Listening 搬家决策
John and Linda are worried about their future.They both have good jobs but they are concerned about the economy. But of the two of them Linda is the most worried. She wants the security of owing her own home.Her husband disagrees. As a result they often fight but about money. They live in a nice apartment but the rent goes up every year. So now they're trying to decide whether or not to buy a new house.
Linda wants to buy a house but john is against the idea. He thinks prices are too high, and he doesn’t want to be trapped. If they owned a house, it would be more difficult to move somewhere else if things changed. For example what would happen if he lost his job? If he lost his job, they might want to move to another city or country. If
they owned a home or flat it would be more difficult to move. If they decided to move they would probably have to sell. If prices had risen they would be okay. In fact, they might even make a profit. However, if prices went down when they had to sell, they would lose money.
Last week John got some bad news. His company is downsizing and moving its head office to another city. It's moving because they can no longer afford to do business where they are now. Expenses are too high especially salaries, so it's more difficult to compete with other companies. In fact several other companies will be moving out too. Office space is expensive in the area, along with the cost of living for employees. As a result, it is becoming more difficult to hire good employees. As a result it is becoming more difficult to hire good employees. Nobody wants to live there unless their salaries can support a good standard of living.
With all these changes, John thinks there is a good chance that he would be transferred to the new head office. This could happen fairly soon. If
so
, it would be foolish to buy a house at this time. Linda still disagrees with buying a house but she is willing to wait a year to see what will happen. She hopes they won't have to move but they may have to unless john is willing to change companies. She would prefer not to move because she doesn't want to lose her job.
Now they have to consider they'll do if he is transferred. John has decided whether or not he should start to look for a new company. If he could get the job in this area it would put less stress on his wife. If they stay and can wait for a while
maybe the house prices will begin to come down. If house prices don't come down then he and his wife will continue to disagree about buying a house. Sooner or later they'll have to make a decision and stop fighting about it.
Dialogue AIs
Are you having any luck finding a new girlfriend?
No i'm not, I haven't found anyone I like. So far they are all after my money and a fancy life style. What ever happened to real love.
I don't know. The same thought has occurred to me lately. I'm afraid i'm becoming a bit of cynic.
I was just reading about some new robots called AIs. They have artificial intelligence or AI.
Yes, Ais. I
heard, about it and they've been in some movies too.
Evidently, this new AIs can be very attractive companions. What do you think about that,
You must be kidding. Relating to a smart robot. It sounds sick to me.
I don't know maybe not. I wonder what would be like to have an AI girlfriend. Maybe you can program it to be like your dream woman.
A dream woman, hoho. Well it's an interesting idea, but hard to imagine
reality. I think it would be fun for a while but then it would get boring don't you think?
For sure, no real emotions. Everything would be mechanical and artificial, even
the language. There wouldn't be a soul inside, just an empty machine.
Well, not necessarily. That would depend on how intelligent it is. There are some to say Ais are going to be more intelligent than we are.
I've heard of that too. In fact, they may even be a threat to us, right?
Anyway, if it were possible, would you want a woman you could control?
A woman I could control, Now I can't imagine it. Most of the woman i've been with have tried to control me.
Well that's one of the differences between men and women. We see things differently.
We never measure up to their standards.
However if there's real love the bonds between two people can be very deep. It may
not happen very often but I've seen it.
Yes that's what i'm looking for. I hope it's not just a dream,
If that's what you want you probably not going to find her in a bar.
Maybe i'll just let people know I'm looking for someone nice.
Be sure they don't tell her your are rich. Maybe I can help you find someone.
You have my permission. And just for fun I'll start checking out some of those smart robots.
It sounds crazy but I'm curious.
With all those lonely people out there it may turn out to be a huge business.