WEBVTT

1
00:00:00.080 --> 00:00:05.320
<v Speaker 1>Fluid fluentfic dorg.

2
00:00:09.199 --> 00:00:12.320
<v Speaker 2>Welcome to Fluent Fiction Mandarin Chinese, the podcast where we

3
00:00:12.359 --> 00:00:16.480
<v Speaker 2>bring you bilingual stories to supercharge your listening comprehension. In

4
00:00:16.519 --> 00:00:19.199
<v Speaker 2>each episode, we'll present a short story in both English

5
00:00:19.199 --> 00:00:21.480
<v Speaker 2>and Mandarin Chinese with the aim of helping you to

6
00:00:21.519 --> 00:00:23.039
<v Speaker 2>improve your listening comprehension.

7
00:00:25.559 --> 00:00:28.519
<v Speaker 3>In this episode, will accompany May on her poignant journey

8
00:00:28.519 --> 00:00:31.920
<v Speaker 3>to honor tradition, mend her spirit, and find solace in

9
00:00:31.960 --> 00:00:34.600
<v Speaker 3>the power of friendship amidst the timeless beauty of Shehu

10
00:00:34.719 --> 00:00:36.399
<v Speaker 3>during the qing Ming Festival.

11
00:00:36.520 --> 00:00:38.119
<v Speaker 4>Right after this commercial break.

12
00:00:42.039 --> 00:00:45.320
<v Speaker 5>At Fluent Fiction, we're not just telling stories. We're bringing

13
00:00:45.399 --> 00:00:48.479
<v Speaker 5>the world together by learning to understand each other. By

14
00:00:48.600 --> 00:00:53.240
<v Speaker 5>subscribing to Fluent Fiction Plus. At plus dot fluentfiction dot org,

15
00:00:53.640 --> 00:00:56.679
<v Speaker 5>you do more than just remove ads. You support a

16
00:00:56.719 --> 00:01:00.640
<v Speaker 5>platform bridging global language differences, one story at a time.

17
00:01:01.280 --> 00:01:04.959
<v Speaker 5>Your subscription not only guarantees you an uninterrupted narrative, it

18
00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:08.439
<v Speaker 5>also sustains our mission to bring stories in diverse languages

19
00:01:08.480 --> 00:01:13.640
<v Speaker 5>to everyone. It's simple. Visit plus dot Fluentfiction dot org

20
00:01:13.719 --> 00:01:17.200
<v Speaker 5>and become a plus subscriber today. When you do, you

21
00:01:17.280 --> 00:01:20.400
<v Speaker 5>become a champion for global language learning. And enjoy an

22
00:01:20.439 --> 00:01:23.879
<v Speaker 5>ad free experience. So please join us at plus dot

23
00:01:23.920 --> 00:01:28.120
<v Speaker 5>fluentfiction dot org. Let's transform the way we experience the

24
00:01:28.159 --> 00:01:32.599
<v Speaker 5>power of stories. Your journey awaits at plus dot fluentfiction

25
00:01:32.760 --> 00:01:36.640
<v Speaker 5>dot org. Together we can keep the world's stories flowing.

26
00:01:45.359 --> 00:01:50.280
<v Speaker 1>J says I see Hu, the shy sha juon ju

27
00:01:50.359 --> 00:01:54.920
<v Speaker 1>chuntie jushi min tie Hopi and the yu Huatzin Sankaifa

28
00:01:55.439 --> 00:02:01.959
<v Speaker 1>Sansi mi Manza, Kunsijo majensa Jubia susu ja jig turbid

29
00:02:02.200 --> 00:02:07.159
<v Speaker 1>with tailido juli si shi walitydan Zusi Yeshi will the

30
00:02:07.239 --> 00:02:11.400
<v Speaker 1>sun Chao City, the nay Sipinhur mainshig Nai Singha and

31
00:02:11.520 --> 00:02:17.199
<v Speaker 1>cindera Mani, and the Jigshihra Taito hu La da sikhudjad

32
00:02:17.360 --> 00:02:22.000
<v Speaker 1>go on the Sinya Hui, the Shangha Taisho jung Panji

33
00:02:22.080 --> 00:02:26.479
<v Speaker 1>issue by Sir, the du Hua jumbisungezusien ibya da ding

