〈西雅图夜未眠-sleepless in seattle〉剧本及注释

〈西雅图夜未眠-sleepless in seattle〉剧本及注释 〈西雅圖夜未眠〉劇本及注釋 Sam: Mommy got sick, and it happened just like that. There was nothing anyone could do. It isn’t fair. There’s no reason and if we start asking “why?”, we’ll go crazy. Greg’s wife: Five minutes in the microwave, anyone of them, five minutes and.... done, ready to eat. Do you know how to make juice? Sam: Microwave. Five minutes. Sam’s workmate1: Here, my shrink Call him,. Sam: “Loss of Spouse Support Group”, “Chicago Cancer Family Network”; “Parents Without Partners” ; “Partners Without Parents”; Hug yourself. Hug a friend, hug a shrink or work, work hard, work will save you. Work is the only thing that will see you through this. Don’t mind him, he’s just a guy who’s lost his wife. I think what we really need is change. Sam’s workmate1: Good idea. Take a couple of weeks off. Get some sun. Take Jonah fishing. Sam: No, a real change. A new city. Some place where every time I go around a corner I don’t think of Maggie. Sam’s workmate1: Where are you going to go? Sam: I was thinking about Seattle... Greg’s wife: Eventually, in a few months, you’ll start seeing women. You’ll meet someone. Sam: Right, right. Move on. Right. That’s what I’m going to do. And then, in a few months “ Boom”. I’ll be fine. I’ll just grow a new heart. Greg’s wife: Sam, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. Sam: I know. I know. Look, it just doesn’t happen twice. Walter: The tall one with red hair is your cousin Irene... Annie: You’ll recognize her by the disappointed look on her face. Walter:... Who is married to Harold, who ran off with his secretary. Annie: But came back because Irene threatened to put the dog to if he didn’t .,sleep Walter: Your brother Dennis is a professor at John Hopkins, who’s married to Betsy. Annie: The most competitive woman in the world. Walter: I don’t see how I’m going to remember all this. Annie: Oh, well, Walter, you will. Walter: Your uncle Miltton lost all of his money... ------------------------ shrink: slang for psychiatrist, put the dog to, sleep: to kill an animal, in a merciful way, at the Veterinarian’s ( Animal doctor) office. Annie:.... and some other peoples’... Walter:... in a pyramid scheme. Don’t mention the IRS or the federal business system. Your mother is Barbara. Your father is Cliff. Annie: My father has electric trains. Walter: Really? Am I what they had in mind? Annie: Oh, Walter they’re going to love you! Barbara: Everybody, Annie has an announcement. Annie: Walter and I are engaged! Everybody: Yea! Congratulations Walter. Walter: (sneezes) Everybody: Bless you. Bless you. Cliff: Are you all right? Walter: It’s nothing. Annie: Maybe it’s the flowers. Barbara: We’ll move them. Walter: No, no! Don’t touch them. It’s terrible sneezing at a time like this. This is a very important moment for me. Annie: He’s allergic to everything. Don’t worry about it. Harold: Bees... I’m allergic to bees. Irene: Harold is allergic to every type of bee. We always have to carry wherever we go.,a hypodermic of adrenaline Annie: If he eats even one tiny piece of a nut... Walter: My head swells up like a watermelon and I drop dead. Irene: It’s the same with Harold and bees. Cliff: Your mother and I had salmon at our wedding, and I really think that a wedding without cold salmon is... Walter: I am not allergic to salmon... I don’t think. But, you never know. Harold: You never know. Irene: Harold wasn’t always allergic to bees. Barbara: Oh, honey, what a shame! We had some champagne and what did we use it for? ,Dennis: Uncle Milton’s parole. Milton: It was wonderful. ------------------------------ adrenaline: A hypodermic, needle full of a strong natural stimulant that can counteract an allergic reaction. parole: When a person gets out of jail., Barbara: It was, wasn’t it, Milton? Betsy: When are you getting married, Annie? Cliff: Early June, in the garden. Harold: Does it have to be in the garden? Irene: What about Harold and bees? Harold: I’m allergic to bees. ,Betsy: We’ll spray. Cliff: Cold Salmon, a lovely cucumber salad, strawberries... Walter: I’m afraid I am allergic to strawberries. Today I consider myself the luckiest m-m-man on the f-f-face of the e-e-earth. Annie: A Lou Gerrig line. You remember? the Lou Gerrig line from... Walter: “ Pride of the Yankees” Annie: “ Pride of the Yankees” Harold: Baseball. It’s baseball. A historical reference. Dennis: I would like to propose a toast... to my kid sister Cliff: To Walter and my baby. Barbara: Everyone, please eat, before it gets cold. Barbara: Here it is. The historical society wanted this and I never would give it to them. Annie: Oh, Mom! Barbara: I notice these things are back in fashion. Annie: Grandmother’s dress. Barbara: He’s a lovely man, Annie. Annie: I know. He is wonderful, isn’t he? And he’s such a wonderful athlete. Barbara: Are his folks nice? Annie: You’ll love them. We’re going down to D.C. tonight to be with them Christmas morning. Barbara: How did it happen? Annie: It’s silly, really. Um, I’d seen him at the office. Obviously I’d seen him, he’s the associate publisher, and then one day, we both ordered sandwiches from the same place and he got my lettuce-and-tomato on whole wheat which of course he was ,allergic to, and I got his lettuce and tomato on white. Barbara: How amazing! Annie: It is, isn’t it? You make a million decisions that mean nothing and then one day, ------------------------------- spray: poison, to kill any bees. Poisons that kill insects are called “insecticides” whole, wheat and white: refer to two different and most common types of bread. and it changes your life.,you order take-out Barbara: Destiny takes a hand! Annie: Mom, destiny is something we’re invented because we can’t stand the fact that everything that happens is accidental. Barbara: Then how do you explain that you both ordered exactly the same Sandwich, except for the bread? How many people in this world like lettuce and tomato, without something else like tuna? Annie: Well, it wasn’t a sign. It was a coincidence. Barbara: I was in Atlantic city with my family. Cliff was a waiter. He wasn’t even supposed to work that night, and suppose he hadn’t? He asked me to take a midnight walk on the steel pier. I’ve probably told you this a million times, but I don’t care. And he held my hand. At one point I looked down and I couldn’t tell which fingers were his and which were mine, and I knew..... Annie: What? Barbara: You know. Annie: What? Barbara: Magic. It was magic. Annie: Magic? Barbara: I knew we’d be together forever, and that everything would be wonderful, just the way you feel about Walter. Walter, it’s quite a formal name, isn’t it. One of the things I truely knew was that your , I believe,father and I were going to have a wonderful time in... “ the sack” you call it. Annie: Mom! Barbara: Of course it took several years before everything worked like clockwork in that department, so don’t be worried if it takes a while. Annie: Well, we already... Barbara: Fine, fine. Fiddle-de-dee. How’s it working? Annie: Like.... clockwork. Barbara: Oh! Honey. Annie: It’s a sign. Barbara: You don’t believe in signs. Annie: They love you. I told you they would love you and they loved you. Walter: I love you. -------------------------------------- , order take-out: call a restaurant and have food delivered to you. in the, sack: means in bed. She is referring to sex. Annie: I love you, Walter. Did anyone call you anything other than “ Walter”? Walter: No. Annie: Not even when you were young? Walter: No. Not even when I was young. You’re sure you don’t want do drive with me? Annie: How will I get back to Baltimore on Friday? Oh, I forgot the present. Walter, I left your step-mother’s present inside by accident. I swear, when we’re old and gray you’re going to have to remind me to put my teeth in. I’ll be walking all over town smacking my gums together and not even noticing. Walter: I’ll wait. Annie: Oh, right. No, don’t wait, Walter. It’s silly. You go ahead. We’re late anyway. I’ll be ten minutes behind you. Annie: (singing) Dr.Marsha: Welcome back to “ You and Your Emotions”. I’m Dr. Marsha Fieldstone, broadcasting live across America from the top of the Sears Tower in Chicago. Tonight, we’re talking about “ Wishes and Dreams “. What’s your wish this Christmas Eve? Annie: What’s your wish?My wish is to turn the radio station... ( She changes the station and then decides to change it back.) Dr.Marsha: Seattle, go ahead. Jonah: Hello, this is Jonah... ( Beep!) Dr.Marsha: No last names, Jonah. You sound younger than our usual callers. How old are you? Jonah: I’m 8. Dr.Marsha: Eight! How come you’re up so late? Jonah: It’s not that late in Seattle. Dr.Marsha: Oh, of course. You’re absolutely right. What’s your Christmas wish, Jonah? Jonah: It’s not for me, it’s for my Dad. I think he needs a new wife. Dr.Marsha: You don’t like the one he has now? Jonah: He doesn’t have one now. That’s the problem. Dr.Marsha: Where’s your mom? Jonah: She died. Dr.Marsha: I’m so sorry to hear that. Annie: (sarcastically) Well, I can believe this. Jonah: I’ve been pretty sad, but I think my dad’s worse. Dr.Marsha: Have you talked to your dad about this? Jonah: No. Dr.Marsha: Why not? Jonah: It’s like it makes him sadder. Dr.Marsha: Well, I can understand that. Jonah, is your dad home right now? Jonah: Yeah. Dr.Marsha: What’s he doing? Is he busy? Jonah: Not really. he’s out on the deck. Dr.Marsha: Well, I’m sure that I can help, but I’m going to need you to help me help him... Annie: Wretched woman! Dr.Marsha: ... so bring your dad to the phone. Annie: Hang up Jonah! Don’t listen to her! Jonah: No way! He’d kill me! Dr.Marsha: Trust me, Jonah. He won’t be angry when he realizes how concerned you are about him. Annie: Wanna bet? (Do you want to bet?) Jonah: OK, but if I get yelled at, I’m never going to listen to your show again. Dr.Marsha: Alright. Fair enough. Jonah: Dad! There is someone on the phone for you. His name is Sam. Dr.Marsha: If you’ve just tuned in, this is Dr. Marsha Fieldstone and tonight’s topic is “ Your Wishes and Dreams” and we’re on the line now with someone from Seattle. Sam: Hello? Dr.Marsha: Hello, Sam. This is Dr. Marsha Fieldstone on Network America. Sam: OK, what are you selling tonight? The micro hibachis or the ,ginsu knives. Dr.Marsha: No, I’m not selling anything. I just want to help. I want you to know that your son called and he asked me for some advice on how you might find a new wife. Sam: Who is this? Dr.Marsha: Dr. Marsha ,Fieldstone of Network America and you are on the air. Sam: You called the radio station? Dr.Marsha: Sam, Sam, Sam, Are you with me? Sam: Yeah, yes. ---------------------------------- micro-hibachi: a small grill for, cooking Ginsu: a brand name of knives These are products that a typically sold over the phone. Sales people call people at home and try to sell them things. This is called “telemarketing”. on the air: broadcasting “, live” The radio show is being broadcast at that moment. Dr.Marsha: Your son feels that since your wife’s death you’ve been very very unhappy and he’s genuinely worried about you. Sam: Hey, get out here. Get out here! Now I’m not going to go through this alone. Dr.Marsha: I think it’s very hard for him to talk to you about all this and I thought maybe you and I could talk, maybe it would make Jonah feel a little better, Sam? Jonah: Talk to her dad, she’s a doctor. Sam: Of what? Her first name could be “ Doctor” Jonah: Please? Dr.Marsha: Sam. Sam. It’s his Christmas wish. Sam: OK. Dr.Marsha: OK. Good. Now I know this is difficult, but how long ago did your wife die? Sam: About a year and a half ago. Dr.Marsha: Have you had any relationships since? Sam: No. Dr.Marsha: No? Why not? Sam: Marsha, or should I call you Dr. Fieldstone. Dr.Marsha: Dr.Marsha. Sam: Dr.Marsha. I don’t mean to be rude.... Dr.Marsha: .... and I don’t want to invade your privacy. Sam and Annie: Sure you do. Dr.Marsha: Go on, Sam. I’m listening. Sam? Sam: We had a pretty tough time there at first, but we’re dealing with it and Jonah and I will get along just fine again, as soon as I break his radio. Dr.Marsha: I have no doubt that you’re a wonderful father. Y’know, you can tell a lot from a person’s voice. Sam: You certainly can. Dr.Marsha: But something must be missing if Now just a few questions: Are you,Jonah still feels you’re under a cloud. sleeping at night? Jonah: He doesn’t sleep at all. Sam: How do you know that? Jonah: I live here, dad. Sam: Look, it’s Christmas. Maggie, my wife, she really.. I mean, she loved... she made everything beautiful. It’s just tough this time of year. Any kid needs a mother. Dr.Marsha: Could it be that you need someone just as much as Jonah does? ----------------------------- under a cloud: depressed,, unhappyAnnie: Yes. Dr.Marsha: Don’t answer that. Let’s get into that right after Sam? Jonah? Don’t go away. If you’ve just tuned in, we’re,these messages. talking to “Sleepless in Seattle”. and we’ll be right back, after this break, with your listener response. Sam: What is she talking about? Jonah: This what you said.,is when other people get to call in and dump on Sam: (sarcastically) Oh. Oh. This is really fun. And helpful. Waitress1: I bet he’s tall with a cute butt. Waitress2: I bet he hasn’t bathed in weeks and he stinks. Waitress1: Harriet, shut up. Hi, can I help you? Annie: Tea, with the bag out. Waitress1: Y’know. Maybe I’ll just hustle myself out to Seattle and give him a little gift for New Year Eve. Waitress2: Yeah, you go on out there if you want to , but don’t open the refrigerator. They don’t cover anything when they put it in the fridge, they just stick it in there and leave ,it ‘til if it walks out by itself. Waitress1: What I’m saying is I wouldn’t kick this guy out of my bed for eating crackers. 