Episode 12: You're Tops

You're Tops
Act 1.
Grandpa: Is that you, Susan?
Susan: It's me, Grandpa.
Grandpa: Am I glad to see you!
Susan: And am I glad to see you! I am also glad to be here.
Grandpa: How are things?
Susan: I have been talking to a group of salesmen since ten this morning, and I'm real exhausted.
Grandpa: Well, you look good. What's Harry doing tonight?
Susan: He and Michelle are visiting relatives in New Jersey today.
Grandpa: The rest of our family went to the movies. So it's just you and me, Susan.
Susan: It's nice to be alone with you, Grandpa. We don't get to see enough of each other.
Grandpa: Oh, I feel the same way, Susan. I miss seeing you. But to tell the truth, next time I'd like to go into the city and meet you there, instead of you coming here.
Susan: You don't need to do that, Grandpa.
Grandpa: Yeah, I do. I need to get out more. Well, I mean there's a lot to do around the house, and I love being here with the family, you know, but I'm restless. Since I retired, I've got extra time on my hands.
Susan: I understand, Grandpa.
Grandpa: I think you do. Frankly, I'd like to use my brain a little more.
Susan: Grandpa, you have so much energy and so many years of experience. There are probably a lot of places for you to work. Particularly in the construction field.
Grandpa: But at my age, I'm not looking for a full-time job. I'm retired. But I'm bored.
Susan: Well, there must be something. Maybe I can help.
Grandpa: Let's go into the kitchen, and maybe can help me set the table.
Susan: Sounds good to me. What are we having?
Grandpa: I prepared lamb chops, mashed potatoes, and a tossed green salad to begin with.
Susan: Grandpa, you are a terrific guy!
Susan: You're still thinking about something to do, aren't you? A job of some kind.
Grandpa: That's right. I've been thinking about it for weeks now .There must be some way to put my mind to good use.
Susan: We'll find a solution. A positive solution to your finding a way to use that wonderful mind of yours.

Act 2.
Susan: Sam, would you come in ,please?
Sam: You sound like something's brothering you, Susan. The sketches for the cover of the new doll book?
Susan: That's not it. Please sit down.
Sam: Sure.
Susan: I need your advice on a personal matter, but it's not about me.
Sam: You need my advice on a personal matter, and it's not about. OK.
Susan: It's about my grandfather.
Sam: What's the problem?
Susan: It won't sound like a big deal, but it is. I had dinner with him Saturday, and he's very unhappy about not working.
Sam: I thought he was retired and pleased to be living with the family.
Susan: He is, but there's so much energy and talent in the man ,and he doesn't get to use it.
Sam: But what can I do? What kind of advice are you looking for?
Susan: Simply this. John Marchetta runs this company.
Sam: He founded this company.
Susan: Right. John Marchetta Gave me my start here six years ago, when I first graduated from college. He gave me the chance to use my talents and made me feel more confident.
Sam: Right. Maybe he can do the same thing for your grandfather.
Susan: Or at least give him some advice.
Sam: Right. Then I've solved your problem.
Susan: I can always depend on you, Sam.
Sam: I'm glad to help. Shall I call Mr. Marchetta for you?
Susan: No, no. I'll do that. Thanks.
Sam: Now, how's the Stewart family?
Susan: Fine, thank you, Mr. Marchetta. Except for my grandfather.
Sam: What's wrong, Susan? What's wrong with him?
Susan: He needs to work. In fact, that is the reason why I'm here to see you. I know you're building a new factory, and I thought...may be...my grandfather is so experienced in the construction trade, he could be so valuable.
Sam: Tell him to come and see me at ten 0'clock tomorrow morning. I have an idea that may solve the problem for him and help a lot of other people.
Susan: Really, Mr.Marchetta? Can I tell him that?
Marchetta: Sure can. Ten 0'clock in the morning. Here.
Susan: Oh, thank you!

