美語訓(xùn)練班113

A: 歡迎大家來到這期的美語訓(xùn)練班! 我是楊琳!

B: 我是Mike! 楊琳，來告訴大家今天都要學(xué)什么!

A: 嗯! 今天，我們一起來看看美國人怎么一起過白色圣誕，看看如何說時斷時續(xù)，還要帶你來看最流行的環(huán)保產(chǎn)品!

B: Christmas is my favorite holiday! There's great food, presents, and most importantly you get the chance to spend time with you family! Talking, watching TV, eating food and opening presents...To me that's what Christmas means -family time.

A: 沒錯! 好了同學(xué)們，我們等會再來討論圣誕的傳統(tǒng)，現(xiàn)在，我們趕快先來進入第一個單元....

B: Learn a word!

Learn A Word 1780 eco-friendly

今天我們要學(xué)的詞是eco-friendly. eco-friendly is spelled eco, e-c-o, friendly, f-r-i-e-n-d-l-y, friendly, eco-friendly. Eco-friendly 有利環(huán)保的。2011年的一項研究顯示，F(xiàn)orty seven percent of travelers will take eco-friendliness into consideration when booking a vacation. 百分之47的游客在預(yù)定渡假地時，都會把旅游區(qū)設(shè)施是否環(huán)保的因素考慮進去。如今，環(huán)保已經(jīng)成為一種時尚。除了節(jié)水，省電，廢物再循環(huán)使用外，Growing your own fruits and vegetables is a great way to be eco-friendly. 自己種水果，蔬菜也是環(huán)保的好辦法。好的，今天我們學(xué)習(xí)的詞是 eco-friendly, eco-friendly, eco-friendly...

B: Being eco-friendly is important, and it can be fun too!

A: 沒錯! Remember Bike to Work day? People seemed to be having a lot of fun! 既保護了環(huán)境，還能減肥! Mike, you should seriously consider doing it more often....

B: Ugh...there she is, I was wondering where the real Yanglin was hiding...At least I can ride a bike! Unlike some people I know!

A: I swear I learned how to ride a bike when I was little! But I only rode on again, off again.. and the result is not that pretty. They say that once you know how to ride a bike you will never forget, I'm the walking proof that's a lie.

B: Wouldn't that be "riding proof"? (laughs) Ok Ok....you mentioned an interesting term, "On again, off again" let's check it out in today's words and idioms!

Words and Idioms 847 ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN

美國習(xí)慣用語第 847 講

我昨天收到了大學(xué)室友寄來的一張生日賀卡，讓我感慨萬千。一眨眼，大學(xué)畢業(yè)已經(jīng)20多年了，雖然我們一直保持聯(lián)系，但是大家都在為生活奔波，所以每年也只有逢年過節(jié)才會互通信息。這倒讓我想起了我們今天要學(xué)的習(xí)慣用語，叫：

M: On again, off again. Again is spelled a-g-a-i-n. On-again, off again.

On again, off again 這個習(xí)慣用語的意思是斷斷續(xù)續(xù)的。就好象我畢業(yè)后跟大學(xué)室友的聯(lián)絡(luò)一樣，on again, off again. 時斷時續(xù)。下面例子里的這個遠足愛好者打算退出自己的遠足俱樂部，讓我們聽聽他是怎么想的。

M: "I'm thinking of dropping out of my hiking club. It's not that I don't like getting out and exploring some of the great trails in the area. But one month there might be an outing every week, then the next there's only one. I'd prefer a schedule of hikes that's not so ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN."