65? Dr.Marsha: Let’s take a call before we get back to “Sleepless” Knoxville, Tennessee, you’re on the air, talk to me. Woman: Yes, I would just like to know where I can get this man’s address. Waitress1: Honey, get in line. Dr.Marsha: If there was one question I was allowed to ask... Sam: Oh, go ahead. Dr.Marsha: People who have truely loved once are far more likely to love again. Sam, do you think there’s someone out there that you could love as much as your wife? Sam: Well, Dr. Marsha Fieldstone, that’s hard to imagine. Dr.Marsha: What are you going to do? Sam: Well, I’m going to get out of bed, every morning, and breathe in and out all day long and then after a while, I won’t have to remind myself to get out of bed in the ------------------------------------ , after these messages: after these advertisements dump on: insult, She, is suggesting that single men don’t know how to take care of themselves, specifically, that they allow food to rot in the refrigerator. morning and breathe in and out and then after a while, I won’t have to think about how I had it great and perfect for a while. Dr.Marsha: Sam, tell me what was so special about your wife? Sam: How long is your program? Well. It was a million tiny little things, and when you add them all up, it just meant that we were supposed to be together. And I knew it. I knew it the first time I touched her. It was like coming home, only to no home I’d ever known. I was just taking her hand, to help her out of a car, and I knew it. It was like... Sam and Annie:... magic. Dr.Marsha: Well . I’m Dr. Marsha Fieldstone in Chicago, and to,folks, it’s time to wrap it up all my listeners, a magical and merry Christmas. And to you, “ Sleepless in Seattle”, we hope you’ll call again soon and let us know how it’s going. Sam: Oh, you can count on it. Man: This man sells the greatest soup you’ve ever eaten, and he is the meanest man in America. I feel very strongly about this, Becky, it’s not just about soup. Becky: Do it. What else? Wyatt: New Year’s Eve. Please don’t make me write it. Becky: Listen to this: phone service in the greater Chicago area was tied up for two hours Christmas Eve when some kid calls a phone-in radio show and says his dad needs a new wife. 2000 women called the station asking for the guy’s number. Annie: I heard it. The kid calls up and says his dad needs a wife and the shrink practically forces the guy onto the phone and says “ Do you want to talk about it?” and the guy says “ No, as a matter of fact I don’t. and then suddenly, for no reason at all, he starts to talk about how much he loved his wife and how he just fell in love with her like he was one of those cows in Michigan. Becky: What cows in Michigan? there were those cows that go,Annie: It was on “ 60-Minutes” zapped by stray voltage and no one knows why, and maybe it was Wisconsin. But, anyway, I was listening to him talk about how much he loved his wife and suddenly I was crying. It’s like what happens when I watch those phone company ads. I don’t have to see the whole thing, just the part where the daughter gives the mother the refrigerator with the big red bow on it. Becky: Yes. And the Polaroid commercial: two five-year-olds at their grandfather’s -------------------------------------------------- wrap it up:, finish “60-minutes”: a popular news program on, television birthday party. That kills me. You should write something about this. Annie: About what? Becky: What ever it is. Man: I’ll tell you what it is: Two thousand women calling a radio station looking for a husband? There are a lot of desperate women out there looking for love. Wyatt: Especially over a certain age. Man: You know it’s easier to be killed by terrorists than it is to get married over the age of forty. Annie: That’s not true. That statistic is not true. Becky: That’s right, it’s not true... But it feels true. Wyatt: It feels true because it is true. Becky: There is practically a whole book about how that statistic is not true. Wyatt: Goddamn. You brought it up. Annie: I did not, Wyatt. Did you even read that book? Wyatt: Did anybody read that book all the way through? Becky: Are you two finished? Fine. Now where were we? Annie: If someone is a widower, why do they say that he was “widowed”? Why don’t they say ,that he was “widowered”? (No one answers) I was just wondering. Becky: What was that about up there? Annie: What was what? Becky: What’s with you? Annie: Nothing with me. Becky: Something’s with you. Annie: What are you saying? Becky: What ever it is, you can tell me. Becky: “Sleepless in Seattle” ? Annie: That’s what she called him at the show because he can’t sleep. Becky: And now 2000 women want his number. The guy , a chain-saw, , a junkie, , a flasher, , a transvestite,could be a crack-head murderer or someone really sick. ------------------------------------ , widow: a woman who’s husband has died. widower: a man who’s wife has died , crack-head: someone addicted to crack cocaine transvestite: a person who, dresses up like someone of the opposite sex flasher: someone who exposes, their genitals to others in public junkie: a drug, addict Someone, like my Rick. Annie: Actually, he sounded nice. Becky: Oh? Oh, really. Now we’re getting down to it. Annie: Please, Becky. I’m madly in love with Walter. He did the craziest thing the other night. Becky: What was that? Annie: It’s was so funny; we were hysterical, what was that?.... huh... [Walter and Annie are dancing at a New Year’s Eve party.] Walter: You know, I’m thinking, I’ve got to go up to Boston for the AAB convention, and then I gotta (I have to go) visit Winston Hughs about switching over our computer. Why don’t we meet in New York, Valentine’s Day weekend? Annie: Walter, I’d love to! Walter: We can stay at the Plaza... Annie: ... Ice skate in Central Park. ,Walter: Register Annie: Register? Walter: for dishes, glasses, silver, everything. How about it? ,Annie: I’ll take you to Chinatown for dim sum. Walter: Does it have wheat in it? Annie: I don’t think so. [Back in Sam’s house. The New Year’s bell is ringing.] Sam: Wake up, wake up. Oh, there you go. Jonah: Happy New Year. Sam: Happy New Year. Jonah: Kiss Howard. Sam: Good night, Howard. ------------------------------------- When a couple get married, they usually first “register” at a department store. This means the store keeps a list of the things the couple like as wedding gifts. Thus, wedding guests know what the couple want, and they know they are not giving a gift that someone else is already giving. dim sum: 小吃, [Sam was in a dream, having a conversation with Maggie.] Maggie: Can I have half your beer? Sam: Sure, go ahead. Maggie: What did I use to say? “ Here’s looking at you”? “ Here’s mud in your eye”. Sam: “ Here’s to us”. You used to say “ Here’s to us”. Oh, I miss you so much. It hurts. Clair: Sam, I’m so glad you’re here. I heard you on the radio. I told everyone about it. I was brushing my teeth and suddenly there you were ! I just couldn’t believe my ears. I called my mother in Las Vegas. I said “ Mother, turn on the radio. That’s my architect.” Y’know, it’s so nice when a man can express his feelings. Sam’s workmate2: It’s wonderful. I wish I could express my feelings. Sam: So, Clair, is there a problem? Clair: I was just tossing and turning last night. - you know what that’s like, Sam - because I realized, I’m just never going go fit my platters in that refrigerator we ordered, and when I give parties, I always put in platters, so I thought I would get the “sub-zero” refrigerator instead. The only problem is... all the cabinets.,Workmate2: We redo Sam: That’s a delay, Clair, of two, three.... Workmate3: five, six... Workmate2: twelve weeks. Clair: I don’t know. The important thing is to get it right. Sam: Absolutely. Clair: (mutters something in French.) Workmate2: Well, this is fate. She’s divorced, we don’t want to redo the cabinets and you need a wife. what do they call that when everything intersects? Sam: The Bermuda Triangle , [Sam is heading back home and the postman is delivering the mail] Post-man: There’s another one. Do you have room for one more? Jonah: Look at this dad, they’re all for you. Post-man: Yes, sir. Here you go. Sam: “ Sleepless in Seattle” care of Dr.Marsha Fieldstone. --------------------------------- redo: do again, The, Bermuda Triangle: A part of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida. It is notorious as a dangerous place where ships and planes mysteriously disappear. Post-man: If you’re having trouble sleeping you might want to try to drink a glass of water from the other side. Jonah: I thought ?,that was for hiccups Post-man: For hiccups.. Jonah: Yeah, for hiccups. Jonah: .. take a spoonful of sugar and hold it in your mouth for a minute. Post-man: Really? Sam: Thank you. What possessed you to give them our address? Jonah: They called and asked for it? “ Dear Sleepless in Seattle, you ‘re the most attractive man I ever laid ears on” Sam: Wait, wait, wait. They called? How did they get our number? Oh, let me guess. You gave it to them. Jonah: You have to give them your phone number or they won’t let you on the air. “Dear ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ , I lived in Tulsa.” Where’s that? Sam: It’s in Oklahoma. Do you know where Oklahoma is? Jonah: Somewhere in the middle? Sam: I’m not even going to think about what they’re not teaching you in school. I’m not going to think about it. Yeah, it’s ,somewhere in the middle and generally speaking, I think we should rule out anyone that doesn’t live near here. Jonah: She’s willing to fly anywhere. Sam: Well she looks like my third grade teacher and I hated my third grade teacher. Wait a minute, she is my third grade teacher! Jonah: Aren’t you going to read any of these? Sam: No, because this is not how it’s done. I’d much rather just see somebody that I like, and get a feeling about them, and ask them if they’d like to have a drink or.... Jonah: ... or a slice of pizza? Sam: Not dinner. Not necessarily on the first date because halfway through dinner, you could be really sorry that you asked them to dinner, where if it’s just a drink, if you like them you can always ask them to dinner, but if not you can just say “ Well, that was great.” and then you go home. See what I mean. I wonder if it still works this way. Jonah: It doesn’t. They ask you. Sam: I’m starting to notice that. Jonah: If you get a new wife, I guess you’ll have sex with her, huh? ------------------------------------ hiccups: 打嗝儿, rule out:, excludeSam: I certainly hope so. Jonah: Will she scratch up your back? Sam: What? Jonah: In the movies, women are always scratching up the men’s back and screaming and stuff when they’re having sex. Sam: How do you know this? .,Jonah: Jess has got cable Sam: Oh. Hand me that towel behind you would you? Thank you. Jonah: I need it too. Sam: Here let me get you.... She’s got cable. Come on. Voice: Welcome back to “The Best of Dr.Marsha Fieldstone” clinical psychologist and the friend you ever had. Remember “ Marooned in Miami” ? Woman: He says he doesn’t love me anymore. Dr.Marsha: Why would you want to be with someone who doesn’t love you? Voice: “ Disappointed in Denver” Woman: Every time