VOA英语教学：美语训练班 098

 　　A: 欢迎大家来到这期的美语训练班! 大家猜猜我是谁?

　　B: And........杨琳，welcome back!! How was China?
　　A: It was great! 终于在北京过了一次春节，年味儿好浓呀! Plus I ate tons of delicious Chinese food, including your favorite 串儿! Here, 给你张我吃串儿的照片看看!
　　B: I should have known you would torture me like this! But I'm glad you had a good time! We'll talk about your stories later in the show. Now let's see what we are going to learn today, shall we?
　　A: 没问题! 今天我们要一起来聊聊正式场合该如何着装，看看怎么表达维系生活，还要告诉你怎么吃饭最健康!!
　　B: Finding out the dress code is really important for attending an event. I remember this one time that I wore Jeans and sneakers to a formal event, it was just so embarrassing....
　　A: For you? I'm not that surprised.
　　B: Hey....
　　A: 哈哈，好啦! 不开玩笑了! 现在，咱们赶快先来进入第一个单元，learn a word!
　　Learn A Word  1669 intern
　　今天我们要学的词是 intern, intern is spelled i n t e r n, intern. Intern 实习生。不久前，A Senate intern was found to be an illegal immigrant and a registered sex offender. 美国国会参议院的一个实习生被发现是非法移民，而且还是记录在册的性犯罪者。Facebook interns make between $5,600 to $6,300 a month, the equivalent of $65,000 to $75,000 a year. 脸谱网的实习生每个月可以拿到5千6到6千3百美元，相当于一年6万5到7万5千美元。不过，别以为实习生都能赚那么多钱，现在就业市场不景气，Many college graduates are working as unpaid interns.  很多大学毕业生都在做没有酬劳的实习生。好的，今天我们学习的词是 intern, intern, intern...
　　A: Wow, Facebook interns can get more than 6000 dollars a month? A lot of full time jobs don't even pay that well!
　　B: Yeah, IT companies like Facebook or Google pay their employees really well. I heard they usually throw in a signing bonuses of $50k 100k.
　　A: Wow, are you serious? So if you are a software engineer at Facebook, you will never have to worry about  keeping your head above water!
　　B: Exactly!  Hey,  you just mention a phrase: keep your head above water. Let's listen to today's words and idioms and find out what it means!
　　Words and Idioms 817 KEEP ONE'S HEAD ABOVE WATER
　　美国习惯用语第 817讲
　　我们家隔壁住着一位老奶奶，八十多岁，孤苦伶仃，没有人照顾。如今，物价涨得这么厉害，她的生活一天比一天困难。好在，我们左邻右舍经常都会帮她一把。她的处境让我想起了一个习惯用语，那就是：
　　M: Keep one's head above water. Head is spelled h e a d, and water; w a t e r. Keep one's head above water. Keep one's head above water.
　　head 脑袋。water 水。把头放在水面上，这样就不会呛水了。因此说，Keep one's head above water 这个习惯用语就是说，在艰难的处境下维系，克服生活、工作和财务上的困难。说到我们邻居的那位老奶奶，She's scarcely able to keep her head above water.
　　Keep one's head above water 这个习惯用语很实用。让我们听听下面这位餐馆老板最近的生意如何。
　　M: "Before the new highway was built, I could easily fill every table in my restaurant. These days, with fewer diners, it's become a struggle to stay in business. I'm barely KEEPING MY HEAD ABOVE WATER. I don't know how much longer I can afford to stay open."
　　这位餐馆老板说，没有那条高速公路的时候，我的餐馆里总是坐得满满的。可是如今，客人少多了，钱越来越难赚，能维持收支平衡就已经很不容易了。我真不知道还能坚持多久。
　　看来，这条高速公路真是断了这个餐馆老板的财路。他肯定特别怀念以前生意兴隆的日子。在英语里，我们说生意开在了黄金地带，黄金地带就是 goldmine, goldmine, goldmine, 金矿。好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
　　M: "Before the new highway was built, I could easily fill every table in my restaurant. These days, with fewer diners, it's become a struggle to stay in business. I'm barely KEEPING MY HEAD ABOVE WATER. I don't know how much longer I can afford to stay open."