這個人說：我正在考慮是不是要退出遠足俱樂部，這樣做并不是因為我不喜歡跟大家一起去遠足，探索這附近很多有意思的山間小道，但是有時候一個月每星期都有活動，下個月卻可能只有一次。我真希望，俱樂部的遠足活動不要這么時斷時續(xù)。

這倒讓我想起了我妹妹的那些男朋友，也許是因為她住在加州，那里的男人更不愿意安定下來吧，她每次交男朋友，都是幾個月的熱度，然后男方就會失去興趣，但又藕斷絲連，過一段時間又回來給她打電話，讓我妹妹十分苦惱。這種 ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN 時斷時續(xù)的交往方式并不適合她。好的，讓我們再來聽聽上面那段話。

M: "I'm thinking of dropping out of my hiking club. It's not that I don't like getting out and exploring some of the great trails in the area. But one month there might be an outing every week, then the next there's only one. I'd prefer a schedule of hikes that's not so ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN."

顯然，連續(xù)性對很多事情來說都很重要。我們一起來聽聽下面這位居民的看法：

M: "The last neighborhood committee never got much done. Perhaps it was because of all the ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN meetings they had. But now, the new leaders get together regularly. As a result, they've been able to improve public safety, organize civic events and accomplished a lot that's made our area a nicer place to live."

這個人說：上一屆居民委員會什么都沒干，也許是因為他們開會太少、太沒準(zhǔn)日子了吧。新一屆負(fù)責(zé)人走馬上任后，定期開會，結(jié)果有效地改善了小區(qū)的公共安全，組織了各種活動，還做了很多其它事情，結(jié)果顯著改變了我們這片地區(qū)的居住環(huán)境。

這倒讓我想起了原來用的那家手機公司，信號特別不穩(wěn)定，我每次開車出去買東西、辦事情，手機的信號總是時斷時續(xù)，絲毫沒有保障，這種情況持續(xù)了不到一個月，我就忍無可忍了，換成了現(xiàn)在的這家手機公司。好的，我們再來聽一下上面那個例句。

M: "The last neighborhood committee never got much done. Perhaps it was because of all the ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN meetings they had. But now, the new leaders get together regularly. As a result, they've been able to improve public safety, organize civic events and accomplished a lot that's made our area a nicer place to live."

大家猜猜看，這個習(xí)慣用語是怎么來的?有些語言學(xué)家說， on again, off again 這個習(xí)慣用語最早是指那些并不嚴(yán)重的火車事故，因為火車剛剛出現(xiàn)的時候，經(jīng)常會脫離軌道，過一會兒又會自己重新回到軌道上去，因此就有了 on again, off again 的說法。

好的，這次美國習(xí)慣用語就到此結(jié)束了。

M: Until next time.

下次節(jié)目再見。

M: This has been Words and Idioms.

A: My contact with my best friends from college is on again, off again. 但是每次我們一見面，都有說不完的話! I guess true friendships are like that, they aren't faded by time or distance.

B: That's true. My best friend is in Australia right now, and last year I visited him during Christmas! Man it was nice! It was Christmas but in the summer, we just sat on the beach and enjoyed summer drinks!

A: Oh yeah, In Australia Christmas is in the summer! That's....intriguing! Actually, as long as you are with people you care about, it would be a great Christmas holiday.

B: In today's business etiquette, we will go take a look at how American families celebrate Christmas! Let's check it out!

禮節(jié)美語 Christmas in America Part I

來自中國的雇員 Dana 跟同事 Charlie 聊天兒，說自己要去美國朋友家過圣誕節(jié)。

Dana: Hey Charlie, you're from Boston right?

C: Yeah, I'm from Newton. It's a suburb of Boston.

D: I'm going to be visiting your hometown for Christmas.

C: Really? Boston is beautiful at Christmas time. Maybe you'll get to experience a real white Christmas! Are you going there for business?

D: Actually, I was invited by an old friend of mine. He was an exchange student in Beijing in the 1980s. We've known each other for over 20 years now.

Dana 要到 Charlie 的 hometown 家鄉(xiāng) Boston 去過圣誕節(jié)。波士頓是美國東北部的大城市，冬天經(jīng)常下大雪，所以 Charlie 說，Maybe you'll get to experience a real white Christmas. 沒準(zhǔn)你能體驗一下真正的白色圣誕節(jié)呢!Dana 說，自己不是去波士頓出差，not for business, 而是去看一個認(rèn)識很久的老朋友。

C: I see. So you're going to hang out with your friend for the holidays?