I come close to , he goes to make himself a sandwich.,orgasm Dr.Marsha: Why don’t you make him a sandwich beforehand? Voice: “Sleepless in Seattle” Sam: Well I’m going to get out of bed every morning and breathe in and out all day long, and then , after a while, I won’t have to remind myself to get out of bed in the morning and breathe in and out. And then after a while, I won’t have to think about how I had it great and perfect for a while. Dr.Marsha: Sam, tell me what was so special about your wife. Sam: How long is your program? Oh, it was a million tiny little things and when you add them all up, it just meant that we were supposed to be together, that’s all. And I knew it. I knew it the very first time I touched her. It’s like coming home. Only to no home I’d ever known. I was just taking her hand, to help her out of a car. And I knew it. It was like... magic. [Annie is talking with her brother about marriage.] Annie: Well I think I’m going crazy, Dennis, I really do. Are you happily married? Dennis: What? -------------------------------- cable, TV: rather than using an antenna, the television gets stations and programs from a wire that comes into the home. Cable TV is more expensive but offers many more stations to choose from and is very popular. orgasm: 高潮,Annie: I mean, why did you get married? Was it all trumpets and fireworks and.... Dennis: I got married because Betsy said we had to break up or get married, so we got married. Annie: But when you first met her, did you believe that she was the only person for you, that in some mystical, cosmic way, it was fated? Dennis: Annie, when you’re attracted to someone, it just means that your subconscious is attracted to their subconscious, subconsciously. So knowing they’re a perfect,what we think of as fate is just two neuroses match. Annie: I don’t even know him. I am having all these fantasies about some man I have never even met who lives in Seattle. Dennis: It rains nine months of the year in Seattle. Annie: I know. I know. I do not want to move to Seattle. But what I really don’t want to do is end up always wondering what might have happened and knowing I could have done something. What do you think? isn’t it? Everybody panics before they get married. I mean,,It’s just cold feet didn’t you? Dennis: Yes, I did. Annie: Yes, you did. Thank you, Dennis, I ,feel so much better having just blown this off. Dennis: Anytime. [Sam and his workmate are having an interesting conversation while heading to the restaurant.] Workmate2 : Sandy has a girlfriend, Glenda. She’s a weight lifter. It’s not like her neck is bigger than her head or anything.... Sam: No, no, no. I’m not asking you to set me up. That’s not what.... I don’t need you help with that. I just want to know what it’s like, .. out there. Workmate2 : That’s what I’m trying to tell you. What women are and a cute butt.,looking for: pecks Sam: You mean like “ He has the cutest butt” .Where did I hear that recently? Workmate2 : Everywhere. I mean, you can’t even turn on the news nowadays without hearing about how some babe thought some guy’s butt was cute. Who was the first ------------------------------- neuroses: plural of neuroses, a type of, mental illness. cold feet: last minute trepidation , worries,, misgivings blow something off: (slang) to forget or ignore something, , pecks: pectoral muscles = chest muscles woman to say this, I ,don’t know, but somehow, it caught on. Sam: So how’s my butt? Workmate2: Not bad. Sam: Really? Workmate2: Yeah. Sam: Is it cute, though? ,Workmate2: I don’t know. Are we grading on a curve? [Sam and his workmate are in the restaurant, eating , drinking and talking.] Workmate2: When’s the last time you were out there? Sam: Jimmy Carter, 1978 Workmate2: Things are a little different now. First you have to . This could go on for,be friends. You have to like each other. Then you neck . The good news,years. Then you have tests. Then you get to do it with a condom is you split the check. Sam: I don’t think I could let a woman pay for dinner. Workmate2 : Great. They’ll throw a parade in your honor. You’ll be ,man-of-the-year in Seattle Magazine. Tiramisu. Sam: What is Tiramisu? Workmate2: You’ll find out. Sam: What is it? Workmate2: You’ll see. Sam: Some woman is going to want me to do it to her and I’m not going to know what it is. Workmate2: You’ll love it. Sam: Oh, this is going to be tough, tough, tough. This is going to be much tougher than I thought it would be. Workmate2: That decorator on the Bennett job. Sam: Victoria. ,Workmate2: Yea. She’s pert. ----------------------------------------------- to catch on: to become, popular a curve: a system of grading where students scores are compared to, each other before issuing grade. (i.e. top 10% get A’s , next 20% get B’s. etc. ) neck: passionate kissing, condom: 保险套, Tiramisu: an Italian, dessert pert: lively, Sam: No. I don’t.. . No... Workmate2: Yeah, what? Sam: How would I do that? Workmate2: You ,call her up. You say come on, let’s get together. We’ll look at Swatches. Sam: Call her on the phone? Say, come, let’s look at Swatches. Workmate2: Yea, You know. Color schemes. Sam: She’s not going to see right through that? Workmate2: You don’t do it like I do it. You do it in your own suave way. Think Carey Grant. Sam: Carey Grant would call up and say, “ Come over and look at my Swatches”? Workmate2: How do you know? Maybe he did? Sam: “ Gunga-din”? Did he do it in “ Gunga-din’? Workmate2: Gunga-din is not a Swatch kind of movie. Nobody knows what he did in real life. Sam: Oh, he did that with Diane Canon? Oh yeah, sure. Workmate2: “ Hello, Diane. Take a look at these Swatches.” [Sam gets back home.] Sam: Jonah, I’m home. Hey Jonah. Jonah? Hey, Jonah? Jonah: Hi, dad. This is Jessica. Sam: Well, it’s nice to meet you, Jessica. Jonah: Dad this is amazing. If you play this backwards. It says “ Paul is dead”. Sam: Uh, yeah. I know. Jonah: How do you know ? Dad, could you shut the door? Sam: Sure, sure. Jessica: H and G. “ Hi and Good bye”. Sam: Hello, Victoria? This is Sam Baldwin.I don’t know if you remember me. Oh, great. Hi. Uh, I was wondering if you would like to have a drink with me. Dinner? Dinner would be even better. Uh, Friday would be great. Yeah... I hear that’s a good place. 7:30 would be fine. OK, I’ll meet you there. OK, Alright. Uh, so, it’s Friday. at 7:30 for dinner. Great. Me, too. Bye. [People on TV are talking] Man: Are you in love with him? -------------------------------------- Swatches: A brand name. A, fashionable type of watch made in Switzerland Woman: I’m not now. Annie: Now those were the days when people knew how to be in love. .,Becky: You’re a basket case Annie: They knew it. Time, distance, nothing could separate them because they knew it was right. It was real. It was... Becky:... a movie. That’s your problem. You don’t want to be in love. You want to be in love in a movie. Read it to me. Annie: “ Dear Sleepless and son, I have never wrote a letter like this in my life...” Becky: That’s what everyone writes at the beginning of letters to strangers. Annie: I know that. You think I don’t know that? Becky: What about Walter? Annie: Walter. Oh, I would give anything to marry Walter. He’s so unexpected. You think you can tell by just looking at him, but you can’t. I should write something in this about magic. Becky: What? Annie: Something. What if I never meet him? What if this man is my destiny and I never meet him? Becky: Your destiny can be your doom. Look at me and Rick. Annie: “ I want to meet you....” Becky: .. On the top of The Empire State Building, Sunset, Valentine’s Day. Annie: I’ll be in New York with Walter. I can squeeze it in. Becky: Do you want to hear about destiny? If I hadn’t married Martin, I never would have bought the house with the dead tree. On account of which, I got divorced. On account of which, I .,hit a car and met Rick while buying a neck brace Annie: Wait a minute. You never told me you got divorced because of a dead tree. Becky: The tree man. Annie: You fell in love with the tree man? Becky: I did not say love. Did I say love? This is my favorite part.... Man: It’s now or never. Woman: ‘ Never’is a frightening word. Man: We’d be fools to let happen this pass us by. Woman: Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories. We’ve already missed ------------------------------- basket, case: a crazy person. Comes from the fact that a long time ago, people who live in insane asylums (疯人院) spent their days weaving baskets. neck brace: a, large padded collar that is worn to prevent a person from turning their head, used only if one has a neck injury. the spring. Yes. Becky: Men never get this movie. Annie: I know. [Jonah was in a dream shouting Mommy. Sam went up to his son’s room.] Jonah: Mommy! Mommy! Dad! Sam: It’s OK, it’s OK. I’m here. I’m coming. It’s OK. It’s OK. What was that about? Jonah: It was sinking. Sam: What was? Jonah: Our house. There was water coming in all the windows. Sam: It’s OK, now. So what should we do? Your mother used to sing to you when you had bad dreams. Jonah: “Bye-bye Blackbird”. I miss her. What do you think happens to someone after they die? Sam: I don’t know. Jonah: Like, do you believe in heaven? Sam: I never did, or the whole idea of an afterlife. But now, I don’t know. I had these dreams about your mom, and we had these long talks about you, about how you’re doing. She sort of knows, but I tell her anyway. So what is that? That’s sort of an afterlife, isn’t it? Jonah: I’m starting to forget her. Sam: She could peel an apple in one long curly strip. The whole apple. I love you, Jonah. Jonah: I love you, dad. Annie: Lorie? Hi, it’s Annie. Fine, I’m fine. Listen, I’m doing an article on call in radio shows. Do you know anyone who works for someone named Dr.Marsha Fieldstone? - I’m a writer for the Baltimore Sun and a friend of Lorie Johnson’s. I’m doing a piece on how people handle bereavement and I understand you had a caller the other night, some guy from Seattle.. Answering Machine: This is Jonah Baldwin. We’re not in right now, but you can... Annie: Baldwin! ( Annie finds Sam’s address on her computer and then hires a private investigator to take his picture.) Sam: Ok, Clarise, I’m going to be back either by midnight or 8:30 if disaster strikes. Here’s one for the both of us. Now I left the number of the restaurant where I’m going to be at. If there is any problem, here’s the number of the . If,pediatrician. It’s right above the phone. Now here’s a bottle of Epicach anyone drinks poison, it’s right here next to the juice glasses. How do I look? Do I look OK? Do I look alright? I look stupid. I look stupid. I look like I’m trying too hard. I was going to get a haircut but then I’d look like I just got a haircut. Jonah: This is a good letter, dad. Sam: Look, the heels on these shoes are grotesque. I look like I’m trying to be tall. Why am I trying to be tall.... Jonah: Her name is Annie. Annie Reed. Sam: ... and now I’m late. Bye! Jonah: Dad, read this! Read this! Sam: “ Dear Sleepless and son, blah, blah, blah, and I’ve been an excellent third baseman for as long as I or anyone else can remember and as long as we’re on the subject, let’s just say right now that Brooks Robinson was best third baseman ever. It’s important that you agree with me on that because I am from Baltimore. Jonah: She thinks Brook Robinson’s the greatest! It’s a sign. Sam: Come here. I’ll show you a sign. Alright. where is Seattle? Right. Where is Baltimore. Ah! It’s right there. Look there are one, two, three, four. There’s , like, 24 states in between here and there. Now that’s a sign. I’m out of here. Good bye. Good night! I love you. Clarise, did you move your car? Victoria: Thank you, Derrick. I’ll have a ... Waiter: ... a white wine spritzer? And you, sir? Sam: I’m fine, thank you. Hi. Victoria: Hi. Sam: You look good. Victoria: You look good, yourself. I thought you were never going to call me. I really wanted you to and I thought you were never going to. Waiter: Excuse me, Mr. Baldwin? Sam: Yes? Waiter: There’s a phone call for you. Sam: Excuse me. Jonah: Dad, can we go to New York City for Valentine’s Day? Sam: What? Jonah: Annie Reed from Baltimore wants to meet us at the top of The Empire State ----------------------------- , Epicach: a special type of medicine that induces vomiting Building on Valentine’s Day. Sam: Jonah. Have you fallen down? Are you bleeding? Is Clarise there? Has she been strangled? Jonah: No. Sam: So, this is the only reason for this phone