each other.   
B: Do you really expect me to believe this story?  
A: I say we execute these traitors right here and now. B: Silence! This is the last time. Any more from you and YOU will be executed. A: Yes, your highness.  
W: Your majesty, I’m afraid, this story is the best we got.  
B: Is that so?  If that is truly the case, I hereby sentence you to . . .  
M: Wait!  There’s one more thing.  If we truly are in a parallel universe, then killing us would kill our matches.  Is there anyone on your planet who looks exactly like us?  
B: Hmm…  No one.  
W: Please . . .think quite hard before sentencing us.  
B: Hmm…  Now that I think about it, you do look awfully similar to my nephew and his girl. But that can’t be. You two aren’t together.  
W: But of course we are.   M: Yes.  Do you want proof? B: No.  I do not want you two Earthlings making love on my planet. M: Then, how shall we prove our love to each other? B: You shall not.  Leave this planet.  I will spare your lives, but I shall not do anything for your planet Earth. M: Thank you.  You are far too kind. B: Leave before I change my mind. A: Wait! You are just letting them go free? B: Waymeather, you are hereby sentenced to life in prison for inappropriate conduct!    (Back on the spaceship) W: Whew!  That was a close one!  You weren’t really going to prove your love, right there in front of them, were you?   
M: Ha, ha.  What do you think?? 

８月は、2009年9月から2010年7月までの1年間に配信された番組の傑作選をお届けしています。今回は"Comics and Movies"（2010/1/19配信）です。 女性はマンガ「花より男子」のドラマの大ファンで、映画の予告を見て興奮している（overly excited）様子。ストーリーやキャストなど、その魅力を夢中になって語ります。女性のfan girlぶりと、男性の素っ気ない様子のコントラストが面白い会話です。 今回お借りした素材 イラスト：Open Clipart Library Download MP3 （15:15　8.8MB　初級～中級） 2010/1/19配信「やさしい英語会話 (48)」の再放送です。 *** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:35-04:35 (Natural speed) 11:25-13:00 Comics and Movies W: Oh, my, this is just too much for me!! M: What? W: This whole Hana Yori Dango Final Movie promotion. You know how much I love the comic right? And how crazy I am about the drama series? Now it's going to be a movie! A final movie about Makino Tsukushi and Domyouji Tsukasa's relationship. M: Then, what's the problem? W: The problem? No problem. I'm just overly excited with all the previews and magazine articles about this movie. I really can't wait until I'm able to watch it in a cinema! M: Hmmm. Well, I know a little bit about this series. But I don't think it's that good. W: It's not that good? Perhaps from a guy's perspective. But for girls like us, it's such a wonderful love story, especially the drama and the upcoming movie! M: Why? What's the difference between the comic and the live version? W: The story's mainly similar, but the chemistry between the main actors in the live version is great. I love how the cast portray Makino and Domyouji characters in the drama. M: Speaking of the cast, who's in it? W: Domyouji is played by Matsumoto Jun, and Makino is played by Inoue Mao. Both of them are promising young actors. M: Matsumoto Jun... Isn't he the one who played the main actor in the remake of Akira Kurosawa's movie, Hidden Fortress? W: You're absolutely right! And for your information, I'm a big fan of the Matsumoto-Inoue pairing. M: What do you mean with that? Are they going out? W: Oh, how much I wish for that! Unfortunately no. But because they have such great chemistry together, on screen and off screen, lots of fans really hope that they can be together. M: You're such a fan-girl! (Written by Miranti)

