Male: There’s a fascinating story in today’s paper about poonamis.
Female: Sounds like something Japanese.
Male: Well, not quite. The story is about whale poo and how it affects the oceans. When whales defecate, they actually release important nutrients into the water that fertilize the plant plankton. This plankton serves as food for fish and krill…
Female: … which the whales in turn will eat. I see. // 1

Female: Did you see this story about the deaf man in Oklahoma who was shot by the police?
Male: No, what happened?
Female: The man carried a metal pipe with him for protection, and when the police told him to put the pipe away, he didn’t, because he couldn’t hear what they were saying. So, they shot him.
Male: That sounds quite incredible. // 2

Male: I saw a program on TV yesterday where they said teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in deadly accidents than adults.
Female: I saw it, too. They said there is new technology that will allow parents to control things like the speed and even the volume of the music in the car while their kids are driving.
Male: I wonder if it lets the parents choose the music, too. You know, classic rock and golden oldies.
Female: That could create tricky situations for the parents and the teenagers. // 3

Female: The officials are warning about a deer buck that apparently attacked a man in his backyard.
Male: A deer? Are you sure, my dear?
Female: Quite sure. The man tried to defend himself with a plastic lawn chair, but he got injured and had to be taken to the hospital. The buck is still on the loose.
Male: I thought they were rather timid creatures. I wouldn’t think they’d attack people. // 4

Male: The local council is meeting tomorrow to discuss the ban on electronic cigarettes in public parks.
Female: Yes. They say e-cigarettes can carry as many additives as regular cigarettes. Their health impacts might be just as bad.
Male: I’m skeptical, I haven’t seen any reliable studies on this issue. It just seems a bit silly to me.
Female: Well, a lot of children go to parks. Is it fair to subject them to second-hand smoking when we don’t know the consequences? // 5

Male: Did you hear about Pete? He was sacked yesterday.
Female: What – just like that, out of the blue? Why? I thought he was doing quite well in the marketing department.
Male: He was caught red-handed pinching office supplies. Turns out he’s been doing that quite a lot.
Female: That seems odd, he must have a decent salary. But you said he was caught in the act? // 6

Female: That Sally really drives me round the bend! Now she is telling everyone it was her idea for our company to sponsor the annual charity gala.
Male: I hear you. I was at the meeting where you suggested it.
Female: She is always trying to take the credit for other people’s ideas.
Male: We’re in the same boat. Do you remember my plan to cut down on travel expenses last year? // 7

Male: Did you RSVP to the Christmas party invitation?
Female: I thought you were going to do it.
Male: Oh, dear. We need to do it ASAP. I hope it’s not too late already.
Female: And I was really looking forward to this party. // 8

Female: Have you met the new manager yet? What do you make of him?
Male: I think we might have got off on the wrong foot. I mistakenly assumed he was one of the assistants, so I introduced myself very casually.
Female: Oh… well, he seems quite laid back. He probably doesn’t care for formalities.
Male: I really didn’t mean to be disrespectful. // 9

Female: What’s going on with you and Megan? I haven’t seen her in a while.
Male: She’s been giving me the cold shoulder.
Female: Oh, you are getting the silent treatment. Did you forget her birthday or something?
Male: No! I actually got her a really nice scarf.
Female: Nothing says, “I love you” like a really nice scarf… // 10