call. Jonah: If we book now we can get an excursion fare. Jessica’s parents are travel agents and Jessica says.... Sam: I’m not going to have this conversation right now. We will talk about it at a later time. I can’t believe this conversation has lasted this long. You go to bed! Victoria: Everything all right? Sam: Yeah. Do you have kids? Victoria: No. Sam: Do you want please., straight up,,mine? I will have an Absolut [Sam and Jonah are waiting for Victoria.] Sam: Hey put that down. Stop it. There she is. Jonah: Why is she bringing those groceries? Sam: She’s going to cook something for us. So be prepared. Victoria: Hi, Sam. Thanks. And let me guess. You must be Jonah. Jonah: Hi. Sam: So this is it? Victoria: Yeah. Sam: The car is down this way. She’s on her sixth painter and we’re ,never going to finish this job. Now, she wants the fireplace rebricked. Victoria: I know her pretty well. I could give her a call. Sam: No. I’ve got it solved. I’m just going to hit her with one of those fireplace bricks. Victoria: Oh, that is so funny. You are so funny. Sam: Anytime she wants anything done, she goes through this whole song-and-dance about “Oh, I don’t know I’m stupid. You tell me you’d know better than I would , but couldn’t we just flip the house around so that everything that’s on one side is now on the other side and every thing in the back is now in the front and could the whole front of the house open up on one great big hinge. Thet way I could just get ----------------------------------- Absolut: A brand name, a type, of vodka strait up: without ice, by itself, fireplace: 壁炉, .” and I say “ Well,,in with a garage door opener yeah, yeah. We can do that. We’re just going to have to move the kitchen cabinets.” Victoria: (cackles) Sam: Hey, Jonah, bring some of that stuff around, alright? Jonah: Do you like baseball? Victoria: Yes, I do! In fact Why don’t we all go sometime?,my firm has box seats to the Mariners. Jonah: What about camping? Victoria: What about it? Jonah: Do you like camping? Victoria: I went camping once. Jonah: You know, dad, we ought to start camping more often. Sam: You’re right. Camping is good. Time for bed. Jonah: It’s only 10:00 Sam: Yeah, 10:00. Time for bed. Hey, hey. Don’t you want to thank Victoria for this delicious dinner? Jonah: Thanks for dinner. I never saw anyone cook potatoes that way. Victoria: I’m glad you liked it. Good night, Jonah. Sam: Yeah, we don’t see a lot of potatoes around here. We’re rice men. [The phone rings. Annie picks up the phone.] Walter: Annie. Annie: I’m sorry, Walter. Hello. Becky: Turn on your radio. The kid is on. You’ve got me listening to this garbage. Go. Turn it on. Walter: Who is it? Annie: It’s Becky. She’s having trouble with Rick again. I’ll go downstairs. I’m sorry, Walter. Are you bleeding? Jonah: He’s out there kissing her right this minute! Dr.Marsha: Oh really. Jonah, tell the truth. Are you spying on your father? Annie: Huh? Who is he kissing right this minute? Becky: Shh. Listen to this. Annie: How am I going to explain this to Walter? ----------------------------- garage door opener: a, remote control that automatically opens the door of the garage Mariners:, the name of the Seattle baseball team Jonah: She came over and cooked dinner. She brought two bags of groceries like she was staying for a year! Dr.Marsha: Jonah, Jonah. It’s good that your father’s dating. It’s just hard on you. It’s something that you think you want, but then when it actually happens, it scares you. Jonah: That’s not true. Dr.Marsha: Ok, now think. Shouldn’t your father be the judge of whether someone is right or wrong for him? Jonah: He’s not sane enough to judge anything. Now he’s kissing her on . My dad has been captured by a ho. What am I going to,the lips. She a ho do? Dr.Marsha: Calm down, Jonah. Calm down. Tomorrow morning, when you’re sitting down to breakfast with your dad, tell him how you feel. It’s not good to keep your feelings inside you. Jonah: Ahhh! Walter: Mrs. Scarlet, in the broom closet, with the radio. Annie: Walter. You scared me. Don’t ever do that again. .,Jonah: I thought I saw a black widow spider Sam: You scared me to death. You scared Victoria to death. Jonah: It was right over. Sam: Well the next time you think you see a black widow spider, I want you to say “ Dad, excuse me, but I believe a poisonous insect is in the house and I will calmly come and take care of it. You scream like that again and I’ll kill you. Annie: Becky heard this guy on the radio. She was sure it was Rick. She was completely hysterical, and then it turned out the guy lived in Duluth. Where is Duluth? Walter: That doesn’t make any sense. Annie: I know. I know, Walter. It doesn’t make any sense at all. Thank God my life is in place. Walter: Duluth. That’s in North Dakota. Jessica: I love this letter. You have to write to her. Jonah: You think so? Jessica: It’s y-o-h. Jonah: What’s that? Jessica: “ Your Only Hope”.... ----------------------------- ho: a shorter form of “whore”, a, cheap prostitute (妓女) black widow: a very poisonous spider that is famous, because the female always kills the male after they mate. Annie: I thought I would look into doing a story on those radio shows. Becky: You’d probably have to go somewhere to really look into it. Annie: Definitely. Walter: Couldn’t you do a phone interview? Annie: Not for the kind of piece that I want to do. I won’t be in Chicago that long. Walter: When you get back, I’ll be gone. Annie: And then I’ll see you in New York! Captain: This is Captain Browning and we’re at our cruising altitude of approximately 35,000 feet. The weather looks clear to the West and we expect to arrive in Seattle on schedule. Stranger: Don’t you hate flying! Annie: Yes I do. And I just told the most terrible one to the man. I’m about to marry. Do you feel that any lie is a betrayal? Stranger: I said FLYING. Victoria: Thanks for bringing me out here. Sam: Well, he likes the planes. Victoria: Can I bring something back for you? Souvenir? Do you like those little snow globes? You know you shake them up and then the snow floats down. Jonah: Sure. I’d really like that. Thank you so much. Sam: He’s eight. Victoria: He’s good at it. Sam: I read an article about this. All children are hideous at the age of eight. It’s quite normal. Victoria: Well, maybe when I come back. The two of us ought to spend some time together on our own. What do you think? Bye. Bye. Jonah. Sam: Jonah. Listen to me. You don’t know Victoria. I hardly know her myself. She is, in fact, a mystery to me. She tosses her hair a lot. Why does she do this? Is it a twitch? Does she need a haircut? Should she use a baret to keep the hair out of her face? These are things I’m willing to get to the bottom of. That is why I am dating her. That’s all I’m doing. I’m not living with her. I’m not marrying her. Can you appreciate the difference? This is what single people do. They try other people on and see how they fit. Everybody’s an adjustment. Nobody’s perfect. There’s no such thing as a perfect.... Sam: Well, come on. Jonah: Dad, I was talking to Jessica about reincarnation. She said you knew Annie in another life. Sam: Who’s Annie? Jonah: The one who wrote us. But Jessica says, you and Annie never got together in that life, so your hearts are like puzzles with missing pieces and when you get together, the puzzle is complete. The reason I know this and you don’t is because I’m younger and pure so I’m more in touch with cosmic forces. Sam: Who told you this stuff? Jonah: Jessica! Sam: Well I sincerely hope you’re not marrying Jessica. Annie: I watched him play with his son at the beach. Becky: Did you talk to him? Annie: I couldn’t do it. How did I get here? Becky: You told a lie and got on a plane. Annie: That’s not what I mean. I’m going back over there tomorrow and talk to him. I am. Becky: OK. Good. Good bye. Annie: Beck. Becky: What? Annie: Is this crazy? Becky: No. That’s the weirdest part about it. Annie: Thank you. I love you. Becky: I love you, too. Annie: Good night. Becky: night. Sam: Hello Annie: Hello Becky: So then what happened? Annie: So then I left, obviously. Becky: You were standing in the middle of a street? Annie: You know that dream where you’re walking down the street naked and everyone is looking at you? Becky: I love that dream. Annie: That was nothing compared to this humiliation. Nothing. Becky: But he saw you, right? Annie: He saw me. Becky: You were face to face. Annie: He said “Hello” Becky: He said “Hello”, and what did you say? Annie: All I could say was “hello”. Becky: Oh my God. Woman on television: All I could say was “hello”. Becky: It’s a sign. Annie: It’s a sign that I have watched this movie too many times. Those stupid... From the minute I listened to that stupid girl’s show on the radio. I’ve been a complete jerk. Becky: you are not a jerk. Annie: Thank you. I’m an idiot. Becky: You don’t know who she was, Annie. Annie: I saw her. I have a picture of her. I’ll show you a picture of her. That detective in Seattle sent me a picture of her. Here. See. Huh? That’s exactly what she looks like. Becky: This is a picture of someone’s back. Annie: Well, it was her and he was crazy about her. What’s this? This is from Seattle. Becky.... Becky: So I mailed your letter. Annie: “Dear Annie, thanks for your letter. It was great. You sound neat. We’re very excited about meeting you in New York on Valentine’s Day and seeing if we are M-F-E-O. See you soon. Sleepless in Seattle. Becky: M-F-E-O? Annie: “Made for each other”. Becky: It’s cute. It’s like a little clue. So he can’t write. Big deal. Verbal ability is a highly over-rated thing in a guy and our pathetic need for it is what gets us into so much trouble. Annie: I am going to run back to Walter’s arms, if he’ll still have me. Becky: What about the letter? Annie: It means nothing. It was written before I went out there. Before the “ho”. The only thing is, she didn’t look like a “ho”. She looked like somebody we would’ve been friends with. Greg’s wife: You saw her in the airport and then here? Sam: And I tried to talk to her. It was like I knew her or something. It was weird. thing?,Greg: You mean like a deja vu Sam: .,It was a very French defa vu-ish kind of thing. Oui Greg: Oui. At least you’re at there seeing people again that’s terrific. Sam: Well, I mean, there’s really just the one. Jonah: Victoria. Greg’s wife: You don’t like Victoria? .,Jonah: She laughs like a hyena Greg’s wife: Is this true? Sam: No... sort of ... a little bit. Hey, tell them what you did. Tell them about the radio show. Jonah: Dad. Sam: They want to hear it. Go ahead tell ’em. Christmas Eve he phones in one of those radio call-in shows and tells them I need a new wife. Greg’s wife: You’re kidding. That’s so sweet. Sam: Now he obsessed with this one woman who wrote me. Greg: Are you serious? Sam: Yeah, she wants to meet me at the top of the Empire State Building. Jonah: On Valentine’s Day. Greg’s wife: It’s like that movie. Jonah: What movie? Greg’s wife: “ An Affair to Remember”. Did you ever see it? Oh, God. Carey Grant and Deborah Carr. Is it Carr or Kerr. Sam and Greg : Carr. Greg’s wife: OK. She going to meet him at the top of the Empire State Building, only she got hit by a taxi. And he waited, and waited. And it was raining, I think. And then she’s too proud to tell him that she’s ... crippled, and he’s too proud to find out why she doesn’t come. But he comes to see her anyway. I forgot why but, Oh, oh it’s so amazing when he comes to see her because he doesn’t even notice that she doesn’t get up to say hello. And he’s very bitter. And you think that he’s just going to walk out the door, and never know why she’s just lying there , y’know , on the couch with this blanket over her shriveled little legs.... Jonah: Are you alright? ------------------------------- Deja vu: French for “already, seen” referring to the unexplainable feeling that you have been somewhere or seen something before. Oui: pronounced “we”, French for “yes”, hyena: a, wild African dog, known for making a high pitch sound like laughterGreg: She’s is fine. Greg’s wife: And suddenly, he saw the painting. And he goes to the bedroom and he looks and he comes out and look at her and he kind of just.... and they know, and.... .,Sam: That’s a chick’s movie Greg: I would say so. What kind of a person would write to someone they heard on the radio? Sam: I got numbers of letters from women all over the country. Greg: Desperate women. Greg’s wife: Just because someone is looking