D: Yes, but I'm a little nervous.

C: Why would you be nervous?

D: Because I'm going to be staying with his family. I've never experienced an American Christmas. What if I say or do the wrong thing?

C: Oh...there's nothing to worry about. Christmas is a time of goodwill. People are supposed to forget about any differences and be nice to each other. Usually every one is in a really good mood.

跟老朋友 hang out 一塊兒過節(jié)，為什么還會緊張呢?原來，Dana 擔(dān)心自己不了解過圣誕節(jié)的風(fēng)俗，會說錯話，或是做錯事。Charlie 安慰她說，沒什么可擔(dān)心的，因為 Christmas is a time of goodwill. 圣誕節(jié)是展現(xiàn)友好的時候。大家一般心情都很愉快、平和。Usually everyone is in a really good mood.

D: So give me a basic rundown. What are the Christmas traditions?

C: Each family is different, but basically you just go with the flow. If your friend's family is religious they might go to church on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.

D: I've never attended a church service before...that sounds interesting.

C: The singing and music can be quite beautiful, but many American families just hang around at home on Christmas talking, watching TV, eating food and opening presents.

Dana 讓 Charlie 給她簡單講講美國人過圣誕節(jié)都有哪些傳統(tǒng)，a basic rundown of the Christmas traditions. Rundown is spelled r-u-n-d-o-w-n, rundown, 意思是概要。Charlie 說，每個家庭都不一樣，教徒一般圣誕前夜或是圣誕節(jié)早上會去教堂，但是很多美國家庭就待在家里，聊天、看電視、吃東西、拆禮物。他建議 Dana, Basically you just go with the flow. 客隨主便就對了。美國人過圣誕，還有哪些傳統(tǒng)呢?我們下星期繼續(xù)聽。

A: Dana請Charlie給她a basic rundown of the Christmas traditions, 簡介圣誕節(jié)的傳統(tǒng)。Charlie說，Christmas is a time of goodwill，是大家展現(xiàn)友好的時候，除了去教堂，就是家人在家團聚， basically you just go with the flow，客隨主便就對了。

B: True. I invited some of my Chinese friends to my parent's house for Christmas when I was in college. It was so much fun introducing them to all of my family's Christmas traditions!

A: Yeah...I think Christmas is the toughest time for me during the year, since I always miss my family so much!

B: Aww....well, if you are up for it, you can join my family for Christmas this year!

A: That's so nice of you! 一言為定! Let's keep listening to Charlie and learn more about Christmas traditions!

禮節(jié)美語 Christmas in America Part II

來自中國的雇員 Dana 跟同事 Charlie 聊天兒，說自己要去美國朋友家過圣誕節(jié)，請 Charlie 給她講講美國人過圣誕的習(xí)俗。

D: Would you say Christmas is the most popular American holiday?

C: Definitely. It's a really big deal. Most people don't work on that day, and if you ask someone to work you have to pay them a lot of overtime.

D: Should I bring presents for all of his family members?

C: That's probably not necessary because you're a guest. You could bring a small souvenir or something from China for them. But one tradition is to bring a nice bottle of wine.

圣誕節(jié)是美國的重要節(jié)日。Charlie 說，It's a really big deal. 意思是說圣誕節(jié)確實非常重要。大家都放假，讓人加班，得付很多加班費。you have to pay them a lot of overtime. overtime 是加班費的意思。去朋友家過圣誕節(jié)，要給每個人買禮物嗎?Charlie 認(rèn)為不用，只要帶個中國紀(jì)念品就行了。但是美國人去朋友家作客，有帶葡萄酒的傳統(tǒng)。

D: Is there a lot of drinking during Christmas?

C: It depends on the family, but I'd say most people probably do enjoy alcoholic drinks. Have you ever tried eggnog?

D: No, what's that?

C: It's an alcoholic drink that sort of tastes like egg custard. It's sweet and warm and perfect for the cold winter season.

D: Sounds delightful. What's the traditional menu?

Charlie 說，美國人過圣誕節(jié)，most people do enjoy alcoholic drinks, 大多數(shù)人都喜歡喝一杯，其中一種很普遍的酒精飲料叫 eggnog, eggnog is spelled e-g-g-n-o-g, eggnog, 味道甜甜的，溫溫的，適合天氣冷的時候喝。圣誕節(jié)有什么傳統(tǒng)菜肴嗎?

C: Probably roast chicken. During Thanksgiving most people eat turkey. Actually, we Americans eat way too much food during the holiday season. When New Year comes around, everybody makes a resolution to lose weight!

D: Are there fireworks or any kind of public events?

C: Not really. Usually in the town center there's a huge Christmas tree. All the streets are lined with Christmas lights...it's really quite pretty.

Charlie說，圣誕節(jié)很多家庭會吃烤雞。他還說，美國人過節(jié)總會吃很多東西，we Americans eat way too much food during the holiday season. 所以新年一到，大家都會立志減肥。Charlie 還說，美國人過圣誕節(jié)，一般不放煙火，但是市中心往往會有一棵特別高大的圣誕樹，街道兩邊也都是圣誕節(jié)的彩燈，充滿節(jié)日氣氛。美國是不是所有人都慶祝圣誕節(jié)呢?我們下星期繼續(xù)聽。

B: That's true! I always over eat at Christmas.

A: You sure you only overeat at Christmas? (B: you...) Kidding kidding! Yeah things are the same in China! 春節(jié)7天猛吃，春節(jié)后開始減肥!

B: That's the holiday spirit. Calories doesn't count on Thanksgiving or Christmas.

A: Exactly! All right, let's move on with our class. Let's listen to another learn a word!

Learn A Word 1782 virus

今天我們要學(xué)的詞是virus. Virus is spelled v-i-r-u-s, virus. Virus 病毒。The head of the WHO warned the world of a new virus named MERS-CoV, which is found in Saudi Arabia. 世界衛(wèi)生組織負(fù)責(zé)人對一種在沙特阿拉伯發(fā)現(xiàn)的病毒向全世界提出警告，這種新病毒被命名為MERS-CoV病毒。The WHO has yet to learned how the new virus spreads, making it difficult to prevent infections. 世界衛(wèi)生組織尚未研究出這種新病毒的傳播方式，這就給預(yù)防傳染增加了難度。The WHO is calling on all nations of the world to pull together their resources to study and tackle this new virus. 世界衛(wèi)生組織呼吁世界各國集合資源，共同研究征服這種新病毒。好的，今天我們學(xué)習(xí)的詞是 virus, virus, virus...

A: That's why I choose to use a Mac. Since there are so few viruses for Macs, I don't have to worry about my personal information getting stolen.

B: Identity theft is a big deal these days. You can't be overly careful when you use online banking.

A: Exactly, the Internet is so convenient because it has tons of information on tap. But at the same time, it makes us more vulnerable to hackers!

B: And you just mention the idiom for our next segment: On tap. Let's check it out!

Words and Idioms 848 ON TAP

美國習(xí)慣用語第 848 講

上個周末特別熱，我不得不把夏天的短褲和涼鞋全都找出來穿上。天氣預(yù)報說，這段時間會有一股暖氣流北上，所以會一直晴朗炎熱。這倒讓我想起了今天要學(xué)的習(xí)慣用語，叫：

M: On tap. Tap is spelled t-a-p. On-tap. On tap.

Tap 有水龍頭的意思。On tap 這個習(xí)慣用語的意思是可以隨時使用的。就像剛才說的，上周末一直晴朗無云，with lots of sunny weather ON TAP，我充分享受了戶外活動的樂趣，又收拾花園、又去釣魚、還跟朋友在公園里野餐。下面例子里一群志愿工作者為了一項有意義的事業(yè)而走到了一起。讓我們一起聽聽他們做了些什么。

M: "When members of our church suggested holding an amateur talent show to raise money for charity, many of us were skeptical. But we were soon overwhelmed by all the people who volunteered, from singers to musicians, magicians to jugglers...Looking at all the performers we now have ON TAP, we could put on two shows!"

這個人說：我們教會有教友建議，可以舉辦一次業(yè)余才藝表演，為慈善事業(yè)集資，當(dāng)時很多人對此表示懷疑。誰知道，后來居然有很多人表示愿意參加，包括歌唱家、音樂家、魔術(shù)師和雜耍藝人，讓我們應(yīng)接不暇，現(xiàn)在已經(jīng)有的這些表演者足以組織兩臺演出。

我妹妹住的地方不久前遭水災(zāi)，附近很多人都趕去救災(zāi)，there was no shortage of help ON TAP. 前來幫忙的人源源不斷，讓那個城鎮(zhèn)沒有蒙受嚴(yán)重的損失。好的，讓我們再來聽聽上面那段話。

M: "When members of our church suggested holding an amateur talent show to raise money for charity, many of us were skeptical. But we were soon overwhelmed by all the people who volunteered, from singers to musicians, magicians to jugglers...Looking at all the performers we now have ON TAP, we could put on two shows!"

互聯(lián)網(wǎng)的發(fā)展，給我們的生活帶來了很多方便。比如說，下面例子里的這個網(wǎng)站，就給當(dāng)?shù)貓D書館的服務(wù)帶來了一場革命。我們一起來聽聽網(wǎng)站的設(shè)計師是怎么說的。

M: "The website I created for my local library has been a great success. Finally, patrons are linked to a variety of services, can locate and reserve books and other resources, and learn about sponsored events. They appreciate having so much information ON TAP; it's all readily available with just a few clicks of the mouse."

這個設(shè)計師說：我替本地圖書館設(shè)計的這個網(wǎng)站獲得了巨大的成功。用戶們終于可以通過網(wǎng)站得到一系列的服務(wù)了，包括查找資料、預(yù)定圖書，等等，還可以了解圖書館舉辦的一些活動。能隨時得到這么豐富的信息，讓他們非常滿意，只要點擊幾下鼠標(biāo)，就能找到所有想要得到的信息了。

也許我表姐應(yīng)該辦個網(wǎng)站。她雖然是一名很出色的藝術(shù)家，但卻沒有多少固定的客戶。She doesn't have many clients ON TAP. 我想，如果她通過互聯(lián)網(wǎng)的方式推銷自己，一定會有很大的幫助。好的，我們再來聽一下上面那個例句。

M: "The website I created for my local library has been a great success. Finally, patrons are linked to a variety of services, can locate and reserve books and other resources, and learn about sponsored events. They appreciate having so much information ON TAP; it's all readily available with just a few clicks of the mouse."

On tap 這個習(xí)慣用語最早是十九世紀(jì)中葉出現(xiàn)的，指某種飲料，比如說啤酒，可以隨時從酒桶里倒出來。

凡是我們的忠實聽眾都知道，雖然我不能提前預(yù)告下次要教的習(xí)慣用語，但是大家不用擔(dān)心，We have plenty of words and idioms on tap. 我們有足夠多的習(xí)慣用語可以跟大家分享。

好的，這次美國習(xí)慣用語就到此結(jié)束了。

M: Until next time.

下次節(jié)目再見。

M: This has been Words and Idioms.

B: Ugh, I wish my parents didn't have so much good food on tap during the holidays.

A: I'm sure they wish you wouldn't eat all their good food during the holidays..........

B: Wha??? Yanlin, you finally had the last laugh!

A: 當(dāng)然! 好了同學(xué)們，這次節(jié)目時間就到這里了。

B: Tune in next time for American English Mosaic!

A: See you next time!