London's Red Bus Goes Green

The iconic image of the Routemaster double-decker bus of London has been preserved and reinvented for the 21st century. The Mayor of London announced the winners of a design competition, A New Bus for London, sponsored by Transport for London. The competition, open to all interested parties, was seeking stylish (as good looking as the old favorites) and imaginative (green and greener) designs for a new and better bus for the city of London.

Well-known British automaker Aston Martin worked together with architects Foster+Partners on their winning entry pictured above. They share the top prize with the entry from Capoco Design Ltd., pictured below.

Upon its introduction as a prototype in 1954, the Routemaster was considered the most modern double-decker bus in the world. The Routemaster remained in regular service throughout the city until 2005. Vintage Routemasters can still be found on at least one heritage route in London. Of course, the beloved design image can easily be found on souvenirs all over the city.

Photos courtesy of Transport for London

Dialogue Workout 51

1.
A: I’m Doctor Harris. How have you been feeling?
B: Not too well, doctor. I have a bad cold.
A: How long have you had this cold?
B: For about three weeks now.
A: Have you had any fever or chills?
B: I’ve had a fever that comes and goes.
2.
A: I have a couple of questions about your health history.
B: Sure. I’ll be glad to answer them.
A: Have you ever been hospitalized?
B: Yes, I was in the hospital three years ago.
A: For what reason?
B: I had an operation on my left knee.
3.
A: Have you ever had a bad reaction to any drug?
B: Yes, I took penicillin last year and got a rash.
A: Do you have a history of heart disease in your family?
B: No one in my family has had heart disease.
A: Has anyone in your family had cancer?
B: As far as I know, no one has had cancer either.
4.
A: Doctor, I’m not feeling very well.
B: What seems to be the problem?
A: I have a very bad headache.
B: Do you have it all the time or does it come and go?
A: I have it mostly at night and in the morning.
B: So, it goes away during the day?
5.
A: What seems to be the trouble, Mrs. Jones?
B: I feel dizzy and nauseous.
A: How long have you been feeling dizzy and nauseous?
B: I have felt that way for the past three days.
A: Have you tried any over the counter medications?
B: Yes, I tried Pepto Bismol, but it didn’t work.
6.
A: Doctor, my son hasn’t been feeling very well.
B: He hasn’t? What seems to be the matter?
A: He hasn’t been able to move his neck since Saturday.
B: What was he doing on Saturday?
A: He was playing soccer and he fell down.
B: I think it would be best for him to get an X-ray.
7.
A: I’m a little concerned about your blood pressure.
B: Oh, really doctor? But, I’ve been feeling fine.
A: Still, I’m giving you blood pressure medication.
B: Do I really need this medicine? I feel fine.
A: It will lower your blood pressure to a normal level.
B: Are there any side effects with this medicine?
8.
A: You might feel dizzy at first, but it will pass.
B: Is there anything else I can do for my blood pressure?
A: Yes, try to get some exercise every day.
B: What kind of exercise is the best?
A: Walking is good exercise. Swimming is good, too.
B: I already exercise every day, but I’ll try to do more.
9.
A: Excuse me. Are you okay?
B: I think I just sprained my ankle.
A: Oh, no. Can I do anything to help? Should I call a doctor?
B: No, that’s okay. I think I’ll be all right.
A: Well, let me at least help you get on your feet.
B: Thanks very much. You’re very kind.
10.
A: How are you feeling today, David?
B: Not very well, Dr. Harris. My neck still bothers me.
A: What seems to be the problem?
B: It’s very stiff. I can hardly move it.
A: How long has your neck been stiff?
B: It’s been stiff since the soccer game last Saturday.

Dialogue Workout 52

1.
A: How is your knee feeling today Carol?
B: I’m afraid it’s still quite swollen, Doctor.
A: Let’s take a look. How long has it been swollen?
B: It’s been swollen for about a week.
A: Is it causing you any pain?
B: Yes, it is. It sometimes hurts quite a bit.
2.
A: You should take an anti-inflammatory medication.
B: Which one do you recommend?
A: There are several anti-inflammatory medications. Anything with Ibuprofen is good.
B: I’ll check the labels in the pharmacy.
A: Yes, and I think you should ice the knee twice a day.
B: All right, doctor. Thanks for you help.
3.
A: Dr. Harris looks exhausted. What’s the problem?
B: He’s been in the office since early this morning.
A: How many patients has he seen so far?
B: I think he’s already seen about eight patients.
A: That’s a lot of patients. No wonder he’s tired.
B: He has to see another ten patients before he’s done.
4.
A: How long have your children had those little red spots?
B: They have had little red spots for the last 24 hours.
A: Those little red spots are all over their bodies.
B: I know. I’ve been rather worried about them.
A: It’s not serious. It looks like a case of the measles.
B: Measles. I’d better keep them home from school.
5.
A: Would you like to make an appointment to see the doctor?
B: Yes, please. But only in the morning. I work in the afternoon.
A: Is 9:00 tomorrow morning convenient?
B: Yes, that’s fine. Do I need to bring anything?
A: Please bring your health insurance card with you.
B: All right. I’ll see you then.
6.
A: Excuse me. Is it possible to change my appointment?
B: Yes. Was your appointment for today?
A: Yes, it was. I can’t come today. How about next week?
B: How is next Friday at 4:00 in the afternoon?
A: That’s fine. Thank you for changing it.
B: I will cancel today’s appointment.
7.
A: I would like to make an appointment to see Dr. Harris.
B: The soonest I can give you three weeks from now.
A: I really need to see the doctor before that.
B: Well, if there is a cancellation, I can get you in sooner.
A: Okay. Will you notify me as soon as there’s a cancellation?
B: Yes, I will. The best I can do is put you on our list.
8.
A: If this is an emergency, I can give you a referral.
B: Could you explain to me what a referral is?
A: A referral is another doctor with the same specialty.
B: That’s a good idea. I really would like to see a doctor.
A: You can try Doctor Randalls. I’ll give you her phone number.
B: Thanks very much for your help.
9.
A: Have you ever seen Doctor Randalls before?
B: No, I haven’t. This is my first visit. Usually I see Dr. Harris.
A: Did Dr. Harris’s office refer you to us?
B: Yes, they did. Dr. Harris is pretty booked up this month.
A: Would you please fill out this form? It’s your medical history.
B: Sure, I’d be glad to. Do you have another pen? This one is out of ink.
10.
A: Hello, Doctor Randalls. Dr. Harris referred me to you.
B: Yes, Doctor Harris is a good friend of mine.
A: I seem to have a problem with hiccups. They won’t go away.
B: I suggest you drink a glass of water when it happens.
A: Does that usually help the hiccups?
B: Yes, sometimes, it makes them go away. If not, call and make another appointment.