for a nice guy, doesn’t make them desperate. Greg: How about : “rapacious” and “ love-starved’? Greg’s wife: No. Greg: It is easier to be killed by a terrorist to find a husband after the age of 40. Greg’s wife: That is absolutely untrue. Greg: Right honey, right. Sam: I’m not looking bride. I’m just looking for someone I can have a decent,for a mail-order conversation with over dinner without having it falling down into weepy tears over some movie. Greg: She’s very emotional. Sam: Although I cried at the end of “The Dirty Dozen” Greg: Well who didn’t ? Sam: Jim Brown is throwing these hand grenades down these aircrafts and Richard Jackel and Lee Marvin were sitting on the top of this armored personnel carrier, and they’re dressed up like Nazis and Treaty lopez... he busted his neck when they were parachuting down behind Nazi lines. Richard Jackel had an his shinny helmet ,because he was the MP Greg: Please no more.. Oh, God I loved that movie. Jessica: This is the best movie I’ve seen in my whole life. Jonah: What’s so great about it? Jessica: You have to find her, Jonah. You have to go to her. Jonah: Do you know how much money it costs to go to New York? Jessica: Nobody knows. It changes practically everyday. How much money do you have? ------------------------------------- chick’s, movie: a usually very sentimental movie, loved especially by women (example: THIS movie) mail-order: to buy something by having it sent to you through, the mail MP: Military Police, Jonah: 80$. Jessica: I have 42$. That will probably cover taxi cabs. Jonah: But how would I get there? Jessica’s Mom: Honey, I have to run the tickets over to someone. Can you keep an eye on things at front until I get back? Jessica: Sure, mom. Do you want a window seat or on aisle? Jonah: Window. Jessica: Do you want a food plate? Jonah: I don’t know. Do I ? Jessica: I’d rather die than eat airplane food. I’m telling them you’re twelve so that you can fly unaccompanied and the stewardess won’t carry you around and stuff like that. Jonah: Are you crazy? Who’d believe I’m twelve? Jessica: If it’s in the computer, they believe anything. Jonah: Are you sure? Jessica: Do you want me to say that you’re really really short for your age and that they shouldn’t say anything because it would hurt your feelings? Jonah: Yeah that’s a great idea! Becky: You’re going to miss the train. Annie: No, I’m not. I’m so happy, Becky. Finally, I feel happy. This is right. This is real. Everything else is what happens when you watch too many movies and you completely lose sight of what counts. Please, don’t tell anybody what happened because I would be so absolutely mortified if anyone knew that I did anything even remotely close to what I have done. Do you promise? Becky: I promise. Annie: “ Sleepless in Seattle” is history. Walter: Go ahead. Annie: No, you go. Walter: OK, well I was just going to say that ever since Christmas, you’ve been different, kind of distracted, distant. But now it feels as if you’re coming back from where ever you were. Annie: I am. I was just.... I just.... I think I got nervous. You know that’s normal, right. I mean don’t you ever feel nervous about.... Walter: What? Annie: “forever”. Walter: No. Annie: Well, I did and, you know what I think? I think I thought it was too perfect. I started to wonder if we were the human equivalent of two rights making a wrong. You know what it was? It was like kid’s myth... but not, if you see what I mean. You have to grow up. You just can’t keep having these adolescent fantasies about how exciting your life is going to be. Don’t hate me but I love this pattern. Walter: You couldn’t . Annie: I do. Walter: This is just like my grandmother’s china. Sales woman: How many plate settings should I put down? Annie and Walter: Ten. Walter: Exactly. Eight is too few. Twelve is too many. Annie: Walter! Walter: It was my mother’s. I had them size it down. She had really fat fingers. Annie: It’s so beautiful. It’s exactly what I would pick out if I had every ring in the whole world to choose from. Ya see what I mean. There are people who would like a relationship to be full of surprises. But I am not one of those people. No siree. Surprises are highly over-rated. Sam: I’m leaving first thing in the morning, but I’m only going to be gone one night. And Clarise is going to be ” and “ Nightmare on Elm,here, so you’ll be able to see plenty of “Geraldo ” and I will never know.,Street 12 Jonah: Are you going with her? Sam: I am going with Victoria. Yes. Don’t try anything tricky, understand? Do not go rolling in poison ivy as soon as I leave the house, or lock yourself in a closet or do anything that needs stitches. If your finger falls off, it’s staying off. No one’s going to pack it on ice and take you to the hospital, so you can be a laser surgery, Is this about that woman in,breakthrough in Baltimore? Jonah: Annie. I don’t care what you do! Sam: Good, fine. I .,won’t tell you what I’m doing this weekend: I’m getting laid ------------------------------------ Geraldo: a daytime TV program, where they talk to very strange people about their very unusual problems , Nightmare on Elm Street 12: the 11th sequel to a scary and violent movie , laser: 激光 ,laser surgery: surgery using lasers, perhaps to make small cuts. Here, Sam is joking that Jonah will be the first patient to use a new type of surgery to have his finger reattached getting laid: slang for “having, sex” 1990’s and no one is getting laid. I’m the only man in America who is getting laid this weekend and I haven’t been laid that much. Six girls in college, maybe seven. How long have you been standing there? Jonah: Forever. Sam: What did you hear me just say? Jonah: Six girls in college, maybe seven. Sam: Seven. Eight! Mary Kelly. Jonah: This is the one I like. Sam: Jonah, the fact is, you’re not going to like any woman because it isn’t your mother. Jonah: How do you know? What’s wrong with Annie? Sam: Oh, Jonah. Shut up! Jonah: Shut up?! Shut up? Mom never said “shut up” to me. Mom never yelled to me. Sam: The conversation is finished. Jonah: Why can’t we go to New York? Sam: There is no way that we are going on a plane to meet some woman who could be a crazy lunatic. Didn’t you see “Fatal Attraction”? Jonah: You wouldn’t let me. Sam: Well I saw it, and it scared . It scared the shit out of every man in America.,the shit out of me Jonah: I’m not leaving until you say “yes”. I hate you. I hate you. Sam: That’s . How your dad destroyed your life ‘cause,good. You’ll have a lot to tell Oprah he had to go off for a weekend special at the Holiday Inn... (later) Jonah, Clarise is here and I’ve got to go... Jonah. Jonah? All right, Jonah. Jonah? Jonah! Jessica’s Mom: Jessica, honey. You have to tell us where he is. Jonah’s daddy is very upset. Jessica’s Dad: Jessica, this is your father. Tell us where he is, right this minute. Jessica: N-Y. Sam: What is that? Jessica’s Dad: “ No Way” Sam: That’s “ N-W” Jessica: New York. He’s on his way to New York. Sam: What? How? Jessica: United. 597 Sam: When does it leave? --------------------------------------- it scared, the shit out of me: common expression Oprah: another daytime TV show where, they talk about people’s problems Jessica’s Dad: 7:30 Stewardess: Here you go. Here’s a nice pin for you for flying with us. You’re welcome. Can I take this for you? Jonah: No. Cab Driver: Where to, kid? Jonah: The Empire State Building. Cab Driver: Get a little farther away from the curb next time, Mac.... Here it is, Whatcha gonna do?( What are you going to do) When you get up there? Spit off the top? Jonah: no.I’m going to meet my new mother. Jonah: ... Excuse me. I’m Jonah. Are you Annie? Woman: No. I’m Cynthia. Jonah: Excuse me, are you Annie? Walter: Oh, great table. Is something wrong? Waiter: Can I get you a drink? Walter: Some champagne. Annie: Fine, fine. Walter: Can we . Just kidding.,have a bottle of Dom... Delousie Annie: It was a joke. He .,meant Dom Perignon Waiter: I got it. Walter: Beautiful view, isn’t it. Annie: Walter, there’s something I have to tell you. Sam (to cab driver): The Empire State Building, please. Walter: So, he could be on top of The Empire State Building now. Annie: No... I guess he could be... No. It’s not him, Walter, it’s me. I can’t do this. Walter: Look, Annie, I love you, but let’s leave that out of this. I don’t want to be someone that you’re settling for. I don’t want to be someone that anyone settles for. Marriage is hard enough without bringing such low expectations into it. Isn’t it? Annie: Walter, I don’t deserve you. Walter: No, I wouldn’t put it that way, but, OK. Annie: You OK? Walter: Yeah. ------------------------------- , Dom Delouise: a fat actor from the 70’s and 80’s Dom Perignon: a very, expensive brand of champagne, usually about $100 per bottle. Annie: Look! It’s a sign. Walter: Who, needed a sign? Annie: Walter, I have to go. Sam: Jonah! Jonah! Jonah: Dad! Sam: What if something had happened to you. What if I couldn’t get to you? Jonah: I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Sam: What would I have done? You’re my family. You’re all I’ve got. Jonah: I thought she’d be here. I thought she’d come. Sam: We’re doing OK, aren’t we? I mean, aren’t we OK? So far have I done anything really stupid? Jonah: No. Annie: Observation deck. Guard: Sorry, ma’am, but it’s too late. Annie: No, please. I really need to get up there. Guard: We’re closing up. No more runs tonight. Annie: Listen, can I just take a look? He’s probably not here, but if I don’t at least look. I’ll always wonder about it. Guard: Carey Grant, right? Annie: You know that movie? Guard: One of my wife’s favorites. Sam: Hey, maybe when we get home, we’ll get a dog. Jonah: OK. Sam: What do you mean OK? Wouldn’t you like to have a dog? Jonah: Sure. Elevator operator: I’m sorry ma’am. Empty. Annie: Can I take a minute? Elevator operator: Go ahead. Jonah: I left it by the telescopes. Sam: It’s you. Annie: It’s me. Sam: I saw you in the street. Jonah: Are you Annie? Annie: Yes. Sam: You’re Annie? Annie: This must be yours. Jonah: I’m Jonah. This is my dad. His name’s Sam. Annie: And who’s this? Jonah: Howard. Annie: Oh, Howard. Hello, Howard. Sam: We’d better go. Shall we? Annie: Sam, it’s nice to meet you. The End Some Words and Expressions that You May not Know Five minutes in the microwave. A "microwave oven" cooks food much faster than other ovens. My shrink. Call him. A "shrink" is a very slangy but widely used word for a psychologist. Loss of spouse support group. A "spouse" is a husband or wife, and a "support group" is a group of people with the same type of problem who come together to support each other emotionally. Hug a friend. "To hug" a person is to hold them close to your chest, or to embrace them. Work is the only thing that will see you through this. In this case, "to see a person through" a difficult situation is to help them survive it. Don't mind him; He's just a guy who lost his wife. "Don't mind" him is a way of telling a person to ignore or not pay attention to him. Take a couple weeks off. "To take off" some time from work is leave the job in order to relax or go on vacation. I'll move on...and in a few months, boom, I'll be fine. "To move on" from a difficult situation is to leave it behind." Boom" is the word used for the sound of an explosion, or as here, a sudden or dramatic change. If a person is "fine," they're doing OK. Seattle. Chicago. Baltimore. Three important American cities: Seattle is in the state of Washington, on the West coast, Chicago is in Illinois, in the Midwest, and Baltimore is in Maryland, on the East Coast. Harold, who ran off with his secretary. "To run off" with a person is to go away with them. It can imply, as in this case, in order to have a sexual affair. He came back, because Irene threatened to put the dog to sleep if he didn't. "To threaten" a person is to warn them that they face punishment or other bad consequences if they do not act in a certain way. "To put an animal to sleep" is a very gentle way of saying to kill them, often because they are suffering. Don't mention the IRS or the Federal Prison system. The Internal Revenue System, which is the US government organization that is responsible for collecting taxes. Your uncle Milton lost all his money in a pyramid scheme. A "pyramid scheme" is an illegal (and stupid) investment in which people gamble on the hope that others will join the club in order so that they can make money (A "pyramid" is a triangular structure shaped like those in Egypt, and a "scheme" is often an illegal plan that is created by one person in order to get money from others). Am I what they have in mind? "Am I the type of person they are thinking about?" Walter and I are engaged! If two people are "engaged," they have decided to get married. He's allergic to everything. If a person is "allergic" to something, they start to cough and get sick if they eat it, or even get too close to it. We always have to carry a hypodermic of adrenaline wherever we go. A "hypodermic" is a medical needle that is used to give shots. "Adrenaline" is a hormone or chemical in the blood. My head swells up like a watermelon and I drop dead. If something "swells up," it increases in size. What did we use it for? :: Uncle Milton's parole. In this case, "parole" is the act of being released from prison early, under certain conditions, such as promising not to leave the country. Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. This is a famous line from a speech that the baseball star Lou Gherig gave in 1939 to fans at Yankee Stadium, after it was announced that he was dying of a mysterious disease (now called "Lou Gherig's Disease"). I would like to propose a toast to my kid sister. "To propose a toast" is usually to raise up a glass of champagne at a meal and say kind words about somebody. A person's "kid sister" is their younger sister. A common term of affection. He's a lovely man, Annie. "Lovely" is a British word that generally means good, admirable or attractive. Are his folks nice? A widely used word for parents, or sometimes, people. We're going down to DC tonight. Washington DC, which is the US Capital. He got my lettuce and tomato on whole wheat, which of course, he was allergic to. A type of sandwich, which is usually served with a type of meat such as roast beef or tuna (Whole wheat is the type of bread). How amazing! :: One day you order take out, and it changes your life. "Amazing" is a powerful and common adjective meaning wonderful, remarkable or incredible. If a person "orders take out," they ask a restaurant for food to be eaten elsewhere (often at home). Destiny takes a hand! "Destiny" is another word for fate, or something that had to have happened, perhaps because God or the universe wanted it to. "Destiny takes a hand" is a way of saying fate has changed life. Destiny is something we've invented because we can't stand the fact that everything that happens is accidental. If a person "can't stand" something, they hate it, or in this case, they can't accept it. The above sentence shows that many people do not believe in destiny or fate, but simply believe that things just happen without any particular cause. It wasn't a sign. It was a coincidence. In this case. "a sign" is way of saying that a particular event is representative of a person's fate, destiny or larger plan. A "coincidence" is the occurrence of two events that look like they are related but in fact just happen by chance. He asked me to take a midnight walk on the steel pier. A "pier" is a narrow piece of land or man-made structure that sticks out into the water. Walter; it's quite a formal name, isn't it? If a name is "formal," it is official, ceremonial or conservative. I knew your father and I were going to have a wonderful time in the sack. To get "in the sack" with a person is to get into bed with them, or more specifically, to have sex with them. It took several years before everything worked like clockwork in that department. "To work like clockwork" is a slangy way of saying to work well or efficiently (Here, Annie's mom is talking about sex). When we're old and gray, you'll have to remind me to put my teeth in, or I'll be walking all over town smacking my gums together and not even noticing. "To smack" something is to hit or slap it. "Gums" are the part of the mouth that your teeth are attached to. I'm broadcasting live across America from the top of the Sears tower in Chicago. "To broadcast live" is to send out a radio or TV show that is being heard or seen as it's being made (not from a tape). The Sears Tower is the tallest building in the United States. Is he busy? :: Not really, he's out on the deck. An outdoor platform, usually made of wood, where people often relax and eat. Wretched woman! "Wretched" is a powerful adjective that means much hated and useless, or perhaps extremely poor and pitiful. Wanna bet? Note that "want to"---> "wanna" in fast speech. "To bet" is to gamble. If I get yelled at, I'm never going to listen to your show again. "To yell" at somebody is to scream at them. If you just tuned in, this is Dr, Marsha Fieldstone. "To tune in" to a radio show is to start to listen to it, perhaps after searching around for other radio stations. What are you selling tonight? Micro hibachis or the ginza knives? A "hibachi" is a type of Japanese frying pan (And ginza knives are a brand of very sharp Japanese knife). You are on the air! To be "on the air" is to be in the process of being broadcast over TV or radio. Come on, now! I'm not going to go through this alone. "Come on" is the most versatile phrasal verb in English, here meaning "Be reasonable!" If you "go through" something, you experience or survive it. Talk to her. She's a doctor. :: Of what? Note that a doctor is usually a doctor of medicine, but in fact a person with a Ph.D. can have a doctorate degree in such fields as history or art. Dr. Marsha, I don't mean to be rude... A very good word for impolite or disagreeable. I don't want to invade your privacy. :: Sure you do. "To invade a person's privacy" is to try and find out things about them that are personal, intimate or that they don't want to talk about. We had a pretty tough time there, at first, but we're dealing with it. If a person has had a "tough time," they have had a lot of serious problems, difficulties or even tragedies. "To deal with" something is to accept it or perhaps to learn to try and work with it. Something must still be missing if Jonah still feels you're under a cloud. A poetic way of saying to be depressed or very sad. Let's get into that right after these messages. In this case, "to get into" a topic is to begin to seriously discuss it. We'll be right back with your listener response. In this case, a reference to the listeners of a radio talk show that call into the host to express their views on the air. This is where other people call in and get to dump on what you said. Here, "to dump on" a person is a very slangy way of saying to severely criticize them. I bet he's tall with a cute butt. :: Bet he hasn't bathed in weeks and he stinks. "I bet" is an extremely common way for a person to say that they are certain about something. "Cute" is a great little word for adorable or precious, and a person's "butt" is their ass or derriere. Maybe I'll hustle myself out to Seattle and give him a little gift for New Year's Eve. "To hustle oneself" to another place is a slangy way of saying to go there, often with great effort because there is no easy transportation. They don't cut anything before they stick it in the fridge. A common short word for refrigerator. I wouldn't kick this guy out of bed for eating crackers; You know what I'm saying? A very common and colloquial way of saying "Do you understand what I mean?" People who truly loved once are far more likely to love again. An interesting bit of popular psychology. After a while, I won't have to think about how I had it great and perfect for a while. A grammatically curious way of saying "I had a great life." It was a million tiny little things, and when you added them all up, it just meant that we were supposed to be together. "Tiny little" is a poetic use of two similar adjectives that has in fact become fairly common. "To add up" a group of things is to add them together to make a greater whole. Well folks, it's time to wrap it up. "To wrap up" a project is to finish it. Colloquial and common. To "Sleepless in Seattle," let us know how it's going. :: You can count on it. If a person asks "How's it going?," they're asking how life is in general. (Note that "Sleepless in Seattle" is the nickname that's given to Sam). He is the meanest man in America. A person who is mean is rude, abusive or unpleasant. Phone service in the greater Chicago area was tied up for two hours...when some kids calls a phone-in radio show and says his dad needs a new wife. If phone service is "tied up," it is difficult to make a call because too many people are trying to use the phone at the same time. A "phone-in" radio show is a talk show in which listeners get a chance to express themselves on the air. The shrinkette practically forces the guy on the phone. A ridiculous way of referring to a female psychologist. It was on "60 Minutes." There were those cows in Michigan that got zapped by stray voltage and no one knows why. Maybe it was Wisconsin. "60 Minutes" is a famous TV news show. If a person gets "zapped," they are suddenly struck, perhaps by a bolt of actual electricity from a lightening storm. Michigan and Wisconsin are Midwestern states. Those parts where the daughter gives the mother the refrigerator with the big red bow on it. A "bow" is a knot formed by two or more curved pieces, often made of cloth or other material that is used for a decoration. The Polaroid ad?that kills me. In this case, a colloquial way of saying "that makes me laugh a lot." They're a lot of desperate women out there looking for love. :: Especially over a certain age. In this context, "over a certain age" is a diplomatic way of referring to a woman who is older than about 35. It's easier to be killed by a terrorist than to get married over the age of 40. This is a cynical (or cruel) way of telling a woman that it is extremely unlikely that an unmarried woman can find a husband after age 40. That statistic is not true. :: Calm down, you brought it up! "To bring up" a topic is to be the first to talk about it in a conversation. If someone is a widower, why do they say he was widowed? A "widower" is a man whose wife has died (while a "widow" is a woman whose husband has died). What's with you?! Something is wrong. A common and colloquial way of asking a person what is wrong with them when they are acting strangely. Often said with great emotion? The guy could be a crack-head, a transvestite, a flasher, a junkie, a chainsaw murderer, or someone really sick, like my Rick. A "crack-head" is addicted to the horrible drug crack cocaine, a "transvestite" is a person who dresses in the clothes of the opposite sex and a "junkie" is a drug addict. A "chain-saw" is an electric tool that is used to cut down trees (and sometimes kill people!) Now, we're getting down to it! Here, a slangy way of saying "Now we're finding out the truth." I got to go to Boston for the AAB convention and then visit Winston Hughes about switching over our computers. A "convention" is usually a large meeting of professionals from many different places. "To switch over" to a new computer system is to change from an old system to that new one. Valentine's Day. A day of celebration for people in love, and other romantic couples. We can registe...for dishes, glasses, silver... If a couple "register" before getting married, they give their friends the name of a store that has a list of things that they would like to receive as a wedding present. How about it?! A way of asking "What do you think?" or perhaps "Do you agree?" I'll take you to Chinatown for Dim Sum. A popular type of Chinese food that is served at breakfast (It includes small portions of fresh breads, meats and vegetables). What did I used to say? Here's looking at you. Here's mud in your eye. Two well known lines from Hollywood movies that are used to express affection or good luck. The dispatcher? :: All of Seattle knows! In this case, a "dispatcher" is a person who tells police and firemen where to go after calls for help are made. It's so nice when a man can express his feelings. Note that it is often thought that men, unlike women, are very bad at expressing their emotions, or what they are feeling inside. I was just tossing and turning last night...because I just realized that I was never going to fit my platters into the refrigerator we ordered. "To toss and turn" in bed is to move around a lot while sleeping. A "platter" is a large plate for serving food. We'll have to redo all the cabinets. In this case, to "redo" something is to build it again. "Cabinets" are storage spaces, often found in kitchens for storing plates