８月は、2009年9月から2010年7月までの1年間に配信された番組の傑作選をお届けしています。今回は"Comics and Movies"（2010/1/19配信）です。 女性はマンガ「花より男子」のドラマの大ファンで、映画の予告を見て興奮している（overly excited）様子。ストーリーやキャストなど、その魅力を夢中になって語ります。女性のfan girlぶりと、男性の素っ気ない様子のコントラストが面白い会話です。 今回お借りした素材 イラスト：Open Clipart Library Download MP3 （15:15　8.8MB　初級～中級） 2010/1/19配信「やさしい英語会話 (48)」の再放送です。 *** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:35-04:35 (Natural speed) 11:25-13:00 Comics and Movies W: Oh, my, this is just too much for me!! M: What? W: This whole Hana Yori Dango Final Movie promotion. You know how much I love the comic right? And how crazy I am about the drama series? Now it's going to be a movie! A final movie about Makino Tsukushi and Domyouji Tsukasa's relationship. M: Then, what's the problem? W: The problem? No problem. I'm just overly excited with all the previews and magazine articles about this movie. I really can't wait until I'm able to watch it in a cinema! M: Hmmm. Well, I know a little bit about this series. But I don't think it's that good. W: It's not that good? Perhaps from a guy's perspective. But for girls like us, it's such a wonderful love story, especially the drama and the upcoming movie! M: Why? What's the difference between the comic and the live version? W: The story's mainly similar, but the chemistry between the main actors in the live version is great. I love how the cast portray Makino and Domyouji characters in the drama. M: Speaking of the cast, who's in it? W: Domyouji is played by Matsumoto Jun, and Makino is played by Inoue Mao. Both of them are promising young actors. M: Matsumoto Jun... Isn't he the one who played the main actor in the remake of Akira Kurosawa's movie, Hidden Fortress? W: You're absolutely right! And for your information, I'm a big fan of the Matsumoto-Inoue pairing. M: What do you mean with that? Are they going out? W: Oh, how much I wish for that! Unfortunately no. But because they have such great chemistry together, on screen and off screen, lots of fans really hope that they can be together. M: You're such a fan-girl! (Written by Miranti)

今回は少し古い話題ですが、マンガ「花より男子」が映画化されたときの会話です。 ご存じのように「花より男子」は日本の女の子に大人気のマンガで、ドラマや映画も多く作られています。台湾や韓国でのドラマ化もお馴染みですね。 会話の女性はこのドラマの大ファンで、映画の予告を見て興奮している（overly excited）様子。ストーリーやキャストなど、その魅力を夢中になって語ります。その中で彼女は"the chemistry between the main actors"を絶賛していますが、このchemistryはどういう意味でしょうか。ともあれ彼女のfan girlぶりをお楽しみください。 今回お借りした素材 イラスト：Open Clipart Library Download MP3 （14:47　8.5MB　初級～中級）*** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:10-04:10 (Natural speed) 11:00-12:35 Comics and Movies W: Oh, my, this is just too much for me!! M: What? W: This whole Hana Yori Dango Final Movie promotion. You know how much I love the comic right? And how crazy I am about the drama series? Now it's going to be a movie! A final movie about Makino Tsukushi and Domyouji Tsukasa's relationship. M: Then, what's the problem? W: The problem? No problem. I'm just overly excited with all the previews and magazine articles about this movie. I really can't wait until I'm able to watch it in a cinema! M: Hmmm. Well, I know a little bit about this series. But I don't think it's that good. W: It's not that good? Perhaps from a guy's perspective. But for girls like us, it's such a wonderful love story, especially the drama and the upcoming movie! M: Why? What's the difference between the comic and the live version? W: The story's mainly similar, but the chemistry between the main actors in the live version is great. I love how the cast portray Makino and Domyouji characters in the drama. M: Speaking of the cast, who's in it? W: Domyouji is played by Matsumoto Jun, and Makino is played by Inoue Mao. Both of them are promising young actors. M: Matsumoto Jun... Isn't he the one who played the main actor in the remake of Akira Kurosawa's movie, Hidden Fortress? W: You're absolutely right! And for your information, I'm a big fan of the Matsumoto-Inoue pairing. M: What do you mean with that? Are they going out? W: Oh, how much I wish for that! Unfortunately no. But because they have such great chemistry together, on screen and off screen, lots of fans really hope that they can be together. M: You're such a fan-girl! (Written by Miranti)