　　我朋友的孩子从医学院毕业，如今在医院里做实习生。他抱怨说，每天要在医院里待十几个小时，到了家疲惫不堪，按照他的话说，I can barely keep my head above water. 虽说在美国，医生赚得多，但是看来，他们也是要付出艰苦代价的。
　　眼下，越来越多的美国人都从东北地区搬走，住到南方去。不过，现在房地产市场不景气，在买房和卖房之间一定要协调好，否则的话，就会出现跟下面这对夫妇同样的状况。
　　M: "My wife and I are excited about furnishing our new house in North Carolina. But since we still haven't sold our old place back in Massachusetts, it's been a huge financial challenge. So far we've KEPT OUR HEADS ABOVE WATER. We only hope we can find a buyer soon! "
　　这位先生说，我跟太太正在装修北卡罗来纳州的新房子，兴奋极了。但是因为我们在麻萨诸塞州的旧房子还没有脱手，所以财务上压力很大。到目前为止，我们还能勉强支撑着，真希望能尽快找到买主。
　　设身处地想想看，要同时负担两栋房子的按揭，ouch! 真够他们受的。如果暂时卖不掉，把房子租出去也是一种选择。我姑姑姑父就把自己的公寓租了出去，因为地点好，从来都不愁找不到房客。They not only keep their heads above water, 他们不仅不愁付不出按揭，而且还能小赚一笔，投资有了回报。好，我们再听一下上面的例句。
　　M: "My wife and I are excited about furnishing our new house in North Carolina. But since we still haven't sold our old place back in Massachusetts, it's been a huge financial challenge. So far we've KEPT OUR HEADS ABOVE WATER. We only hope we can find a buyer soon! "
　　大家肯定已经猜到了，keep one's head above water 这个习惯用语是从游泳来的。没错，这个习惯用语最早是十八世纪初出现的，意思就是让头露出水面，不要被淹死。
　　好的，这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。
　　M: Until next time.
　　下次节目再见。
　　M: This has been Words and Idioms.
　　A: 这次我回中国也有体会。The housing prices in Beijing are insane! Some of my friends told me that between a mortgage and inflation, it's really hard to keep their heads above water.
　　B: I think that's the situation in all big cities. I don't even have a mortgage and I wish I could earn a little bit more!... life in DC is really expensive.
　　A: Yeah! But big cities have more interesting things to offer! Speaking of which, my friends invite me to go with them to the opera this Saturday. I've never been before, what should I wear?
　　B: Hmm, That sounds like a black tie event to me! And you are in luck...that's the topic of today's business etiquette. Let's listen and see if you can get some useful tips!
　　礼节美语   BE 220 Attending a Black Tie Event I
　　Jim在走廊上碰见同事Gary。
　　Jim: Gary, did you hear about my upcoming trip to New York?
　　Gary: I think I did hear something about it. You and Henry are attending some kind of function, right?
　　J: Yeah. It's an anniversary celebration for one of the companies we do a lot of work with, you know, Walcon Electronics.
　　G: Right! Walcon is one of our biggest clients.
　　J: It's Walcon's 120th anniversary and they're throwing a big party.
　　Jim马上要出差，到纽约去。Gary说，他听说了Jim的 upcoming trip. upcoming is spelled upcoming, upcoming, upcoming是即将发生的意思，Gary还知道，他们这次是要去参加什么活动，function 在这里指正式的社交活动。公司最大的客户之一 Walcon Electronics 庆祝成立120周年，they're throwing a big party. 他们要办个大派对。英语里说办派对，经常会用动词 throw, t h r o w, throw.
　　G: Walcon Electronics is 120 years old?
　　J: Yep. They started out as a shoe manufacturer and then branched off into electronics in the late 1960s.
