POPULARITY
Download MP3 来月3月8日は国際女性デー。この日は女性の政治的自由と平等を目指すための日として国連により定められました。公式な祝日に定められている国や、イタリアのように女性同士でお花を贈り合う習慣のある国もあります。 会話の男性は、国際女性デーを祝ってパートナーの女性に贈り物をしているようですが、その贈り物の中身とは…？ *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） as far as 〜に関する限り、〜だから ※ここでは範囲というよりも、理由を表している。As、Since、Becauseと言い換えてもほぼ同じ意味。 remind [人] of〜 （人に）〜を思い出させる inextinguishable 消すことのできない、抑えきれない intrigued 興味をそそられた ※intriguingで「人の興味をそそるような」。同じ分詞形容詞であるinterestedとinterestingの関係と同じ。 Closer to the subject of the gift, please. 贈り物の本題に戻ってよ、お願い。 invaluable とても有益な、かけがえのない ※先ほどのinextinguishable（"in-"+"extinguish"+"-able"）のように、接頭辞in-は形容詞の反対語を作る。一方、このinvaluableは「価値がつけられないほど貴重な」という意味になり、結果的に形容詞を強調する珍しい例。（"priceless"と同じ理屈） (a) brilliant （名詞）ブリリアントカットの宝石 graphite 黒煙 store （動詞）貯蔵する *** Script *** A Gift for International Women’s Day, March 8th Situation: A wife and a husband are seated and eat their dinner. There are candles, a cake, and a couple of bottles of wine. M: Hey, today is March 8th. Do you know it’s International Women’s Day? It’s a very important day! W: Oh, International Women’s Day!? M: And as far as this day is important for me… I want to give YOU a gift… a gift which will remind you of my inextinguishable love for you… W: Wow. Now I AM intrigued… M: And even after my death… W: Closer to the subject of the gift, please.. M: … this gift will be invaluable for you, always! W: Oh no, I don’t believe… Could it be… Is it what I was dreaming about? M: Yes! W (haven’t opened the box yet): Oh my goodness, is it really a brilliant? M: Wait, don’t open it yet! W: Is it a brilliant?? M: Yes. Yes, it is! But don’t open it yet. And do you know what a brilliant is? W: Well, it’s a kind of diamond? M: Yes. And what exactly is a diamond? What kind of stone? W: Um, I don’t know, don’t remember… M: A diamond is a piece of graphite which was stored millions and millions of years under pressure… And now, please, open your gift. W (opens the box): Oh my god… Hey, it’s a pencil?! M: Yes. A GRAPHITE pencil. And some time, in the future, it will definitely become the thing that you were dreaming about so much, it will become a real brilliant! Happy International Women’s Day, my love. Please live a million years! (Written by Andrei Goncharov)
Download MP3 来月3月8日は国際女性デー。この日は女性の政治的自由と平等を目指すための日として国連により定められました。公式な祝日に定められている国や、イタリアのように女性同士でお花を贈り合う習慣のある国もあります。 会話の男性は、国際女性デーを祝ってパートナーの女性に贈り物をしているようですが、その贈り物の中身とは…？ *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） as far as 〜に関する限り、〜だから ※ここでは範囲というよりも、理由を表している。As、Since、Becauseと言い換えてもほぼ同じ意味。 remind [人] of〜 （人に）〜を思い出させる inextinguishable 消すことのできない、抑えきれない intrigued 興味をそそられた ※intriguingで「人の興味をそそるような」。同じ分詞形容詞であるinterestedとinterestingの関係と同じ。 Closer to the subject of the gift, please. 贈り物の本題に戻ってよ、お願い。 invaluable とても有益な、かけがえのない ※先ほどのinextinguishable（"in-"+"extinguish"+"-able"）のように、接頭辞in-は形容詞の反対語を作る。一方、このinvaluableは「価値がつけられないほど貴重な」という意味になり、結果的に形容詞を強調する珍しい例。（"priceless"と同じ理屈） (a) brilliant （名詞）ブリリアントカットの宝石 graphite 黒煙 store （動詞）貯蔵する *** Script *** A Gift for International Women’s Day, March 8th Situation: A wife and a husband are seated and eat their dinner. There are candles, a cake, and a couple of bottles of wine. M: Hey, today is March 8th. Do you know it’s International Women’s Day? It’s a very important day! W: Oh, International Women’s Day!? M: And as far as this day is important for me… I want to give YOU a gift… a gift which will remind you of my inextinguishable love for you… W: Wow. Now I AM intrigued… M: And even after my death… W: Closer to the subject of the gift, please.. M: … this gift will be invaluable for you, always! W: Oh no, I don’t believe… Could it be… Is it what I was dreaming about? M: Yes! W (haven’t opened the box yet): Oh my goodness, is it really a brilliant? M: Wait, don’t open it yet! W: Is it a brilliant?? M: Yes. Yes, it is! But don’t open it yet. And do you know what a brilliant is? W: Well, it’s a kind of diamond? M: Yes. And what exactly is a diamond? What kind of stone? W: Um, I don’t know, don’t remember… M: A diamond is a piece of graphite which was stored millions and millions of years under pressure… And now, please, open your gift. W (opens the box): Oh my god… Hey, it’s a pencil?! M: Yes. A GRAPHITE pencil. And some time, in the future, it will definitely become the thing that you were dreaming about so much, it will become a real brilliant! Happy International Women’s Day, my love. Please live a million years! (Written by Andrei Goncharov)
Download MP3 先週に引き続き、恒例の「超濃縮！やさしい英語会話」をお届けします。この11年間に配信した335本の「やさしい英語会話」よりエピソードを厳選し、４本分を濃縮しました。今回は、Joeの選んだ4本の傑作エピソードをお送りします。 *** Joe's Best *** やさしい英語会話 (311) Go Carp, Go! やさしい英語会話 (240) Piano Delivery やさしい英語会話 (236) The Excitement of a Zoo やさしい英語会話 (79) Saving George *** Script *** やさしい英語会話 (311) Go Carp, Go! (Noisy Stadium Sound) Both: (the Cheer song) Carp, Carp, Carp Hiroshima, Hiroshima Carp M: Oh, this is so fun! Thanks for inviting me, Tomoka. My first Carp game ever in person! I didn't think that the fans would be so crazy. W: Hey, this is normal! Carp games are really intense! M: Yeah! Um, who's your favorite player, Tomoka? W: My favorite players are Tanaka, Kikuchi, Maru, and Suzuki! M: Ha ha! That's a lot. Who's your MOST favorite? W: Um… I love 'em all, but I guess I love Suzuki the most! Oh! Suzuki's stepping up to the plate now! Wohoo! M: Yeah, but we're pretty far out here in right field. It's kind of hard to see. Here, you can use my binoculars. (later) M: Tomoka… here's your Carp udon. Ha ha. It's funny that even the food being sold here is about the Carp! W: Yeah, and almost everyone's wearing their favorite player's jersey. Mine's 51, of course. That's Suzuki's number. M: Oh, I should get one too. But they're SO expensive! W: Yeah… Hey, who do you like right now? M: I think Johnson's pretty cool. And besides, we're both American! Ha ha! W: Yeah, I like him a lot too. Hey, this Carp udon tastes great! How's that Carp takoyaki? M: It's really good. (Sound of a ball hit by a bat) Hey, Tomoka look! The ball's coming this way. Let's get out of here! W: No way! I'm gonna catch this ball! Get out of here, Daniel! (Pushing Daniel to the side) M: Ah!!! W: Ah! I got it! I got a home run ball! M: Way to go, Tomoka! A home run ball! And thanks for pushing me out of the way! But I got takoyaki all over me! (Written by Mikael Kai Geronimo) やさしい英語会話 (240) Piano Delivery Kim and Bruce are attempting to carry a piano up 8 stories to deliver it to a client. M: (panting) Remind me again why we decided to become piano deliverymen. This lady lives on the 8th floor, and we've only made it up to the third floor! My arms already feel like spaghetti! W: It's piano delivery WOMAN! And I'll tell you why: this is all part of the four-year plan. Remember? M: Um... I'm so exhausted right now that I can hardly remember my own mother's name! Why don't you jog my memory? W: (sighs) Fine, Bruce. This is the last time I'm going to explain it to you. M: I CAN'T guarantee that. W: (huffing) Alright, the four-year plan is to work as piano delivery men... Ahem... piano delivery PEOPLE for two years in order to build up core body strength. Then, we spend the next two years training to be professional wrestlers. With the kind of strength we'll get from this job, we can become world champions! M: Wait, that four-year plan? You actually still think that's gonna work? I'm just working this job so I can see the inside of all the attractive women's houses in this city! W: You really are a hopeless pervert, aren't you? M: Hold that thought. I think my back's about to give out! W: You say something? M: Gahhhhh! (Bruce grimaces in pain and the cracking of his back is clearly audible. Bruce drops the piano and it falls down all three flights of stairs to its concrete grave.) W: What the... Bruce?! Do you know what you've just done!? You've ruined the four-year plan! M: Forget the four-year plan and just get me to a hospital! (shudders in pain) (Written by David Shaner) やさしい英語会話 (236) The Excitement of a Zoo M: Finally, we made it to the zoo! I wanna go see the T-Rex exhibit first! W: Robbie, how many times do I have to tell you: dinosaurs went extinct millions of years ago. There're no T-Rexes in the zoos. M: And how many times do I have to tell YOU that that's just a government conspiracy fabricated to keep people from using dinosaurs as weapons. W: (Puts her palm over her face and sighs) OK, Robbie, OK. I believe you. Just stop talking about it already. I actually wanted to enjoy this trip to the zoo, and you're making that pretty difficult. M: Hey look! Lions! (Robbie grabs Regina's hand and makes a dash for the lion enclosure.) M: Wow! Lions are awesome! W: (giggling) I'm glad to see you've taken interest in an animal that actual exists. M: I always wished I could've been raised by lions. Living in the mountains, living off nothing but the flesh and blood of rhinos! W: Um, I don't think that's where or how lions live, Robbie. (Regina looks down at her phone to distract herself from how badly this date is going. Regina then looks up.) W: Hey Robbie what do you think of--. (Robbie is no where to be found.) W: Robbie? Robbie?! Where are you? (A few seconds later) M: I'm over here, Regina! (Regina looks over to see Robbie cuddling with one of the lions within the enclosure.) W: WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THE LION ENCLOSURE ROBBIE!? THATS SUPER DANGEROUS! M: Just following my heart Regina, just following my heart. (Written by David Shaner) やさしい英語会話 (79) Saving George W: George!! Come down here!… Oh no, he can’t come down! What am I gonna do? Hmm… I better call the emergency number... (dialing phone) M: Emergency Services. Can I help you? W: Hello!? Help! My little George is in danger! M: Now, calm down. Is it a fire, or is someone breaking into your house? W: It’s an emergency. He… he’s up in a tree and can’t come down. M: OK. Where are you now? Is George hurt? W: I’m in the park…on Elm Street. I don’t think he’s hurt…He’s clinging to the branch. He’s trembling! Poor thing! He can’t come down by himself. I can’t go up and take him down either. It’s too high! M: OK. I’ll send a truck and ladder. Please don’t go up. Just stay there and wait for the truck…. Now, how old did you say George is? W: Um, he’s about three months. M: Three months?! How come he’s up in the tree? He’s only a baby! W: Well, he’s been naughty these days. He climbs up the tree every day and comes down by himself. I think he’s gone too high today… M: Huh? W: He was stuck in the rubbish bin the other day… He’s so cute. Now he can eat one tin of tuna each meal. He’s grown up so fast! M: So… he’s… he’s a kitten? W: Oh, didn’t I say that? M: No… Well, Ms., I’m sorry, but this number is for emergencies only. W: Yes. The IS an emergency! My little kitty is in danger! M: I understand. But there might be someone, some HUMAN, who is dying and needs help at this very moment. W: George IS my family and I need to rescue him! It doesn’t matter if he’s human or a cat. A: OK, OK. (in a small voice) Boy, I can’t take care of this old lady… B: You… you said I’m old? I’m not old! I’m only 83! Just send a ladder truck and help my George! Is that clear, boy? A: Yes, Ma’am! (Written by Ayumi Furutani)
Download MP3 先週に引き続き、恒例の「超濃縮！やさしい英語会話」をお届けします。この11年間に配信した335本の「やさしい英語会話」よりエピソードを厳選し、４本分を濃縮しました。今回は、Joeの選んだ4本の傑作エピソードをお送りします。 *** Joe's Best *** やさしい英語会話 (311) Go Carp, Go! やさしい英語会話 (240) Piano Delivery やさしい英語会話 (236) The Excitement of a Zoo やさしい英語会話 (79) Saving George *** Script *** やさしい英語会話 (311) Go Carp, Go! (Noisy Stadium Sound) Both: (the Cheer song) Carp, Carp, Carp Hiroshima, Hiroshima Carp M: Oh, this is so fun! Thanks for inviting me, Tomoka. My first Carp game ever in person! I didn't think that the fans would be so crazy. W: Hey, this is normal! Carp games are really intense! M: Yeah! Um, who's your favorite player, Tomoka? W: My favorite players are Tanaka, Kikuchi, Maru, and Suzuki! M: Ha ha! That's a lot. Who's your MOST favorite? W: Um… I love 'em all, but I guess I love Suzuki the most! Oh! Suzuki's stepping up to the plate now! Wohoo! M: Yeah, but we're pretty far out here in right field. It's kind of hard to see. Here, you can use my binoculars. (later) M: Tomoka… here's your Carp udon. Ha ha. It's funny that even the food being sold here is about the Carp! W: Yeah, and almost everyone's wearing their favorite player's jersey. Mine's 51, of course. That's Suzuki's number. M: Oh, I should get one too. But they're SO expensive! W: Yeah… Hey, who do you like right now? M: I think Johnson's pretty cool. And besides, we're both American! Ha ha! W: Yeah, I like him a lot too. Hey, this Carp udon tastes great! How's that Carp takoyaki? M: It's really good. (Sound of a ball hit by a bat) Hey, Tomoka look! The ball's coming this way. Let's get out of here! W: No way! I'm gonna catch this ball! Get out of here, Daniel! (Pushing Daniel to the side) M: Ah!!! W: Ah! I got it! I got a home run ball! M: Way to go, Tomoka! A home run ball! And thanks for pushing me out of the way! But I got takoyaki all over me! (Written by Mikael Kai Geronimo) やさしい英語会話 (240) Piano Delivery Kim and Bruce are attempting to carry a piano up 8 stories to deliver it to a client. M: (panting) Remind me again why we decided to become piano deliverymen. This lady lives on the 8th floor, and we've only made it up to the third floor! My arms already feel like spaghetti! W: It's piano delivery WOMAN! And I'll tell you why: this is all part of the four-year plan. Remember? M: Um... I'm so exhausted right now that I can hardly remember my own mother's name! Why don't you jog my memory? W: (sighs) Fine, Bruce. This is the last time I'm going to explain it to you. M: I CAN'T guarantee that. W: (huffing) Alright, the four-year plan is to work as piano delivery men... Ahem... piano delivery PEOPLE for two years in order to build up core body strength. Then, we spend the next two years training to be professional wrestlers. With the kind of strength we'll get from this job, we can become world champions! M: Wait, that four-year plan? You actually still think that's gonna work? I'm just working this job so I can see the inside of all the attractive women's houses in this city! W: You really are a hopeless pervert, aren't you? M: Hold that thought. I think my back's about to give out! W: You say something? M: Gahhhhh! (Bruce grimaces in pain and the cracking of his back is clearly audible. Bruce drops the piano and it falls down all three flights of stairs to its concrete grave.) W: What the... Bruce?! Do you know what you've just done!? You've ruined the four-year plan! M: Forget the four-year plan and just get me to a hospital! (shudders in pain) (Written by David Shaner) やさしい英語会話 (236) The Excitement of a Zoo M: Finally, we made it to the zoo! I wanna go see the T-Rex exhibit first! W: Robbie, how many times do I have to tell you: dinosaurs went extinct millions of years ago. There're no T-Rexes in the zoos. M: And how many times do I have to tell YOU that that's just a government conspiracy fabricated to keep people from using dinosaurs as weapons. W: (Puts her palm over her face and sighs) OK, Robbie, OK. I believe you. Just stop talking about it already. I actually wanted to enjoy this trip to the zoo, and you're making that pretty difficult. M: Hey look! Lions! (Robbie grabs Regina's hand and makes a dash for the lion enclosure.) M: Wow! Lions are awesome! W: (giggling) I'm glad to see you've taken interest in an animal that actual exists. M: I always wished I could've been raised by lions. Living in the mountains, living off nothing but the flesh and blood of rhinos! W: Um, I don't think that's where or how lions live, Robbie. (Regina looks down at her phone to distract herself from how badly this date is going. Regina then looks up.) W: Hey Robbie what do you think of--. (Robbie is no where to be found.) W: Robbie? Robbie?! Where are you? (A few seconds later) M: I'm over here, Regina! (Regina looks over to see Robbie cuddling with one of the lions within the enclosure.) W: WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THE LION ENCLOSURE ROBBIE!? THATS SUPER DANGEROUS! M: Just following my heart Regina, just following my heart. (Written by David Shaner) やさしい英語会話 (79) Saving George W: George!! Come down here!… Oh no, he can’t come down! What am I gonna do? Hmm… I better call the emergency number... (dialing phone) M: Emergency Services. Can I help you? W: Hello!? Help! My little George is in danger! M: Now, calm down. Is it a fire, or is someone breaking into your house? W: It’s an emergency. He… he’s up in a tree and can’t come down. M: OK. Where are you now? Is George hurt? W: I’m in the park…on Elm Street. I don’t think he’s hurt…He’s clinging to the branch. He’s trembling! Poor thing! He can’t come down by himself. I can’t go up and take him down either. It’s too high! M: OK. I’ll send a truck and ladder. Please don’t go up. Just stay there and wait for the truck…. Now, how old did you say George is? W: Um, he’s about three months. M: Three months?! How come he’s up in the tree? He’s only a baby! W: Well, he’s been naughty these days. He climbs up the tree every day and comes down by himself. I think he’s gone too high today… M: Huh? W: He was stuck in the rubbish bin the other day… He’s so cute. Now he can eat one tin of tuna each meal. He’s grown up so fast! M: So… he’s… he’s a kitten? W: Oh, didn’t I say that? M: No… Well, Ms., I’m sorry, but this number is for emergencies only. W: Yes. The IS an emergency! My little kitty is in danger! M: I understand. But there might be someone, some HUMAN, who is dying and needs help at this very moment. W: George IS my family and I need to rescue him! It doesn’t matter if he’s human or a cat. A: OK, OK. (in a small voice) Boy, I can’t take care of this old lady… B: You… you said I’m old? I’m not old! I’m only 83! Just send a ladder truck and help my George! Is that clear, boy? A: Yes, Ma’am! (Written by Ayumi Furutani)