34
00:02:26.599 --> 00:02:31.919
<v Speaker 1>yi Ilusha made since Behumi, and the bogwan her An

35
00:02:31.960 --> 00:02:38.639
<v Speaker 1>big Yao Yi litl Si y Tahuyaniza Taycho Guaguandhi Trailagentiuto

36
00:02:39.639 --> 00:02:45.319
<v Speaker 1>Tajo timeh Shija genty Li to Fasti ninety Simzo Tataponyo

37
00:02:45.400 --> 00:02:50.360
<v Speaker 1>lng Her turn li Kha Gaili Lantin Shushur may May

38
00:02:50.439 --> 00:02:57.439
<v Speaker 1>Shibba w her tun k Fujini Trindenthoda Bea will Mintya

39
00:02:58.439 --> 00:03:03.319
<v Speaker 1>women ibu Ibula Mayo y Lisa di Rinding. She said

40
00:03:03.360 --> 00:03:07.960
<v Speaker 1>to you, Tachi dol Jeshibuna wanted the surgeon yesh Taisi

41
00:03:08.039 --> 00:03:12.199
<v Speaker 1>Lin the Tito Pan yomend bang ju Jan Tatan Daala

42
00:03:12.280 --> 00:03:16.680
<v Speaker 1>Lilia Tamahua Manten singh yen jehu Biing the sail Da

43
00:03:17.240 --> 00:03:20.560
<v Speaker 1>Saint Game sing John the nine two Tho Ti may

44
00:03:20.639 --> 00:03:24.560
<v Speaker 1>it Igua Sa Huai Tong Tombuyi Dan Sin John Mayo

45
00:03:24.680 --> 00:03:29.439
<v Speaker 1>is dong Ya jung Yi Tamada Da La Nidu Golaudi

46
00:03:29.479 --> 00:03:33.960
<v Speaker 1>in Hua Shusa May Young lisian Hu Si Wuan Jeshusa

47
00:03:34.120 --> 00:03:37.800
<v Speaker 1>Singsing the Hohu Shu Tata Hua Shu sall singa Fan

48
00:03:37.879 --> 00:03:43.599
<v Speaker 1>the Hupa Bishana Yen sing Susa Yeshi Yijenwaei from Funen

49
00:03:44.039 --> 00:03:50.919
<v Speaker 1>Huaban Ta Tashimbiing Panshan Tiu Saijigashinting Tatan dal Jong Tungueyo

50
00:03:51.000 --> 00:03:55.280
<v Speaker 1>Ku the sing song Helen tiega sou sindling hun fum

51
00:03:55.360 --> 00:03:59.639
<v Speaker 1>fuduza yantien a China shishion to the Nazi shanghan is

52
00:03:59.759 --> 00:04:05.680
<v Speaker 1>a juda yehu say ho sayen citazu sensen jibis the

53
00:04:05.719 --> 00:04:10.360
<v Speaker 1>gushih ti yi Mayeshi dah you pun yo Manhiiti do

54
00:04:10.479 --> 00:04:16.480
<v Speaker 1>god sukhu yeshito zu sindjj tawi soja. Then shoutout hung

55
00:04:16.519 --> 00:04:21.560
<v Speaker 1>way yo good ninji sizi nima matin shu shu da

56
00:04:22.079 --> 00:04:26.000
<v Speaker 1>yo niman saji, the sili venda do a llah say

57
00:04:26.079 --> 00:04:29.319
<v Speaker 1>si huo hurd chun gang jung may kandalla go to

58
00:04:29.519 --> 00:04:33.240
<v Speaker 1>you sinzato lyya mean by le jinzi and tend the

59
00:04:33.319 --> 00:04:38.639
<v Speaker 1>junya Singha tats hung wee wan tenfansia yhiji and the

60
00:04:38.720 --> 00:04:43.279
<v Speaker 1>huai na tantajita chifun changing the te lili ye ya

61
00:04:43.439 --> 00:04:47.319
<v Speaker 1>yo winna hr eysa Lio dong Tata sing jung y

62
00:04:47.439 --> 00:04:49.920
<v Speaker 1>tamansaid Li and Ti Buddha Guda.

63
00:04:50.720 --> 00:04:53.839
<v Speaker 3>Let's take another listen. Listen closely to any parts you

64
00:04:53.920 --> 00:04:54.600
<v Speaker 3>may have missed.