　　G: That's a big change, moving from shoes to electronics. But you have to give the company's founder credit for thinking ahead.
　　J: Absolutely. Today they're one of the world's top home electronics brands.
　　G: Well, you'll have fun. New York is always a great place to visit.
　　J: Yeah, but I'm a bit worried. I've never attended a function like this before. Look, here's the invitation.
　　Walcon电器公司最开始是生产鞋的，60年代才改行生产电器。这里用到的两个动词词组，一个是 start out 意思是起步，另外一个是 branch off 意思是改变前进的方向。Gary 说，You have to give the company's founder credit for thinking ahead. 咱们不得不佩服这个公司创始人有远见，to give someone credit for something 意思是肯定某人的做法。纽约是个好玩的地方，可Jim却很担心，他拿请柬给Gary看。
　　G: Oh my! It's a black tie event. That means you have to wear a tuxedo.
　　J:  A tuxedo? I don't own a tux!
　　G: Not very many people do....you can rent one, though.
　　J: Oh wow. That means it's going to be a very formal event, huh?
　　G: A black tie event is about as formal as it gets. Men wear tuxedos and ladies wear evening gowns.
　　J: What else should I expect?
　　G: There will probably be a band playing soft music. Waiters will walk around serving drinks.  Most of the guests will mainly stand around socializing with each other.
　　原来，这次活动是 a black tie event 参加者要穿礼服、打黑领结的正式活动，男宾要穿燕尾服，tuxedo, tuxedo is spelled t u x e d o, tuxedo, 女宾要穿 evening gown 晚礼服。Gary说，A black tie event is about as formal as it gets. 这基本上要算是最正规的活动了。as....as it gets 是指最彻底的表现，两个as之间加形容词。Jim会喜欢这种活动吗？我们下次继续听。
　　A: 所以说，a black tie event is as formal as it gets! 给我们介绍一下美国公司不同的着装标准吧!
　　B: Let me see. So let's begin with casual, which is basically a t shirt and jeans; and then there is business casual, which is a button down shirt or a polo and suit pants; and the last is formal, and that usually means a business suit.
　　A: It's so good that we don't have a strict dress code! It's nice to wear comfortable clothes at work.
　　B: yeah it's great for you.... it's the rest of us who have to see you in yoga pants that have to suffer....
　　A: Do you want to walk out of the office alive today?
　　B: Ok, I kid I kid! I've got a whole month of of teasing stored up since you have been away for so long! I need to get it out of my system, ...
　　A: 等会再跟你算账! 听众朋友们，我们赶快来接着听听black tie event 到底该怎么办吧!
　　礼节美语   BE 221 Attending a Black Tie Event II
　　Jim要去参加一次公司庆典活动，特别正式。他问同事Gary，参加这种社交活动有哪些注意事项。
　　J: Have you ever been to a black tie event?
　　G: Twice actually....and to be honest, it was a bit boring both times.
　　J: Aside from the tuxedo is there anything else I need to wear or take with me?
　　G: I suggest keeping all other accessories to a minimum.
　　J: I see. Any other tips or suggestions?
　　G: Keep your eyes open and just sort of do what everybody else does. And...don't get drunk or talk too loud or draw any attention to yourself!
　　J: Okay, good points.
　　Gary说，自己参加过两次这种要穿礼服打领结的 black tie event, 觉得很无聊。他建议Jim, 最好 keep all other accessories to a minimum尽量少带装饰品，accessory is spelled a c c e s s o r y, accessory 是指手表、手袋等饰物，他还告诉Jim, 睁大眼睛看别人怎么做，特别要注意 don't get drunk 不要喝醉，don't talk too loud 说话声音不要太大，don't draw any attention to yourself 不要让别人注意到自己。
　　G: You and Henry are acting as representatives of the company so you're kind of like ambassadors.
　　J: Wow. Now I'm really stressed!
　　G: It's not that hard. Just be a good conversationalist and even more importantly, be a good listener. If someone makes a humorous remark, chuckle mildly; even if the comment isn't very funny. And remember, always smile!