Download MP3 今週と来週は、恒例の「超濃縮！やさしい英語会話」です。この11年間に配信した335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。今回は、Keiさんの選んだ4本の傑作エピソードをお送りします。 *** Kei's Best *** やさしい英語会話 (277) At the Bowling Alley やさしい英語会話 (266) Endings are not always happy やさしい英語会話 (248) It’s important to be honest during interviews やさしい英語会話 (147) Scared of bugs *** Script *** やさしい英語会話 (277) At the Bowling Alley W: Jamal, today's the day I'm gonna bowl my first perfect game! M: (Yawn) I don't see the big deal in bowling a perfect game. All you gotta do is beat some pieces of wood with a giant ball a few times. Anyone can do it. W: Jamal, this is your first time bowling, so you wouldn't really know, but bowling is a lot more than just throwing a "giant ball". It takes years of practice, and the techniques necessary to bowl a perfect game can't just be learned over night. (The two of them walk up to the lane.) W: Alright here I go! Perfect game, here I come! (Bowls the ball) M: Oh. You only beat 3 of them. W: It's not BEATING them. It's "knocking them over." And I'm still just getting warmed up. That was just some kind of fluke. Besides, I doubt YOU could do any better. Here's a 15 pounder. Good luck knocking any pins over with that! M: OK. Watch this! (Jamal throws the ball under his legs and it rolls very slowly.) W: Ha ha! Granny-style throw? You're not gonna hit any pins with THAT technique. (Jamal gets a perfect strike.) M: Cool! I beat them all! W: What? A strike? That's impossible! My technique is flawless and you're just some amateur! Alright, this time I'm gonna get a strike for sure. (Sarah throws the ball with all her strength but only manages to knock over 1 pin.) M: So, a strike is when you only beat one of the pins? W: Ah! Last time you got lucky. Let's see if you can go 2 for 2. M: OK, cool. (Jamal throws the ball like a baseball. Despite the form, he manages to get a perfect strike.) M: Hey, I beat them again! This game is too easy. Can we go to the arcade? W: What?! IMPOSSIBLE! I AM the superior bowler! Besides, it's not called "beating the pins" you moron! I'm too good for this. I'm going home! (Written by David Shaner) やさしい英語会話 (266) Endings are not always happy W: Oh, Humberto, this is, honestly, the best date I could've asked for. The food is delicious. The atmosphere and night view are just astonishingly beautiful. And the bouquet of roses… you really know how to get to a woman's heart! M: Well, It's because… I love you, Natsuki. And, I actually have a rather important question to ask you… Natsuki… I… Waiter: Hi folks. I'm your waiter! Is everything going alright? I hope you like the food! If you need any refills, let me know! And if you have any questions or concerns feel free to share them! Oh, and if you don't mind, I'd love for you to fill out this questionnaire! My name is Fred. F-R-E-D, D as in DOG. So if you could, also please write a review on the service that I provide to you guys. M: Ah, everything is going great, Fred, thank you. Waiter: That's great to hear! Call me if you need anything! M: Ugh! Waiters can be so obnoxious here… Anyways, as I was saying… (Alarms start sounding, and everyone starts screaming) M: WHAT?!?! NATSUKI!??! The lights went off! W: I'M… I'M RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU, HUMBERTO!!! WHAT'S GOING ON!?!??! M: I… I DON'T KNOW!! Waiter: SIR! SIR! WE NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE NOW! M: FRED, IS THAT YOU!??!! (Waiter: starts coughing and passes out) Announcement: THIS IS THE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT. EVERYBODY REMAIN CALM. FOR REASONS UNKOWN, WE WILL BE PUTTING THIS BUILDING ON LOCKDOWN. IF ANYONE TRIES TO ESCAPE, THEY WILL BE ARRESTED. M: What the…?! W: HUMBERTO! I'm scared. M: Uh… I think we just got ourselves into a horror movie. I was going to ask you to marry me, but I don't think that's going to happen. I'm out of here! W: WAIT! HUMBERTO DON'T LEAVE ME!!! (Written by Lauren Johnson) やさしい英語会話 (248) It’s important to be honest during interviews Situation: John is at an interview for a part-time job. W: Alright... how are you, sir? I'm Candice, and I'll be interviewing you today. M: Hi Candice. It's nice to meet you. (Stands to shake her hand, but his hand is visibly drenched in sweat.) W: Oh my! Your hand is a bit sweaty! M: Can I be honest with you, Candice? W: Sure, in fact I'd prefer it. M: I'm a bit nervous about this whole interview thing. W: That's perfectly fine! It's normal for people to be nervous during interviews. It's a part of human nature. M: But this isn't just ordinary interview anxiety. I'm nervous because... um... because I've done some horrible things. Unforgivable things. Things that if you ever found out about them, you probably wouldn't want to give me this job, or even look me in the eye! W: OK, well, now that you've brought it up, I feel inclined to ask you what these "horrible" things are. M: It all started last Wednesday. I was at the local Walgreens, buying some candy. I then decided to buy a birthday card for my mom, and I forgot about the chocolate bar in my hand... I walked out of the store without paying for it! I wanted to go return it, but by the time I noticed I was half-way home! W: Um... Well, that's an interesting story. M: I knew you guys would find out during the lie-detector test so I thought I'd just get it off my chest now. W: Lie-detector test? Um... this is an interview for a position as a janitor at McDonald's. We don't do lie detector tests. In fact, if that's the worst thing you've ever done, you might just be the best employee we've ever had! You're hired! M: Really? You mean it? Yippee! (Written by David Shaner) やさしい英語会話 (147) Scared of bugs M: Hi Lauren! Why do you look so scared? Are you all right? W: Remy, don't move! There's a beetle on your shirt!! M: (Nonchalantly) Oh really…? Where? W: You're not scared?! M: Not really. It's just a bug. They're so small compared to us, so I don't really get scared of them. W: Ugh, I hate bugs! I'm scared of every bug on this planet! M: Every bug? You can't be scared of ants! Ants are harmless! And what about butterflies? Butterflies are beautiful! W: What are you talking about?! Ants bite! And they've got all those little legs? Oh, creepy!! And butterflies start out as nasty, crawling caterpillars? Gross!! M: Wait a minute; one time when I came over to your house there was a pet snake in a tank. Whose was that? If you're scared of bugs I can't believe you'd live with a snake in your house! W: Oh, you mean Marbles? He's my pet garden snake. He's awesome! M: Are you telling me that you're scared of bugs, but you think snakes are OK?! W: Well, yeah! Snakes aren't bugs, now, are they? Snakes have brains, feelings, emotions! M: Sometimes I just don't get you, Lauren… (Written by Hannah Klein)
Download MP3 今週と来週は、恒例の「超濃縮！やさしい英語会話」です。この11年間に配信した335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。今回は、Keiさんの選んだ4本の傑作エピソードをお送りします。 *** Kei's Best *** やさしい英語会話 (277) At the Bowling Alley やさしい英語会話 (266) Endings are not always happy やさしい英語会話 (248) It’s important to be honest during interviews やさしい英語会話 (147) Scared of bugs *** Script *** やさしい英語会話 (277) At the Bowling Alley W: Jamal, today's the day I'm gonna bowl my first perfect game! M: (Yawn) I don't see the big deal in bowling a perfect game. All you gotta do is beat some pieces of wood with a giant ball a few times. Anyone can do it. W: Jamal, this is your first time bowling, so you wouldn't really know, but bowling is a lot more than just throwing a "giant ball". It takes years of practice, and the techniques necessary to bowl a perfect game can't just be learned over night. (The two of them walk up to the lane.) W: Alright here I go! Perfect game, here I come! (Bowls the ball) M: Oh. You only beat 3 of them. W: It's not BEATING them. It's "knocking them over." And I'm still just getting warmed up. That was just some kind of fluke. Besides, I doubt YOU could do any better. Here's a 15 pounder. Good luck knocking any pins over with that! M: OK. Watch this! (Jamal throws the ball under his legs and it rolls very slowly.) W: Ha ha! Granny-style throw? You're not gonna hit any pins with THAT technique. (Jamal gets a perfect strike.) M: Cool! I beat them all! W: What? A strike? That's impossible! My technique is flawless and you're just some amateur! Alright, this time I'm gonna get a strike for sure. (Sarah throws the ball with all her strength but only manages to knock over 1 pin.) M: So, a strike is when you only beat one of the pins? W: Ah! Last time you got lucky. Let's see if you can go 2 for 2. M: OK, cool. (Jamal throws the ball like a baseball. Despite the form, he manages to get a perfect strike.) M: Hey, I beat them again! This game is too easy. Can we go to the arcade? W: What?! IMPOSSIBLE! I AM the superior bowler! Besides, it's not called "beating the pins" you moron! I'm too good for this. I'm going home! (Written by David Shaner) やさしい英語会話 (266) Endings are not always happy W: Oh, Humberto, this is, honestly, the best date I could've asked for. The food is delicious. The atmosphere and night view are just astonishingly beautiful. And the bouquet of roses… you really know how to get to a woman's heart! M: Well, It's because… I love you, Natsuki. And, I actually have a rather important question to ask you… Natsuki… I… Waiter: Hi folks. I'm your waiter! Is everything going alright? I hope you like the food! If you need any refills, let me know! And if you have any questions or concerns feel free to share them! Oh, and if you don't mind, I'd love for you to fill out this questionnaire! My name is Fred. F-R-E-D, D as in DOG. So if you could, also please write a review on the service that I provide to you guys. M: Ah, everything is going great, Fred, thank you. Waiter: That's great to hear! Call me if you need anything! M: Ugh! Waiters can be so obnoxious here… Anyways, as I was saying… (Alarms start sounding, and everyone starts screaming) M: WHAT?!?! NATSUKI!??! The lights went off! W: I'M… I'M RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU, HUMBERTO!!! WHAT'S GOING ON!?!??! M: I… I DON'T KNOW!! Waiter: SIR! SIR! WE NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE NOW! M: FRED, IS THAT YOU!??!! (Waiter: starts coughing and passes out) Announcement: THIS IS THE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT. EVERYBODY REMAIN CALM. FOR REASONS UNKOWN, WE WILL BE PUTTING THIS BUILDING ON LOCKDOWN. IF ANYONE TRIES TO ESCAPE, THEY WILL BE ARRESTED. M: What the…?! W: HUMBERTO! I'm scared. M: Uh… I think we just got ourselves into a horror movie. I was going to ask you to marry me, but I don't think that's going to happen. I'm out of here! W: WAIT! HUMBERTO DON'T LEAVE ME!!! (Written by Lauren Johnson) やさしい英語会話 (248) It’s important to be honest during interviews Situation: John is at an interview for a part-time job. W: Alright... how are you, sir? I'm Candice, and I'll be interviewing you today. M: Hi Candice. It's nice to meet you. (Stands to shake her hand, but his hand is visibly drenched in sweat.) W: Oh my! Your hand is a bit sweaty! M: Can I be honest with you, Candice? W: Sure, in fact I'd prefer it. M: I'm a bit nervous about this whole interview thing. W: That's perfectly fine! It's normal for people to be nervous during interviews. It's a part of human nature. M: But this isn't just ordinary interview anxiety. I'm nervous because... um... because I've done some horrible things. Unforgivable things. Things that if you ever found out about them, you probably wouldn't want to give me this job, or even look me in the eye! W: OK, well, now that you've brought it up, I feel inclined to ask you what these "horrible" things are. M: It all started last Wednesday. I was at the local Walgreens, buying some candy. I then decided to buy a birthday card for my mom, and I forgot about the chocolate bar in my hand... I walked out of the store without paying for it! I wanted to go return it, but by the time I noticed I was half-way home! W: Um... Well, that's an interesting story. M: I knew you guys would find out during the lie-detector test so I thought I'd just get it off my chest now. W: Lie-detector test? Um... this is an interview for a position as a janitor at McDonald's. We don't do lie detector tests. In fact, if that's the worst thing you've ever done, you might just be the best employee we've ever had! You're hired! M: Really? You mean it? Yippee! (Written by David Shaner) やさしい英語会話 (147) Scared of bugs M: Hi Lauren! Why do you look so scared? Are you all right? W: Remy, don't move! There's a beetle on your shirt!! M: (Nonchalantly) Oh really…? Where? W: You're not scared?! M: Not really. It's just a bug. They're so small compared to us, so I don't really get scared of them. W: Ugh, I hate bugs! I'm scared of every bug on this planet! M: Every bug? You can't be scared of ants! Ants are harmless! And what about butterflies? Butterflies are beautiful! W: What are you talking about?! Ants bite! And they've got all those little legs? Oh, creepy!! And butterflies start out as nasty, crawling caterpillars? Gross!! M: Wait a minute; one time when I came over to your house there was a pet snake in a tank. Whose was that? If you're scared of bugs I can't believe you'd live with a snake in your house! W: Oh, you mean Marbles? He's my pet garden snake. He's awesome! M: Are you telling me that you're scared of bugs, but you think snakes are OK?! W: Well, yeah! Snakes aren't bugs, now, are they? Snakes have brains, feelings, emotions! M: Sometimes I just don't get you, Lauren… (Written by Hannah Klein)
Download MP3 前回と同じく宇宙にまつわる話題をお届けします。今回はSF風のストーリーでお楽しみください。 宇宙船アルファ2001号は、お宝「ブルー・クリスタル」を狙う海賊アザレアに行く手を阻まれます。絶体絶命のピンチの中、パイロットは思いもよらぬ作戦に出ます...!! *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） Antares アンタレス（さそり座の星） shut down 停止する（turn off） hyper-space travel mode ハイパースペーストラベルモード ※SF作品に登場する宇宙飛行の方法。 cruising speed 巡航速度 ※日本でもcruise controlを搭載した車は最近かなり普及している。 I would request〜 〜を要求いたします。 ※丁寧な依頼 surrender 降伏する What the…? 【俗語】What the heck/hell?が省略されたもの。 the Blue Crystal 例のブルークリスタル ※theは、話者と聞き手がお互いにわかっているものにつける。 torture 拷問にかける persecute 迫害する THE Azaeleah あの有名なアザレアさん ※上の"the Blue Crystal"と、theの用法を比べてみよう。 notorious 悪名高い clan 一族 the Boogies ブギー族（変な名前として登場している。番組内の解説を参照） legendary tales 伝説的な逸話 the galaxy 銀河系 wipe out 一掃する、一発で仕留める blade 刃 filthy 汚い、下品な autograph サイン（有名人などの） ※「文書にする署名」はsignature。 forehead 額、おでこ I have no patience. 我慢がならぬ。 hot いかす、人気がある jerk 間抜け wormhole ワームホール（時空間の高速移動が可能な空間） *** Script *** Space Pirate M: Delta 2001! This is Alpha 2001. We’ll be landing on Antares in 45 seconds. We’ve shut down the hyper-space travel mode, and are entering at cruising speed. I would request your quick report about the rear engine. Delta 2001 can you hear us? W: Muhahahaha! You guys are under attack! Surrender or you WILL DIE! M: What the…? Who is this? What do you want from us? W: My name is Azaeleah. Give us the Blue Crystal or we will torture you, and persecute you till death! M: Wait! Are you THE Azaeleah, from the notorious pirate clan of the Antares system, the Boogies? Wow! You’re the most famous alien on our planet. I’m a big fan of yours! W: Silence! Give us the crystal now, or we’ll cut your throats. M: Hey, I’ve known you since I was little. You’re super popular for your legendary tales in the galaxy. You wiped out all your enemy pirates at the battle of Sirus. And… W: I SAID, where is the crystal? I’ll give you one more chance or my blade will cut off your filthy tongue! Where Is The Crystal? M: Hey, before I die, can I get your autograph? I’ve been dreaming to get your autograph on my forehead... I mean please?? W: You can’t understand a single word I’m saying?! Final chance! I have no patience. TELL me where the Blue Crystal is? M: Hey, let me say one last word before I die! Although your skin is green, I think you’re still hot—cooler than humans look. Yes, you can kill me. W: Uaaah!! This jerk can’t understand anything. Retreat to our ship! We don’t have any time left! The wormhole is going to get shut down in a minute. M: Woo…. Bye~bye~ (Written by Kyoung Jo)
Download MP3 前回と同じく宇宙にまつわる話題をお届けします。今回はSF風のストーリーでお楽しみください。 宇宙船アルファ2001号は、お宝「ブルー・クリスタル」を狙う海賊アザレアに行く手を阻まれます。絶体絶命のピンチの中、パイロットは思いもよらぬ作戦に出ます...!! *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） Antares アンタレス（さそり座の星） shut down 停止する（turn off） hyper-space travel mode ハイパースペーストラベルモード ※SF作品に登場する宇宙飛行の方法。 cruising speed 巡航速度 ※日本でもcruise controlを搭載した車は最近かなり普及している。 I would request〜 〜を要求いたします。 ※丁寧な依頼 surrender 降伏する What the…? 【俗語】What the heck/hell?が省略されたもの。 the Blue Crystal 例のブルークリスタル ※theは、話者と聞き手がお互いにわかっているものにつける。 torture 拷問にかける persecute 迫害する THE Azaeleah あの有名なアザレアさん ※上の"the Blue Crystal"と、theの用法を比べてみよう。 notorious 悪名高い clan 一族 the Boogies ブギー族（変な名前として登場している。番組内の解説を参照） legendary tales 伝説的な逸話 the galaxy 銀河系 wipe out 一掃する、一発で仕留める blade 刃 filthy 汚い、下品な autograph サイン（有名人などの） ※「文書にする署名」はsignature。 forehead 額、おでこ I have no patience. 我慢がならぬ。 hot いかす、人気がある jerk 間抜け wormhole ワームホール（時空間の高速移動が可能な空間） *** Script *** Space Pirate M: Delta 2001! This is Alpha 2001. We’ll be landing on Antares in 45 seconds. We’ve shut down the hyper-space travel mode, and are entering at cruising speed. I would request your quick report about the rear engine. Delta 2001 can you hear us? W: Muhahahaha! You guys are under attack! Surrender or you WILL DIE! M: What the…? Who is this? What do you want from us? W: My name is Azaeleah. Give us the Blue Crystal or we will torture you, and persecute you till death! M: Wait! Are you THE Azaeleah, from the notorious pirate clan of the Antares system, the Boogies? Wow! You’re the most famous alien on our planet. I’m a big fan of yours! W: Silence! Give us the crystal now, or we’ll cut your throats. M: Hey, I’ve known you since I was little. You’re super popular for your legendary tales in the galaxy. You wiped out all your enemy pirates at the battle of Sirus. And… W: I SAID, where is the crystal? I’ll give you one more chance or my blade will cut off your filthy tongue! Where Is The Crystal? M: Hey, before I die, can I get your autograph? I’ve been dreaming to get your autograph on my forehead... I mean please?? W: You can’t understand a single word I’m saying?! Final chance! I have no patience. TELL me where the Blue Crystal is? M: Hey, let me say one last word before I die! Although your skin is green, I think you’re still hot—cooler than humans look. Yes, you can kill me. W: Uaaah!! This jerk can’t understand anything. Retreat to our ship! We don’t have any time left! The wormhole is going to get shut down in a minute. M: Woo…. Bye~bye~ (Written by Kyoung Jo)
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。 今回は、「仕事」にまつわるエピソードの特集です。それも、教育実習、アルバイト、就職面接など、大学生にとって身近な場面ばかりを集めました。まとめて聞くと、どの登場人物にも、それぞれ将来の夢や野望があるようですね。 （初級〜中級）*** Script *** [ (31) Teaching Practice ] M: Hey, Saori! It's been a while! How have you been? W: Hey, Mike. I had teaching practice at a junior high for a month. So that's why you haven't seen me around. M: Oh, I didn't know that you were trying to get a teaching license. So you'll be a teacher, will you? W: Actually, probably not. Of course, teaching is an option in the future. But Mike, you know, I really really want to be a researcher, right? M: Yeah, that's what I thought. So I was surprised when you said... W: If I take just a few classes in teacher education, I can get a license. Which means, I can be a certificated teacher for no extra tuition! Pretty lucky, hey? M: Boy, that is interesting. So, how was the practice teaching? W: Very hard! I thought teaching would only be fun, because I like kids. But now I think teaching is the toughest job around, and I have a lot of respect for teachers. M: So, tell me more about the practice teaching. What was so hard? W: Hmmm... I think the hardest thing was….not to teach wrong … and to keep the quality of teaching high….I think. M: What do you mean? W: Well, I didn't teach the materials wrong. I studied a lot before the classes. And I was ready to teach. But on the first day, when I stood up in front of students, my mind suddenly went blank! At first, I didn't know what to say! M: Ho, teaching IS tough, huh? W: Yeah, it is. But later I found the real joy of teaching. When I taught, and looked into their eyes, children responded to me. Of course, there were many problem kids. But if I tried to understand them, and faced them, I could see that they were learning! That was really impressive, and I was so touched. So, in conclusion, it's true that teaching is tough, but at the same time, it's also rewarding! [ (60) Part-time Jobs and Big Dreams ] W: Hey, what are you up to, Ken? M: Oh, hi Jane. I'm just looking for a part-time job. I've been searching for about a month, but no luck. Are you doing a part-time job, Jane? W: Yeah, I'm teaching English at an English school. 5 days a week. M: Wow. Isn't it hard? W: Not much. It's fun! And I work at a café two days a week. M: No way! How much money do you get a week, anyways? And what are you gonna do with the money? W: That's a secret. M: But your dad's the president of a cell phone company. You don't need to work, do you? W: Well, I wanna have my own money to make my dream come true. M: And… how could you get such good grades last semester? You got all A's! I got Cs, and a D…and even some E's, I think! W: …Ha, ha… [ in a soft voice ] That's because I have two me's: working Jane and studying Jane. M: What? W: Oh, nothing. So, what kind of jobs are you looking for? M: …You are weird. Umm…It would be great if I could have a chance to talk with non-Japanese people at work. Do you know any good places where non-Japanese often get together around here? W: How about the gym near Hiroshima Station? I go there every Thursday, and I often see a lot of foreigners there. M: That sounds good for me! I like sports too… Yes!! That gym's looking for some workers! I'll apply there! W: Good on you! M: Hey, Jane, tell me about your secret. Why are you working so hard? W: Hmm… Can you really keep a secret? M: Yes, I promise! W: Oh… OK, it's just that… [ talking in a tiny voice ] M: [ in a big voice ] you're going to take over your dad's company!? [ (136) The Power of Colors ] M: Hi Ms. Yamada. Please sit down. So, could you tell me a bit about yourself? W: Sure, nice to meet you, Mr. Reynolds. I'm Yamada, Noriko Yamada. This March I'll graduate from Rainbow University. I major in architecture. Especially, I've studied a lot about color designs. During college, in my club, we've done a lot of volunteer and charity work. For example, we advise government offices and companies about the colors of study rooms, city stations, and libraries. I'm sure that my experience and knowledge about colors will help XY Publishing. M: OK. Why would you like to work here? W: Well, I'd like to work at XY Publishing because I think I can make the most of my abilities here. Since you're in the magazine publishing business, I'll try to use my knowledge of colors to excite the readers. To be honest, your magazines made me green with envy when I first saw them. They are so colorful and charming. But I think I could make them even better! M: For example, what could you do to improve the magazines? W: I'd like to change the world of magazines! The psychological effects of colors have been undervalued. I believe that understanding the science of colors is the key to exciting readers. So, I'll make the magazines more artistic by using tones of color variations. I know it'll be hard, and I'll have to get past some red tape and other obstacles, but nothing's going to stop me! M: Boy, you have ambition, Ms. Yamada. How are you feeling now? W: I felt a bit blue before having this interview, but I feel better now because I'm trying as hard as I can. I hope to get the green light to work at XY Publishing! M: OK. We'll roll out the red carpet to welcome you, Ms. Yamada! Our company's been seeking somebody who has an expertise in colors. We'd be happy to have you! W: Oh, thank you, sir! Your offer just came out of blue! M: Well, we find a person like you once in a blue moon, you know. I really think you can help the layout designs of the magazines. W: Oh, I'm tickled pink with your offer! Excuse me, my language, but from now on I have to be as good as gold, because I'm now an employee of XY Publishing! I'm so happy, sir! [ (240) Piano Delivery ] M: [ panting ] Remind me again why we decided to become piano deliverymen. This lady lives on the 8th floor, and we've only made it up to the third floor! My arms already feel like spaghetti! W: It's piano delivery WOMAN! And I'll tell you why: this is all part of the four-year plan. Remember? M: Um... I'm so exhausted right now that I can hardly remember my own mother's name! Why don't you jog my memory? W: [ sighs ] Fine, Bruce. This is the last time I'm going to explain it to you. M: I CAN'T guarantee that. W: [ huffing ] Alright, the four-year plan is to work as piano delivery men... Ahem... piano delivery PEOPLE for two years in order to build up core body strength. Then, we spend the next two years training to be professional wrestlers. With the kind of strength we'll get from this job, we can become world champions! M: Wait, that four-year plan? You actually still think that's gonna work? I'm just working this job so I can see the inside of all the attractive women's houses in this city! W: You really are a hopeless pervert, aren't you? M: Hold that thought. I think my back's about to give out! W: You say something? M: Gahhhhh! [ Bruce grimaces in pain and the cracking of his back is clearly audible. Bruce drops the piano and it falls down all three flights of stairs to its concrete grave. ] W: What the... Bruce?! Do you know what you've just done!? You've ruined the four-year plan! M: Forget the four-year plan and just get me to a hospital! [ shudders in pain ]
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。 今回は、「仕事」にまつわるエピソードの特集です。それも、教育実習、アルバイト、就職面接など、大学生にとって身近な場面ばかりを集めました。まとめて聞くと、どの登場人物にも、それぞれ将来の夢や野望があるようですね。 （初級〜中級）*** Script *** [ (31) Teaching Practice ] M: Hey, Saori! It's been a while! How have you been? W: Hey, Mike. I had teaching practice at a junior high for a month. So that's why you haven't seen me around. M: Oh, I didn't know that you were trying to get a teaching license. So you'll be a teacher, will you? W: Actually, probably not. Of course, teaching is an option in the future. But Mike, you know, I really really want to be a researcher, right? M: Yeah, that's what I thought. So I was surprised when you said... W: If I take just a few classes in teacher education, I can get a license. Which means, I can be a certificated teacher for no extra tuition! Pretty lucky, hey? M: Boy, that is interesting. So, how was the practice teaching? W: Very hard! I thought teaching would only be fun, because I like kids. But now I think teaching is the toughest job around, and I have a lot of respect for teachers. M: So, tell me more about the practice teaching. What was so hard? W: Hmmm... I think the hardest thing was….not to teach wrong … and to keep the quality of teaching high….I think. M: What do you mean? W: Well, I didn't teach the materials wrong. I studied a lot before the classes. And I was ready to teach. But on the first day, when I stood up in front of students, my mind suddenly went blank! At first, I didn't know what to say! M: Ho, teaching IS tough, huh? W: Yeah, it is. But later I found the real joy of teaching. When I taught, and looked into their eyes, children responded to me. Of course, there were many problem kids. But if I tried to understand them, and faced them, I could see that they were learning! That was really impressive, and I was so touched. So, in conclusion, it's true that teaching is tough, but at the same time, it's also rewarding! [ (60) Part-time Jobs and Big Dreams ] W: Hey, what are you up to, Ken? M: Oh, hi Jane. I'm just looking for a part-time job. I've been searching for about a month, but no luck. Are you doing a part-time job, Jane? W: Yeah, I'm teaching English at an English school. 5 days a week. M: Wow. Isn't it hard? W: Not much. It's fun! And I work at a café two days a week. M: No way! How much money do you get a week, anyways? And what are you gonna do with the money? W: That's a secret. M: But your dad's the president of a cell phone company. You don't need to work, do you? W: Well, I wanna have my own money to make my dream come true. M: And… how could you get such good grades last semester? You got all A's! I got Cs, and a D…and even some E's, I think! W: …Ha, ha… [ in a soft voice ] That's because I have two me's: working Jane and studying Jane. M: What? W: Oh, nothing. So, what kind of jobs are you looking for? M: …You are weird. Umm…It would be great if I could have a chance to talk with non-Japanese people at work. Do you know any good places where non-Japanese often get together around here? W: How about the gym near Hiroshima Station? I go there every Thursday, and I often see a lot of foreigners there. M: That sounds good for me! I like sports too… Yes!! That gym's looking for some workers! I'll apply there! W: Good on you! M: Hey, Jane, tell me about your secret. Why are you working so hard? W: Hmm… Can you really keep a secret? M: Yes, I promise! W: Oh… OK, it's just that… [ talking in a tiny voice ] M: [ in a big voice ] you're going to take over your dad's company!? [ (136) The Power of Colors ] M: Hi Ms. Yamada. Please sit down. So, could you tell me a bit about yourself? W: Sure, nice to meet you, Mr. Reynolds. I'm Yamada, Noriko Yamada. This March I'll graduate from Rainbow University. I major in architecture. Especially, I've studied a lot about color designs. During college, in my club, we've done a lot of volunteer and charity work. For example, we advise government offices and companies about the colors of study rooms, city stations, and libraries. I'm sure that my experience and knowledge about colors will help XY Publishing. M: OK. Why would you like to work here? W: Well, I'd like to work at XY Publishing because I think I can make the most of my abilities here. Since you're in the magazine publishing business, I'll try to use my knowledge of colors to excite the readers. To be honest, your magazines made me green with envy when I first saw them. They are so colorful and charming. But I think I could make them even better! M: For example, what could you do to improve the magazines? W: I'd like to change the world of magazines! The psychological effects of colors have been undervalued. I believe that understanding the science of colors is the key to exciting readers. So, I'll make the magazines more artistic by using tones of color variations. I know it'll be hard, and I'll have to get past some red tape and other obstacles, but nothing's going to stop me! M: Boy, you have ambition, Ms. Yamada. How are you feeling now? W: I felt a bit blue before having this interview, but I feel better now because I'm trying as hard as I can. I hope to get the green light to work at XY Publishing! M: OK. We'll roll out the red carpet to welcome you, Ms. Yamada! Our company's been seeking somebody who has an expertise in colors. We'd be happy to have you! W: Oh, thank you, sir! Your offer just came out of blue! M: Well, we find a person like you once in a blue moon, you know. I really think you can help the layout designs of the magazines. W: Oh, I'm tickled pink with your offer! Excuse me, my language, but from now on I have to be as good as gold, because I'm now an employee of XY Publishing! I'm so happy, sir! [ (240) Piano Delivery ] M: [ panting ] Remind me again why we decided to become piano deliverymen. This lady lives on the 8th floor, and we've only made it up to the third floor! My arms already feel like spaghetti! W: It's piano delivery WOMAN! And I'll tell you why: this is all part of the four-year plan. Remember? M: Um... I'm so exhausted right now that I can hardly remember my own mother's name! Why don't you jog my memory? W: [ sighs ] Fine, Bruce. This is the last time I'm going to explain it to you. M: I CAN'T guarantee that. W: [ huffing ] Alright, the four-year plan is to work as piano delivery men... Ahem... piano delivery PEOPLE for two years in order to build up core body strength. Then, we spend the next two years training to be professional wrestlers. With the kind of strength we'll get from this job, we can become world champions! M: Wait, that four-year plan? You actually still think that's gonna work? I'm just working this job so I can see the inside of all the attractive women's houses in this city! W: You really are a hopeless pervert, aren't you? M: Hold that thought. I think my back's about to give out! W: You say something? M: Gahhhhh! [ Bruce grimaces in pain and the cracking of his back is clearly audible. Bruce drops the piano and it falls down all three flights of stairs to its concrete grave. ] W: What the... Bruce?! Do you know what you've just done!? You've ruined the four-year plan! M: Forget the four-year plan and just get me to a hospital! [ shudders in pain ]
Download MP3 今回のテーマは、世界的に大きな問題になっている「性犯罪」。テーマは少し重いですが、会話そのものは軽くて聴きやすい、でも笑えない(?)結末となっています。 アメリカでは性犯罪被害防止を徹底させるため、逮捕歴のある性犯罪者（sex offender）の住所や行動などの個人情報がウェブ上で公開されています。今回の会話では、このサイトを見ながら男女が話をしています。そこで二人が見つけた情報とは…。 （初級〜中級）*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） (to) check out 確認する、試しに見てみる convicted 有罪判決を受けた a breach of privacy プライバシーの侵害 It's terrifying to think ... ...と考えるのも恐ろしい sexual deviant 性的異常者 Meh 別に、まあ。 ※無関心そうな返答。 I guess I can see where you're coming from. わからなくもないけど。 They had their chance to be well-behaved citizens and they squandered it. 彼らだって善良な市民になるチャンスはあったのに、無駄にしたの。 (to) seek revenge on... ...に対して復讐する (to) look up 調べる weird おかしい、気味が悪い (to) pull up 引き伸ばす *** Script *** Avoiding Bad Guys W: Hey Jack, check out this website I found. It shows you the address of every convicted sex offender in the city so that you can know what parts of town to avoid. M: I don't really think a website like that is necessary. In fact, it's kind of a breach of privacy against the sex offenders, don't you think? W: Of course as a guy, you don't think a site like this is necessary. As a girl, though, it's terrifying to think there could be some sort of sexual deviant living only a few blocks away from you. M: Meh, I guess I can see where you're coming from. But at the same time, how would you feel to be one of the sex offenders whose name, picture, and address are easily accessible online? W: I don't care how they feel. They had their chance to be well-behaved citizens and they squandered it. I don't really care what happens to them. M: Wait a second. That just gave me an idea. How about we use the information on this website to seek revenge on them for their crimes?! We can check the addresses of sex offenders living near us, then go to their houses and throw eggs at them! W: You know, I CAN'T say I hate that idea. Sure, let's look up sex offenders that live in YOUR neighborhood, and start from there. M: Alright. I'll put in my street address… And… Here comes the page… W: Hey, wait a minute. It says there's a sex offender living right in your neighborhood… M: Hmm… That's weird. Hey, that's my house! There must be some kind of mistake, though. Why don't you pull up the picture of the guy. W: Alright. Here he is. M: Oh my God… W: What's the problem? M: That's… THAT'S MY DAD! (Written by David Shaner)
Download MP3 今回のテーマは、世界的に大きな問題になっている「性犯罪」。テーマは少し重いですが、会話そのものは軽くて聴きやすい、でも笑えない(?)結末となっています。 アメリカでは性犯罪被害防止を徹底させるため、逮捕歴のある性犯罪者（sex offender）の住所や行動などの個人情報がウェブ上で公開されています。今回の会話では、このサイトを見ながら男女が話をしています。そこで二人が見つけた情報とは…。 （初級〜中級）*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） (to) check out 確認する、試しに見てみる convicted 有罪判決を受けた a breach of privacy プライバシーの侵害 It's terrifying to think ... ...と考えるのも恐ろしい sexual deviant 性的異常者 Meh 別に、まあ。 ※無関心そうな返答。 I guess I can see where you're coming from. わからなくもないけど。 They had their chance to be well-behaved citizens and they squandered it. 彼らだって善良な市民になるチャンスはあったのに、無駄にしたの。 (to) seek revenge on... ...に対して復讐する (to) look up 調べる weird おかしい、気味が悪い (to) pull up 引き伸ばす *** Script *** Avoiding Bad Guys W: Hey Jack, check out this website I found. It shows you the address of every convicted sex offender in the city so that you can know what parts of town to avoid. M: I don't really think a website like that is necessary. In fact, it's kind of a breach of privacy against the sex offenders, don't you think? W: Of course as a guy, you don't think a site like this is necessary. As a girl, though, it's terrifying to think there could be some sort of sexual deviant living only a few blocks away from you. M: Meh, I guess I can see where you're coming from. But at the same time, how would you feel to be one of the sex offenders whose name, picture, and address are easily accessible online? W: I don't care how they feel. They had their chance to be well-behaved citizens and they squandered it. I don't really care what happens to them. M: Wait a second. That just gave me an idea. How about we use the information on this website to seek revenge on them for their crimes?! We can check the addresses of sex offenders living near us, then go to their houses and throw eggs at them! W: You know, I CAN'T say I hate that idea. Sure, let's look up sex offenders that live in YOUR neighborhood, and start from there. M: Alright. I'll put in my street address… And… Here comes the page… W: Hey, wait a minute. It says there's a sex offender living right in your neighborhood… M: Hmm… That's weird. Hey, that's my house! There must be some kind of mistake, though. Why don't you pull up the picture of the guy. W: Alright. Here he is. M: Oh my God… W: What's the problem? M: That's… THAT'S MY DAD! (Written by David Shaner)
世の中の仕事の中で、肉体的につらいものにはどのようなものがあるでしょうか。例えば重くて貴重なものを高いところまで運ぶ「ピアノの配達」は、体力と神経を人一倍使う仕事と言えそうです。 今回の会話に登場する二人は、ピアノの配達の仕事をつい最近始めたばかりのようで、男性の方は早くも音を上げ始めています。この仕事は二人の壮大な４年計画の一部だそうですが、それはどのような計画なのでしょうか。そして二人はその計画を成功させることができるのでしょうか…？ Image credit: KARRAX via Wikipedia. CC BY-SA 3.0. ↓ ↓ ↓ Download MP3 （初級〜中級）*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） a delivery person 配達人 to make it to 〜までたどり着く My arms already feel like spaghetti! もう腕が（伸びきって）スパゲッティみたいだ！ exhausted 消耗する、疲労する can hardly do なかなか〜できない ※あることが全くできないわけではなく、かろうじてできる時に使う。 「かろうじて〜（する）」の意味を持つものにbarelyがあるが、 同じ「かろうじてできること」を肯定的に捉える時にはbarely、 否定的に捉える時にはhardlyが使われる。 to jog one's memory 〜の記憶を思い出させる to guarantee 保証する build up core body strength 体の芯を強化する to go well うまく行く attractive 魅力的な ※主に女性に対する形容詞で、男性にはgood-lookingの方が使われる。 a hopeless pervert どうしようもない変態 Hold that thought. ちょっと待って。 ※相手の話を一時中断する必要がある時に使う。 to give out 動かなくなる to ruin 〜を台無しにする get 〜 to a hospital 〜を病院に連れて行く *** Script *** Piano Delivery Kim and Bruce are attempting to carry a piano up 8 stories to deliver it to a client. M: (panting) Remind me again why we decided to become piano deliverymen. This lady lives on the 8th floor, and we've only made it up to the third floor! My arms already feel like spaghetti! W: It's piano delivery WOMAN! And I'll tell you why: this is all part of the four-year plan. Remember? M: Um... I'm so exhausted right now that I can hardly remember my own mother's name! Why don't you jog my memory? W: (sighs) Fine, Bruce. This is the last time I'm going to explain it to you. M: I CAN'T guarantee that. W: (huffing) Alright, the four-year plan is to work as piano delivery men... Ahem... piano delivery PEOPLE for two years in order to build up core body strength. Then, we spend the next two years training to be professional wrestlers. With the kind of strength we'll get from this job, we can become world champions! M: Wait, that four-year plan? You actually still think that's gonna work? I'm just working this job so I can see the inside of all the attractive women's houses in this city! W: You really are a hopeless pervert, aren't you? M: Hold that thought. I think my back's about to give out! W: You say something? M: Gahhhhh! (Bruce grimaces in pain and the cracking of his back is clearly audible. Bruce drops the piano and it falls down all three flights of stairs to its concrete grave.) W: What the... Bruce?! Do you know what you've just done!? You've ruined the four-year plan! M: Forget the four-year plan and just get me to a hospital! (shudders in pain) (Written by David Shaner)
世の中の仕事の中で、肉体的につらいものにはどのようなものがあるでしょうか。例えば重くて貴重なものを高いところまで運ぶ「ピアノの配達」は、体力と神経を人一倍使う仕事と言えそうです。 今回の会話に登場する二人は、ピアノの配達の仕事をつい最近始めたばかりのようで、男性の方は早くも音を上げ始めています。この仕事は二人の壮大な４年計画の一部だそうですが、それはどのような計画なのでしょうか。そして二人はその計画を成功させることができるのでしょうか…？ Image credit: KARRAX via Wikipedia. CC BY-SA 3.0. ↓ ↓ ↓ Download MP3 （初級〜中級）*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） a delivery person 配達人 to make it to 〜までたどり着く My arms already feel like spaghetti! もう腕が（伸びきって）スパゲッティみたいだ！ exhausted 消耗する、疲労する can hardly do なかなか〜できない ※あることが全くできないわけではなく、かろうじてできる時に使う。 「かろうじて〜（する）」の意味を持つものにbarelyがあるが、 同じ「かろうじてできること」を肯定的に捉える時にはbarely、 否定的に捉える時にはhardlyが使われる。 to jog one's memory 〜の記憶を思い出させる to guarantee 保証する build up core body strength 体の芯を強化する to go well うまく行く attractive 魅力的な ※主に女性に対する形容詞で、男性にはgood-lookingの方が使われる。 a hopeless pervert どうしようもない変態 Hold that thought. ちょっと待って。 ※相手の話を一時中断する必要がある時に使う。 to give out 動かなくなる to ruin 〜を台無しにする get 〜 to a hospital 〜を病院に連れて行く *** Script *** Piano Delivery Kim and Bruce are attempting to carry a piano up 8 stories to deliver it to a client. M: (panting) Remind me again why we decided to become piano deliverymen. This lady lives on the 8th floor, and we've only made it up to the third floor! My arms already feel like spaghetti! W: It's piano delivery WOMAN! And I'll tell you why: this is all part of the four-year plan. Remember? M: Um... I'm so exhausted right now that I can hardly remember my own mother's name! Why don't you jog my memory? W: (sighs) Fine, Bruce. This is the last time I'm going to explain it to you. M: I CAN'T guarantee that. W: (huffing) Alright, the four-year plan is to work as piano delivery men... Ahem... piano delivery PEOPLE for two years in order to build up core body strength. Then, we spend the next two years training to be professional wrestlers. With the kind of strength we'll get from this job, we can become world champions! M: Wait, that four-year plan? You actually still think that's gonna work? I'm just working this job so I can see the inside of all the attractive women's houses in this city! W: You really are a hopeless pervert, aren't you? M: Hold that thought. I think my back's about to give out! W: You say something? M: Gahhhhh! (Bruce grimaces in pain and the cracking of his back is clearly audible. Bruce drops the piano and it falls down all three flights of stairs to its concrete grave.) W: What the... Bruce?! Do you know what you've just done!? You've ruined the four-year plan! M: Forget the four-year plan and just get me to a hospital! (shudders in pain) (Written by David Shaner)
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。 最終回（通算７回目）の今回は"Men and Women"をテーマに、男女間に起こるさまざまな出来事についての話題を選びました。好きな女性のことでお悩み中の男の子、イケメンチェックに励む女子、さらには恋多き最低男まで、さまざまな男女のドラマ（？）を、どうかお楽しみください！ Image credit: TanteTati via Pixabay Public Domain CC0. ↓ ↓ ↓ Download MP3 （初級〜中級）1. やさしい英語会話 (224) Girl-Boy Relations and the Cuban Missile Crisis M: Hey Rachel, can I ask you something real quick? W: Sure, Kento, what is it? M: Well, there's this girl I have a crush on… and I think she likes me, but I'm not sure because sometimes she acts so weird! W: OK, what makes you think she likes you? And what do you mean by "weird"? Remember, girls are the most complex creatures that ever existed! You could spend a lifetime studying their ways and still know next to nothing. M: I mean, the way she looks at me sometimes, and how she giggles at what I say, and sometimes she offers me gum!... And, I mean, weird because sometimes she'll act like I'm invisible to her! It's the most stressful thing to have happened since the Cuban Missile Crisis… W: I'm pretty sure the Cuban Missile Crisis was WAY more stressful than not knowing whether a girl likes you or not! Ha ha! But, don't worry about it too much. Girls like guys who act like they don't care… like they're "too cool". M: But I'm NOT cool. I'm a nerd! I own every gaming console that ever was! W: Some girls like nerdy guys. But really, though, the fact that she giggles and offers you gum doesn't mean she likes you! Is it possible at all she just thinks you have bad breath…? M: Ah! I wish I could set up a direct line between us, like Kennedy and Khrushchev did in the crisis. W: It would be too funny if you two had a red phone that flashes in lights when you call it. M: Hey, that would be pretty cool… W: Oh Kento, you ARE a nerd. M: Hey, are you going to help me, or are you just going to make fun of me! W: Oh, don't worry! It's not so hard. Like I told you: just be cool, act like you don't care, and maybe, eventually, you can install a pretty red, flashing phone between the two of you! Haha! (Written by Humberto) 2. やさしい英語会話 (214) Appreciating Men Scene: Sitting in a cafe talking W: Oooh… HE looks nice. M: Hey, are you checking that guy out? W: Well, yeah. I mean, look at him! He's gorgeous! M: Wait. I thought that women didn't do things like that because… you should be reserved, or something. W: Oh, please! Women appreciate an attractive man when they see him just as much as men appreciate an attractive woman when they see one. Women just know how to be discreet about it, because nobody likes to be leered at. M: Come on now. Men don't always leer at beautiful women, do they? W: Not always, no. But sometimes you guys just don't realize that there's a way to check out a girl without her feeling like an object. M: Is that really even possible? Isn't the entire concept of checking a person out based on good looks and beauty? W: No! If you go after girls only because they're beautiful, then I think the girls should run away from you. Brains are more important than beauty! M: What? Don't you think that's a bit extreme? W: Not at all. M: Well then, why don't all girls run away when we compliment them? W: Because everyone likes to be complimented every once in a while; it's human nature, right? M: So what makes the way that you check out guys any different from the way that I check out girls? W: Simple. I only appreciate their attractiveness for a second, and then go back to what I was doing before I saw them. I don't stare pointedly at them for a good five minutes before moving on to the next one. M: Is that what men do? (Written by Lauren DeCosta) 3. やさしい英語会話 (166) True Love W: That movie was great, wasn't it? M: Oh, I do love how it combined super-duper expensive visuals with light humor. "But first, we need to get high." There's awkward pause. "No-no, I mean, really high" - and then they've climbed a skyscraper. W: It was an awesome moment. Anyway, we should go next week too, to see the one with several super-heroes in it. M: Cool, I'm in. Although all these stunning visuals make my head a bit empty. A Korean arthouse movie, maybe? For the sake of feeling great and snobbish? W: Anything is fine, as long as we're together. M: Oh, that's why I keep saying those ridiculous words to you. W: What words? I'm a simpleton and know little of those "words." Do tell me. M: Ha-ha, OK, but just once. "I really, really fancy you, Sarah". W: You're making such a silly face, when you're saying it! M: Hey, that face is the only one I have. And now it feels offended. W: Oh, please don't be, silly face. ‘Cause I do fancy you too. M: Ah! Oh no! W: An unexpected response, but oh well. M: No… Oh no... I've lost my key for my bike! W: Did you check all of your pockets? M: I sure did. Listen, why don't you go ahead, and buy something for dinner. I'll go back and look for the key in the cinema. W: Hmm... OK, I guess. Give me a call when you find it. M: Of course. OK, catch you later! (Phone dialing) M: Hello, Daria, sweetie? It's me. I've called as soon as I could. Late night research - you know, hard work, lots of coffee, stars greeting you when you leave the lab... I just wanted to say that I really, really fancy you... W: Hey, it's Sarah, you lowly cheater. Never call me again, got it? And check your speed dial settings, for Christ's sake. (Written by Dmitry Mamchur) 4. やさしい英語会話 (142) Checking Out Guys W1: Hey girl, what are you doing? W2: It's kind of embarrassing, but to be honest, I was just sitting here checking out guys! Want to join? W1: Checking out guys? Are you looking to meet someone? W2: Not particularly! I'm just enjoying the afternoon and the eye-candy! C'mon, it's fun! W1: Ha ha. This will be interesting! Anyone good-looking walk by yet? W2: Yeah, you just missed a guy who cleaned-up really nice in a suit. W1: Ooh, is that your type? The serious, strong type? W2: Well, I don't really have a type, I guess. I like guys based off the vibe I get when talking to them. W1: Have you talked to any of them yet? W2: No, not yet. W1: Alright, what about THAT guy. The one with the hat on? W2: He's not bad, but he looks more fashionable than I am! I couldn't handle always being around someone like that. Too much pressure! W1: OK, what about him? W2: The guy with the jean jacket? Yeah, he's really good-looking. I like his curly hair! W1: So, why are you checking out guys and not talking to them? I mean, they'd probably appreciate having a cute girl walk up to them and start a conversation. W2: Think of it as window-shopping! Window-shopping means that I'm looking at what's for sale, but it doesn't exactly mean I'll be buying the merchandise! Just because I don't talk to them doesn't mean I can't appreciate their good looks!! (Written by Hannah Klein)
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。 最終回（通算７回目）の今回は"Men and Women"をテーマに、男女間に起こるさまざまな出来事についての話題を選びました。好きな女性のことでお悩み中の男の子、イケメンチェックに励む女子、さらには恋多き最低男まで、さまざまな男女のドラマ（？）を、どうかお楽しみください！ Image credit: TanteTati via Pixabay Public Domain CC0. ↓ ↓ ↓ Download MP3 （初級〜中級）1. やさしい英語会話 (224) Girl-Boy Relations and the Cuban Missile Crisis M: Hey Rachel, can I ask you something real quick? W: Sure, Kento, what is it? M: Well, there's this girl I have a crush on… and I think she likes me, but I'm not sure because sometimes she acts so weird! W: OK, what makes you think she likes you? And what do you mean by "weird"? Remember, girls are the most complex creatures that ever existed! You could spend a lifetime studying their ways and still know next to nothing. M: I mean, the way she looks at me sometimes, and how she giggles at what I say, and sometimes she offers me gum!... And, I mean, weird because sometimes she'll act like I'm invisible to her! It's the most stressful thing to have happened since the Cuban Missile Crisis… W: I'm pretty sure the Cuban Missile Crisis was WAY more stressful than not knowing whether a girl likes you or not! Ha ha! But, don't worry about it too much. Girls like guys who act like they don't care… like they're "too cool". M: But I'm NOT cool. I'm a nerd! I own every gaming console that ever was! W: Some girls like nerdy guys. But really, though, the fact that she giggles and offers you gum doesn't mean she likes you! Is it possible at all she just thinks you have bad breath…? M: Ah! I wish I could set up a direct line between us, like Kennedy and Khrushchev did in the crisis. W: It would be too funny if you two had a red phone that flashes in lights when you call it. M: Hey, that would be pretty cool… W: Oh Kento, you ARE a nerd. M: Hey, are you going to help me, or are you just going to make fun of me! W: Oh, don't worry! It's not so hard. Like I told you: just be cool, act like you don't care, and maybe, eventually, you can install a pretty red, flashing phone between the two of you! Haha! (Written by Humberto) 2. やさしい英語会話 (214) Appreciating Men Scene: Sitting in a cafe talking W: Oooh… HE looks nice. M: Hey, are you checking that guy out? W: Well, yeah. I mean, look at him! He's gorgeous! M: Wait. I thought that women didn't do things like that because… you should be reserved, or something. W: Oh, please! Women appreciate an attractive man when they see him just as much as men appreciate an attractive woman when they see one. Women just know how to be discreet about it, because nobody likes to be leered at. M: Come on now. Men don't always leer at beautiful women, do they? W: Not always, no. But sometimes you guys just don't realize that there's a way to check out a girl without her feeling like an object. M: Is that really even possible? Isn't the entire concept of checking a person out based on good looks and beauty? W: No! If you go after girls only because they're beautiful, then I think the girls should run away from you. Brains are more important than beauty! M: What? Don't you think that's a bit extreme? W: Not at all. M: Well then, why don't all girls run away when we compliment them? W: Because everyone likes to be complimented every once in a while; it's human nature, right? M: So what makes the way that you check out guys any different from the way that I check out girls? W: Simple. I only appreciate their attractiveness for a second, and then go back to what I was doing before I saw them. I don't stare pointedly at them for a good five minutes before moving on to the next one. M: Is that what men do? (Written by Lauren DeCosta) 3. やさしい英語会話 (166) True Love W: That movie was great, wasn't it? M: Oh, I do love how it combined super-duper expensive visuals with light humor. "But first, we need to get high." There's awkward pause. "No-no, I mean, really high" - and then they've climbed a skyscraper. W: It was an awesome moment. Anyway, we should go next week too, to see the one with several super-heroes in it. M: Cool, I'm in. Although all these stunning visuals make my head a bit empty. A Korean arthouse movie, maybe? For the sake of feeling great and snobbish? W: Anything is fine, as long as we're together. M: Oh, that's why I keep saying those ridiculous words to you. W: What words? I'm a simpleton and know little of those "words." Do tell me. M: Ha-ha, OK, but just once. "I really, really fancy you, Sarah". W: You're making such a silly face, when you're saying it! M: Hey, that face is the only one I have. And now it feels offended. W: Oh, please don't be, silly face. ‘Cause I do fancy you too. M: Ah! Oh no! W: An unexpected response, but oh well. M: No… Oh no... I've lost my key for my bike! W: Did you check all of your pockets? M: I sure did. Listen, why don't you go ahead, and buy something for dinner. I'll go back and look for the key in the cinema. W: Hmm... OK, I guess. Give me a call when you find it. M: Of course. OK, catch you later! (Phone dialing) M: Hello, Daria, sweetie? It's me. I've called as soon as I could. Late night research - you know, hard work, lots of coffee, stars greeting you when you leave the lab... I just wanted to say that I really, really fancy you... W: Hey, it's Sarah, you lowly cheater. Never call me again, got it? And check your speed dial settings, for Christ's sake. (Written by Dmitry Mamchur) 4. やさしい英語会話 (142) Checking Out Guys W1: Hey girl, what are you doing? W2: It's kind of embarrassing, but to be honest, I was just sitting here checking out guys! Want to join? W1: Checking out guys? Are you looking to meet someone? W2: Not particularly! I'm just enjoying the afternoon and the eye-candy! C'mon, it's fun! W1: Ha ha. This will be interesting! Anyone good-looking walk by yet? W2: Yeah, you just missed a guy who cleaned-up really nice in a suit. W1: Ooh, is that your type? The serious, strong type? W2: Well, I don't really have a type, I guess. I like guys based off the vibe I get when talking to them. W1: Have you talked to any of them yet? W2: No, not yet. W1: Alright, what about THAT guy. The one with the hat on? W2: He's not bad, but he looks more fashionable than I am! I couldn't handle always being around someone like that. Too much pressure! W1: OK, what about him? W2: The guy with the jean jacket? Yeah, he's really good-looking. I like his curly hair! W1: So, why are you checking out guys and not talking to them? I mean, they'd probably appreciate having a cute girl walk up to them and start a conversation. W2: Think of it as window-shopping! Window-shopping means that I'm looking at what's for sale, but it doesn't exactly mean I'll be buying the merchandise! Just because I don't talk to them doesn't mean I can't appreciate their good looks!! (Written by Hannah Klein)
「アメリカ探究の旅〜イングリッシュポッドキャスト・英語を学ぶはじめの一歩〜」（Adventure in America）の第27回目です。少し英語が苦手！という皆さんを対象にした、長さもレベルも聞きやすい番組です。しっかり聞いて、しっかり声に出して練習してみましょう。 シアトルのシンボルといえば、パソコンの画面でもおなじみのあのタワー「スペース・ニードル」。ジュンとリディアは、この「スペース・ニードル」の最上階にあるレストランで食事をしています。シアトルを一望できるタワーですが、アメリカにはもっと高いタワーがあるようですね…。 Download MP3 （初級） ※毎月第２週目に「アメリカ探究の旅」を配信します。Adventure in America (27) 場面：ジュンとリディアは、シアトルのシンボル「スペース・ニードル」の最上階にあるレストラン（スカイシティレストラン）で食事をしています。 M: I love this fancy restaurant! It's almost as good as this fantastic view! F: Well, I'm glad you're happy! The Space Needle IS really cool. M: Yeah. What other tall towers are there in America, anyway? F: Well, the Space Needle is about 180 meters. But I hear the Stratosphere in Las Vegas is the highest tower: it's twice as high as the Space Needle! And it has all kinds of rides inside and outside it. M: Wait. Did you say rides? What kind of rides? F: Well, there's the X-Scream, which teeters you off the side of the tower. The Big Shot is a ride that shoots you upward along the building's top. And if you're really daring, you can do the SkyJump, which is a bungee jump off the side of the building! (Jun suddenly walks away). Wait, Jun! Where are you going? M: To the Stratosphere! F: But it's over 1,000 miles away! You haven't even finished your food yet! (Written by Glen-Andrew Beardsley)
「アメリカ探究の旅〜イングリッシュポッドキャスト・英語を学ぶはじめの一歩〜」（Adventure in America）の第27回目です。少し英語が苦手！という皆さんを対象にした、長さもレベルも聞きやすい番組です。しっかり聞いて、しっかり声に出して練習してみましょう。 シアトルのシンボルといえば、パソコンの画面でもおなじみのあのタワー「スペース・ニードル」。ジュンとリディアは、この「スペース・ニードル」の最上階にあるレストランで食事をしています。シアトルを一望できるタワーですが、アメリカにはもっと高いタワーがあるようですね…。 Download MP3 （初級） ※毎月第２週目に「アメリカ探究の旅」を配信します。Adventure in America (27) 場面：ジュンとリディアは、シアトルのシンボル「スペース・ニードル」の最上階にあるレストラン（スカイシティレストラン）で食事をしています。 M: I love this fancy restaurant! It's almost as good as this fantastic view! F: Well, I'm glad you're happy! The Space Needle IS really cool. M: Yeah. What other tall towers are there in America, anyway? F: Well, the Space Needle is about 180 meters. But I hear the Stratosphere in Las Vegas is the highest tower: it's twice as high as the Space Needle! And it has all kinds of rides inside and outside it. M: Wait. Did you say rides? What kind of rides? F: Well, there's the X-Scream, which teeters you off the side of the tower. The Big Shot is a ride that shoots you upward along the building's top. And if you're really daring, you can do the SkyJump, which is a bungee jump off the side of the building! (Jun suddenly walks away). Wait, Jun! Where are you going? M: To the Stratosphere! F: But it's over 1,000 miles away! You haven't even finished your food yet! (Written by Glen-Andrew Beardsley)
リスナーの皆さんは、ペットにするならイヌ派でしょうか、それともネコ派でしょうか？ 「イヌ派vsネコ派」は、ディベート入門のテーマとしてもおなじみですね。英語で論理的に考える能力を鍛えるため、ぜひ友達同士で２派に分かれ、「なかよくけんかしな」の精神で、お互いに英語で論争してみましょう。 さて今回の会話は、そのような論争ではなく、男性と女性がお互いのペットのことを話しているようです。それぞれのペットの名前は何でしょうか。そして、どちらがイヌ派で、どちらがネコ派なのでしょうか。 Image credit: PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay. CC0 Public Domain. Download MP3 （初級〜中級）*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） energetic 活発な ※「エネルギッシュ」は英語ではない（ドイツ語由来の外来語）ので注意。 Getting up there! = becoming old Fluffy ペットの名前 to pick out a name 名前を決める ※"pick up"との違いに注意。 to name + [O1]+ [O2] + after ... ...にちなんで[O1]を[O2]と名付ける adorable （動物や赤ちゃんなどが）愛らしい、かわいい *** Script *** Are you a Cat Person, or a Dog Person? M: So, are you a cat person, or a dog person? W: I'm actually both! But I do prefer cats. They're so energetic and cute! Back in America, I have a cat named Dave, and a dog named Sammi. M: Wait, what? Your cat's name is Dave?? W: Yeah, although we sometimes call him David. He's almost 18! M: Wow. Getting up there! Hey, why'd you name him Dave? W: I don't know… why do some people name their pets Fluffy, or Max? Why not name a cat Dave? M: Ha ha. I guess I've just never heard of a cat named…DAVE. W: It's not a very interesting story, but we called him Kitty for a week before picking out a name. My sister finally decided to name him Dave, after our dad's best friend. Anyway, it's also fun to tell my Japanese friends! M: Why's that? W: Try pronouncing it in Japanese. M: Dee-bu? Da-bu? (Pauses) AH! How funny. De-bu. W: Exactly! It sounds similar to ‘Fat' in Japanese. My cat, which is fat, is called Fat in Japanese. M: Ha ha! Does your Dad's friend know that? W: Nah. And I don't think he needs to know. What about you, though? Cats or dogs? M: Dogs. Here, I'll show you a picture. (Pulls out phone) W: Eeeeeh! Is it a she or a he? M: He's a boy. English cocker spaniel? W: Awww, he's adorable! What's his name? M: (pauses) Uh…XXX (Written by Lauren Johnson) (Based off of a true story)
リスナーの皆さんは、ペットにするならイヌ派でしょうか、それともネコ派でしょうか？ 「イヌ派vsネコ派」は、ディベート入門のテーマとしてもおなじみですね。英語で論理的に考える能力を鍛えるため、ぜひ友達同士で２派に分かれ、「なかよくけんかしな」の精神で、お互いに英語で論争してみましょう。 さて今回の会話は、そのような論争ではなく、男性と女性がお互いのペットのことを話しているようです。それぞれのペットの名前は何でしょうか。そして、どちらがイヌ派で、どちらがネコ派なのでしょうか。 Image credit: PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay. CC0 Public Domain. Download MP3 （初級〜中級）*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） energetic 活発な ※「エネルギッシュ」は英語ではない（ドイツ語由来の外来語）ので注意。 Getting up there! = becoming old Fluffy ペットの名前 to pick out a name 名前を決める ※"pick up"との違いに注意。 to name + [O1]+ [O2] + after ... ...にちなんで[O1]を[O2]と名付ける adorable （動物や赤ちゃんなどが）愛らしい、かわいい *** Script *** Are you a Cat Person, or a Dog Person? M: So, are you a cat person, or a dog person? W: I'm actually both! But I do prefer cats. They're so energetic and cute! Back in America, I have a cat named Dave, and a dog named Sammi. M: Wait, what? Your cat's name is Dave?? W: Yeah, although we sometimes call him David. He's almost 18! M: Wow. Getting up there! Hey, why'd you name him Dave? W: I don't know… why do some people name their pets Fluffy, or Max? Why not name a cat Dave? M: Ha ha. I guess I've just never heard of a cat named…DAVE. W: It's not a very interesting story, but we called him Kitty for a week before picking out a name. My sister finally decided to name him Dave, after our dad's best friend. Anyway, it's also fun to tell my Japanese friends! M: Why's that? W: Try pronouncing it in Japanese. M: Dee-bu? Da-bu? (Pauses) AH! How funny. De-bu. W: Exactly! It sounds similar to ‘Fat' in Japanese. My cat, which is fat, is called Fat in Japanese. M: Ha ha! Does your Dad's friend know that? W: Nah. And I don't think he needs to know. What about you, though? Cats or dogs? M: Dogs. Here, I'll show you a picture. (Pulls out phone) W: Eeeeeh! Is it a she or a he? M: He's a boy. English cocker spaniel? W: Awww, he's adorable! What's his name? M: (pauses) Uh…XXX (Written by Lauren Johnson) (Based off of a true story)
目の前に気になる男性がいたとき、あるいは気になる女性がいたとき、皆さんならどうしますか？あまり相手をじろじろと見つめると気持ち悪がられるけど、少しは相手の姿をチェックしてみたい…そんなモヤモヤ（？）した思いの皆さんに、今回の会話をお届けします。今回のテーマは、他愛なくも意外と深い「気になる相手をチェックするときの男女差」です。 Image credit: Ashinari. ※パソコンのブラウザでお聞きの方は、下に表示されている緑色のプレーヤーで、セクション単位での頭出し・巻き戻しができるようになりました。 （オープニング→スロースピードの会話→解説→ナチュラルスピードの会話→エンディング） Download MP3 スマートフォン用（テスト中） （15:48 7.8MB 初級〜中級） *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） to check out = to look at to be reserved 遠慮する to be attractive 魅力的な to be discreet = to be reserved to leer at ～ ～をいやらしい目つきで見る to be based on ～ ～に基づいている Brains are more important than beauty. 見た目よりも頭のほうが大切 to compliment 〜をほめる every once in a while ときどき What makes the way that you check out guys any different from the way that I check out girls? 君が男の子を見る見方と、僕が女の子を見る見方を違うものにしているのは何？ ＝男の子に対する君の視線と、女の子に対する僕の視線はどうして違うの？ ※"What makes…?" = "Why…?" a good five minutes ５分間も（=as long as five minutes） *** Script *** (Slow speed) 01:45-04:05 (Natural speed) 12:05-13:55 Appreciating Men Scene: Sitting in a cafe talking W: Oooh… HE looks nice. M: Hey, are you checking that guy out? W: Well, yeah. I mean, look at him! He's gorgeous! M: Wait. I thought that women didn't do things like that because… you should be reserved, or something. W: Oh, please! Women appreciate an attractive man when they see him just as much as men appreciate an attractive woman when they see one. Women just know how to be discreet about it, because nobody likes to be leered at. M: Come on now. Men don't always leer at beautiful women, do they? W: Not always, no. But sometimes you guys just don't realize that there's a way to check out a girl without her feeling like an object. M: Is that really even possible? Isn't the entire concept of checking a person out based on good looks and beauty? W: No! If you go after girls only because they're beautiful, then I think the girls should run away from you. Brains are more important than beauty! M: What? Don't you think that's a bit extreme? W: Not at all. M: Well then, why don't all girls run away when we compliment them? W: Because everyone likes to be complimented every once in a while; it's human nature, right? M: So what makes the way that you check out guys any different from the way that I check out girls? W: Simple. I only appreciate their attractiveness for a second, and then go back to what I was doing before I saw them. I don't stare pointedly at them for a good five minutes before moving on to the next one. M: Is that what men do? (Written by Lauren DeCosta)
目の前に気になる男性がいたとき、あるいは気になる女性がいたとき、皆さんならどうしますか？あまり相手をじろじろと見つめると気持ち悪がられるけど、少しは相手の姿をチェックしてみたい…そんなモヤモヤ（？）した思いの皆さんに、今回の会話をお届けします。今回のテーマは、他愛なくも意外と深い「気になる相手をチェックするときの男女差」です。 Image credit: Ashinari. ※パソコンのブラウザでお聞きの方は、下に表示されている緑色のプレーヤーで、セクション単位での頭出し・巻き戻しができるようになりました。 （オープニング→スロースピードの会話→解説→ナチュラルスピードの会話→エンディング） Download MP3 スマートフォン用（テスト中） （15:48 7.8MB 初級〜中級） *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） to check out = to look at to be reserved 遠慮する to be attractive 魅力的な to be discreet = to be reserved to leer at ～ ～をいやらしい目つきで見る to be based on ～ ～に基づいている Brains are more important than beauty. 見た目よりも頭のほうが大切 to compliment 〜をほめる every once in a while ときどき What makes the way that you check out guys any different from the way that I check out girls? 君が男の子を見る見方と、僕が女の子を見る見方を違うものにしているのは何？ ＝男の子に対する君の視線と、女の子に対する僕の視線はどうして違うの？ ※"What makes…?" = "Why…?" a good five minutes ５分間も（=as long as five minutes） *** Script *** (Slow speed) 01:45-04:05 (Natural speed) 12:05-13:55 Appreciating Men Scene: Sitting in a cafe talking W: Oooh… HE looks nice. M: Hey, are you checking that guy out? W: Well, yeah. I mean, look at him! He's gorgeous! M: Wait. I thought that women didn't do things like that because… you should be reserved, or something. W: Oh, please! Women appreciate an attractive man when they see him just as much as men appreciate an attractive woman when they see one. Women just know how to be discreet about it, because nobody likes to be leered at. M: Come on now. Men don't always leer at beautiful women, do they? W: Not always, no. But sometimes you guys just don't realize that there's a way to check out a girl without her feeling like an object. M: Is that really even possible? Isn't the entire concept of checking a person out based on good looks and beauty? W: No! If you go after girls only because they're beautiful, then I think the girls should run away from you. Brains are more important than beauty! M: What? Don't you think that's a bit extreme? W: Not at all. M: Well then, why don't all girls run away when we compliment them? W: Because everyone likes to be complimented every once in a while; it's human nature, right? M: So what makes the way that you check out guys any different from the way that I check out girls? W: Simple. I only appreciate their attractiveness for a second, and then go back to what I was doing before I saw them. I don't stare pointedly at them for a good five minutes before moving on to the next one. M: Is that what men do? (Written by Lauren DeCosta)
今回の話題は、アメリカの問題としてしばしば取り沙汰される「銃」の問題に迫ります。映画などではアメリカ人の多くが銃を所持しているような印象を受けますが、果たして実際には、どのぐらいの割合なのでしょうか。 Image credit: RabidSquirrel via Pixabay Public Domain CC0. ※パソコンのブラウザでお聞きの方は、下に表示されている緑色のプレーヤーで、セクション単位での頭出し・巻き戻しができるようになりました。 （オープニング→スロースピードの会話→解説→ナチュラルスピードの会話→エンディング） Download MP3 スマートフォン用（テスト中） （17:07 8.4MB 初級〜中級）*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） What's up? = How are you? disgruntled = not happy, frustrated ※本文のように、look/seemとともに用いられることが多い。 Why would he even think that you would own a gun? 君が銃なんか持っているなんて、いったい誰が考えたりするんだろうか。 ※wouldは話し手の想像、驚きを表す。いわゆる仮定法も、話し手の（事実ではない）想像の表れと考えられる。 a notion 観念 Apparently there's a common notion that everyone in America has a gun. どうも、アメリカ人はみんな銃を持っているという固定観念があるみたいなの。 ※apparentlyは「どうも〜らしい」 ..., though. 〜だけれどね。 ※文尾にthoughをつけることで、But...で始める文よりも柔らかい感じになる。 ridiculous 馬鹿げている not just anyone can ... 誰もが〜できるわけではない ※イントネーションに注意。 to populate を住まわせる、生息させる ※本文のように、しばしば受け身の形で使われる。 a lizard とかげ to roam = to go around to keep ... in mind ...を心に留めておく I'll keep that in mind for when I meet Ultraman then. こんどウルトラマンに会った時のために心に留めておくわ。 *** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:15-05:20 (Natural speed) 12:45-14:30 Guns in the United States M: What's up? You look a bit disgruntled. W: I was just talking to one of my Japanese friends, and he asked me how many guns I own. M: What? Why would he even think that you would own a gun? W: Apparently there's a common notion that everyone in America has a gun. M: Really? I know a lot of American's who don't own a gun, though. W: Me too. It gets worse, though. M: Really? What else did he say? W: He thinks that anyone can just walk into a store and buy a gun! He actually tried to tell me that America doesn't have any gun control laws. M: Now, that's just ridiculous! Not just anyone can get a gun, and they certainly wouldn't be sold everywhere! W: And certainly not to children! M: Wait. Don't tell me he thought that even a kid could buy a gun!? W: Actually, he did. I don't know where people get these ideas from. M: Probably from movies. You know how a lot of Hollywood movies have gun fights in them. It's not too hard to see how someone who's never been to the States could make the mistake. W: That's true. But people should know that not everything in the movies is true. Last time I checked, England wasn't actually populated by wizards. And there aren't actually giant lizards roaming the streets of Japan either! M: Ha ha. W: I'm just saying that it should be common knowledge that not everything in movies is real. M: A lot of things in movies ARE real, though. W: OK. I'll keep that in mind for when I meet Ultraman then. (Written by Lauren DeCosta)
今回の話題は、アメリカの問題としてしばしば取り沙汰される「銃」の問題に迫ります。映画などではアメリカ人の多くが銃を所持しているような印象を受けますが、果たして実際には、どのぐらいの割合なのでしょうか。 Image credit: RabidSquirrel via Pixabay Public Domain CC0. ※パソコンのブラウザでお聞きの方は、下に表示されている緑色のプレーヤーで、セクション単位での頭出し・巻き戻しができるようになりました。 （オープニング→スロースピードの会話→解説→ナチュラルスピードの会話→エンディング） Download MP3 スマートフォン用（テスト中） （17:07 8.4MB 初級〜中級）*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） What's up? = How are you? disgruntled = not happy, frustrated ※本文のように、look/seemとともに用いられることが多い。 Why would he even think that you would own a gun? 君が銃なんか持っているなんて、いったい誰が考えたりするんだろうか。 ※wouldは話し手の想像、驚きを表す。いわゆる仮定法も、話し手の（事実ではない）想像の表れと考えられる。 a notion 観念 Apparently there's a common notion that everyone in America has a gun. どうも、アメリカ人はみんな銃を持っているという固定観念があるみたいなの。 ※apparentlyは「どうも〜らしい」 ..., though. 〜だけれどね。 ※文尾にthoughをつけることで、But...で始める文よりも柔らかい感じになる。 ridiculous 馬鹿げている not just anyone can ... 誰もが〜できるわけではない ※イントネーションに注意。 to populate を住まわせる、生息させる ※本文のように、しばしば受け身の形で使われる。 a lizard とかげ to roam = to go around to keep ... in mind ...を心に留めておく I'll keep that in mind for when I meet Ultraman then. こんどウルトラマンに会った時のために心に留めておくわ。 *** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:15-05:20 (Natural speed) 12:45-14:30 Guns in the United States M: What's up? You look a bit disgruntled. W: I was just talking to one of my Japanese friends, and he asked me how many guns I own. M: What? Why would he even think that you would own a gun? W: Apparently there's a common notion that everyone in America has a gun. M: Really? I know a lot of American's who don't own a gun, though. W: Me too. It gets worse, though. M: Really? What else did he say? W: He thinks that anyone can just walk into a store and buy a gun! He actually tried to tell me that America doesn't have any gun control laws. M: Now, that's just ridiculous! Not just anyone can get a gun, and they certainly wouldn't be sold everywhere! W: And certainly not to children! M: Wait. Don't tell me he thought that even a kid could buy a gun!? W: Actually, he did. I don't know where people get these ideas from. M: Probably from movies. You know how a lot of Hollywood movies have gun fights in them. It's not too hard to see how someone who's never been to the States could make the mistake. W: That's true. But people should know that not everything in the movies is true. Last time I checked, England wasn't actually populated by wizards. And there aren't actually giant lizards roaming the streets of Japan either! M: Ha ha. W: I'm just saying that it should be common knowledge that not everything in movies is real. M: A lot of things in movies ARE real, though. W: OK. I'll keep that in mind for when I meet Ultraman then. (Written by Lauren DeCosta)
Happy Halloween! 来週末、10/31はハロウィンですね。 今回はハロウィンにちなみ、ある夫婦に起こった不思議な話をお届けします。嵐の夜、家の中の足跡、そして開いたままのドア。これから夫婦に起こるミステリアスな出来事とは…！ ※パソコンのブラウザでお聞きの方は、下に表示されている緑色のプレーヤーで、セクション単位での頭出し・巻き戻しができるようになりました。 （オープニング→スロースピードの会話→解説→ナチュラルスピードの会話→エンディング） Download MP3 スマートフォン用（テスト中） （15:51 7.9MB 初級～中級） *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） going on happening, occuring a footprint 足跡 to break in 押し入る to startle ... ...をびっくりさせる to have ... on edge to make ... nervous The power is out. 停電している。 The circuit breaker is busted. ブレーカーが飛んだ。 to put up with ... ...をがまんする *** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:35-06:00 (Natural speed) 12:00-14:05 A Stormy Halloween M: (In the kitchen. Yawning). How can anyone sleep with this storm going on! Hey, what's this? Footprints? Hey, why's the back door open? F: Oh no. I think someone broke in the house! M: Whaaah! Oh, you startled me. Wait, really? F: Yes! Quick! Do something and call for help! I'll go look outside. It could still be here! M: OK. Hey, wait. Where'd you get that? What's that, a pipe? F: Never mind that! Hurry! M: OK, OK! (on phone) Hello? Yes, I think there's a break in. Yes, we live at 564 Elm Street. Thank you. Please hurry! F: (Groans like a zombie) M: EEEEEEEEEEEEE! Stay away from me, zombie! F: Zombie? I'm just tired. See, this is why I told you not to watch so many horror movies recently! M: Oh. Well I… OK. The break-in just has me on edge. F: Break in? What are you talking about? M: I just got done calling the police. They should be here any minute now. F: How did you do that when the power's been out all night? I heard a bang while you were sleeping, and looks like the circuit breaker is busted. M: Wait… what? No power? You told me to call the police in the first place! What about the footprints? F: How much sleep did you get? Do you mean MY footprints from coming in and out of the house? M: Those were yours? F: OK, I'm too tired to put up with you right now. Good night. Get some sleep would you? M: No no no no no don't leave me alone, Maria! Hey, what's going on!? (silence) Maria? (bang) (silence) (Written by Glen-Andrew Beardsley)
Happy Halloween! 来週末、10/31はハロウィンですね。 今回はハロウィンにちなみ、ある夫婦に起こった不思議な話をお届けします。嵐の夜、家の中の足跡、そして開いたままのドア。これから夫婦に起こるミステリアスな出来事とは…！ ※パソコンのブラウザでお聞きの方は、下に表示されている緑色のプレーヤーで、セクション単位での頭出し・巻き戻しができるようになりました。 （オープニング→スロースピードの会話→解説→ナチュラルスピードの会話→エンディング） Download MP3 スマートフォン用（テスト中） （15:51 7.9MB 初級～中級） *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） going on happening, occuring a footprint 足跡 to break in 押し入る to startle ... ...をびっくりさせる to have ... on edge to make ... nervous The power is out. 停電している。 The circuit breaker is busted. ブレーカーが飛んだ。 to put up with ... ...をがまんする *** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:35-06:00 (Natural speed) 12:00-14:05 A Stormy Halloween M: (In the kitchen. Yawning). How can anyone sleep with this storm going on! Hey, what's this? Footprints? Hey, why's the back door open? F: Oh no. I think someone broke in the house! M: Whaaah! Oh, you startled me. Wait, really? F: Yes! Quick! Do something and call for help! I'll go look outside. It could still be here! M: OK. Hey, wait. Where'd you get that? What's that, a pipe? F: Never mind that! Hurry! M: OK, OK! (on phone) Hello? Yes, I think there's a break in. Yes, we live at 564 Elm Street. Thank you. Please hurry! F: (Groans like a zombie) M: EEEEEEEEEEEEE! Stay away from me, zombie! F: Zombie? I'm just tired. See, this is why I told you not to watch so many horror movies recently! M: Oh. Well I… OK. The break-in just has me on edge. F: Break in? What are you talking about? M: I just got done calling the police. They should be here any minute now. F: How did you do that when the power's been out all night? I heard a bang while you were sleeping, and looks like the circuit breaker is busted. M: Wait… what? No power? You told me to call the police in the first place! What about the footprints? F: How much sleep did you get? Do you mean MY footprints from coming in and out of the house? M: Those were yours? F: OK, I'm too tired to put up with you right now. Good night. Get some sleep would you? M: No no no no no don't leave me alone, Maria! Hey, what's going on!? (silence) Maria? (bang) (silence) (Written by Glen-Andrew Beardsley)
皆さんは数学は好きですか？頭をフル回転させて、筋道を追いながら問題の正解に迫っていくプロセスは楽しいものですが、逆に「数式なんて見るのもいや！」という人も多いかも知れませんね。 会話の男性はあまり数学が得意ではないようで、数学の宿題に苦戦しています。そんな彼に女性がアドバイスをするのですが…。数学が好きな人も苦手な人も、今回のポッドキャストをどうぞお楽しみください！ Image credit: PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay Public Domain CC0. ※パソコンのブラウザでお聞きの方は、下に表示されている緑色のプレーヤーで、セクション単位での頭出し・巻き戻しができるようになりました。 （オープニング→スロースピードの会話→解説→ナチュラルスピードの会話→エンディング） Download MP3 スマートフォン用（テスト中） （14:25 6.7MB 初級）*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） to work on 〜 〜に取り組む a subject 科目 There are few things more satisfying in the world than 〜ing 世の中に、〜することより満足感を得られることはほとんどない an equation 方程式 do lines upon lines of work 何行も何行も（数式を解くための）作業を行う ※ "lines upon lines"のように、uponを挟んで同じ名詞を重ねるのは強調表現。 to have a grasp on 〜 〜を理解する a letter 文字 to be over 終わる ridiculous ばかばかしい work うまくいく、効く How come? どうして？ Oh, man! なんてこった！ ※主に男性がよく使う。同じ意味で女性がよく使う表現にはOh dear!などがある。 *** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:55-06:15 (Natural speed) 11:35-13:20 Fun with Math M: Ugh, this homework is killing me! W: Hey, what are you working on? M: (Sigh) The worst subject to be working on: math. W: What? I love math! I think there are few things more satisfying in the world than getting deep into an equation, doing lines upon lines of work, and then getting the right answer in the end! M: Well, if I EVER get a right answer, I'll let you know if I feel the same. W: Alright. It can't be that bad. Let me take a look. Hmmm… wait this is just simple algebra! M: Hey, this is hard. I had a grasp on all this math stuff until they decided to start adding in letters. After that, it was all over! W: Are you serious? M: Yes! I mean, look at this equation. Its ridiculous! W: Well, let me see. First, you want to take this x and move it over here… and multiply this by… M: Wait. That doesn't work. I've already done that. W: Oh, well, let's try dividing by… No, that's not going to work. M: Well, well. Is someone having some trouble? W: No! Just give me a minute. How about this? And this. And, and, as you can see, it is actually quite simple! I got it! M: Sure. Just let me check your answer real quick…. And… and… it's wrong, W: WHAT?! M: Yep. Your answer is definitely very wrong. W: No, this isn't possible! How come? M: Oh man, now I'm going to fail math for the third time! My parents are going to kill me! (Written by Matthew Bola)
皆さんは数学は好きですか？頭をフル回転させて、筋道を追いながら問題の正解に迫っていくプロセスは楽しいものですが、逆に「数式なんて見るのもいや！」という人も多いかも知れませんね。 会話の男性はあまり数学が得意ではないようで、数学の宿題に苦戦しています。そんな彼に女性がアドバイスをするのですが…。数学が好きな人も苦手な人も、今回のポッドキャストをどうぞお楽しみください！ Image credit: PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay Public Domain CC0. ※パソコンのブラウザでお聞きの方は、下に表示されている緑色のプレーヤーで、セクション単位での頭出し・巻き戻しができるようになりました。 （オープニング→スロースピードの会話→解説→ナチュラルスピードの会話→エンディング） Download MP3 スマートフォン用（テスト中） （14:25 6.7MB 初級）*** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） to work on 〜 〜に取り組む a subject 科目 There are few things more satisfying in the world than 〜ing 世の中に、〜することより満足感を得られることはほとんどない an equation 方程式 do lines upon lines of work 何行も何行も（数式を解くための）作業を行う ※ "lines upon lines"のように、uponを挟んで同じ名詞を重ねるのは強調表現。 to have a grasp on 〜 〜を理解する a letter 文字 to be over 終わる ridiculous ばかばかしい work うまくいく、効く How come? どうして？ Oh, man! なんてこった！ ※主に男性がよく使う。同じ意味で女性がよく使う表現にはOh dear!などがある。 *** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:55-06:15 (Natural speed) 11:35-13:20 Fun with Math M: Ugh, this homework is killing me! W: Hey, what are you working on? M: (Sigh) The worst subject to be working on: math. W: What? I love math! I think there are few things more satisfying in the world than getting deep into an equation, doing lines upon lines of work, and then getting the right answer in the end! M: Well, if I EVER get a right answer, I'll let you know if I feel the same. W: Alright. It can't be that bad. Let me take a look. Hmmm… wait this is just simple algebra! M: Hey, this is hard. I had a grasp on all this math stuff until they decided to start adding in letters. After that, it was all over! W: Are you serious? M: Yes! I mean, look at this equation. Its ridiculous! W: Well, let me see. First, you want to take this x and move it over here… and multiply this by… M: Wait. That doesn't work. I've already done that. W: Oh, well, let's try dividing by… No, that's not going to work. M: Well, well. Is someone having some trouble? W: No! Just give me a minute. How about this? And this. And, and, as you can see, it is actually quite simple! I got it! M: Sure. Just let me check your answer real quick…. And… and… it's wrong, W: WHAT?! M: Yep. Your answer is definitely very wrong. W: No, this isn't possible! How come? M: Oh man, now I'm going to fail math for the third time! My parents are going to kill me! (Written by Matthew Bola)
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: vectorsme via Openclipart pd) 今回の会話の舞台は「天国」です…でも、別にこわい話ではありませんのでご安心を。 "Knocking on Heaven's Door"は、死にゆく男を歌ったBob Dylanの名曲を思わせるタイトルですが、今回お聞きいただくのは、ドアをノックするどころか、すでに天国の中に入ってしまった男の話です。 天国ならではのユーモラスな会話が、くすりと笑わせてくれます。最後のどんでん返しもお聞き逃しなく！あの有名人の名前も登場しますよ。 Download MP3 （17:54 10.8MB 初級～中級）Knocking on Heaven's Door *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） man（間投詞） = なんてこった（Oh my goodness） to hurt = 痛む ※"My [体の部分] hurts."で「〜が痛い」 No way! = とんでもない！/まさか！ Yes way! = それが、とんでもあるんですよ！/そのまさかなんですよ！ ※No way!に対するユーモアを込めた返答。 a sixteen-wheeler = 16輪車（巨大トラック） ※バイクなどの二輪車はa two-wheeler、 自家用車などの四輪車はa four-wheeler。 to distill / to distil = （お酒を）蒸留する ※still-という語根には「一滴、しずく」の意味がある。 例：instillation（点滴） spirits = 蒸留酒 ※語根spir-の意味は「息」。気体にして作ることから。 例：inspire（奮起させる←息を吹き込む）、expire（期限が切れる←息が絶える） for your consumption = あなたの食用（飲用）に供するため、お召し上がりになれるよう to set ... up with 〜 = to provide ... with 〜 whatever your heart desires = お望みのものは何でも the carnal desires = 浮き世の望み ※carn-は「肉」。carnalは「肉欲の」とも訳される。 例：carnivore「肉食動物」carnival「謝肉祭」 to pop into one's head = （考えなどが）ひょいと頭に浮かぶ He's out right now. = （神様は）今外出中でいらっしゃいます。 ※直前の"Oh my God..."を受けたユーモラスなセリフ。 Isn't life but a dream? = 人の命も夢にすぎない、そうでしょ？ ※もう天国に来ている男に対するユーモラスな返答。 ここでのbutは副詞で、onlyの意味。 以下の有名な英語の童謡（nursery rhyme）に由来する慣用表現。 Row, row, row your boat, Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream. to brush up on 〜 = 〜を勉強し直す to drag ... to 〜 = ...を〜に引っぱり込む a destination = 目的地 *** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:55-05:35 (Natural speed) 13:35-15:50 Knockin' on Heavens 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)
(image credit: vectorsme via Openclipart pd) 今回の会話の舞台は「天国」です…でも、別にこわい話ではありませんのでご安心を。 "Knocking on Heaven's Door"は、死にゆく男を歌ったBob Dylanの名曲を思わせるタイトルですが、今回お聞きいただくのは、ドアをノックするどころか、すでに天国の中に入ってしまった男の話です。 天国ならではのユーモラスな会話が、くすりと笑わせてくれます。最後のどんでん返しもお聞き逃しなく！あの有名人の名前も登場しますよ。 Download MP3 （17:54 10.8MB 初級～中級）Knocking on Heaven's Door *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） man（間投詞） = なんてこった（Oh my goodness） to hurt = 痛む ※"My [体の部分] hurts."で「〜が痛い」 No way! = とんでもない！/まさか！ Yes way! = それが、とんでもあるんですよ！/そのまさかなんですよ！ ※No way!に対するユーモアを込めた返答。 a sixteen-wheeler = 16輪車（巨大トラック） ※バイクなどの二輪車はa two-wheeler、 自家用車などの四輪車はa four-wheeler。 to distill / to distil = （お酒を）蒸留する ※still-という語根には「一滴、しずく」の意味がある。 例：instillation（点滴） spirits = 蒸留酒 ※語根spir-の意味は「息」。気体にして作ることから。 例：inspire（奮起させる←息を吹き込む）、expire（期限が切れる←息が絶える） for your consumption = あなたの食用（飲用）に供するため、お召し上がりになれるよう to set ... up with 〜 = to provide ... with 〜 whatever your heart desires = お望みのものは何でも the carnal desires = 浮き世の望み ※carn-は「肉」。carnalは「肉欲の」とも訳される。 例：carnivore「肉食動物」carnival「謝肉祭」 to pop into one's head = （考えなどが）ひょいと頭に浮かぶ He's out right now. = （神様は）今外出中でいらっしゃいます。 ※直前の"Oh my God..."を受けたユーモラスなセリフ。 Isn't life but a dream? = 人の命も夢にすぎない、そうでしょ？ ※もう天国に来ている男に対するユーモラスな返答。 ここでのbutは副詞で、onlyの意味。 以下の有名な英語の童謡（nursery rhyme）に由来する慣用表現。 Row, row, row your boat, Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream. to brush up on 〜 = 〜を勉強し直す to drag ... to 〜 = ...を〜に引っぱり込む a destination = 目的地 *** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:55-05:35 (Natural speed) 13:35-15:50 Knockin' on Heavens 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)
突然ですが、あなたは朝帰りの夫です。家では奥様が、帰宅の遅いあなたにおかんむり。そんなとき、あなたはどのようにこのピンチを切り抜けますか？ (1) 素直に謝る。 (2) 言い訳する。 (3) 逆に開き直る。 (3)は論外ですが、(1)が最も望ましいことは言うまでもありません。しかし今回お届けする会話では、(2)を選んだ(?)夫が登場します。しかもどうやらかなり壮大な言い訳をしているみたいです。果たして彼はこのピンチを切り抜けられるのでしょうか!? 今回お借りした素材 写真：Wikimedia Commons Download MP3 （14:53 8.6MB 初級～中級）A Spy Will Sleep on the Sofa *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） to be kept late = 遅くまで引き止められる Am I supposed to believe that? = それを私に信じろと言うの。/ 信じられるものですか。 ※ここでは相手への疑念を表す。 livid =angry (Are) you really going to start that again? ※口語ではbe動詞が省略されることもある。 the head of the FBI = FBIの長官 to come in handy = 役に立つ to chop up 〜 = 〜を切り刻む a badge = バッジ What the... = What the heck?（何てことなの？）の省略。 to be under disguises = 変装する to carry out = 実行する espionage = スパイ（発音注意） assassination(s) = 暗殺 danger-ridden = 危険がいっぱいの out of shape = 太った ※「体調がよくない」の意味もある。 50-pound-overweight 35-year old = 50ポンド太り過ぎな35歳の人 ※50-pound-overweightは形容詞的に、(a) 35-year oldは名詞的に使われている。 ここでの単位pound、yearにsがつかないことに注意。 to reek of alcohol = アルコール臭い It was worth a shot. = 試してみるだけの価値はあった。 *** Script *** (Slow speed) 01:35-03:50 (Natural speed) 11:35-13:25 A Spy Will Sleep on the Sofa Scene: A man coming home late to find his wife waiting for him W: Where have you been?! I've been waiting for you for hours, do you have any idea what time it is?! M: Um... 4 o'clock in the morning? W: YES! 4 O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING! M: I'm sorry, baby, I was kept late at the office. W: Oh, am I supposed to believe that? I am so livid that I don't even want to look at you. Now, I'll give you ONE more chance, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? M: I told you... at work. W: You really going to start that again? M: Wait, wait, wait. I have something to tell you. You see, I'm... I'm in the CIA. W: Yes and I'm the head of the FBI, which will come in handy when I chop up and hide your body after I'm done with you! M: No, seriously! Look. Here's my badge! W: What the... So... this is real? M: Yeah. Now do you understand? W: NO! Why didn't you ever tell me? M: Well, I'm not only in the CIA, but... I'm also a secret agent. I have to travel the world under different disguises to carry out espionage and assassinations for the American government to protect this country. If anyone found out, it would be disastrous. W: Really? M: Yes. It's a terrible and danger-ridden job, but someone has to do it! W: You do realize that you are an out of shape, 50-pound-overweight 35-year old, who I know works at the mechanic's because I have had to pick you up from work because you didn't want to walk the 15-minute walk back. And you reek of alcohol, so yeah, I don't believe a word you said! M: Hey, it was raining that day! And... fine... it was worth a shot. W: Well, the blankets are in the closet. Have a good night on the couch! (Written by Matthew Bola)
突然ですが、あなたは朝帰りの夫です。家では奥様が、帰宅の遅いあなたにおかんむり。そんなとき、あなたはどのようにこのピンチを切り抜けますか？ (1) 素直に謝る。 (2) 言い訳する。 (3) 逆に開き直る。 (3)は論外ですが、(1)が最も望ましいことは言うまでもありません。しかし今回お届けする会話では、(2)を選んだ(?)夫が登場します。しかもどうやらかなり壮大な言い訳をしているみたいです。果たして彼はこのピンチを切り抜けられるのでしょうか!? 今回お借りした素材 写真：Wikimedia Commons Download MP3 （14:53 8.6MB 初級～中級）A Spy Will Sleep on the Sofa *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） to be kept late = 遅くまで引き止められる Am I supposed to believe that? = それを私に信じろと言うの。/ 信じられるものですか。 ※ここでは相手への疑念を表す。 livid =angry (Are) you really going to start that again? ※口語ではbe動詞が省略されることもある。 the head of the FBI = FBIの長官 to come in handy = 役に立つ to chop up 〜 = 〜を切り刻む a badge = バッジ What the... = What the heck?（何てことなの？）の省略。 to be under disguises = 変装する to carry out = 実行する espionage = スパイ（発音注意） assassination(s) = 暗殺 danger-ridden = 危険がいっぱいの out of shape = 太った ※「体調がよくない」の意味もある。 50-pound-overweight 35-year old = 50ポンド太り過ぎな35歳の人 ※50-pound-overweightは形容詞的に、(a) 35-year oldは名詞的に使われている。 ここでの単位pound、yearにsがつかないことに注意。 to reek of alcohol = アルコール臭い It was worth a shot. = 試してみるだけの価値はあった。 *** Script *** (Slow speed) 01:35-03:50 (Natural speed) 11:35-13:25 A Spy Will Sleep on the Sofa Scene: A man coming home late to find his wife waiting for him W: Where have you been?! I've been waiting for you for hours, do you have any idea what time it is?! M: Um... 4 o'clock in the morning? W: YES! 4 O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING! M: I'm sorry, baby, I was kept late at the office. W: Oh, am I supposed to believe that? I am so livid that I don't even want to look at you. Now, I'll give you ONE more chance, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? M: I told you... at work. W: You really going to start that again? M: Wait, wait, wait. I have something to tell you. You see, I'm... I'm in the CIA. W: Yes and I'm the head of the FBI, which will come in handy when I chop up and hide your body after I'm done with you! M: No, seriously! Look. Here's my badge! W: What the... So... this is real? M: Yeah. Now do you understand? W: NO! Why didn't you ever tell me? M: Well, I'm not only in the CIA, but... I'm also a secret agent. I have to travel the world under different disguises to carry out espionage and assassinations for the American government to protect this country. If anyone found out, it would be disastrous. W: Really? M: Yes. It's a terrible and danger-ridden job, but someone has to do it! W: You do realize that you are an out of shape, 50-pound-overweight 35-year old, who I know works at the mechanic's because I have had to pick you up from work because you didn't want to walk the 15-minute walk back. And you reek of alcohol, so yeah, I don't believe a word you said! M: Hey, it was raining that day! And... fine... it was worth a shot. W: Well, the blankets are in the closet. Have a good night on the couch! (Written by Matthew Bola)
今月初めにお届けした異文化ディスカッションでは、宇宙についての話題をお届けしました。今回も、少し早いですが来月の七夕にちなみ、星についての話題でどうぞお楽しみください。 今回お借りした素材 写真：Wikipedia Download MP3 （15:36 9.0MB 初級～中級）Seeing Stars *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） What are you up to? = How are you? ※返答はNothing much.などと言う。 astronomy = 天文学 You can't believe they offer astronomy? = （学校が）天文学の授業を提供（開講）しているのが信じられないの？ Cancer = 蟹座 Capricorn = 山羊座 Pieces = 魚座 horoscopes = 星占い astrology = 占星術 rotation of heavenly bodies = 天体の回転 Reel it in a bit. = Please make it easier to understand. ※もともとは釣りで「獲物をもう少し近づけてほしい」という表現。 How to properly align and operate a telescope. = 望遠鏡で照準を正しく合わせる方法 a meteor shower / shooting stars = 流星雨 a play on words = 言葉遊び ※ punとも言う。 to overlook = 見逃す Don't get your hopes up! = 期待しすぎないでね *** Script *** (Slow speed) 04:45-06:55 (Natural speed) 12:45-14:30 Seeing Stars M: Hey, what are you up to? W: Oh, just my astronomy homework, it's pretty interesting. M: Are you serious? Do they really have astronomy classes at this school? W: ...What are you talking about? You can't believe they offer astronomy? As in the study of planets, stars, space, etc. M: Wait, not that stuff... I thought it was about star signs, such as Cancer, Capricorn, and Pieces, and horoscopes and stuff? W: (sigh) No, that would be ASTROLOGY... M: Ohhhhh. I see! W: And unfortunately people get those two confused a lot! M: I mean, really, what's the difference? W: Are you serious? Astronomy is based on science. And through it, scientists have been able to calculate amazing things, such as the mass of stars and planets, the distance to the nearest galaxies, the rotation of heavenly bodies! M: OK... reel it in a bit. W: Sorry, I just think it's really, really interesting! M: Well, what are you studying about right now? W: How to properly align and operate a telescope. Tomorrow night we're supposed to look at the moons of Jupiter! M: Wow, sounds cool! Hey, maybe you can teach me more about this kinda stuff... I hear there's a meteor shower this weekend! W: Is that so? M: It is so. And I hear those can be particularly romantic. So, maybe I can bring a couple of blankets this Friday? And you can show me some shooting stars? W: I'm going to overlook that horrible play on words and kindly agree to your offer. Actually, I WAS looking for someone to watch the shower with. M: Well then, it's a date! W: Hey, don't get your hopes up! (Written by Matthew Bola)
今月初めにお届けした異文化ディスカッションでは、宇宙についての話題をお届けしました。今回も、少し早いですが来月の七夕にちなみ、星についての話題でどうぞお楽しみください。 今回お借りした素材 写真：Wikipedia Download MP3 （15:36 9.0MB 初級～中級）Seeing Stars *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） What are you up to? = How are you? ※返答はNothing much.などと言う。 astronomy = 天文学 You can't believe they offer astronomy? = （学校が）天文学の授業を提供（開講）しているのが信じられないの？ Cancer = 蟹座 Capricorn = 山羊座 Pieces = 魚座 horoscopes = 星占い astrology = 占星術 rotation of heavenly bodies = 天体の回転 Reel it in a bit. = Please make it easier to understand. ※もともとは釣りで「獲物をもう少し近づけてほしい」という表現。 How to properly align and operate a telescope. = 望遠鏡で照準を正しく合わせる方法 a meteor shower / shooting stars = 流星雨 a play on words = 言葉遊び ※ punとも言う。 to overlook = 見逃す Don't get your hopes up! = 期待しすぎないでね *** Script *** (Slow speed) 04:45-06:55 (Natural speed) 12:45-14:30 Seeing Stars M: Hey, what are you up to? W: Oh, just my astronomy homework, it's pretty interesting. M: Are you serious? Do they really have astronomy classes at this school? W: ...What are you talking about? You can't believe they offer astronomy? As in the study of planets, stars, space, etc. M: Wait, not that stuff... I thought it was about star signs, such as Cancer, Capricorn, and Pieces, and horoscopes and stuff? W: (sigh) No, that would be ASTROLOGY... M: Ohhhhh. I see! W: And unfortunately people get those two confused a lot! M: I mean, really, what's the difference? W: Are you serious? Astronomy is based on science. And through it, scientists have been able to calculate amazing things, such as the mass of stars and planets, the distance to the nearest galaxies, the rotation of heavenly bodies! M: OK... reel it in a bit. W: Sorry, I just think it's really, really interesting! M: Well, what are you studying about right now? W: How to properly align and operate a telescope. Tomorrow night we're supposed to look at the moons of Jupiter! M: Wow, sounds cool! Hey, maybe you can teach me more about this kinda stuff... I hear there's a meteor shower this weekend! W: Is that so? M: It is so. And I hear those can be particularly romantic. So, maybe I can bring a couple of blankets this Friday? And you can show me some shooting stars? W: I'm going to overlook that horrible play on words and kindly agree to your offer. Actually, I WAS looking for someone to watch the shower with. M: Well then, it's a date! W: Hey, don't get your hopes up! (Written by Matthew Bola)
Happy Halloween! あす10/31はハロウィンですね。もともと魔除けのお祭りであったハロウィンのお祭りにちなんで、今回は「怖いもの」についての会話をお届けします。 会話の中で、女性は男性のシャツに虫がいるのを発見します。女性が虫を怖がっているのに対し、男性の方はちっとも怖がっていない様子。しかし、男性にとって怖いある物が、女性にとっては怖くないようです。それは何でしょうか・・・？ 今回お借りした素材 写真：Wikipedia Download MP3 （14:07 8.2MB 初級～中級） Scared of Bugs *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） creepy = scary nasty, gross = terrible crawling caterpillars = 這っている毛虫 Marbles = woman's name a garden snake = ガーターヘビ（害のないヘビ） awesome = 素晴らしい、最高の I just don't get you. = I just don't understand you. *** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:10-04:50 (Natural speed) 09:20-10:40 Scared of Bugs M: Hi Lauren! Why do you look so scared? Are you all right? W: Remy, don't move! There's a beetle on your shirt!! M: (Nonchalantly) Oh really…? Where? W: You're not scared?! M: Not really. It's just a bug. They're so small compared to us, so I don't really get scared of them. W: Ugh, I hate bugs! I'm scared of every bug on this planet! M: Every bug? You can't be scared of ants! Ants are harmless! And what about butterflies? Butterflies are beautiful! W: What are you talking about?! Ants bite! And they've got all those little legs? Oh, creepy!! And butterflies start out as nasty, crawling caterpillars? Gross!! M: Wait a minute; one time when I came over to your house there was a pet snake in a tank. Whose was that? If you're scared of bugs I can't believe you'd live with a snake in your house! W: Oh, you mean Marbles? He's my pet garden snake. He's awesome! M: Are you telling me that you're scared of bugs, but you think snakes are OK?! W: Well, yeah! Snakes aren't bugs, now, are they? Snakes have brains, feelings, emotions! M: Sometimes I just don't get you, Lauren… (Written by Hannah Klein)
Happy Halloween! あす10/31はハロウィンですね。もともと魔除けのお祭りであったハロウィンのお祭りにちなんで、今回は「怖いもの」についての会話をお届けします。 会話の中で、女性は男性のシャツに虫がいるのを発見します。女性が虫を怖がっているのに対し、男性の方はちっとも怖がっていない様子。しかし、男性にとって怖いある物が、女性にとっては怖くないようです。それは何でしょうか・・・？ 今回お借りした素材 写真：Wikipedia Download MP3 （14:07 8.2MB 初級～中級） Scared of Bugs *** It's a Good Expression *** （今回の重要表現） creepy = scary nasty, gross = terrible crawling caterpillars = 這っている毛虫 Marbles = woman's name a garden snake = ガーターヘビ（害のないヘビ） awesome = 素晴らしい、最高の I just don't get you. = I just don't understand you. *** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:10-04:50 (Natural speed) 09:20-10:40 Scared of Bugs M: Hi Lauren! Why do you look so scared? Are you all right? W: Remy, don't move! There's a beetle on your shirt!! M: (Nonchalantly) Oh really…? Where? W: You're not scared?! M: Not really. It's just a bug. They're so small compared to us, so I don't really get scared of them. W: Ugh, I hate bugs! I'm scared of every bug on this planet! M: Every bug? You can't be scared of ants! Ants are harmless! And what about butterflies? Butterflies are beautiful! W: What are you talking about?! Ants bite! And they've got all those little legs? Oh, creepy!! And butterflies start out as nasty, crawling caterpillars? Gross!! M: Wait a minute; one time when I came over to your house there was a pet snake in a tank. Whose was that? If you're scared of bugs I can't believe you'd live with a snake in your house! W: Oh, you mean Marbles? He's my pet garden snake. He's awesome! M: Are you telling me that you're scared of bugs, but you think snakes are OK?! W: Well, yeah! Snakes aren't bugs, now, are they? Snakes have brains, feelings, emotions! M: Sometimes I just don't get you, Lauren… (Written by Hannah Klein)
８月の「やさしい英語会話」は、2011年9月〜2012年7月（Season Four）の一年間に配信したエピソードから厳選し、再放送をお届けします。 広島大学のある東広島市は、昔から「酒都」として知られており、多くの酒蔵があります。毎年10月に西条地区の「酒蔵通り」で恒例の酒まつりが開催されます。今年も多くの人で賑わうことでしょう。 今回の会話は、この「西条酒まつり」がテーマです。祭りに参加しようと会場をめざす二人。無事に会場にたどり着けるのでしょうか・・・。 Download MP3 （15:17 8.9MB 初級～中級）** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:15-06:05 (Natural speed) 11:30-13:35 The Saijo Sake Festival M: Ayako, are you sure we're going the right way to the sake festival? W: Absolutely. I moved to Saijo when I was four, remember? M: (Whispering to himself) So, why haven't we found it yet? W: What was that? M: Oh, nothing! I trust you 100%. W: OK. Anyways, let's try going this way. I'm sure it's around here somewhere. M: It better be. This is the only road in Saijo. Everything else is rice fields! W: Hey, that's not true! There are plenty of cool places in Saijo. M: Really? Like what? I bet you can't even name three! W: Well, there's Kagamiyama Park. It's really romantic. Oh, and then there's Hiroshima University. M: Exactly. That's all there is! W: Wait, I wasn't finished. It also has a movie theater, a bowling alley, ethnic restaurants, and some nice bars! M: Oh, I guess that's not so bad. W: Of course it's not. Besides, you'll only be here for six months right? M: Yeah. W: Well, promise me that you'll just give it a try! I'm sure you'll really like it. The countryside can be super relaxing. M: OK, I promise… Hey, I think this flyer here says something about the festival. Can you read it? It's all in Japanese. W: Sure… Uh oh. I think there's a small problem. M: Wait, don't tell me: The sake festival is not here? We've been walking in the wrong direction for the past half hour? W: Kind of… M: Kind of? What do you mean "kind of"? W: Well, it's here. But, it's just not here today. I got the date mixed up. M: What!? I thought you were sure about the date! W: I thought so too. But, I guess not. I'm really sorry. M: So, we just spent the last 30 minutes walking around in the hot sun? W: Yeah. My fault. I'm super sorry. Hey, how about we try just ordering sake from the bar? Same feeling, right? M: I guess so. You're definitely treating me tonight! (Written by Kyle Kumashiro)
８月の「やさしい英語会話」は、2011年9月〜2012年7月（Season Four）の一年間に配信したエピソードから厳選し、再放送をお届けします。 広島大学のある東広島市は、昔から「酒都」として知られており、多くの酒蔵があります。毎年10月に西条地区の「酒蔵通り」で恒例の酒まつりが開催されます。今年も多くの人で賑わうことでしょう。 今回の会話は、この「西条酒まつり」がテーマです。祭りに参加しようと会場をめざす二人。無事に会場にたどり着けるのでしょうか・・・。 Download MP3 （15:17 8.9MB 初級～中級）** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:15-06:05 (Natural speed) 11:30-13:35 The Saijo Sake Festival M: Ayako, are you sure we're going the right way to the sake festival? W: Absolutely. I moved to Saijo when I was four, remember? M: (Whispering to himself) So, why haven't we found it yet? W: What was that? M: Oh, nothing! I trust you 100%. W: OK. Anyways, let's try going this way. I'm sure it's around here somewhere. M: It better be. This is the only road in Saijo. Everything else is rice fields! W: Hey, that's not true! There are plenty of cool places in Saijo. M: Really? Like what? I bet you can't even name three! W: Well, there's Kagamiyama Park. It's really romantic. Oh, and then there's Hiroshima University. M: Exactly. That's all there is! W: Wait, I wasn't finished. It also has a movie theater, a bowling alley, ethnic restaurants, and some nice bars! M: Oh, I guess that's not so bad. W: Of course it's not. Besides, you'll only be here for six months right? M: Yeah. W: Well, promise me that you'll just give it a try! I'm sure you'll really like it. The countryside can be super relaxing. M: OK, I promise… Hey, I think this flyer here says something about the festival. Can you read it? It's all in Japanese. W: Sure… Uh oh. I think there's a small problem. M: Wait, don't tell me: The sake festival is not here? We've been walking in the wrong direction for the past half hour? W: Kind of… M: Kind of? What do you mean "kind of"? W: Well, it's here. But, it's just not here today. I got the date mixed up. M: What!? I thought you were sure about the date! W: I thought so too. But, I guess not. I'm really sorry. M: So, we just spent the last 30 minutes walking around in the hot sun? W: Yeah. My fault. I'm super sorry. Hey, how about we try just ordering sake from the bar? Same feeling, right? M: I guess so. You're definitely treating me tonight! (Written by Kyle Kumashiro)
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)
広島大学のある東広島市西条地区は、昔から「酒都」として知られており、多くの酒蔵があります。10月8日（土）と9日（日）に、毎年恒例の酒まつりが西条の「酒蔵通り」で開催されます。今年も多くの人で賑わうことでしょう。 今回の会話は、この「西条酒まつり」がテーマです。祭りに参加しようと会場をめざす二人。無事に会場にたどり着けるのでしょうか・・・。 今回お借りした素材 写真（酒）：Wikipedia Download MP3 （14:24 8.4MB 初級～中級）** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:25-5:15 (Natural speed) 10:40-12:45 The Saijo Sake Festival M: Ayako, are you sure we're going the right way to the sake festival? W: Absolutely. I moved to Saijo when I was four, remember? M: (Whispering to himself) So, why haven't we found it yet? W: What was that? M: Oh, nothing! I trust you 100%. W: OK. Anyways, let's try going this way. I'm sure it's around here somewhere. M: It better be. This is the only road in Saijo. Everything else is rice fields! W: Hey, that's not true! There are plenty of cool places in Saijo. M: Really? Like what? I bet you can't even name three! W: Well, there's Kagamiyama Park. It's really romantic. Oh, and then there's Hiroshima University. M: Exactly. That's all there is! W: Wait, I wasn't finished. It also has a movie theater, a bowling alley, ethnic restaurants, and some nice bars! M: Oh, I guess that's not so bad. W: Of course it's not. Besides, you'll only be here for six months right? M: Yeah. W: Well, promise me that you'll just give it a try! I'm sure you'll really like it. The countryside can be super relaxing. M: OK, I promise… Hey, I think this flyer here says something about the festival. Can you read it? It's all in Japanese. W: Sure… Uh oh. I think there's a small problem. M: Wait, don't tell me: The sake festival is not here? We've been walking in the wrong direction for the past half hour? W: Kind of… M: Kind of? What do you mean "kind of"? W: Well, it's here. But, it's just not here today. I got the date mixed up. M: What!? I thought you were sure about the date! W: I thought so too. But, I guess not. I'm really sorry. M: So, we just spent the last 30 minutes walking around in the hot sun? W: Yeah. My fault. I'm super sorry. Hey, how about we try just ordering sake from the bar? Same feeling, right? M: I guess so. You're definitely treating me tonight! (Written by Kyle Kumashiro)
広島大学のある東広島市西条地区は、昔から「酒都」として知られており、多くの酒蔵があります。10月8日（土）と9日（日）に、毎年恒例の酒まつりが西条の「酒蔵通り」で開催されます。今年も多くの人で賑わうことでしょう。 今回の会話は、この「西条酒まつり」がテーマです。祭りに参加しようと会場をめざす二人。無事に会場にたどり着けるのでしょうか・・・。 今回お借りした素材 写真（酒）：Wikipedia Download MP3 （14:24 8.4MB 初級～中級）** Script *** (Slow speed) 02:25-5:15 (Natural speed) 10:40-12:45 The Saijo Sake Festival M: Ayako, are you sure we're going the right way to the sake festival? W: Absolutely. I moved to Saijo when I was four, remember? M: (Whispering to himself) So, why haven't we found it yet? W: What was that? M: Oh, nothing! I trust you 100%. W: OK. Anyways, let's try going this way. I'm sure it's around here somewhere. M: It better be. This is the only road in Saijo. Everything else is rice fields! W: Hey, that's not true! There are plenty of cool places in Saijo. M: Really? Like what? I bet you can't even name three! W: Well, there's Kagamiyama Park. It's really romantic. Oh, and then there's Hiroshima University. M: Exactly. That's all there is! W: Wait, I wasn't finished. It also has a movie theater, a bowling alley, ethnic restaurants, and some nice bars! M: Oh, I guess that's not so bad. W: Of course it's not. Besides, you'll only be here for six months right? M: Yeah. W: Well, promise me that you'll just give it a try! I'm sure you'll really like it. The countryside can be super relaxing. M: OK, I promise… Hey, I think this flyer here says something about the festival. Can you read it? It's all in Japanese. W: Sure… Uh oh. I think there's a small problem. M: Wait, don't tell me: The sake festival is not here? We've been walking in the wrong direction for the past half hour? W: Kind of… M: Kind of? What do you mean "kind of"? W: Well, it's here. But, it's just not here today. I got the date mixed up. M: What!? I thought you were sure about the date! W: I thought so too. But, I guess not. I'm really sorry. M: So, we just spent the last 30 minutes walking around in the hot sun? W: Yeah. My fault. I'm super sorry. Hey, how about we try just ordering sake from the bar? Same feeling, right? M: I guess so. You're definitely treating me tonight! (Written by Kyle Kumashiro)
今回のテーマは「原爆資料館」。正式には広島平和記念資料館（Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum）と呼ばれ、広島の平和記念公園内にあるこの施設には、原爆ドーム（The Atomic Bomb Dome）とともに世界中から多くの人が訪れ、66年前にこの地で起こった出来事に思いを馳せつつ、平和に祈りを捧げる場所となっています。 会話では、バンクーバー出身の日系カナダ人教師であるワタナベ先生と、学生の道弘君が、偶然原爆資料館で出くわします。道弘君には資料館を訪れた目的が２つほどあるようですが、それは何でしょうか。また、会話の最後で明らかになる事実とは・・・？ 今回お借りした素材 写真（原爆ドーム）：Wikipedia Download MP3 （17:16 9.9MB 初級～中級）** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:10-4:50 (Natural speed) 13:45-15:05 The Atomic Bomb Remembrance Hall (Note: Ms. Watanabe is a 3rd generation Japanese-Canadian from Vancouver, who teaches English in Hiroshima. Michihiro is a student.) M: Takagi. Takahashi. Tamashiro. Hmm... Where is it? W: Michihiro? Is that you? M: Oh, Ms. Watanabe! Sorry, I didn't see you standing there. W: Wow, this is quite a surprise. What are you doing here? M: Um, I guess I'm mostly here to review for your Peace Studies exam next week! W: Mostly? M: Well, I also came to look for one of my relatives who died in the bombing. W: Well, good for you! This place is great, isn't it? I'm so glad that the victims will be forever remembered by future generations. M: Yeah, you can say that again! Well, I guess I should get back to my search now. W: OK. Um, who are you looking for? M: My grandmother's cousin. She died in the bombing. W: Need any help? If you tell me her name, I'll help you look for her. M: OK. That sounds great. Her name was Natsuko Tsugawa. W: Natsuko Tsugawa? Was she, by any chance, married to a Tsutomu Ogawa? M: I think so. Why? W: Natsuko Tsugawa was my grandfather's niece! M: Wait! What? Are you sure? W: Absolutely. M: Well, if she was your grandfather's niece and my grandmother's sister, then that means that we're . . . (both people) RELATED! M: Wow! That's amazing! W: Incredible! I had no idea. M: So, does this mean that I can skip the exam next week? W: Not a chance! (Written by Kyle Kumashiro)
今回のテーマは「原爆資料館」。正式には広島平和記念資料館（Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum）と呼ばれ、広島の平和記念公園内にあるこの施設には、原爆ドーム（The Atomic Bomb Dome）とともに世界中から多くの人が訪れ、66年前にこの地で起こった出来事に思いを馳せつつ、平和に祈りを捧げる場所となっています。 会話では、バンクーバー出身の日系カナダ人教師であるワタナベ先生と、学生の道弘君が、偶然原爆資料館で出くわします。道弘君には資料館を訪れた目的が２つほどあるようですが、それは何でしょうか。また、会話の最後で明らかになる事実とは・・・？ 今回お借りした素材 写真（原爆ドーム）：Wikipedia Download MP3 （17:16 9.9MB 初級～中級）** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:10-4:50 (Natural speed) 13:45-15:05 The Atomic Bomb Remembrance Hall (Note: Ms. Watanabe is a 3rd generation Japanese-Canadian from Vancouver, who teaches English in Hiroshima. Michihiro is a student.) M: Takagi. Takahashi. Tamashiro. Hmm... Where is it? W: Michihiro? Is that you? M: Oh, Ms. Watanabe! Sorry, I didn't see you standing there. W: Wow, this is quite a surprise. What are you doing here? M: Um, I guess I'm mostly here to review for your Peace Studies exam next week! W: Mostly? M: Well, I also came to look for one of my relatives who died in the bombing. W: Well, good for you! This place is great, isn't it? I'm so glad that the victims will be forever remembered by future generations. M: Yeah, you can say that again! Well, I guess I should get back to my search now. W: OK. Um, who are you looking for? M: My grandmother's cousin. She died in the bombing. W: Need any help? If you tell me her name, I'll help you look for her. M: OK. That sounds great. Her name was Natsuko Tsugawa. W: Natsuko Tsugawa? Was she, by any chance, married to a Tsutomu Ogawa? M: I think so. Why? W: Natsuko Tsugawa was my grandfather's niece! M: Wait! What? Are you sure? W: Absolutely. M: Well, if she was your grandfather's niece and my grandmother's sister, then that means that we're . . . (both people) RELATED! M: Wow! That's amazing! W: Incredible! I had no idea. M: So, does this mean that I can skip the exam next week? W: Not a chance! (Written by Kyle Kumashiro)
今回は、ちょうど今の時期にアメリカのハイスクールで盛んな「プロム」（prom）の話題です。 日本では馴染みが薄いプロムですが、『バック・トゥ・ザ・フューチャー』などアメリカ映画ではたびたび登場するので耳にされた方も多いかも知れません。プロムとはアメリカのハイスクールでは４月〜６月にかけて開かれるダンスパーティです。特に卒業学年のプロムはSenior promと呼ばれます。 男の子が女の子を誘い、フォーマルな衣装でパーティに繰り出す経験を、それも学校公認でできるとあって、アメリカのティーンエイジャーにはとても大事な日です。一方で、シャイなあまり女の子を誘えなかったり、誘った女の子に断られたり、あるいは男の子の誰からも誘われなかったり、そんなほろ苦い体験の場にもなりうるのです。 会話の男女はお互いと話すのが初めてなのに、女性の方は男性のことを知っていたようです。それはなぜでしょうか。また、会話の中でプロムの話題が出てきますが、二人には相手がいるのでしょうか。そして、最後はどのような展開になるのでしょうか・・・。 今回お借りした素材 画像（プロムの様子）：Wikipediaより Download MP3 （17:18 10.0MB 初級～中級）** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:25-5:50 (Natural speed) 13:05-15:00 Senior Prom M: Hey, you're Natsuko's best friend, right? W: Yes. And you're Andrew, right? M: Yeah. How did you know my name? W: Well, you're ONLY the most popular guy in our school! M: What? No, I'm not. W: Yes, you are. You're the best basketball player in the state! And, almost all the girls in our school want to date you! Hey, I was wondering, are you going to the prom with anyone yet? M: Nah. I didn't ask anyone yet. Are you? W: Not yet. I'm waiting for the perfect guy to ask me! M: Wow, good luck with that! Hopefully, someone asks you soon. W: Yeah, hopefully. I think that the date is the most important thing about prom. A good date means a good prom. M: Yeah, I completely agree. By the way, did Natsuko find a date yet? W: No, I don't think so. One guy asked her last week. But, I think she turned him down. M: I see. W: Why do you care? Are you interested? M: No. I was just wondering. W: Yeah. She's so picky. She's turned down a bunch of other guys, too. She always tells me that she is waiting for a certain guy to ask her. M: Really? W: Yeah. M: Wow. Anyways, I have to go. Oh, one last thing. Um, do you think you . . . W: Yes! I would love to go to prom with you! I can't believe that you just asked me! M: Wait, what? No. Sorry, I wasn't asking you to prom. W: What? Then what were you asking me? M: Umm. I was just asking if you could ... I just wanted to know… if you could give me Natsuko's number. W: Natsuko? Why do you need her number? M: I just wanted to ... umm… to ask her about calculus homework. W: What? M: Yes. I really want to ask her about calculus homework. W: When does a star basketball player ever care about calculus? You just want her number to ask her to prom! M: Yeah. Maybe. W: OK. Here… (To self: Ah! Natsuko always gets the good ones!) (Written by Kyle Kumashiro)
今回は、ちょうど今の時期にアメリカのハイスクールで盛んな「プロム」（prom）の話題です。 日本では馴染みが薄いプロムですが、『バック・トゥ・ザ・フューチャー』などアメリカ映画ではたびたび登場するので耳にされた方も多いかも知れません。プロムとはアメリカのハイスクールでは４月〜６月にかけて開かれるダンスパーティです。特に卒業学年のプロムはSenior promと呼ばれます。 男の子が女の子を誘い、フォーマルな衣装でパーティに繰り出す経験を、それも学校公認でできるとあって、アメリカのティーンエイジャーにはとても大事な日です。一方で、シャイなあまり女の子を誘えなかったり、誘った女の子に断られたり、あるいは男の子の誰からも誘われなかったり、そんなほろ苦い体験の場にもなりうるのです。 会話の男女はお互いと話すのが初めてなのに、女性の方は男性のことを知っていたようです。それはなぜでしょうか。また、会話の中でプロムの話題が出てきますが、二人には相手がいるのでしょうか。そして、最後はどのような展開になるのでしょうか・・・。 今回お借りした素材 画像（プロムの様子）：Wikipediaより Download MP3 （17:18 10.0MB 初級～中級）** Script *** (Slow speed) 03:25-5:50 (Natural speed) 13:05-15:00 Senior Prom M: Hey, you're Natsuko's best friend, right? W: Yes. And you're Andrew, right? M: Yeah. How did you know my name? W: Well, you're ONLY the most popular guy in our school! M: What? No, I'm not. W: Yes, you are. You're the best basketball player in the state! And, almost all the girls in our school want to date you! Hey, I was wondering, are you going to the prom with anyone yet? M: Nah. I didn't ask anyone yet. Are you? W: Not yet. I'm waiting for the perfect guy to ask me! M: Wow, good luck with that! Hopefully, someone asks you soon. W: Yeah, hopefully. I think that the date is the most important thing about prom. A good date means a good prom. M: Yeah, I completely agree. By the way, did Natsuko find a date yet? W: No, I don't think so. One guy asked her last week. But, I think she turned him down. M: I see. W: Why do you care? Are you interested? M: No. I was just wondering. W: Yeah. She's so picky. She's turned down a bunch of other guys, too. She always tells me that she is waiting for a certain guy to ask her. M: Really? W: Yeah. M: Wow. Anyways, I have to go. Oh, one last thing. Um, do you think you . . . W: Yes! I would love to go to prom with you! I can't believe that you just asked me! M: Wait, what? No. Sorry, I wasn't asking you to prom. W: What? Then what were you asking me? M: Umm. I was just asking if you could ... I just wanted to know… if you could give me Natsuko's number. W: Natsuko? Why do you need her number? M: I just wanted to ... umm… to ask her about calculus homework. W: What? M: Yes. I really want to ask her about calculus homework. W: When does a star basketball player ever care about calculus? You just want her number to ask her to prom! M: Yeah. Maybe. W: OK. Here… (To self: Ah! Natsuko always gets the good ones!) (Written by Kyle Kumashiro)
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??
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