今回は少し古い話題ですが、マンガ「花より男子」が映画化されたときの会話です。 ご存じのように「花より男子」は日本の女の子に大人気のマンガで、ドラマや映画も多く作られています。台湾や韓国でのドラマ化もお馴染みですね。 会話の女性はこのドラマの大ファンで、映画の予告を見て興奮している（overly excited）様子。ストーリーやキャストなど、その魅力を夢中になって語ります。その中で彼女は"the chemistry between the main actors"を絶賛していますが、このchemistryはどういう意味でしょうか。ともあれ彼女のfan girlぶりをお楽しみください。 今回お借りした素材 イラスト：Open Clipart Library Download MP3 （14:47　8.5MB　初級～中級）*** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:10-04:10 (Natural speed) 11:00-12:35 Comics and Movies W: Oh, my, this is just too much for me!! M: What? W: This whole Hana Yori Dango Final Movie promotion. You know how much I love the comic right? And how crazy I am about the drama series? Now it's going to be a movie! A final movie about Makino Tsukushi and Domyouji Tsukasa's relationship. M: Then, what's the problem? W: The problem? No problem. I'm just overly excited with all the previews and magazine articles about this movie. I really can't wait until I'm able to watch it in a cinema! M: Hmmm. Well, I know a little bit about this series. But I don't think it's that good. W: It's not that good? Perhaps from a guy's perspective. But for girls like us, it's such a wonderful love story, especially the drama and the upcoming movie! M: Why? What's the difference between the comic and the live version? W: The story's mainly similar, but the chemistry between the main actors in the live version is great. I love how the cast portray Makino and Domyouji characters in the drama. M: Speaking of the cast, who's in it? W: Domyouji is played by Matsumoto Jun, and Makino is played by Inoue Mao. Both of them are promising young actors. M: Matsumoto Jun... Isn't he the one who played the main actor in the remake of Akira Kurosawa's movie, Hidden Fortress? W: You're absolutely right! And for your information, I'm a big fan of the Matsumoto-Inoue pairing. M: What do you mean with that? Are they going out? W: Oh, how much I wish for that! Unfortunately no. But because they have such great chemistry together, on screen and off screen, lots of fans really hope that they can be together. M: You're such a fan-girl! (Written by Miranti)

先週に引き続き、ポッドキャストでマレーシア（Malaysia）を旅してみましょう。今回は多民族国家ゆえの悩みともいえる人種（race）の問題についての話です。 会話によれば、マレーシアには「ブミプトラ政策」(bumiputraism)という政策があり、どうやらこれは批判を受けているようです。ブミプトラ政策とはどのようなもので、なぜ批判されているのでしょうか。 今回の話題は私たちには少しなじみが薄いかも知れませんが、日本にも多くの外国人が住むようになった現在、多民族国家マレーシアの問題は決して人ごとではないと思われます。 今回お借りした素材 プトラジャヤ（クアラルンプール近郊にあるマレーシアの首都機能移転都市）：Wikipedia Download MP3 （20:47　12MB　初級～中級）*** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:20-06:15 (Natural speed) 15:15-17:40 Race in Malaysia and Japan (In a café) W: Now we can sit down and talk! So, what was the problem in Malaysia? Of course, it's strongly related to its multi-ethnicity, right? M: Yep. The center part of this problem is called “bumiputraism” which means the New Economic Policy. W: Hmm… Is that some kind of racial-preference policy? M: Yeah. I'm surprised! You may know better than me! W: Not really. And then? M: Anyway, this economic policy is a Malay-first policy. And it means “son of soil”. Here's the background: In 1969, an insurrection broke out between Malays and Chinese because of economic disparities among ethnic groups. W: OK, then? M: Then, the government adopted this racial-preference policy to achieve national unity by raising the economic and social positions of Malays and indigenous people. W: But isn't that a kind of racism, against non-Malays? M: Probably. I've read some papers and they said that there were some organizations that called for the abolition of the policy. But the government stamped down on the dissident movements. W: That's awful! Don't you think? M: Yes, I do. But on the other hand, I can understand the reasons for the racial-preference policy. It could be silly thinking, though. W: Tell me what you think. M: This is a very simple idea: this could happen in Japan, too! The population in Japan is decreasing, right? Which means that the number of employees in Japan is also decreasing. So, a lot of foreigners are coming into Japan as workers. Then, imagine Japan in the future. What will you think and feel if almost half of the population in Japan is from other countries? Will there be anti-non-Japanese policies? W: Hmm. I got your point. Let me think about it. M: Yeah, it's not easy to answer. But we all have to face this problem now or later. W: Yeah, thank you, Mike. Now I have a lot of things to study and write about. Can you read my paper and give some comments later? M: Sure! I'm looking forward to it! (Written by Saori Nakanishi)