　　Gary说，Jim跟Henry这次去参加晚宴，代表的是公司，you're kind of like ambassadors. 是公司使节。Jim听后表示，压力很大，Now I'm really stressed. Gary告诉他说，其实这项任务也不难完成，他们只要会聊天 be a good conversationalist，做个好听众就行了，别人讲笑话，就算不好笑，也要chuckle跟着笑两声，脸上要随时随地保持笑容。
　　J: Can I rent the tux in New York?
　　G: Absolutely. Do some research before you go and find a good rental company. They will probably deliver it to your hotel. Make sure the tuxedo fits well....otherwise; you can end up looking pretty silly.
　　J: How much should I expect to pay to rent a tux?
　　G: I'd say roughly $100. You could probably find some cheaper options, but you want to look good.
　　J: Thanks Gary.... I really appreciate your help.
　　G: Not at all. It should be an interesting experience for you.
　　J: I hope so.
　　Jim想知道能不能到纽约去租tux, tux is spelled t u x, tux, tux是 tuxedo 的简称。Gary建议Jim事先查一下，找一家服务周到、能送货上门的租赁公司，They can deliver it to your hotel. 他们可以把燕尾服送到 Jim下榻的旅店。Gary还建议Jim一定要穿上试试看，otherwise, you can end up looking pretty silly. 否则如果不合适的话，那你看上去会很傻的。Gary最后还告诉Jim, 燕尾服的租金应该在100美元上下。
　　A: 去参加正式的black tie event, 男士要穿 tuxedo, 燕尾服，女士要穿 evening gown, 晚礼服。而且要keep all other accessories to a minimum, 尽量少带装饰品。Don't get drunk, don't talk too much. 别喝醉，别太多话。 Those are really good tips!
　　B: Yeah, if you just be yourself, you will totally be fine at these kinds of events!
　　A: I need to watch how much I'm eating though. I only have one evening gown and I bought it a long time ago when I was super slim....
　　B: Stop it!
　　A: 哈哈，好啦! 既然说到了intake, 咱们就来看看怎么吃才最健康吧!
　　Learn A Word  1670 intake
　　今天我们要学的词是 intake, intake is spelled i n t a k e, intake.  Intake 名词，有摄取量的意思。家人一起吃饭，有助于帮助孩子养成健康的饮食习惯。Even if only once or twice a week, eating meals together as a family, increases children's daily fruit and vegetable intake. 即使每个星期只有一到两次能一家人一起吃饭，也能提高孩子每天蔬菜和水果的摄取量。一项最新研究说，Curbing kids' salt intake could help fight childhood obesity. 控制儿童盐分的摄取，可能有助于防止儿童肥胖。盘子的颜色也会影响人的食欲。曾经有研究说，Eating from a red plate could increase your calorie intake by 25%。用红颜色的盘子吃饭，卡路里摄取量会增加25%。好的，今天我们学习的词是 intake, intake, intake....
　　A: 我也听说过耶! 人在暖色系的环境中食物摄取量会增加! 怪不得好多餐厅都把他们的墙刷成红色或者桔色的!
　　B: I think the color of the surroundings does have some effect on your caloric intake. But for a foodie like me, using a blue plate won't put the kibosh on my appetite at all!
　　A: 哈哈，这倒是真的! 你刚才提到了一个特别的词儿，put the kibosh on, 我们来进入今天的最后一个单元，听听这个短语到底是什么意思吧!
　　B:Let's listen!
　　Words and Idioms 818 PUT THE KIBOSH ON
　　美国习惯用语第 818讲
　　好，箱子总算打好了。我要到佛罗里达的历史小城圣奥古斯丁去看朋友，现在已经整装待发了。天气预报说，这几天那边可能有点凉，不过，我渡假的兴致绝不会因此而降温。这倒让我想起了一个习惯用语，那就是：
　　M: Put the kibosh on. Kibosh is spelled k i b o s h. Put the kibosh on. Put the kibosh on.
　　Kibosh 的来历我们先不去管它。Put the kibosh on 这个习惯用语的意思是防止一件事情，一项计划的发生。我是铁了心要去渡假，所有即使刮风下雨，也不会改变计划。Even lousy weather won't PUT THE KIBOSH ON my visit. 你说什么？飓风？那就要另当别论了。我给大家讲个故事，这可是真事，就发生在我朋友身上。
　　M: "I was walking my dog in the park when it happened. A big dog got excited and leapt toward us, pushing me hard against a light pole. My back hurt so badly for the next two weeks, I could hardly get in and out of bed. That accident PUT THE KIBOSH ON all my normal activities."
　　他说，我当时在公园里溜狗。一条大狗不知为什么，忽然间向我们冲过来，结果我撞在了电线杆子上，后背肌肉扭伤，过去两星期，上下床都困难。这件倒霉事让我停止了一切日常活动。
　　Ouch! 好在他现在感觉好多了，不仅已经回去上班，而且还准备重新开始到健身房去锻炼。
　　说到受伤，今年是我父母的金婚，大姐一直在筹备家庭聚会，给老俩口好好热闹热闹，但是妈妈的髋关节马上要手术，That is putting the kibosh on the party. 我们只好等她老人家康复以后再说。
　　好的，让我们再来听听上面那段话。
　　M: M: "I was walking my dog in the park when it happened. A big dog got excited and leapt toward us, pushing me hard against a light pole.
　　My back hurt so badly for the next two weeks, I could hardly get in and out of bed. That accident PUT THE KIBOSH ON all my normal activities."
　　上个周末，我们邀请了很多朋友来家里烧烤，谁知天公不作美，下起了瓢泼大雨。The rain put the kibosh on our barbecue plan. 没办法，只好改吃 pizza, 孩子们倒是很高兴。
　　你见过能载人的氢气球吗？一百年前，这种本来前途无量的氢气球，因为一场事故的发生，一下子被打入了冷宫。事故发生在一艘名叫“兴登堡”的飞艇的身上。
　　M: "On May 6, 1937, a German airship had made another successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. As it was docking in New Jersey, it suddenly burst into flames. That tragedy effectively PUT THE KIBOSH ON such travel. But now the development of airships is once again being encouraged."
　　这位历史学家说，1937年5月6号，一艘德国飞艇再次成功飞越大西洋，停在新泽西后突然起火。这场事故给飞艇旅行划上了句号。但是如今，飞艇的研制和开发再次受到了鼓励。
　　我听说，现在有人考虑，用飞艇提供短程和中程的交通服务，其中也包括旅游。我想，能在大峡谷上空滑翔，一定美不胜收，但是我老公却执意要去做直升飞机，我已经明确告诉他，我绝对不会挤到狭小的直升飞机里去。I've put kibosh on that idea!
　　好，我们再听一下上面的例句。
　　M: "On May 6, 1937, a German airship had made another successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. As it was docking in New Jersey, it suddenly burst into flames. That tragedy effectively PUT THE KIBOSH ON such travel. But now the development of airships is once again being encouraged."
　　说了半天，大家一定想知道，put the kibosh on 这个习惯用语里的 kibosh 一词的来源。有人说，这个词是犹太语，意思是压迫，也有人说，这个词最早来自德语。也许，We should put the kibosh on further speculation. 我们没必要继续猜测了，最重要的是学会这个习惯用语的用法。
　　好的，这次美国习惯用语就到此结束了。
　　M: Until next time.
　　下次节目再见。
　　M: This has been Words and Idioms.
　　A: Mike, I think it's about time you put the kibosh on your dry humor...it's really not that funny.
　　B: Meh, its seems to be well received by my intelligent and well educated friends....
　　A: I. Am. Going. To. Hurt. You! 好了同学们，这次节目时间就到这里了。
　　B: Tune in next time for American English Mosaic!
　　A: See you next time!