[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Because sleep is not, people say you go to sleep, but you really don't go to sleep. You go towards sleep. It just takes a while. You gotta go through these phases and stuff. And if you're interrupted, you don't sleep well. So how do we expect, does anyone here expect someone to sleep well if they're interrupted all night? I don't think anyone would say yes. Why do we expect people to work well if they're being interrupted all day at the office?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] How can we possibly expect people to do their job if they're going to the office to be interrupted? That doesn't really seem like it makes a lot of sense to me.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] So what are these interruptions that happen at the office that don't happen in other places? Because in other places you can have interruptions like you can have, you know, the TV or, you know, you can go for a walk or there's a fridge downstairs or you've got your own couch or whatever you want to do. And if you talk to certain managers, they'll tell you that,


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] They don't want their employees to work at home because of these distractions, you know. They'll also say that...


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Sometimes they'll also say, well, if I can't see the person, how do I know they're working? Which is ridiculous, of course. But that's one of the excuses that managers give. And I'm one of these managers. I understand, like, I, I, I know how this goes. We all have to improve on this sort of thing. Uhm, but oftentimes they'll cite distractions. I can't let someone work at home. They'll watch TV. They'll do this other thing. It turns out that those aren't the things that are really distracting.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Managers and bosses will often have you think that the real distractions at work are things like Facebook and Twitter and YouTube.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And in fact they'll go so far as to actually ban these sites at work. Some of you may work at places where you can't get to these certain sites. I mean, is this China? What the hell is going on here? You can't go to a website at work and that's the problem? That's why people aren't getting work done because they're going to Facebook and they're going to Twitter? That's kind of ridiculous. It's a total, uhm, decoy.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And, you know, today's Facebook and Twitter and YouTube, these things are just modern day smoke breaks. No one cared about letting people take a smoke break for 15 minutes 10 years ago.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And this is why things don't get done at work. It's because of the M&Ms. Now,


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] What's interesting is, if you listen to all the places that people talk about doing work, like at home, or in the car, or on a plane, or late at night or early in the morning, you don't find managers in meetings. You find a lot of other distractions, but you don't find managers in meetings. So these are the things that you don't find elsewhere, but you do find at the office.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And we have a lot of managers in the world now, and there's a lot of people in the world now, and there's a lot of interruptions in the world now because of these managers. They have to check in, hey, how's it going, show me what's up, eh, you know, this sort of thing, and they keep interrupting you at the wrong time. While you're trying to actually do something that they're paying you to do, they tend to interrupt you. That's kind of bad.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But what's even worse is the thing that managers do most of all, which is call meetings. And meetings are just toxic. Terrible.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We're gonna bring 10 people together right now and have a meeting. I don't care what you're doing, just you gotta stop doing what you're doing so you can have this meeting. I mean, what are the chances that all 10 people are ready to stop?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] What if they're thinking about something important? What if they're doing important work? All of a sudden you're telling them that they have to stop doing that to do something else.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] So they go into a meeting room, they get together, and uhm, they talk about stuff that doesn't really matter, usually. Because meetings aren't work. Meetings are places to go talk about things you're supposed to be doing later. But meetings also procreate.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] So one meeting tends to lead to another meeting and tends to lead to another meeting. There's often too many people in the meetings. And they're very, very expensive to the organization.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Companies often think of a one hour meeting as a one hour meeting, but that's not true unless there's only one person in that meeting.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] If there are ten people in the meeting, it's a ten hour meeting. It's not a one hour meeting. It's ten hours of productivity taken from the rest of the organization to have this one one hour meeting, which probably should have been handled by two or three people talking for a few minutes.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But instead, there's a long scheduled meeting because meetings are scheduled the way software works, which is in like increments of 15 minutes or 30 minutes or an hour. You don't schedule an 8 hour meeting with Outlook. You can't. I don't even know if you can. You go 15 minutes or 30 minutes or 45 minutes or an hour. And so we tend to fill these times up when things should really go really quickly.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] So meetings and managers are two major problems in businesses today, especially offices. These things don't exist outside of the office.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] So, I have some suggestions to kind of remedy the situation. Uhm, what can managers do, enlightened managers hopefully, uh, what can they do to make the office a better place for people to work? So it's not the last resort, but it's the first resort. It's that people start to say, when I really want to get stuff done, I go to the office.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Because the offices are well equipped, everything should be there for them to do their work, but they don't want to go there right now. So how do we change that?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I have three suggestions I'll share with you guys. About three minutes so that'll fit perfectly.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We've all heard of like, you know, the casual Friday thing. I don't know if people still do that, but uhm, how about no talk Thursdays? How about...


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Pick one third, just one Thursday once a month and cut that day in half and just say the afternoon. I'll make it really easy for you. So just the afternoon, one Thursday, the first Thursday of the month, just the afternoon, nobody in the office can talk to each other. Just silence. That's it. And what you'll find


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] This is when people actually get stuff done, is when no one's bothering them and no one's interrupting them and you can give someone, like giving someone four hours of uninterrupted time is the best gift you can give anybody at work. It's better than a computer, it's better than a new monitor, it's better than new software, whatever people typically use, giving them four hours of quiet time at the office is going to be incredibly valuable.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And if you try that, I think you'll find that you agree and maybe hopefully you can do it more often. So maybe it's every other week or every week, once a week, afternoons, no one can talk to each other. That's something that you'll find will really, really work.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Another thing you can try is switching from active communication and collaboration, which is like face to face stuff, tapping people on the shoulder, saying hi to them, having meetings, and replace that with more passive models of communication, using things like email, instant messaging, or collaboration products, things like that.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Now, some people might say email is really distracting, and IM is really distracting, and these other things are really distracting, but they're distracting at a time of your own choice and your own choosing. You can quit the email app. You can't quit your boss. You can quit IM. You can't hide your manager.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Alright, you can put these things away, and then you can be interrupted on your own schedule, at your own time, when you're available, when you're ready to go again, because work like sleep happens in phases. So, you're gonna be kind of going up and doing some work, and then you're gonna come down from that work, and then maybe it's time to check that email, check that IM.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Is that if you do have a meeting coming up, if you are, if you have the power, just cancel it.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Are you ready to order? Yes please. Can I get you something to start with?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] How would you like your steak? Rare, medium, or well done?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The tuna for you, ma'am, and the steak for you, sir. So, tell me, Thomas.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] That was a good day's work, Thomas. You're doing a great job here.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Go to the subway station at 7th Avenue. Take the B train to West 4th Street.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] How many stops is that? Six or seven.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] From West 4th Street, take the A train and get off at 14th Street.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Come out of the subway on 8th Avenue. Go straight for about 50 yards. And take the first right. That's Greenwich Avenue.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Two every four hours. If you don't feel better in 48 hours, you should see a doctor.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Magic Treehouse Merlin Missions, Book Number 24, Soccer on Sunday. This is Mary Pope Osborne.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Slowly and carefully, Jack ran his hands over the face of the stony cliff. His fingers gripped ridges and bumps. He lodged his bare toes into cracks in the rock. He knew he had to get to the top. He pushed with his legs and pulled with his hands. He was almost there. He reached up and grabbed the overhang of the cliff.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Meet you outside. She slipped out of Jack's room.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack didn't even turn on his light. He changed into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. He pulled on his socks and sneakers. He threw his notebook and pencil into his backpack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack and Annie left the front porch and stepped lightly over the wet grass of their front yard. They hurried up the sidewalk and crossed the street into the Frog Creek woods. As they walked between the dark trees, the purple-blue sky overhead was growing lighter. Birdsong filled the woods. I wonder where we'll go today, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And what will be the secret of greatness that makes the ring of truth glow? Annie said.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Then she began to speak in a dramatic voice like a TV announcer.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack laughed, then spoke dramatically too. And when will they sniff the mists gathered at first light on the first day of the new moon on the Isle of Avalon?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And when they do, what great talent will they choose for themselves, said Annie. Jack laughed again and shook his head. Our lives are kind of crazy, said Annie. You think, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] When Jack and Annie came to the tallest oak in the woods, they looked up into the branches.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The magic treehouse was outlined against the sky.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Without a word, Annie grabbed the rope ladder and started up. Jack followed. Jack and Annie climbed into the shadowy treehouse. A ray of sunlight slanted through a window.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] It's shown directly on a sheet of paper lying on the wooden floor.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] On the paper, Jack had written the secrets of greatness they had learned on their last three missions. Humility, hard work, meaning and purpose.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] A gold ring, a tiny bottle, and a yellowed scroll lay next to the paper.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack picked up the scroll, unrolled it, and read aloud, Dear Jack and Annie,


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I hope you enjoyed traveling to Egypt and learning the third secret of greatness from Florence Nightingale.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Now you must learn the fourth from one of the finest athletes of all time, Pele the Great. Pele the Great, said Jack. He was a brilliant soccer player from Brazil.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I know, Coach Gooney told us all about him, said Annie. This is so cool, said Jack. Wait, said Annie, there's more.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Look, it's in Mexico. I've always wanted to go to Mexico. When she opened the pamphlet, she gasped. And look what Merlin gave us. She held up two purple tickets. Mexico, 70 final? said Jack, reading a ticket.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] There are lots of games during the World Cup, but there's only one final.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He grabbed the small bottle lying on the floor and held it up to the sunlight. Sparkling mist swirled inside.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Mist gathered at first light on the first day of the new moon on the Isle of Avalon, Jack said.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Whenever he and Annie breathed in the mist and made a wish, they magically had a great talent for one hour. Jack tucked the bottle into his backpack. Annie picked up the gold ring from the floor. And here's the ring of truth, she said. You get to wear it this time.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Just make sure to keep your eye on it when we're with Pele.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Don't worry, said Jack as he slipped the ring onto his finger.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The ring of truth would shine with a fiery light when they discovered the fourth secret of greatness. Let's go said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I still can't believe we're actually headed to Mexico to a final World Cup soccer game to meet Pele the Great, Jack said. I mean, seriously? Seriously, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack pointed at the cover of their program. I seriously wish we could go to Mexico City 1970. The wind started to blow. The treehouse started to spin. It spun faster and faster. Then everything was still. Absolutely still.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The air in Mexico City was hot, humid, and smoggy.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack heard screeching car tires, honking horns, and roaring truck motors. He looked at his clothes. He was wearing his own shorts and t-shirt. Our clothes didn't change, he said.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] That's because kids wore shorts and t-shirts in the 1970s. Remember the photos of mom and dad? Said Annie. Right, said Jack. He and Annie looked out the window.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The treehouse had landed in a row of tall leafy trees lining a busy street.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Beyond the branches was a jagged skyline with towers and tall buildings. Below the branches, traffic moved noisily up an avenue.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He opened their World Cup program to the first page and read,


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Its citizens are overjoyed that their city has been chosen to host the 1970 World Cup games.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Held every four years, the games are played for several weeks.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] This year, 16 countries will compete in the matches to determine the final winner.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He thumbed through the booklet and saw page after page of black and white photos of the teams competing in the World Cup games.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Well, we know Brazil made it to the final game, or we wouldn't be here, said Annie. But I wonder who they're playing. We'll soon find out. Jack closed the program.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We have five and ten peso coins and bills worth fifty pesos. Sounds like a lot, said Annie. We can buy Mexican food when we get hungry.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Tacos, enchiladas, burritos, I love Mexican food. Who doesn't? Jack said. Who doesn't love everything we're about to do?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] A uniformed guard stood under a green awning at the entrance. Perfect!


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We landed in front of the U.S. Embassy, said Jack. Why is that perfect? asked Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Before they got to the door, the guards stepped out from under the awning. Sorry kids, he said. The embassy is closed on Sundays.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The man looked very formal in his blue uniform jacket and white hat and gloves, but he sounded friendly. He spoke with a southern accent.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Oh, we were just looking for information, said Jack. We're Americans. Groovy, where y'all from? the guard asked.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I'm Benny from Valdosta, Georgia, said the guard. Pleased to meet you. Hi, Benny, said Jack. We're going to the World Cup game that's being played today and Lucky Ducks, Benny broke in. It's gonna be the game of a lifetime. Game of a lifetime, Jack said.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Today's the final match. Best two teams in the world. Italy's playing Brazil, said Benny.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Brazil? That's Pele's team, right? said Jack. Sure is, said Benny. Pele the Great. Jack grinned at Annie. This is so cool, he said. No kidding, said Annie. Y'all seem to really love soccer, said Benny.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We do, we love to watch it and play it, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Well y'all are unusual, said Benny. Most American kids hardly know anything about soccer.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] His dad had told them that kids rarely played soccer when he was growing up. Don't worry said Annie. It'll become more popular with time.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] In fact, by 2014, excuse me, Jack interrupted, but do you know when the match starts and where it is? Benny looked at his watch. Well, it's almost 10am now, he said.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] So you've got two hours till kickoff at Aztec Stadium. That's about ten miles south of here. Ten miles, said Jack. And don't worry, said Benny.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Public transportation can get you there pretty fast. Just walk a few blocks to the Metro in Sorrentes station. That's where you catch the Metro. Metro, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] It's like what we'd call a subway train in the states, said Benny.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Wait, please, said Jack. He pulled out his notebook and pencil. Could you spell that? Here, I'll write it down, said the guard. Jack gave his notebook and pencil to Benny.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Then blue line to Tox, Kenya. Last stop. Then a tram to Aztec Stadium. It sounds complicated, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Just ask somebody if you get lost, said Benny. Folks here are super nice. They'll be glad to help. The guard handed the notebook and pencil back to Jack. Thanks, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He tore out the sheet with Benny's directions and put it in the pocket of his shorts.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I hope y'all have seats for the game, said Benny.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] From what I hear, it's completely sold out. Don't worry, we have tickets, said Annie. She showed them to Benny. Far out, said Benny. Y'all have two of the best seats in the house. Really? Said Jack. He couldn't believe it.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] How in the world did you get these? said Benny. Annie shrugged.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We know somebody who knows somebody, she said.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Well, don't let anybody see those tickets, said Benny. People would sell their mothers for those seats.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Annie laughed as she put the tickets back in her pocket.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] So how do we get to the metro train, Benny? She asked.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Go up the street to the big statue of the angel, turn left onto Florencia, and after a couple of blocks, ask somebody to direct you to Encerhentes. That's Encerhentes, said the guard, sounding out the word.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Thanks, Benny, you've been a big help, said Annie. Yeah, thanks, said Jack. You're welcome any time, said the guard.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack put the program Notebook and Pencil back into his backpack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Then he and Annie waved goodbye and headed away from the embassy.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] She pointed to the huge statue of a winged angel looming in the distance. Good is not that far, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The air was hot and humid and smelled like car exhaust.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But Jack was so excited, nothing bothered him, as he and Annie walked past banks, airline offices, and fancy hotels.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] When they reached the Golden Angel in the middle of a traffic circle, Jack checked Benny's directions, then looked around.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] There it is, he said, pointing to a sign that said Florencia Avenue.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] They hurried across the street and headed up Florencia.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Benny said that when we get to the street, we should ask someone for help, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Could you please tell us where we can find? She turned to Jack. What was the name?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Insurgentes, Jack said, sounding it out like Benny had. Yes, said the woman with a smile. Just past Laundress Street. She pointed straight ahead. Thank you, said Annie. She and Jack started walking again.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Can't believe this. We have the best seats in the stadium, Jack said.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] It makes sense, said Annie. Merlin gave us those seeds to help us with our mission.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Right, like maybe Pele will be playing near us and we'll get to meet him, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We're super lucky ducks, said Annie. Quack, quack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Chapter 3. Hurry up for the World Cup.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack pointed to a sign on a large building that said Mercado Insurgentes. That's it! The metro we're supposed to catch! Come on!


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] They strolled down a corridor between stalls selling ponchos, beaded bags, wooden animals, baskets woven with palm leaves, and silver jewelry. Tons of silver jewelry.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The smell of sizzling meat came from food stands. Nothing looked like a train or subway station.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Finally Jack stopped near a group of men in sombreros playing guitars, violins, and trumpets. He turned to Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We must have made a mistake! Annie yelled back.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Let's get out of here, said Jack. We're wasting time.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He and Annie turned and hurried back down the corridor between the stalls. They wove around shoppers until they escaped through the entrance of the giant market. A soft warm rain had started to fall.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I don't get it, said Jack. He pointed to the sign on the building. It says Mercado in Sorrentes. Look at Benny's notes again, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack pulled out their directions. Oh no, he said. Benny wrote Metro Insurgentes, not Mercado Insurgentes. I'll ask for help, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] She took the directions and walked over to an old man reading a newspaper on a bench.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Excuse me sir, where is Metro Insurgentes, please? The old man pointed up the street. Thanks, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] She ran back to Jack and handed him the sheet of directions. Jack stuffed it into his backpack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack and Annie ran up the street through the warm drizzling rain.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] They stopped when they came to an overpass jammed with trucks and cars.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] In a sunken plaza below was a round concrete building covered with posters and murals.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] When they stepped into the station, the noise was deafening, even louder than in the market. Hordes of people were rushing up and down the stairs. Jack and Annie joined the stream of traffic going down. Beyond the stairs was a row of turnstiles. How do we do this? said Annie. Watch what everyone else is doing, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] One at a time, people were dropping a single coin into slots in the turnstiles and then passing through.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack pulled two pesos out of his backpack and gave one to Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Copying everyone else they pass through the turnstiles onto the metro platform. That wasn't so hard, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Another huge crowd was waiting on the sweltering platform for the next train. Jack pulled out their directions again.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Then the blue line to Tux, Kenya. Then we get off at the last stop and get a tram to Aztec Stadium. Easy! yelled Annie. Really? thought Jack. A train was rolling in. Red line? Annie shouted to a woman.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As the woman nodded, the metro train came to a stop. The doors opened.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As passengers spilled off the train, people on the platform surged forward.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack grabbed Annie's hand, and they moved with the crowd.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But before they could even get close to the train, a bell rang and the doors slammed shut.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The people left on the platform jumped back as the train pulled away. We'll get the next one, Jack shouted.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Soon another train rolled in. Jack grabbed Annie's hand again, and they surged forward with the crowd.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] They were pushed and shoved as they tried to get through the doorway. Finally they were inside.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Safe, said Jack, collapsing onto a seat with Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But they were nearly squashed as more passengers piled into the metro.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The train pulled away from the station. As it rumbled through the dark tunnel, the air in the car was suffocating.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He wrestled his backpack off his back and looked inside. The sheet of paper wasn't there either.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Do you have our directions? He shouted at Annie. No, you had them, said Annie. I must have dropped them, said Jack panicked. Don't worry, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Excuse me, she yelled up at a woman standing over them. How do we get to the Aztec station?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But the train stopped and all three people hurried off without answering Annie's question. Should we get off too? asked Annie. I don't know, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We don't know if this is the right station. They're not announcing where we are.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Once again, as the train took off, Jack and Annie were squashed in their seats by the crush of passengers in the aisle.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Where is Aztec Stadium? Jack yelled to no one in particular. Get off it, Pino Suarez! A man shouted above the roar. The man said more, but Jack couldn't hear him.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Before he could ask the man to repeat his directions, the train stopped and the man pushed his way out the doors. Is this Pino Suarez? Jack shouted to Annie. He looked around wildly, trying to find a sign. This is a nightmare. Is this Pino Suarez?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Annie yelled to a teenage girl with a large backpack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Sorry, I don't know, the girl said. Check the map.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] She pointed to a large map on the far wall of the train. Let's look, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But it was impossible to get to the map, as the aisle had already filled up with new passengers. Too late, said Annie. The metro doors closed.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And the train thundered on through the dark tunnel.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Wait till we stop again, Annie yelled at Jack. But what if we just missed our stop, said Jack. What if that was Pino Suarez?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As the train slowed for the next stop, Jack and Annie both got ready to jump out of their seats.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But when the metro doors jerked open, hardly anyone got off.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Instead, new travelers push their way into the crowded car.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Then he heard a small voice, shouting above the noise of the train. Excuse me, pardon me, please.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] A Mexican boy squeezed through the crowd to get to Jack and Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Did you say you are going to the World Cup game? He shouted. Yes, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Me too, said the boy. Can I help you? Yes, said Jack, relieved. We don't know where to get off.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The next stop, Pino Suarez, said the boy. You can follow me.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Then all three of them popped off the hot, airless train. Half the people on the train got off with them.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Man, that was crazy, said Jack. He was covered in sweat. Thank you, Annie said to the boy.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] It's not over yet, the boy said smiling. He had a cheerful, open face. We have to catch the blue line to Tuxquenya.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Can we come with you? asked Annie. We lost our directions. Of course, said the boy. This way pronto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Hordes of people were waiting for that metro line too.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] My father told me to go to the end of the platform, said the boy. The last train cars are never as crowded.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As the train rolled into the station Jack and Annie quickly followed the boy down the platform. They sped up when the doors opened.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Just before the doors closed again, the three of them jumped into the last car of the train. The boy was right. The car wasn't crowded at all. They got good seats together. Jack felt hugely relieved. Thanks for helping us, he said. You're welcome, said the boy. My name is Roberto. He held out his hand. Jack shook Roberto's hand.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And I'm Annie, said Annie, shaking his hand too. Are you going to the game alone, Roberto?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Happy birthday, Jack and Annie said together. I'm ten too, said Annie. Jack's eleven.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] It will be my job to tell them everything I see. They will all be waiting at home for my stories about the great game. He smiled his big smile again. The train began to slow down. We get off here, said Roberto, standing up. Jack and Annie followed Roberto off the metro, down an underground passageway.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Then out of the stifling station, into the breezy wet air, Jack felt a thousand times better.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Now we take tram line 53, said Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] That's like a subway above ground, right? said Jack. Yes, come with me.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Roberto led Jack and Annie across a walkway to the trolley tracks.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Hundreds of people stood in lines, waiting to board the packed trams.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As they joined one of the lines, Jack pulled out some pesos.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Everyone's going to the World Cup Championship game, said Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] People have come to Mexico from all over South America and Europe to see this game.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Did you hear that it would be the game of a lifetime? asked Jack. Absolutely, said Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Of course, Pele the Great, said Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He has made over a thousand goals, and his whole team is fantastic. They are called the beautiful team. That's cool, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Three pesos, said the driver at the door of the tram. Roberto reached into his pocket but Jack stopped him. I got it, he said. Jack handed over three pesos. Thank you, Jack, said Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Then they all hopped aboard the tram bound for the World Cup Championship game.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] There were no empty seats so they stood in the aisle and held onto a pole.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As the tram began to move, Jack, Annie and Roberto huddled together and talked excitedly.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Did you hear the story of Italy playing West Germany in the semi-final match? No, what happened? said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Even though Italy was behind, they never gave up, said Roberto. Italy scored five goals in extra time. He heaved a big sigh.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But I have practiced this trip in my mind many times. My father told me exactly what to do. Do you play soccer? Annie asked. I try, but I am not that great. Roberto said.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] By the time the tram arrived at the station near the stadium, the clouds had disappeared. Bright sunshine had replaced the drizzling rain


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Steam was rising from a gigantic parking lot.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] That's Aztec Stadium, Roberto said, pointing out the window to an enormous concrete building. Cool, said Jack. He looked at his watch. It's 11.35.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] 25 minutes until kickoff, said Roberto. We made it. All because of you, Roberto, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Stay with me, the Mexican boy said with a smile, and I'll take good care of you.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] When the doors opened, Roberto led Jack and Annie off the tram. They walked down a ramp from the station and headed into the huge parking area.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Aztec Stadium is named for the people who built an empire in this part of Mexico many hundreds of years ago, said Roberto. Really? said Jack. He'd read about the Aztec Empire.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He could imagine the enormous stadium being similar to an Aztec pyramid.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Thousands of spectators flooded the parking lot.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] They wore bright summer clothes and wide brimmed hats.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Vendors walked among the big cars, selling Brazilian, Italian, and Mexican flags.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Kids were waving souvenir programs, soccer shirts, and caps for sale.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack and Annie followed Roberto to the nearest entrance and Annie held out their two tickets.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] That way, gate G, a stadium official said. He pointed toward one of the other entrances.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Hooray! I hope I'm sitting near you, said Roberto. Me too, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack, Annie, and Roberto followed a crowd through Gate G and into the Giant Stadium. They all looked up at the stands.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Dozens of tiers of seats rose above the green soccer field.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] My father said I should ask an official, said Roberto looking around. Over there.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He led Jack and Annie to an usher in uniform standing at the bottom of an aisle. Can you please tell us where our seats are? Annie asked showing her ticket to the woman. When the woman looked at the ticket her eyes grew wide.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] You have some of the best seats in the stadium, she said. She pointed to the section closest to the field.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Over there, second row, right on the aisle. Yay, said Jack. The guard at the embassy had been right. They did have incredible seats.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Seats that would help them get close enough to Pele to learn a secret of greatness from him.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] You are in the same line as your friends, the woman told Roberto. Fantastic, he said with a big grin.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The smile left Roberto's face, but then it returned.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I'd better go, he said. It was great to meet you. You too, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Yes you can, said Annie. Please, we have to trade seats. But why? asked Roberto. Because it's your birthday, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] She grabbed Roberto's ticket and put her own ticket in his hand. You guys have fun. She started up the stairs. Jack felt a wave of guilt.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Wait, stop, that's not fair, he said to Annie. Maybe I should give up my seat. No, it's okay, I'll give up mine, said Annie. Roberto laughed. You are both too kind, he said. I cannot take either of your seats. Roberto handed Annie her ticket and took his back. No, please, I want, Annie protested. Wait, I have another idea, Jack said to Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We can take turns. I'll switch with Roberto for the first half and you switch with him for the second half. Perfect, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] That way Roberto can get a great view of the whole game, and you and I will each get a great view for half the time. Right. Jack pulled the ring of truth off his finger.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He slipped it into Annie's hand and spoke softly to her. The person who's sitting close to the field should wear this.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Thank you a million times, Jack, said Roberto. No problem, said Jack. See you guys later. And he started up the stairs. Have fun in the sky, called Annie. I will.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack felt great as he started up the steps to the top of the stands. He was sure he'd done the right thing, especially since it was Roberto's birthday.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But as Jack climbed higher and higher, his spirits fell.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] By the time he reached the top rows, he was out of breath.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack squeezed past people and collapsed on the bench.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] From his seat, the field looked a million miles away.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] How can anyone enjoy the game from up here? He wondered.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The spectators around Jack seemed to be having a good time anyway. A couple and their two children were eating tacos and drinking sodas. Others were waving small multicolored flags.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] A teenage boy next to Jack was looking through a pair of large binoculars. A man with a bushy mustache held a scratchy sounding portable radio. Jack could hear the sportscaster through the static.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Final World Cup Championship. A billion people around the world are watching on television. And over a hundred thousand spectators are here in Aztec Stadium today.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Here they come, shouted the boy looking through binoculars. Suddenly all the spectators let out a roar. The two soccer teams were running onto the field.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Italy's incredible team has blue shirts and white shorts. The teenager with binoculars shouted.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Brazil's beautiful team, yellow shirts, blue shorts, Pele is number 10.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack couldn't see the colors of any uniforms, much less any numbers.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Kick off and there Pele goes! The commentator on the crackly radio yelled. Pele there, there! Where, where? Jack wondered.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He really wanted to see Pele the Great, but from his seat high up in the sky, the players on the field looked no bigger than ants.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The radio commentator shouted excitedly about the game. Jack could only catch pieces of what he was saying. What a pass!


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Carlos Alberto, captain of Brazil's team.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Hitting a very long ball. Dangerous free kick situation. Italy zero, Brazil zero.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] With every play, everyone in the huge stadium screamed, whistled, cheered, or booed.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Then thousands of Brazil fans jumped to their feet, pumping their fists in the air and screaming, GOAL! Jack jumped to his feet too. The teenager with the binoculars shouted,


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Pele, leap past the defender, he hit the ball and scored. Jack shook his head.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He couldn't believe he'd miss seeing Pele make a goal. He really wished he had binoculars.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Everyone sat down. Jack listened as carefully as he could to the voice of the radio commentator. Free kick! Way way up! Beautiful!


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] No wonder Brazil is called the beautiful team. Punching that one away. Dead ball.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Nothing the sportscaster said sounded like a secret of greatness to Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack was still glad that Roberto had a great view of the game.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] If he was sitting up here, Jack thought, he'd have nothing to report to his eight brothers and sisters.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Suddenly thousands of Italy fans leapt to their feet, screaming, and the older kid with binoculars shouted,


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Italy scores, Brazil won, Italy won.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack couldn't wait to switch seats with Annie and watch the game up close. If the ring hadn't glowed for her, it would all be up to him.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As soon as the radio announcer said, have time, Jack looked at his watch. It was 12.45.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack squeezed past the people sitting in his row and took off down the mountain of stairs.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack raced down the steep stadium steps, trying to get ahead of the crowd.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The aisle was packed with people buying sodas and flags and soccer caps from vendors. Jack couldn't get past the human traffic jam.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He kept looking at his watch as he waited for the steps to clear.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] After almost five minutes he squeezed through a gap in the crowd.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Finally Jack reached the last rows of section A. Annie? Roberto? He whispered.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As he looked down the steep rows of seats, all the wide-brimmed hats made it impossible to see.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Annie, Roberto? Jack yelled. Annie, Roberto! There was no sign of them anywhere.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack hadn't expected all the hats, or all the people milling around, standing, stretching, talking to neighbors, coming and going. Jack looked at his watch again.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] There were five minutes left until the end of halftime. Stadium officials were telling everyone to return to their seats.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Take your seats. Halftime's almost over. Take your seats. Jack didn't know what to do.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Suddenly he was caught in another traffic snarl as people started climbing back up to the higher tiers.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Kick off. The second half of the game began.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The Brazilian and Italian soccer stars were running in all directions. Even peering through the crowd, Jack loved watching them up close. Suddenly an usher was by his side. Where's your ticket? The man asked. Now's my chance, thought Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He showed his ticket. Please help me, I'm looking for A26, he said. My sister. A26, that's not your seat.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Your seat's at the top, the stadium official said. Please go there now!


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But, started Jack, there's no time, barked the frazzled man. The game has started again, go back to your seat. Jack did as the official said.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Annie won't know why I didn't show up, he thought, as he climbed the steep steps. She'll be really worried.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He kept peering back down at the first rows of section A, looking for Annie and Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Finally Jack arrived back at the top of the stadium.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Not only would he never get a good look at the World Cup players now, but how was he going to find Annie again?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack wished he had a cell phone, but he knew cell phones hadn't been invented yet.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] How did people ever find each other in 1970? He wondered.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As the fans of the Brazilian team kept whistling and cheering, Jack caught more snatches of the radio commentary. Brazil attacks!


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] If the stadium was hectic at halftime, it'll be insane when the championship game ends, he thought. He had Merlin's magic mist in his backpack. Should he use it now, he wondered? What great talent would help him find Annie? What great talent would help them accomplish their mission?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Pele follows with a hard shot. The radio commentators voice crackled, Here comes Alberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As the game went on, Jack couldn't stop worrying about finding Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] She must be worried about finding me too, he thought.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Knowing her, she might have tried to get help from the usher or stadium guards. Maybe she talked to the police.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack looked up and down the aisles for any officials who might be searching for him.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Toastal gets the ball! The teenager with binoculars yelled.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Someone passes to Pele. Now Jarzinjo has it. Brazil drives the ball and scores.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As soon as it's over, I'll find seat A26, Jack thought. I'll keep looking as long as I have to. Jack just hoped Annie would wait at her seat.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He hoped Roberto would stick around and take them back to the US embassy.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack's thoughts were interrupted by a huge roar from the crowd. Final score four to one!


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] All the spectators around Jack were screaming and jumping up and down and hugging each other.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Spectators are pushing past police and news reporters. Mobs are rushing onto the field. They're tearing off the player's shirts, their shoes. The fans have gone wild.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Pele's team members have hoisted him onto their shoulders.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Celebrations will go on for days. The players will be honored at a giant banquet tonight in Mexico City.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Excuse me, excuse me, Jack mumbled as he tried to move past people in his row.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He made his way through the crowd of celebrating fans and started down the steep stairs.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He was bumped and pushed by people spilling from the stands.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He moved as quickly as he could so he wouldn't get trampled. Finally Jack reached the lower section of seats.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As he looked around, he was accidentally knocked over by rowdy teenagers dancing in the aisle screaming and waving flags.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But they were facing the field, pumping their arms in the air, and shouting and cheering along with the crowd. Jack was flooded with relief. But then he felt angry. What the heck, he thought. Annie wasn't searching for him at all. She didn't seem to be a bit worried. She looked like she was having a great time. Annie, Jack yelled. He hurried down to her. Annie!


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] When Annie and Roberto turned and saw Jack, they waved happily.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We waited for you, but when you didn't come back we figured your seat must have been okay. I hope it was. Well actually, Jack shouted.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Roberto and I had the best time. The game was incredible. Yes, Jack, shouted Roberto. I had the best time of my whole life.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But I was worried about you. I hope your seat in the sky was good. Jack took a deep breath.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack climbed up onto the bench and stood between Annie and Roberto as they watched the happy celebration on the field.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The president of Mexico presented a giant trophy to Brazil, and Carlos Alberto, the captain of the team, lifted it high above his head. Yay Brazil! shouted Roberto. Yay Pele!


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Followed by hundreds of photographers and TV cameras, the beautiful team was marching around the field.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Confetti and streamers floated down from the stands.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Firecrackers were whistling and popping over the stadium.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Flag bearers waved huge green, yellow, and blue Brazilian flags. A band was playing. Annie and Roberto clapped in rhythm to the music.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Trying to hide both his worry and his disappointment, Jack clapped with them. They're leaving now, said Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Police were leading Pele and all the other Brazilian players off the crazy crowded field.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] TV cameras, reporters, and a mob of fans followed the World Cup champions.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We should follow the team too, Annie said to Jack. Want to? We have to, Jack said sharply. We still have a mission to accomplish, remember? Come with us, Roberto, said Annie. Let's all follow the team, pronto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] They climbed down from the bench and started running across the huge green soccer field.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We'll catch up to them outside the stadium, said Roberto, running alongside Jack and Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] If I could even get 20 feet from Pele, I would be happy forever. Me too, said Annie. Jack and I have a question for him. No kidding, thought Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack, Annie and Roberto hurried through the exit, leaving Aztec Stadium and heading into the parking lot.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Over there, they're getting on a bus, said Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Not far away, fans and media were swarming around the bus.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Photographers were snapping pictures, one after another, flash bulbs blazing.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] TV reporters were shouting questions at the team. Supporters were cheering and waving flags. Hurry! cried Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] They all ran faster, but before they could get to the bus it pulled away from the crowd.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack, Annie, and Roberto, watch the bus move out of the giant parking lot of Aztec Stadium.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Well there goes our chance to accomplish our mission. Jack thought dismally.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I'll bet the team's headed to the city. Let's go back there and look for them.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] She turned to Roberto and asked, Roberto, can you help us get back into the city? Of course, I owe you everything, he said. Not really, said Jack. Everyone deserves a good birthday. Thank you, Jack, said Roberto with a big grin. Come with me.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack and Annie followed Roberto away from the giant concrete building.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Thousands of people were waiting to board the trams.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We will have to wait many hours to get one, said Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Is there another station nearby? Jack asked. Yes, but it will be just as crowded. Roberto answered. What do you think we should do? Annie asked. I have an idea, said Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] My great aunt lives in a neighborhood north of here. Near her house there is a bus stop. Wanna give it a try? Sure, said Jack. We don't have another choice.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He and Annie followed Roberto away from the tram station.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] clouds had moved back in. a soft rain fell as they walked along a road crowded with cars leaving the stadium.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] They passed St. Anthony's Church, a junk store, a laundromat, and a beauty shop.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Then Roberto led them down a dirt path between rows of stucco houses.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] In the light rain, family sat on front porches. Several were listening to portable radios.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The announcer was repeating the news about the World Cup final.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] At the end of the street was a vacant lot filled with kids.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] When Jack, Annie, and Roberto drew closer, they saw about 20 boys and girls of all ages running around barefoot and covered with mud. The kids were playing soccer.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The goal lines had been marked off with tattered nets.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] A grown-up on the sideline was acting as a referee. He blew a whistle and yelled, half-time! All the kids stopped running.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Several players walked away from the field as the others gathered in small groups to talk. Hey Roberto, an older boy waved. Hey Miguel, Roberto waved back. What are you doing here, shouted Miguel.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I'm taking my friends back to the city, Roberto answered. We're going to catch the bus. Hey Roberto, another kid yelled. Hey Diego, did you hear Brazil just won? Called Diego. Yay, Roberto pumped the air with his fist. Pele the great. Then he turned to Jack and Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] If they come over, please do not tell them we just saw the World Cup final.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] It would make them sad that they could not afford to go. Okay, we won't, said Annie. Jack nodded. Again he was impressed by Roberto's kindness. The boy seemed to care about everyone's feelings. Roberto, can your friends play soccer? Miguel yelled. Our team just lost some players for the second half.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Before Roberto could answer another boy jumped in.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] No Miguel, not Roberto. Remember that time he played, he was the worst player ever.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Yeaah, Miguel, remember! yelled a tall girl. He made us lose big time.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I didn't ask Roberto to play Carla, Miguel said.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Not even if we didn't have a mission and were the best players in the world, said Jack. Come on, Roberto, let's get out of here. Wait, wait a minute, said Annie. Then she turned back to the kids and yelled. Yes, Miguel, we can play. Are you crazy? Jack asked her.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We'll play on your team, Annie yelled again to Miguel. But only if you'll let Roberto play too. All three of us want to be forwards. Roberto shook his head. No, not me. They don't want me. I'm not that great either, said Jack. Annie, what's wrong with you? What's wrong with me? Nothing. Annie reached into Jack's backpack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And took out the small bottle of Merlin's magic mist. In fact, everything's about to be great. For all three of us.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Chapter 8 Game of a Lifetime. Seriously? said Jack. Yes! said Annie. But what about our mission? Getting into the banquet, meeting the players, said Jack. Right now, this seems more important, don't you think? said Annie. Jack looked at Roberto's sad face.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He thought about the boy's kindness and his happy excitement at the stadium. Yeah, he said. Yeah, it does.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He turned and yelled at Miguel, We'll play, but all of us or none of us. