A: I’ve been so forgetful these days. I write memos on my phone not to forget things, but then I forget the fact that I wrote them. I feel so dumb!
B: That happens. I sometimes blank out when I think about what I ate yesterday.
A: So do you? Man, we’re aging.
B: But you can improve your memory by stimulating your brain. I heard a good way is to do something you’ve never done before.
A: I wanna take a pottery class, but I’m not sure if I can make time for that.
B: Then, let me tell you a simple thing you can do right now: draw a rectangle with your right hand while drawing a triangle with your left hand.
A: Oh, it’s tougher than it sounds. Anything else I can try to boost my brain?
B: Yea. This article listed some basic exercises: “Get your Zs, make time for friends, keep stress in check, have a laugh, and eat healthy fats like omega-3s.”
A: It's not surprising why I have a bad memory. The funny thing is, the reason that I sleep less and rarely hang out with my friends is to save time and work better.
B: But then you feel tired, stressed out, and become less productive. It's time to stop this vicious cycle for yourself!

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0120. Stop the vicious cycle! (악순환을 끊을 시간)

A: Did you hear Miyong is getting married next month?
B: Yea, I got her invitation. I guess her best friend Jini will catch the bouquet. Or, did Jini already get married?
A: No. Jini wants to remain single, but she’s having a hard time because her parents keep pressuring her to tie the knot.
B: Why? What’s wrong with being unmarried? 
A: The conventional stereotypes are to blame: People think you need to marry someone at an appropriate age, and a married couple should have babies to carry on a family blood line.
B: But those clichés about marriage don’t guarantee one’s happiness. 
A: Right. Some people think we’re living in a society where marriage isn’t necessary anymore. That’s why we see fewer marriages year after year.
B: Even after getting married, having a baby is one’s option, not a must. You can’t measure one’s happiness based on whether one has a child. 
A: True. I think you have the right to choose your own answer about marriage as long as you take proper responsibility for your choice.

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0119. Jini wants to remain single. (비혼인게 어때서?)

A: That’s a cute little cactus! Isn’t that good for reducing monitor radiation?
B: With this single tiny cactus? That’s overambitious. As far as I know, the cactus should be at least 4 times as big as your monitor to have an effect.
A: Really? That’s disappointing. But still, it’s a good decoration.
B: It’s more than a decoration. Just looking at it helps me relieve stress, and it’s really exciting to see the plant growing. 
A: Isn’t it a lot of work, though?
B: I guess it depends on the type of plants. For example, I water and wipe leaves of my Areca palm tree once a week.
A: That’s not too bad if you can make the most out of the tree. Do you think it’s beneficial? 
B: I heard the Areca makes fresh air by removing carbon dioxide, and it keeps humidity. But again, one tree is not enough to have dramatic effects.
A: Okay. I’ll grow several trees.
B: Good luck! I’m sure your time and money will be worth it.

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0118. Growing fresh air (신선한 공기 키우기)

A: Hey, do you think you can ask for a burger refill at a restaurant?
B: What? Is that possible?
A: No, that's why I'm asking. I just watched this guy named Jia Jiang on YouTube, 
and he asked for a burger refill.
B: So? did he get it?
A: Of course not, which actually was the point: getting rejected. 
He made many other requests to strangers and mostly got turned down.
B: Why is he trying to get rejected?
A: Jiang said his goal was to desensitize himself to the pain and shame of rejection and overcome his fear.
B: Oh, I can understand him to some extent. I used to be afraid of saying “no” to others, 
but got over it after realizing nothing terrible happens when I reject a request.
A: I think both rejecting and being rejected are just parts of everyday life. 
You might need to train yourself, though, like Jiang.
B: I wanna train myself by doing this: sleeping at a mattress store.

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0117. Rejection Therapy (왜 싫다고 말을 못 해!)

A: Did you watch Sonny’s game last night? 
B: Of course, that’s why I’m half asleep now. 
A: Me too. I couldn’t take my eyes off Sonny. He’s such a gifted player. 
B: Yea, I think he can definitely be a role model for youth players.
A: He seems very sociable, too. It was interesting to see him shaking hands with all of his teammates in a different way. 
B: That’s another skill he has. I don’t think I could mingle well with foreign teammates if I were the only Korean on my team.
A: That reminds me of my team. Our teamwork sucks. 
B: Hey, be positive and try to bond with your teammates. I think Sonny’s handshake skills can help.
A: I wish my company had an open-minded atmosphere like Sonny’s team.

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0116. I want Sonny on my team(팀플레이어 손흥민)

A: Hey, is my breathing too loud?
B: Huh? Who cares about your breathing?
A: Somebody in the library put a sticky note on my desk. “Please breathe softer.”
B: Oh, you were in the library. People can be very sensitive in such a quiet place. 
A: I didn’t think I was being a nuisance, though. 
I was trying my best not to get on others’ nerves, but complainers DO exist. 
B: Well, you might get a romantic note sometime soon.
A: In that heartless place? No.
B: Maybe you’ll get a note on a canned coffee, saying “I see you’re not feeling very well. Why don’t you get a long, long rest AT HOME? XOXO”
A: Oh, don’t be sarcastic.

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0115. Nuisance in library (도서관 안의 민폐)

A: You’re totally trapped in Instagram. Stop using the phone and eat!
B: Hold on. I just need a few more hashtags. I’m sure my followers are gonna like this place.
A: Isn’t it kinda shabby, though? People usually “like” fancy places.
B: That’s an old story. Many people are getting sick of seeing meaningless pictures just for showing off.
A: Well, I’m one of them. Some attention seekers’ phony pictures make me cringe.
B: Yea, I guess that’s why postings that represent one’s true tastes, stories, or philosophy get attention these days, just like mine on unknown brands or local stores with their own styles.
A: I respect your taste and philosophy, but can you finish your pizza first to show the chef respect? It’s getting cold.
B: Done. I’ve already got two likes!

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0114. Changing Trends for ‘Likes’ (‘좋아요’를 부르는 포스팅)

A: Hey, I heard today is your last day. Are you moving to another company?
B: Yea, I'm quitting, but I’m not   going to another company.
A: Oh, really? Can   I ask what your plan is?
B: I don't have a specific plan yet, but I'm going on a round-the-world-trip for sure. 
A: Wow! That's awesome, but why now? Aren't you getting promoted soon?
B: True, but traveling around the world has been on my bucket list for a long time. And I feel like I won’t be able to do it if I don't quit now. You know, I've worked hard for the past 11 years. 
A: I hear you.  But still, it's a big decision.
B: I know, but from now on, I wanna live   my life to the fullest. YOLO, man.
A: Well, it’s your life after all. I’ll be rooting for you.

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0113. YOLO (한번 뿐인 삶)

A: So, this is your new place! I like the big window! And..It's very clean.. way too clean...! You've only got this foldable table in the living room?
B: Yeah, I got rid of most of my stuff before moving. 
A: Seriously? Including your sofa and bed? 
B: Yea, I realized I can live without them. I'm trying to live like a minimalist. 
A: Wow, you've changed a lot! I envied the ornaments and furniture at your old place! 
B: Most of them were actually unnecessary. Once I started owning less though, the things I own brought me more joy. Isn't it a cool paradox?
A: Really? What about all these things jammed in the utility room? 
B: uhh… I’m keeping them in case I go back to my original lifestyle. 
A: I knew it!

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0112. Becoming a Minimalist (미니멀리스트 되기)

Review Session vol.1
첫번째 복습시간입니다.

청취자 질문 시간은 새로운 내용이 준비되어 있습니다.

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0111. Shipping, Returning, Exchanging (배송, 반품, 교환) feat. The XSFM Sole Collector

A: Oh~ are you learning English with Steve Jobs’ quotes? I love his speeches.
B: Yea, I find many of them impressive.
A: Which one’s your favorite?
B: “What I can bring is only the memories precipitated by love.” Obviously, family and friends are more important than money.
A: Wait, You saw that phrase on Facebook, didn’t you? It was controversial whether or not he said that phrase, but it turned out he didn’t.
B: That was false information again? What can I trust online?
A: You can share information easily through social media, but you should also be aware that information can be inaccurate.
B: You’re right. Social media does not always carry verified information. I should think twice before sharing something online.

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0110. Did Jobs really say so? (잡스가 정말 그렇게 말했다고?)

A: Gujeong is just around the corner!
B: Don’t use that term! Terms like Gujeong and Sinjeong are traces of Japanese Colonialism. 
A: That’s a common misconception that those words came from Japanese Colonialism. That’s totally groundless. 
B: I didn’t know that. Anyways, Seollal sounds the best.
A: I agree. By the way, my mom’s gonna be nervous again.
B: Is it still the women’s responsibility in your family to do all of the chores during Seollal holidays? That’s so outdated!
A: Fortunately, it’s been changing, but I guess my mom is still not satisfied. She even said she wants to live on Jupiter.
B: Huh? What is she talking about?
A: She said it takes 12 years for Jupiter to revolve around the Sun. 

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0109. Mom wants to live on Jupiter (목성에 살고 싶은 엄마)

A: Did you see Manager Kim today? He looks different!
B: Yea! He got his eyebrows tattooed.
A: Wow, Isn't that like semi-permanent makeup? I never imagined he would be interested in that.
B: I heard he also gets facial treatments at a skin clinic.
A: Isn’t he in his 50s?
B: Yea, he is. Didn’t you know it’s a trend? Many middle-aged men are trying to look younger and more attractive these days.
A: I didn't know that. But for what?
B: Well, I guess the main purpose is to raise their self-esteem.
A: Oh, that's pretty cool! It's always a good idea to love yourself.
B: Right. I should try something new this year, too.

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0108. Kim got his eyebrows tattooed (눈썹에 문신을 한 김과장)

A: Hey, I went to this newly-opened Italian restaurant downtown, and their pizza was amazing. You should go try it!
B: Oh yeah? Who did you go with?
A: By myself..? Why?
B: How can you do that? I can never eat alone at restaurants.
A: Hmm. That’s because you don’t know the joy of solo dining yet. 
B: I understand you sometimes need your own time, but I still prefer eating with others. You can’t eat alone at certain types of restaurants.
A: Why not? I’ve solo-dined at every possible place from convenience stores to barbeque restaurants.
B: That’s admirable. What about bars for social gatherings?
A: I’m actually going to an izakaya tonight. It’s the highest level according to the lone diner guide.
B: Wow, you deserve the title of “solo dining expert”. 

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0107. Solo Dining Expert (혼밥 전문가)

A: Hey, you look totally exhausted. You’ve got dark circles, too! Did you work late last night?
B: Are you kidding? Not just last night. I’ve been working late every single day for 2 months.
A: Bummer! Do you have any free time?
B: Not at all. I don’t even have time to see my family.
A: Sorry to hear that. There are many people who are in the same boat.
B: To be positive, though, I’m lucky to have work to do. It’s really depressing to see college graduates these days.
A: I agree. I heard Koreans work the second-longest hours among OECD countries. But ironically, the employment rate is really low. What non-sense!
B: That means only a small minority are raking in money.
A: Are there people who still expect a trickle-down effect?
B: After being fooled for decades? No way! 

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0106. Trickle Down Effect (낙수효과)

A: Hey, have you ever heard of So-gil-daek before?
B: Isn’t that the nickname of superstar Lee Hyo-li, who lives on Jeju island? Why are you asking?
A: Well, Lee Hyo-li used to live in So-gil Li on Jeju Island, but she moved to a different town because too many tourists were visiting her place. She probably couldn’t stand it.
B: Oh really? I guess that’s what happens to celebrities
A: But I think it isn’t a bad idea to go to Jeju for ordinary people who are seeking peace and quiet.
B: True, but I think Jeju island isn’t the right place to live anymore if you dream of a peaceful country life.
A: You’re right. I heard some people are coming back to their original homes after finding out what Jeju actually looks like these days.
B: You can see a lot of pictures of beautiful nature on Jeju Island being damaged by the large number of tourists.
A: The problem is not that tourists are visiting Jeju, but that the government is not managing it properly.
B: I hope public officials who focus on civil engineering business and profits can focus more on the public good.

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0105. Damaged Jeju Island (소길댁이 떠나야 했던 제주도)

A: I heard you went to Sok-cho last weekend. So, did you catch any pokemon?
B: What pokemon? Is that still a fad?
A: Hey, I will be so excited to catch even one pokemon since I've never seen one before. 
B: It’s called Augmented Reality. It has a huge potential to develop.
A: Augmented Reality? What’s that? Is it like Virtual Reality? 
B: Virtual Reality shows a digitally-created world like in online games, whereas Augmented Reality shows a supplemented environment over the real world through smartphones or other glasses such as Google’s.
A: Ah.. Are you talking about something similar to the people in some sci-fi movies who wear glasses to see other people’s private information or location? Sounds awesome!
B: Not necessarily. You should be concerned that the streets could be full of junk ads once everyone wears those glasses.
A: Yeah.. Like most websites are covered with ads these days.
B: Augmented Reality in our everyday lives will happen in the not-too-distant future.

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0104. Augmented Reality (포켓몬 잡는 증강현실)

A: I am so hooked on the song “Stairway to Heaven”
B: Isn’t that a classic from back in the day by Led Zeppelin?
A: Ooooh~ You even know the songs that were released in 1971. You really have a great taste in music.
B: Actually I don’t know Led Zeppelin, but I know the song is well-known.
A: Back in the 70’s the group was going on a tour in Asia and almost had the chance to perform in Korea!
B: Really? Wow! That could have been a blast! How come it got cancelled, though?
A: Back in those days, the Korean government even had their hands on people’s hair. Led Zepplin couldn’t perform in Korea due to the group members’ long hair.
B: That’s messed up. I guess we have it pretty easy.
A: Hmm… You think so? True, now the government doesn’t care about our hair but without us knowing, they can easily get access to our cell phone.
B: That’s right! I totally forgot they are related. I guess, it runs in the family.

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0103. It runs in the family (핏줄은 못 속여)

A: These days, there are so many poorly written articles.  I really hate that!
B: I know! Another way to say that is junk articles.
A: Many articles are repetitive with slightly different titles. You can tell some reporters can’t think for themselves.
B: I wonder if they are even qualified for their job.
A: Do you remember the press conference with President Obama back in 2010?
B: It boggled my mind that no one stood up to throw any question at President Obama when they had a chance.
A: There were about five hundred local and foreign reporters, but not even one Korean reporter was able to come up with a question for President Obama.
B: Are they only good at committing  plagiarism?
A: Maybe they are not competent enough to ask questions.
B: I still blush in shame thinking about them.

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0102. Junk articles (대충 베껴쓰는 기사)

A: Hey, have you ever watched Trump vs. O’Donnell on Youtube before?
B: Oh yes, the trash talk between them
A: Rosie O’Donnell is known for her bad mouth.
B: Yes! But that’s part of her job. However, can you believe Donald Trump?
A: Now, the whole country knows his limited words.
B: Trump even said, Rosie O'Donnell's disgusting, both inside and out. You take a look at her, she's a slob, she talks like a truck driver.
A: Well, Rosie O’Donnell didn’t talk like a girl scout herself. Nevertheless, someone who is running for the next president of the United States mustn’t talk like that.
B: He even mentioned that the USA should get rid of all immigrants.
A: That doesn’t make any sense since the USA is built by them.
B: If he becomes a new president, I think the whole country will be on red alert.

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