先週に引き続き、ポッドキャストでマレーシア（Malaysia）を旅してみましょう。今回は多民族国家ゆえの悩みともいえる人種（race）の問題についての話です。 会話によれば、マレーシアには「ブミプトラ政策」(bumiputraism)という政策があり、どうやらこれは批判を受けているようです。ブミプトラ政策とはどのようなもので、なぜ批判されているのでしょうか。 今回の話題は私たちには少しなじみが薄いかも知れませんが、日本にも多くの外国人が住むようになった現在、多民族国家マレーシアの問題は決して人ごとではないと思われます。 今回お借りした素材 プトラジャヤ（クアラルンプール近郊にあるマレーシアの首都機能移転都市）：Wikipedia Download MP3 （20:47　12MB　初級～中級）*** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:20-06:15 (Natural speed) 15:15-17:40 Race in Malaysia and Japan (In a café) W: Now we can sit down and talk! So, what was the problem in Malaysia? Of course, it's strongly related to its multi-ethnicity, right? M: Yep. The center part of this problem is called “bumiputraism” which means the New Economic Policy. W: Hmm… Is that some kind of racial-preference policy? M: Yeah. I'm surprised! You may know better than me! W: Not really. And then? M: Anyway, this economic policy is a Malay-first policy. And it means “son of soil”. Here's the background: In 1969, an insurrection broke out between Malays and Chinese because of economic disparities among ethnic groups. W: OK, then? M: Then, the government adopted this racial-preference policy to achieve national unity by raising the economic and social positions of Malays and indigenous people. W: But isn't that a kind of racism, against non-Malays? M: Probably. I've read some papers and they said that there were some organizations that called for the abolition of the policy. But the government stamped down on the dissident movements. W: That's awful! Don't you think? M: Yes, I do. But on the other hand, I can understand the reasons for the racial-preference policy. It could be silly thinking, though. W: Tell me what you think. M: This is a very simple idea: this could happen in Japan, too! The population in Japan is decreasing, right? Which means that the number of employees in Japan is also decreasing. So, a lot of foreigners are coming into Japan as workers. Then, imagine Japan in the future. What will you think and feel if almost half of the population in Japan is from other countries? Will there be anti-non-Japanese policies? W: Hmm. I got your point. Let me think about it. M: Yeah, it's not easy to answer. But we all have to face this problem now or later. W: Yeah, thank you, Mike. Now I have a lot of things to study and write about. Can you read my paper and give some comments later? M: Sure! I'm looking forward to it! (Written by Saori Nakanishi)

アメリカ人は家族や子どもの写真を持ち歩き、家族自慢をする人が多いようです。「うちの愚息が・・・」などの表現に見られるように、とかく身内をおとしめる傾向がある日本人とは対照的ですね。 今回は、そんな子ども自慢（boasting about children）が好きな親戚を訪れている夫婦の会話です。夫の皮肉に満ちたセリフも聴きどころです。 Download MP3 （16:23　9.4MB　初級～中級）*** Script *** W: I'm so excited. I haven't seen my sister in 2 years! M: I wish we could have made it 3. W: Now what's that suppose to mean? I thought you got along with my family? M: Yea, all but her. W: And why is that? M: Because she's a show off. W: How? M: Remember the last time she came to visit us? Every minute of the day she kept talking about her children. ‘Little Jodie is so gifted.' ‘Little Carl has such a wonderful spirit.' Blah, blah, blah. W: Well we have a child and I'm always delighted to talk about him. M: Yea, well she's outright boasting. W: Oh, it's only love. M: Well, she loves to boast then. W: Maybe she doesn't know she's doing it. M: Then she's an unconscious boasting lover. Just be prepared to hear about the latest exploits of Jodie and Carl. W: I'm kind of looking forward to it being that we haven't seen each other in a while. M: I wouldn't be surprised if she wrote a book about it. W: Would you object to me getting her autograph? M: Very funny. Well, we're here. W: What are those in your hand? M: Ear plugs. W: Oh, come now. M: They're for just in case, dear; just in case. W: In case of what? M: In case she has written that book. (Written by Tijan Nicholson)

アメリカ人は家族や子どもの写真を持ち歩き、家族自慢をする人が多いようです。「うちの愚息が・・・」などの表現に見られるように、とかく身内をおとしめる傾向がある日本人とは対照的ですね。 今回は、そんな子ども自慢（boasting about children）が好きな親戚を訪れている夫婦の会話です。夫の皮肉に満ちたセリフも聴きどころです。 Download MP3 （16:23　9.4MB　初級～中級）*** Script *** W: I'm so excited. I haven't seen my sister in 2 years! M: I wish we could have made it 3. W: Now what's that suppose to mean? I thought you got along with my family? M: Yea, all but her. W: And why is that? M: Because she's a show off. W: How? M: Remember the last time she came to visit us? Every minute of the day she kept talking about her children. ‘Little Jodie is so gifted.' ‘Little Carl has such a wonderful spirit.' Blah, blah, blah. W: Well we have a child and I'm always delighted to talk about him. M: Yea, well she's outright boasting. W: Oh, it's only love. M: Well, she loves to boast then. W: Maybe she doesn't know she's doing it. M: Then she's an unconscious boasting lover. Just be prepared to hear about the latest exploits of Jodie and Carl. W: I'm kind of looking forward to it being that we haven't seen each other in a while. M: I wouldn't be surprised if she wrote a book about it. W: Would you object to me getting her autograph? M: Very funny. Well, we're here. W: What are those in your hand? M: Ear plugs. W: Oh, come now. M: They're for just in case, dear; just in case. W: In case of what? M: In case she has written that book. (Written by Tijan Nicholson)

12日は成人の日（Coming-of-Age Day）でした。人生の最初の20年間は、子どもが思春期（adolescence）を経て大人になる、人生において最も劇的な変化の時期ですね。今回は、２人の若者がそれまでの20年間（two entire decades of life）を振り返り、人生の慌ただしさをしみじみと（？）感じるお話です。 Download MP3 (16:16　初級～中級)*** Script *** M: Man, we're getting old. W: What are you talking about? We're only 21. M: I know, but that's two entire decades of life. Can you comprehend that? W: I'm sure if I couldn't, I wouldn't be in college. M: You don't understand at all. W: Oh yeah, well please instill me with you're years of wisdom, old one. M: Cute. What I'm saying is that not too long ago we were in Kindergarten just learning how to color in the lines and nap during class. W: Well at least one skill is still useful in our old age. M: Then we started elementary school. We learned basic math and how to read and write. There was even recess. W: Yea, now basically everyday is recess until the day before tests, due dates, and so on. M: Then we went to middle school. Going through the changes of adolescence. Learning about cliques; who was popular, who wasn't, you know. W: But isn't life just one big popularity game even after school? M: Then the greatness that was high school. School spirit, football games, prom. We learned how to be adults and finally be independent. W: And yet we graduated from that place and enrolled into a similar venue, no? M: You're not listening to me. W: Of course I was listening. We've traveled such a long ways and we still have miles to go before we sleep, or whatever. M: I wonder what we'll be thinking about when we reach 30. W: Why I couldn't stay 20 longer? (Written by Tijan Nicholson)

12日は成人の日（Coming-of-Age Day）でした。人生の最初の20年間は、子どもが思春期（adolescence）を経て大人になる、人生において最も劇的な変化の時期ですね。今回は、２人の若者がそれまでの20年間（two entire decades of life）を振り返り、人生の慌ただしさをしみじみと（？）感じるお話です。 Download MP3 (16:16　初級～中級)*** Script *** M: Man, we're getting old. W: What are you talking about? We're only 21. M: I know, but that's two entire decades of life. Can you comprehend that? W: I'm sure if I couldn't, I wouldn't be in college. M: You don't understand at all. W: Oh yeah, well please instill me with you're years of wisdom, old one. M: Cute. What I'm saying is that not too long ago we were in Kindergarten just learning how to color in the lines and nap during class. W: Well at least one skill is still useful in our old age. M: Then we started elementary school. We learned basic math and how to read and write. There was even recess. W: Yea, now basically everyday is recess until the day before tests, due dates, and so on. M: Then we went to middle school. Going through the changes of adolescence. Learning about cliques; who was popular, who wasn't, you know. W: But isn't life just one big popularity game even after school? M: Then the greatness that was high school. School spirit, football games, prom. We learned how to be adults and finally be independent. W: And yet we graduated from that place and enrolled into a similar venue, no? M: You're not listening to me. W: Of course I was listening. We've traveled such a long ways and we still have miles to go before we sleep, or whatever. M: I wonder what we'll be thinking about when we reach 30. W: Why I couldn't stay 20 longer? (Written by Tijan Nicholson)