Act 3.
Grandpa: Hi. I'm Malcolm Stewart.
Marchetta: John Marchetta. Sit down, sit down.
Grandpa: Susan has told me a great deal about you.She says you're quite a man.
Marchetta: She says a lot of wonderful things about you too, Mr. Stewart.
Grandpa: That's always nice to hear, Mr.Marchetta.
Marchetta: Call me John. May I call you Malcolm?
Marchetta; Let's talk business.
Grandpa: That's music to my ears.
Marchetta: I understand you used to be in the construction business.
Grandpa: Yup. Forty-three years. Here's a brief description of forty three years of on-the-job training.
Marchetta: That is some history! You're a valuable asset, Malcolm. Very valuable.
Grandpa: Thank you. Yup. Forty-three years. Half that time in my own construction company. Big jobs-factories, shopping malls. That kind of thing.
Marchetta: Then you retired.
Grandpa: Yes. After my wife died, and I felt I should spend more time with my children and grandchildren. I live in Florida, and they lived in New York.
Marchetta: I understand. My daughter Cami lives in NewYork. I like being near her.
Grandpa: When I came here, I planned to take a few months off. Relax with the family and then look for some work. Put my experience on the line...but, unfortunately, there isn't any work for a retired person my age.
Marchetta: Sometimes there is, and sometimes there isn't. Well, I'm evolved with an organization, and we're trying to resolve that problem.
Grandpa: What's that?
Marchetta: TOPS. T-O-P-S- means Talented Older People's Society.
Grandpa: I'd like to be a member. How much are the dues?
Marchetta: There are no dues...The organization serves major men and women like you. Experienced, talented, retired. But our members want to go out there and use their talents. They want to work.
Grandpa: That fantastic, John!
Marchetta: I've got and idea for you, Malcolm. Just fill out this form for me. It'll only take a few minutes. Sit right here, and do it while I talk to my secretary. When I get back, we'll talk about my new factory. My company is a member of TOPS. So I try hard to find opportunities for people like it. Well, I can use your brainpower on the job right now. Have you got time this morning to go over to the construction site with me? I'd like to have you meet my foreman-get some background on the job.
Grandpa: I've got plenty of time.
Marchetta: I'll be right back. We'll go over to the job site together.
Danny: Malcolm, you worked on the Spaceport project?
Grandpa: My company was the contractor. I built the theater there with my own two hands, practically.
Danny: I understand.
Marchrtta: Well, I'm glad to see you two guys getting along so well because Danny, Malcolm is on the TOPS team. He's going to be working with you for a while. His experience will be valuable to both of us.
Danny: Welcome aboard, Malcolm!
Marchetta: I'm going back to my office. Give me a call later, Malcolm. I'll tell you the time and date of the next TOPS meeting. I'd like you to meet the group.
Grandpa: I will, John. And again-thanks.
Marchetta: No...thank you. And thank Susan.
Grandpa: He's quite a man.
Danny: A real inspiration for me.
Grandpa: OK, Danny. I know you didn't expect to have me around, but I think I can be of some help to you.
Danny: Let me tell you something, Malcolm. With your background and experience, I can learn something...and I do need some advice on a difficult problem. Let me show you this.
Grandpa: I don't want to give you a final opinion without studying these building plans more carefully. But a simple solution might be to move the air-conditioning units instead of redesigning the entire system. It might be simpler and less expensive.
Danny: You just earned your weight in gold, Malcolm. Welcome aboard!
Grandpa: It all happened so quickly! I can't believe it!
Susan: I'm glad Mr. Marchetta was so helpful.
Grandpa: He was more than helpful. He actually took me to meet his foreman.
Susan: I'm thrilled for you, Grandpa.
Grandpa: I don't know how to thank you, Susan. You're a wonderful granddaughter.
Susan: It's good to see you so happy.
Grandpa: I'll be at the construction site tomorrow. What are you doing tomorrow night?
Susan: I'm not doing anything. Why?
Grandpa: How about a date with your grandfather? I owe you a good steak dinner.
Susan: I'll accept. Tomorrow night. You and me. Dinner. What time?
Grandpa: I'll pick you up here at seven. Is that OK?
Susan: I can't wait! And you can tell me all about your first full day back on the job.
Grandpa: It's a deal!