65
00:04:55.160 --> 00:05:00.319
<v Speaker 1>Yaan guang tohogu Liji says i see hud shi mienshah.

66
00:05:01.160 --> 00:05:04.519
<v Speaker 3>The sunlight filtered through the willow branches, scattering across the

67
00:05:04.600 --> 00:05:05.839
<v Speaker 3>surface of Sihu.

68
00:05:06.600 --> 00:05:11.399
<v Speaker 1>Jiung Ji Chuntie Juan Shi xingning tie Hubien the yin

69
00:05:11.519 --> 00:05:16.079
<v Speaker 1>Hua Jin Sian Khaifa Sensimi Manza Kunsijo.

70
00:05:17.560 --> 00:05:20.800
<v Speaker 3>It was springtime, the ching Ming festival, and the cherry

71
00:05:20.839 --> 00:05:24.079
<v Speaker 3>blossoms along the lake side were blooming, their fragrance filling

72
00:05:24.120 --> 00:05:24.439
<v Speaker 3>the air.

73
00:05:25.600 --> 00:05:28.160
<v Speaker 1>May jen Za Hubien susur.

74
00:05:27.800 --> 00:05:30.800
<v Speaker 3>Ja May stood by the lake deep in.

75
00:05:30.879 --> 00:05:38.160
<v Speaker 1>Thought Jigitupi de jiz talada Jiuli si shu Wi Lizidenzu

76
00:05:38.319 --> 00:05:42.560
<v Speaker 1>sie yeshu Wi Li Sinjao Zizi de ni sinpin Hu.

77
00:05:44.000 --> 00:05:46.600
<v Speaker 3>On this special day, she came here both to pay

78
00:05:46.680 --> 00:05:49.360
<v Speaker 3>respects to her ancestors and to seek inner peace.

79
00:05:50.519 --> 00:05:52.879
<v Speaker 1>May Shignai Singa and singh.

80
00:05:52.639 --> 00:05:56.199
<v Speaker 3>Ye May was a person of emotional depth.

81
00:05:57.000 --> 00:06:01.079
<v Speaker 1>Ma niend j Shihra tado hu la da si Hu

82
00:06:01.920 --> 00:06:05.920
<v Speaker 1>daija dean de sign Hue tie de Shanga.

83
00:06:07.480 --> 00:06:09.839
<v Speaker 3>At this time each year, she would come to Sihu

84
00:06:10.319 --> 00:06:13.360
<v Speaker 3>carrying with her a longing for the past and unresolved sadness.

85
00:06:14.519 --> 00:06:20.040
<v Speaker 1>Paesho jumpoonji Yeshubai su de tu Hua Jumbsung guetzu sien

86
00:06:20.560 --> 00:06:21.879
<v Speaker 1>yipia dajin Yi.

87
00:06:23.439 --> 00:06:26.079
<v Speaker 3>She held a bouquet of white chrysanthemums in her hands,

88
00:06:26.680 --> 00:06:29.120
<v Speaker 3>ready to offer them to her ancestors as a sign

89
00:06:29.160 --> 00:06:29.720
<v Speaker 3>of respect.

90
00:06:30.839 --> 00:06:36.519
<v Speaker 1>Ye Lusha May the s s p jumieg ja ambier

91
00:06:36.639 --> 00:06:38.160
<v Speaker 1>yao ye the little Taosi.

92
00:06:40.000 --> 00:06:42.959
<v Speaker 3>Along the way, May's attention was drawn to the shimmering

93
00:06:43.000 --> 00:06:46.040
<v Speaker 3>reflections on the lake and the swaying willow branches by

94
00:06:46.079 --> 00:06:46.480
<v Speaker 3>the shore.

95
00:06:47.600 --> 00:06:52.480
<v Speaker 1>Tahura y dasheko hua guandie chaijinsu to.

96
00:06:54.160 --> 00:06:57.079
<v Speaker 3>Suddenly she misstepped and felt a sharp pain in her ankle.

97
00:06:58.120 --> 00:07:03.319
<v Speaker 1>Tajo ximee she geni la tufaci nani sinzo.

98
00:07:04.879 --> 00:07:07.480
<v Speaker 3>She frowned and tried to stand, only to find it

99
00:07:07.560 --> 00:07:08.360
<v Speaker 3>difficult to walk.

100
00:07:09.480 --> 00:07:14.240
<v Speaker 1>Tad l Hu chu li Kuga lay her.

101
00:07:14.160 --> 00:07:16.639
<v Speaker 3>Friends long, and Chun rushed over immediately.

102
00:07:17.720 --> 00:07:20.680
<v Speaker 1>Lancin Shu Shu May May.

103
00:07:20.600 --> 00:07:24.800
<v Speaker 3>Shiba Leong softly said are you okay.

104
00:07:24.639 --> 00:07:30.160
<v Speaker 1>Mah wi hu chun kri fu Jenni, We can support you.

105
00:07:31.279 --> 00:07:35.079
<v Speaker 1>Chund inhoda ba ba Mintya.

106
00:07:36.519 --> 00:07:41.079
<v Speaker 3>Chun nodded and said, yes, don't push yourself will miibu

107
00:07:41.199 --> 00:07:45.800
<v Speaker 3>yi bu lay We'll take it step by step. May

108
00:07:45.839 --> 00:07:51.839
<v Speaker 3>oy Lisa jen Chi Sa Si. May hesitated for a moment,

109
00:07:52.199 --> 00:07:53.399
<v Speaker 3>then decided to persist.

110
00:07:54.600 --> 00:08:00.279
<v Speaker 1>Taji Dao Jeshibu no wan dur Yeshtai silin the Tsiu.

111
00:08:01.759 --> 00:08:05.720
<v Speaker 3>She knew it was an unforgettable duty, and her spiritual solace.

112
00:08:06.519 --> 00:08:10.480
<v Speaker 1>Toyo mind bang ju jan takan da la Lila.

113
00:08:11.439 --> 00:08:13.240
<v Speaker 3>Her friend's assistance gave her strength.

114
00:08:14.319 --> 00:08:19.639
<v Speaker 1>Tamahua man ten sing yen jehu biinn Suda san jamey

115
00:08:19.759 --> 00:08:21.759
<v Speaker 1>sin jun the Nai Chuzo Si.

116
00:08:23.079 --> 00:08:25.800
<v Speaker 3>They moved slowly along the path by the lake, heading

117
00:08:25.839 --> 00:08:27.079
<v Speaker 3>to the place in May's heart.

118
00:08:28.240 --> 00:08:32.559
<v Speaker 1>May chi Yi guaza Hua tong tong pu Yi, then

119
00:08:32.679 --> 00:08:34.639
<v Speaker 1>sing Jong mau Yi s doung.

120
00:08:34.519 --> 00:08:39.960
<v Speaker 3>Ya, limping, her ankle throbbing with pain, but she remained unwavering.

121
00:08:41.080 --> 00:08:45.440
<v Speaker 1>Jung Yi Tamanda da a la neijugula di yin Hua

122
00:08:45.559 --> 00:08:46.159
<v Speaker 1>shu Sya.

123
00:08:47.600 --> 00:08:50.080
<v Speaker 3>Finally they reached the old cherry blossom tree.

124
00:08:51.000 --> 00:08:55.000
<v Speaker 1>May Yong Lisha Hu Si wen Jeshu sa sing xing

125
00:08:55.080 --> 00:08:55.799
<v Speaker 1>the houshe.

126
00:08:57.279 --> 00:08:59.799
<v Speaker 3>They took a deep breath, gazing at the still waters

127
00:08:59.799 --> 00:09:00.600
<v Speaker 3>be meat the tree.

128
00:09:01.639 --> 00:09:06.480
<v Speaker 1>Tasia Hua Shu Sa Sinda fan Za hu Padisha na Yenji.

129
00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:10.720
<v Speaker 3>She carefully placed the bouquet by the lake and closed

130
00:09:10.759 --> 00:09:11.200
<v Speaker 3>her eyes.

131
00:09:12.320 --> 00:09:19.039
<v Speaker 1>Suze jhi Yi jenuifan fu Huaiban said hashimbi and pansientio.

132
00:09:20.919 --> 00:09:23.639
<v Speaker 3>Just then, a gentle breeze blew by, and the petals

133
00:09:23.720 --> 00:09:25.039
<v Speaker 3>danced gracefully around her.

134
00:09:26.120 --> 00:09:31.080
<v Speaker 1>Seji Ushuin Tien Tatan dali jung Zuni yu ku the

135
00:09:31.240 --> 00:09:32.919
<v Speaker 1>jin song Linieka.

136
00:09:34.399 --> 00:09:37.000
<v Speaker 3>In this moment, she felt a lightness and connection she

137
00:09:37.080 --> 00:09:38.080
<v Speaker 3>had never known before.

138
00:09:39.240 --> 00:09:44.360
<v Speaker 1>Susien de ling Hun fang Fuju sa Yen Tien Sin

139
00:09:44.480 --> 00:09:48.399
<v Speaker 1>shin Chu the Naisi chan hun yujie Yehu.

140
00:09:50.000 --> 00:09:52.080
<v Speaker 3>It was as if the spirits of the ancestors were

141
00:09:52.159 --> 00:09:55.200
<v Speaker 3>present before her, and the deep seated scars in her

142
00:09:55.240 --> 00:09:56.240
<v Speaker 3>heart began to heal.

143
00:09:57.480 --> 00:10:02.879
<v Speaker 1>Sikho Seyen Sidia sur Fin Sien jibis de gu sheh

144
00:10:03.080 --> 00:10:03.559
<v Speaker 1>ti Yi.

145
00:10:05.080 --> 00:10:08.000
<v Speaker 3>Afterward, the three of them sat on the ground, sharing

146
00:10:08.039 --> 00:10:09.279
<v Speaker 3>their stories and memories.

147
00:10:10.440 --> 00:10:14.840
<v Speaker 1>Mayi shida you poyo Mayisi do go de su ku

148
00:10:15.399 --> 00:10:17.879
<v Speaker 1>Yeshi do zu sin Jizi.

149
00:10:18.919 --> 00:10:21.600
<v Speaker 3>May realize that this moment spent with friends was also

150
00:10:21.679 --> 00:10:23.200
<v Speaker 3>a tribute to her ancestors.

151
00:10:24.320 --> 00:10:28.600
<v Speaker 1>Taoui Shojia Gansho Dao sunueyo ku de Ninzi.

152
00:10:30.120 --> 00:10:33.080
<v Speaker 3>She smiled feeling a peace she had never experienced before.

153
00:10:34.320 --> 00:10:38.480
<v Speaker 3>Sizi Nima, thank you, she said, softly.

154
00:10:39.240 --> 00:10:43.159
<v Speaker 1>Mai tin shu shua da yo ni minza uji de

155
00:10:43.279 --> 00:10:46.799
<v Speaker 1>sili vun nan do a la with you here.

156
00:10:47.039 --> 00:10:48.279
<v Speaker 3>My heart feels much warmer.

157
00:10:49.360 --> 00:10:54.000
<v Speaker 1>Seisi huu hud chun guan jung Mai khanda loku chu

158
00:10:54.159 --> 00:10:59.559
<v Speaker 1>y sinza Jizin TiO la nindai le jizien tiend jun Ya.

159
00:11:01.039 --> 00:11:03.639
<v Speaker 3>In the gentle spring light of Sheihu, May saw the

160
00:11:03.679 --> 00:11:06.480
<v Speaker 3>bridge between the past and the present and understood the

161
00:11:06.559 --> 00:11:08.120
<v Speaker 3>importance of cherishing the moment.

162
00:11:09.279 --> 00:11:14.639
<v Speaker 1>Singhua tass hune wan chienfhancia d shi jin the huay

163
00:11:14.879 --> 00:11:21.200
<v Speaker 1>ye tan taja chiufun chen jun the ziili Yiya yowunda

164
00:11:21.759 --> 00:11:23.000
<v Speaker 1>jail too.

165
00:11:24.399 --> 00:11:26.519
<v Speaker 3>Although she never fully let go of the memory of

166
00:11:26.559 --> 00:11:29.639
<v Speaker 3>those who had passed, she knew that within this heavy memory,

167
00:11:30.120 --> 00:11:31.559
<v Speaker 3>warmth and love still flowed.

168
00:11:32.639 --> 00:11:37.159
<v Speaker 1>Tasee sinjul y tamanse dou Lien sie buza Guta.

169
00:11:38.639 --> 00:11:41.080
<v Speaker 3>She reconnected with them in her heart and was no

170
00:11:41.240 --> 00:11:41.960
<v Speaker 3>longer alone.

171
00:11:48.279 --> 00:11:52.399
<v Speaker 4>Today's vocabulary words are coming up right after this commercial break.

172
00:11:53.440 --> 00:11:57.480
<v Speaker 4>Here are today's vocabulary words, first in Mandarin Chinese, then

173
00:11:57.600 --> 00:12:08.559
<v Speaker 4>in English, to cool, to cool, to cool.

174
00:12:09.200 --> 00:12:20.879
<v Speaker 3>Filtered Leo, Leo, Leo, willow, kaifu kaifu kaifa, blooming.

175
00:12:21.360 --> 00:12:29.840
<v Speaker 1>Shang cheap shan sheep shang, cheap fragrance, cheep cheep, yeah

176
00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:40.200
<v Speaker 1>chepe it respects so shia sou sou Hia ancestor Na

177
00:12:40.279 --> 00:12:46.039
<v Speaker 1>simpinhu nay sim ping ho Na simpinghu.

178
00:12:46.279 --> 00:12:56.039
<v Speaker 3>In her peace s s s longing waits yeah, waits yeah,

179
00:12:57.200 --> 00:13:05.559
<v Speaker 3>waits yeah, unresolved dou hua ju hua ju Hua chrysanthemums,

180
00:13:10.799 --> 00:13:20.399
<v Speaker 3>shimmering dah yin dah yandah ying reflections Yo, yeah, yo yeah,

181
00:13:21.639 --> 00:13:31.080
<v Speaker 3>yo yeah swaying taiko tayko taycho misstepped Joe ti may,

182
00:13:32.039 --> 00:13:36.399
<v Speaker 3>Joe t May, Joe t May frowned.

183
00:13:36.840 --> 00:13:45.440
<v Speaker 1>Dan shoot Jian shoot Dan shoot, persist yeall don y'all,

184
00:13:46.639 --> 00:13:52.360
<v Speaker 1>bud yall, unwavering Tang tom boye, Tang tom boo ye

185
00:13:53.679 --> 00:14:01.679
<v Speaker 1>tang tom boye, throbbing, pensions to pensions you, pensions to.

186
00:14:01.639 --> 00:14:10.000
<v Speaker 3>You, gracefully zing so sing so ching so whiteness.

187
00:14:10.440 --> 00:14:18.840
<v Speaker 1>Linzia Go Linia Go, Lindia go connection lin Huan lin

188
00:14:19.000 --> 00:14:31.399
<v Speaker 1>Hu lin Huan spirits Shanghan Shanghan Shanghan scars yeh yeh

189
00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:41.759
<v Speaker 1>yeh Yo s TOURZ Tour c tour saw us ah

190
00:14:42.720 --> 00:14:51.679
<v Speaker 1>ah ah Sure, shout down, shout down, shout down. Path

191
00:14:52.639 --> 00:15:00.279
<v Speaker 1>nan Ship, nan Ship, nan Ship Days Nane one Now

192
00:15:00.440 --> 00:15:10.039
<v Speaker 1>Wha now wha unforgettable JC JC JC cherishing.

193
00:15:16.679 --> 00:15:19.919
<v Speaker 2>We hope you've enjoyed this episode of Fluent Fiction Mandarin Chinese.

194
00:15:20.879 --> 00:15:23.840
<v Speaker 2>Our team works tirelessly to bring you high quality, engaging

195
00:15:23.960 --> 00:15:26.759
<v Speaker 2>content that will help you to reach your goals, but

196
00:15:26.919 --> 00:15:30.240
<v Speaker 2>we can't do it alone. Your support is crucial in

197
00:15:30.360 --> 00:15:34.480
<v Speaker 2>keeping our doors open and our content flowing. Please consider

198
00:15:34.600 --> 00:15:39.240
<v Speaker 2>becoming a Premium subscriber today. You'll get more stories, no ads,

199
00:15:39.399 --> 00:15:44.840
<v Speaker 2>custom episode requests and more. Visit www dot fluentfiction dot

200
00:15:44.960 --> 00:15:49.480
<v Speaker 2>org Premium Mandarin Chinese. Thanks for listening, and now a

201
00:15:49.600 --> 00:15:51.080
<v Speaker 2>final word from our sponsors