and glasses. That's the bearing wall. A "bearing wall " is the most important wall in a structure such as a house, which is used to support the weight of the building. Well, this is fate. Another word for destiny, or the pre-determined course of one's life. What do they call that when everything intersects? :: The Bermuda Triangle. If two lines "intersect," they cross each other. "The Bermuda Triangle" is a well known area in the Caribbean Sea where there have been many airplane crashes over the years. That's for hiccups. A movement in the chest which stops breathing for a second. What possessed you to give our address? A curious way of asking "Why did you...?" Dear 'Sleepless in Seattle,? you're the most attractive man I've ever laid ears on. "To lay eyes on" a person is a poetic way of saying to see them, but "to lay ears on" is never used. Generally speaking, I think we should rule out anyone who doesn't live near here. "To rule out" a possibility is to not even consider it. See what I mean? A common way of asking a person if they understand what you're saying. In the movie, the women are always scratching up the man's back and screaming and stuff when they're having sex. Common filler words which have no particular meaning. Jessica's got cable. A reference to cable television, which has lots of channels. Remember "Marooned in Miami"? To be "marooned" is to be stuck or stranded, usually on a beach. Why did you get married? Was it all trumpets and fireworks? A "trumpet" is a musical instrument, and "fireworks" are colorful light shows produced by small explosives. Together, they suggest lots of excitement and romance. Betty said we had to break up or get married. So, we got married. If a couple "break up," they separate and often no longer see each other. When you first met her, did you believe she was the only person for you, and in some mystical, cosmic way, it was fated? Both "mystical" and "cosmic" are powerful adjectives that refer to the nature or energy of the entire universe, or perhaps of a supernatural force. If something is "fated," it is certain to happen, perhaps because it was predetermined by a God or nature. When you're attracted to someone, it just means your subconscious is attracted to their subconscious, subconsciously. A person's "subconscious" is that part of their mind that is unaware of their own actions. An important word from modern psychology, though the line above is completely ridiculous. So what we think of fate is just two neuroses knowing they're a perfect match. A person who has "neurosis" is mentally disturbed and often unable to function well in society because of nervousness. If a couple are "a perfect match," they seem made for each other and are happy together. I am having all these fantasies about some man I never even met. A "fantasy" is a desire in the form of a dream, often about sex. What I really don't want to do is end up wondering what might have happened and knowing I could have done something. "To end up" doing something is to finish by doing that thing last. It's just cold feet, isn't it? Everyone panics before they get married. To get "cold feet" before doing something is to become extremely nervous about it. "To panic" is to become so nervous or agitated that you can't control your own body or actions. I feel so much better having just blown this off. In this case, "to blow off" something is to decide to forget about it. She's a weightlifter. It's not like her neck is bigger than her head. A person who lifts metal weights in order to develop big muscles (Note the use of 'like? in the second sentence, which is a common filler word, and which helps to replace the much simpler sentence "Her neck is not bigger than her head"). I'm not asking you to set me up. "To set up" one person with another is to arrange for them to meet to see if they might become romantically involved with each other. It's what women are looking for. Pecks and a cute butt. "Pecs" are a slang word for chest muscles. You can't even turn on the news nowadays without hearing how some babe thought some guy's butt was cute. A "babe" is a very colloquial way of referring to a pretty woman. See how it caught on. In this case, if something "catches on" with the public, it becomes very popular. I don't know. :: Are we graded on a curve? If a group of students is "graded on a curve," each student's test grade is based on how well they do compared to other students in the class (as opposed to a system where 90% correct is an A, 80% is a B, etc.) When was the last time you were out there? :: Jimmy Carter, 1978. This film takes place in the early 1990s, and Jimmy Carter was President from 1977 to 1981. You have to like each other. Then you neck. "To neck" is very old-fashioned verb that describes the act of kissing, touching and other sexual activities that couples do. Then you have tests. Then you get to do it with a condom. A reference to tests for AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is you split the check. "To split" a check at a restaurant is to share the cost of the meal. Tiramisu? Some women is going to want me to do it to her and I won't know what it is. This is a delicious Italian desert made with cake and rum (and despite the line above, it is not a verb!). This is going to be much tougher than I thought. In this case, "tough" means hard or difficult. You call her up, you say "Come on, let's get together, we'll look at Swatches." A well known brand of watch. Color schemes. A way of referring to different colors and how they look together. She's not going to see right through that? "To see through" something is to see the real truth behind the words or acts of somebody. You do it in your own suave way. Think Cary Grant. If a person is "suave," they act in a very elegant, seductive or refined way (Cary Grant was a very famous and suave actor). This is amazing; If you play it backwards, it says Paul is dead. A reference to a famous 1968 Beatles album in which it was believed there was a secret message saying that Paul McCartney had died. H.N.G. Jessica's never used abbreviation for "hi and goodbye." I was wondering if you'd like to have a drink with me. This is the safest way to ask out a person who you would like to possibly become romantically involved with. Those were the days, when people knew how to be in love. A common and fond way of looking back at earlier times. You're a basket case. An excellent slang expression that refers to anyone who is hopeless, pathetic, or simply acting in an incredibly stupid or pitiful way. He's so unexpected. You'd think you could tell what he's like just by looking at him, but you can't. Note that "to tell" is often used as to see or to know. Your destiny can be your doom; Look at me and Rick. A person's "destiny" is their fate or pre-determined future, and a person's "doom" is their future destruction, disaster or death. I want to meet you on the top of the Empire State Building. The tallest building in New York City (Since September 11, 2001!) I'll be in New York with Walter. I can squeeze it in. "To squeeze in" a meeting is to make enough time for it when there really isn't much time to work with. I would never have bought the house with the dead tree, on account of which I got divorced. A complicated way of saying "which is the reason why..." "Never" is a frightening word. A good word for very scary. We'd be fools to let that happen, if this passes by. A "fool" is a very silly or stupid person. Men never get this movie. In this case, "to get" is to understand, or possibly appreciate. I never believed in the whole idea of an afterlife, but now I don't know. The idea that a person's soul continues to live after they physically die. She could peel an apple in one long girlie strip. "To peel" a fruit is to take its skin off. "Girlie" is a silly way of saying girl-like, and a "strip" is a long and narrow piece of something. Annie makes her first contacts with Sam,but it doesn't work out as she had planned. I'm doing a piece on how people handle bereavement. An educated word for great sadness, often caused by a death in the family. "Beloved wife of Samuel...in lieu of flowers, contributions should be sent to the Chicago horticultural society." [Written] "Beloved" is a formal word for greatly loved. "In lieu of" means instead of, and a "horticultural society" is a group of people who work with plants and gardens. Arrested for grand larceny. [written] A legal word for the theft or stealing of something very valuable, such as a car. Current record holder for javelin toss. [written] A "record holder" has accomplished something no other person has in a field such as sports or business. The "javelin toss" is an Olympic sport in which a long pole is thrown through the air. AAA Detective Agency. A "detective" investigates crimes or other actions that people would prefer to keep secret. Background check, including photo needed. A "background check" is often a police investigation into a person's past to make sure they have no criminal record. I'll be back by midnight, or 8:30 if disaster strikes. A poetic way of saying if something horrible happens. Here's the number of the pediatrician, right above the phone. A doctor who specializes in children. The heels on those shoes are grotesque; I look like I'm trying to be tall. The "heel" is the bottom part of a shoe or foot. If something is "grotesque," it is totally disgusting or revolting. A powerful adjective. And as long as I'm on the subject, let's just say right now that Brooks Robinson was the best 3rd baseman ever. A defensive position in the game of baseball. It's a sign. In this case, Annie's way of saying evidence of a person's destiny or fate. I'm out of here. A popular and slangy way of saying "I'm leaving." Is Claris there? Has she been strangled? "To strangle" a person is to kill them by choking them and cutting off their air supply so they can't breath. If we book now, we could get an excursion fare. "To book" a plane is to reserve a seat on it, and an "excursion fare" is generally a cheap price for the ticket. She's on her sixth painter and we're never gonna finish this job. A colloquial way of saying "She has already used six painters..." Now she wants the fireplace rebricked. A "brick" is a common hard baked clay used for building, and thus to "rebrick" a structure is to rebuild it with new bricks. Whenever she wants anything done, she goes through this whole song and dance. To go through a "song and dance" is to desperately try to accomplish something, often by spending a lot of time explaining to someone why things need to be done in a certain way. Couldn't we just flip the house around so everything on one side is now on the other? "To flip" something is to turn it completely around. And could the front of the house open with one big hinge, and then I could get in with the garage-door opener? A "hinge" is a metal part on which a door swings open and shut. My firm has box seats to the Mariners; Why don't we go? "Box seats" are special seats in a stadium that are bought for the entire season of a sports team. The Mariner's are Seattle's baseball team. We don't see a lot of potatoes around here; We're rice men. Sam's silly way of saying that he and Jonah love rice. Shouldn't your father be the judge of whether someone is right or wrong for him? "To be the judge of" something is to decide whether or not it is right or wrong. My dad's been captured by a hoe! What am I going to do?! A silly but popular slang word for a sexually promiscuous woman, or more specifically, a prostitute or whore. I thought I saw a black widow spider. A very dangerous spider with a well known marking on its stomach. Say "I believe there's a poisonous insect in the house" and I will calmly come over and take care of it. An insect that is "poisonous" is very dangerous because it has a deadly type of chemical that it shoots into whatever it bites. It turned out the guy lives in Duluth. Duluth is a small town in Minnesota, not North Dakota! It doesn't make sense at all; Thank God my life is in place. If a person's life is "in place," it is well organized and going well. You have to write her. It's Y.O.H. This is Jessica's way of saying "your only hope." Never used! I thought I'd look into doing something on these radio shows. "To look into" something is to research or investigate it. We're at our cruising altitude of about 35,000 feet. A plane's "cruising altitude" is the height at which it travels from one place to another after