顶尖高手

ACT 1
爷爷：苏珊，是你吗？
苏珊：是我，爷爷。
爷爷：见到你我真高兴！
苏珊：我见到你也真高兴！我真高兴回家来！
爷爷：情况怎么样？
苏珊：我从今天上午十点钟一直在同一批推销员谈话，真是筋疲力尽了。
爷爷：嗯，你气色倒很好。哈里今天晚上在干什么？
苏珊：他和米歇尔今天上新泽西州去看亲戚了。
爷爷：咱家别的人都去看电影了。因此今晚只有你和我了，苏珊。
苏珊：能跟你单独在一起很好，爷爷。我们见面的时候不多啊。
爷爷：我也这样感觉，苏珊。我见不到你时很想念你的。可是跟你说真心话，下次我愿意到市内去，在那儿见你，而不是让你上这儿来。
苏珊：你没有必要这样做，爷爷。
爷爷：有必要，我需要多出去走动走动。是这样，我的意思是说，家里可做的事很多，我也愿意在这儿和家里人在一起，这你知道，可是我感到闲不住。打从我退休以来，我手头有许多多余的时间无法打发掉。
苏珊：我理解你，爷爷。
爷爷：我想你是理解的。坦白地说，我到想多用一下脑子。
苏珊：爷爷，你的精力充沛，又有那么多年的经验，可能会有很多地方可以去工作的，特别是在建筑业。
爷爷：可是我这把年纪了，我不想找一个全日的工作。我是退休了，可是我腻烦得要命。
苏珊：呃，一定会有些事可做的，也许我能帮你点儿忙。
爷爷：咱们上厨房里去吧，也许你能帮我摆好饭桌。
苏珊：这主意听来不错，咱们吃什么啊？
爷爷：我做了羊肉块，土豆泥，还有拌蔬菜色拉当头道菜。
苏珊：爷爷，你真了不起。
[他们互相拥抱。]
稍过一会儿，爷爷和苏珊在厨房里吃着晚饭。
苏珊：你还在想着找点儿事干，是不是？找个什么工作之类的。
爷爷：对，我想了有几个星期了，总该有个办法让我施展我的才能。
苏珊：我们会找到一个解决办法的。为让你能使用你那了不起的头脑寻找一个积极的解决办法。

ACT 2
苏珊：[她向内部传话机里讲话。]萨姆，劳驾请你进来一下，好吗？
萨姆：[他走进苏珊的办公室，手里拿着一叠纸和一支钢笔。]听起来好像有什么事使你心烦，苏珊。是不是那本新的布娃娃书的封面草图？
苏珊：不是为了这个。请坐下。
萨姆：好。[他坐下了。]
苏珊：我有一件私事需要听你的意见，可并不是关于我自己的。
萨姆：你有一件私事需要听我的意见，可并不是关于你自己的，那好吧。
苏珊：是关于我爷爷的。
萨姆：是什么问题？
苏珊：听起来不像是一件重要的事情，可事实上是的。我星期六和他一起吃的晚饭，他因为不工作很不高兴。
萨姆：我还以为他退休后，乐意和家里人生活在一起呢。
苏珊：他是乐意的，可是老人家精力充沛，很有才干，却没有机会使用。
萨姆：可我又能做什么？你需要哪一方面的建议？
苏珊：直说就是这样的，约翰•马凯塔经营着这家公司。
萨姆：这家公司就是他创办的。
苏珊：不错。六年以前我刚从大学毕业时，是约翰•马凯塔录用我到这个公司，帮我起步的。他给了我使用我的才能的机会，使我更有信心。
萨姆：对。也许他也能为你的爷爷做同样的事。
苏珊：或者至少给他提一些建议。
萨姆：对。那么说我已经解决了你的问题了。[他笑了。]
苏珊：[笑着说]萨姆，我总是可以信赖你的。
萨姆：我很愿意帮忙。要不要我代你打电话找马凯塔先生？
苏珊：不，不，我来打吧。谢谢。[她拿起电话给马凯塔先生打电话。]
当天稍后的时候，在约翰•马凯塔的办公室里。
马凯塔：啊，你们斯图尔特全家人都还好吗？
苏珊：都很好，谢谢你，马凯塔先生。除了我祖父以外。
马凯塔：有什么问题，苏珊？他怎么了？
苏珊：他需要干活儿。事实上，我就是为这事来见你的。我知道你在盖一家新工厂，我想到……也许……我祖父在建筑行业很有经验，他可以起很重要的作用。
马凯塔：你告诉他请他明天上午十点来见我。我有个想法，可能为他解决问题，还可以帮助许多别人。
苏珊：真的，马凯塔先生？我可以这样跟他说吗？
马凯塔：当然可以。上午十点钟，就在这里。
苏珊：噢，谢谢你！

ACT 3
爷爷：嗨，我是马尔科姆•斯图尔特。
马凯塔：我是约翰•马凯塔，请坐，请坐。
爷爷：苏珊跟我说了不少有关你的事，她说你是个很了不起的人。
马凯塔：她也和我说了不少有关你的了不起的事，斯图尔特先生。
爷爷：听到这样说法总是令我愉快的，马凯塔先生。
马凯塔：就管我叫约翰吧，我可以管你叫马尔科姆吗？
[爷爷点了点头。]
马凯塔：咱们谈正事吧。
爷爷：这正是我想听的。
马凯塔：我了解你过去是在建筑业工作的。
爷爷：不错，干了四十三年。这儿有一份材科，简短地记录了我四十三年的工作经历。[他把履历交给马凯塔先生。]
马凯塔：这是很了不起的经历！你是很宝贵的财富，马尔科姆，非常宝贵。
爷爷：谢谢你。不错，四十三年。其中一半时间是自己开的建筑公司。都是大工程——工厂啦，大型购物中心啦，都是这一类的工程。
马凯塔：后来你就退休了。
爷爷：是的。在我妻子去世以后，我觉得我应该有更多的时间和我的儿孙们在一起。我那时住在佛罗里达州。他们住在纽约市。
马凯塔：我明白。我的女儿凯米住在纽约，我喜欢离她近些。
爷爷：我回这里来以后，计划先休息几个月，和家里人在一起放松一下，然后再找个工作，把我的经验考验一下……可是，不巧得很，没有工作给我这个年纪的退休人员做。
马凯塔：有时候有的，有时候没有。说起来，我参加了一个组织，我们这个组织正在力求解决这个问题。
爷爷：是什么组织？
马凯塔：TOPS．T-O-P-S，意思是老年人才协会。
爷爷：我愿意当个会员，会费是多少？
马凯塔：不收会费。这个组织为本市主要的大公司服务。为什么呢？因为我们的会员都是像你这样的男男女女。有经验，有才干，已经退休了。但是这些会员们想要走出家门，使他们的才干能有用武之地，他们要求工作。
爷爷：那太妙了，约翰。
马凯塔：我给你想了个主意，马尔科姆。请把这张表格填好，只消几分钟的时间。请就坐在这儿，我一边去和我的秘书谈话，你一边填表。等我回来以后，我们谈谈我那家新的工厂。我的公司也是老年人才协会的成员，因此我尽力想替像你这样的人找到工作机会，马尔科姆。我一看到机会，马上就采取行动。呃，我现在就能在我的工程项目里利用你的智慧，你今天上午有功夫和我一起到建筑工地去吗？我想请你认识一下我的监工——可以了解一下工程的背景材料。
爷爷：我时间多得是。
马凯塔：我马上就回来，我们一起到工地去。
当天上午稍后的时间，在工地上，爷爷和马凯塔先生在同建筑工程项目的监工丹尼说话。
丹尼：马尔科姆，你参加过太空港的建设工程？
爷爷：我的公司是承包商。我差不多是独力地修建了那里的剧院。
丹尼：我明白了。
马凯塔：好，我很高兴看到你们二位相处得很好，因为，丹尼，马尔科姆参加了老年人才协会的小组，他将有一段时间和你一起工作，他的经验对我们两个人都将是很宝贵的。
丹尼：欢迎参加我们，马尔科姆！
马凯塔：我要回办公室去了。过一会儿给我打个电话，马尔科姆，我会告诉你下一次老年人才协会开会的时间地点，我想让你认识一下其它的成员。
爷爷：我会打的，约翰。再次感谢你了。
马凯塔：不要谢我……我要谢谢你呢，还要谢谢苏珊。[他走了。]
爷爷：他很了不起。
丹尼：他真能鼓舞我努力干。
爷爷：好吧，丹尼。我知道你本来没料到我会来到这里和你共事，可是我想我能对你有所帮助。
丹尼：马尔科姆，请你听我说句话。你的学识和经验可以教会我不少东西……我确实有个困难问题需要得到些忠告。请你看一下这个。
爷爷：[他看着丹尼的工程图纸。]在我更仔细地研究这些工程图纸以前，我不想提出最后的意见。但是一个简单的解决办法可能是移动空调设备而不去重新设计整个的系统。这样做可能更简单些，还可能少花些钱。
丹尼：你已经帮了大忙了，马尔科姆。欢迎你参加进来！
当天下午，在苏珊的办公室里，爷爷在同苏珊谈他和监工丹尼见面的情况。
爷爷：一切都发生得非常快！我简直不能相信是真的！
苏珊：我很高兴马凯塔先生这么大力帮助。
爷爷：他不仅仅是帮忙而已，他还带我去见了他的监工。
苏珊：我真为你高兴极了，爷爷。
爷爷：我不知道怎样感谢你才好，苏珊。你是个非常好的孙女儿。
苏珊：看到你这么高兴，我很愉快。
爷爷：我明天要上工地去，你明天晚上有安排吗？
苏珊：我没有什么安排，你有事吗？
爷爷：和你爷爷约会一次怎么样？我欠你的情，应该请你吃一顿精美的牛排晚餐以示感谢。
苏珊：我接受你的邀请，明天晚上，就你和我去吃晚饭。几点钟？
爷爷：我七点钟到这儿来接你，行吧。
苏珊：我都等不及了！你还可以把你头一天再次开始工作的情况都告诉我。
爷爷：一言为定！
[他们祖孙二人握手拥抱。]

Act1
Act2
Act3