taking off and before landing. Don't you like flying? :: Yes, I do. Do you feel any lie is a betrayal? A "betrayal" is the act of hurting somebody by being unfaithful to them, after they have come to trust you. Souvenir? Those little snow cones? A "souvenir" is a little gift that reminds a person of a particular place.A "snow cone" is usually a dessert made of crushed ice and flavored with a sweet syrup, though here it is a small knick-knack or gift. All children are hideous at the age of eight. "Hideous" is a very strong adjective that means disgusting or horrible. He's eight. He's good at it. Note that normally a person is "good at" doing something, not at being a particular age. She tosses her hair a lot; Why does she do this? If a person "tosses" their hair, they shake their head in a way that their hair falls on their head in different ways or styles. Is it a twitch? Does she need a barrette to keep her hair out of her face? A "twitch" is an involuntary body movement, such as the brief and rapid shaking of a person's shoulders. A "barrette" is a small object that keeps a woman's hair in place. There are things that I am willing to get to the bottom of and that is why I am dating her. "To get to the bottom of" something is to investigate it so that you understand it completely. "To date" a person is to go out with them as a couple, with possible romantic intentions. Can you appreciate the difference? "Can you understand how these two things are different?" They try other people on and see how they fit. This is Sam's way of telling Jonah that people date each other in order to get to know one another, to see if they would make a good couple (The verb "to fit" is usually applied to clothes, when discussing if they are the right size). Everybody's an adjustment. Nobody's perfect. "An adjustment" is a small change, in this case in attitude or expectations, in order to get comfortable with another person. I was talking to Jessica about reincarnation. "Reincarnation" is the idea that a person comes back as somebody else after they die. Your hearts are like puzzles with missing pieces, and when you get together, the puzzle is complete. A romantic view of two people who are destined to find each other and fall in love (A "puzzle" is a picture made of small pieces that are put together to form the whole). I'm younger and pure, so I'm more in touch with cosmic forces. "Cosmic forces" refers to those supernatural forces of the universe that few can really understand, such as God or nature. Is this crazy? :: No, that's the weirdest part about it. "Weird" is an excellent word for strange or bizarre. You know that dream where you're walking in the middle of the street naked and everyone is staring at you? "To stare" at a person is to continuously look at them for several seconds or more, without turning away. That was nothing compared to this humiliation. "Humiliation" is the feeling of being totally embarrassed or ashamed in front of others (Note that to humiliate is also a powerful verb). Since the minute I listened to that I've been a complete jerk. An important word that means idiot, moron or perhaps ass. It's her, and he was crazy about her. "To be crazy about" a person is to love or like them passionately. You sound neat. "Neat" is a much loved word that, beyond clean and organized, is used to mean good, positive, or more colloquially, cool. MFEO. Jessica's way of saying "made for each other" (Her way of referring to a perfect couple). This is fun, but again, never used! Annie returns to Baltimore and accepts that Walter is her man, and Sam prepares for a very big date. So he can't write. Big deal. If something is a "big deal," it's very important, though it is often said sarcastically, as here, to mean that it is not important. Verbal ability is a highly overrated thing in a guy and our pathetic need for it is what gets us into so much trouble. If a skill is "overrated," it is considered more important than it really is.If something is "pathetic," it is worthless, hopeless or deserving of pity. I will run back to Walter if he'll still have me. A curious way of saying "if he still wants to be with me." She didn't look like a hoe. She looks like someone we would have been friends. A silly but popular word for a prostitute or whore. It was weird. It was like a déj?vu thing. "Déj?vu" is a French word that refers to the feeling of having already seen or experienced something once before. At least you're out there seeing people; That's terrific. A good alternative to great or excellent. You don't like Victoria? :: She laughs like a hyena. A wild dog-like animal that cries with a laugh-like sound. Is that true. :: Sort of. A little bit. Another way of saying kind of, or perhaps approximately. Now he's obsessed with this one woman who wrote me. If someone is "obsessed" with another person, they are constantly thinking about them. She's too proud to tell him that she's crippled. A somewhat dated word for handicapped or physically disabled. And he's very bitter, and you think he's going to just walk out he door and never know why she was just lying there... "Bitter" is a powerful adjective referring to emotions of anger, hate and sadness. ...with this big blanket over her shriveled little legs. If a person's skin is "shriveled," it is old and wrinkled. That's a chick's movie. :: I would say so. A funny way of referring to a film that is liked mostly by women (A "chick" is a ridiculous slang word for a woman or teenage girl). Just because someone is looking for a nice guy doesn't make them desperate. :: How about rapacious and love-starved? If a person is "rapacious," they are extremely greedy or hungry and will take anything they can, often by force. If a person is "love-starved," they are usually lonely and in need of love or friendship. I'm not looking for a mail order bride. I'm just looking for someone I can have a decent conversation with over dinner. A "mail order bride" is a woman that a man decides to marry through a business that arranges meetings between women and men from different countries. In this context, "decent" means good or reasonable. ....without falling down into weepy tears over some movie. If a person is "weeping," they are crying with great sadness. Jim Brown was throwing those hand grenades down on the air shafts...and they dressed up like nazis and... "Hand grenades" are explosives that soldiers carry and throw. An "air shaft" is usually an underground tunnel or narrow space in which air can get through. ...they busted his neck when they were parachuting behind enemy lines. "To bust" something is to break it into pieces. "To parachute" is to jump from a plane with a device that lets you float gently to the ground. In a war, "enemy lines" are points on the ground to which soldiers from the enemy country have advanced. He had his shiny helmet. :: God, I love that movie. If something is "shiny," it looks polished or bright, and often reflects light. A "helmet" is a protective metal head protector, often worn by people who ride bikes or motorcycles. Can you keep an eye on things until I get back? "To keep an eye on" something is to watch over it to make sure it is not hurt or stolen. Window seat or aisle? The "aisle" in a plane is the walking corridor between the seats. I would rather die than eat airplane food. Note that "rather" before a verb means to prefer. I'm telling you you're 12, so you can fly unaccompanied and the stewardess won't carry you around and stuff like that. A person who is "unaccompanied" is alone. A "stewardess" serves meals on an airplane, and "stuff" is a common way of referring to things in general. Do you want me to say you're really short for your age and they shouldn't say anything or they'll hurt your feelings? "To hurt a person's feelings" is to make them feel sad or hurt, often by insulting them or making them feel they've done something very bad. I would be absolutely mortified if anyone knew I did anything remotely close to what I've done. If a person is "mortified," they are deeply shocked or upset. If something is "remote," it is distant or far away. "Sleepless in Seattle" is history. An interesting expression: If it is said that a person "is history," this is a negative or cynical way of saying that they are no longer relevant, or perhaps even that they are about to die or be destroyed. Ever since Christmas, you've been kind of distracted. If a person is "distracted," they are being disturbed by something, or they have trouble concentrating on one thing because they can't help thinking of another I started to wonder if we were the human equivalent of two rights making a wrong. A well known expression is "two wrongs don't make a right" (Used to explain why one should not do one bad act in reaction to a previous bad act). It was like kismet, but not, if you see what I mean. "Kismet" is another word for fate or destiny. You just keep on having all three adolescent fantasies about how exciting your life is gonna be. An "adolescent" is a teenager, and a "fantasy" is a great wish in the form of a dream, for such things as money or sex. This is just like my grandmother's china. In this case, "china" is fine plates and silverware. How many place settings should I put down? A "place setting" is a plate, silverware, napkin and glass for one person. I'm not one of those people, no siree. A colloquial way of saying no, or no way. Surprises are highly overrated. If something is "overrated," it is seen as better than it really is. You'll be able to see Nightmare on Elmstreet 12. I will never know. The name of a ridiculous movie that had several sequels (though not as many as 12!). Don't try anything tricky, understand? If doing something is "tricky," it is difficult to do, or perhapsit is done secretly, or in a clever way. Don't go rolling in poison ivy as soon as I leave the house. A poisonous plant that can cause a person's eyes and other body parts to become itchy and swollen (blown up). No one's going to pack it on ice and take you to the hospital just so you could be a break-through in laser surgery. A "break through" is a great advance in science or some other field. "Laser surgery" allows a doctor to perform an operation with lasers, which are beams of light, so that no actual knives are needed. Don't do anything that makes you need stitches. A "stitch" is a piece of thread that is used to sew up a cloth, or in the case of people, an open wound or injury on the skin. I'll tell you, I'm getting laid. "To get laid" is a crude but common way of saying to have sex. There is no way that we are going on a plane to meet some woman who could be a crazy sick lunatic. A "lunatic" is a crazy person whose behavior is unpredictable. Didn't you see "Fatal Attraction"? A well known and scary film about a woman who becomes obsessed with a married man. It scared the shit out of every man in America! "To scare the shit out of" a person is to intensely scare them (Another crude but truly excellent colloquial expression). That's good, you'll have a lot to tell Opera. How your dad destroyed your life because he had to go out for a weekend special at the Holiday Inn. "Opera" is reference to Oprah Winfrey, a famous African-American woman who has an afternoon talk show on national television."Holiday Inn" is a well known hotel, located throughout the US. Sam, Annie and Jonah find destiny in New York. Jonah's father is very upset. An important word for angry, unhappy or perhaps worried. Get a little further away from the curb. The edge of the sidewalk, next to the gutter in the street. I don't want to be someone anybody settles for. "To settle for" a romantic partner is to accept them, but perhaps only because a more desirable or attractive person could not be found. Marriage is hard enough without bringing such low expectations to it. If somebody has "low expectations" of another person, they do not expect very much, perhaps because they don't think highly of them. Walter, I don't deserve you. :: I wouldn't put it that way. Note that there are different ways to "put" or express the same opinion, depending on the words that one chooses to use. We're doing OK. Have I screwed it up for the both of us? "To screw up" something is to do it badly, or in such a way as to cause harm or damage. Observation deck. The place at the top of a tall building where people can look at beautiful views, often with the help of telescopes. We better go; Shall we? "Shall" is the British equivalent of "should" (Rarely used in the US).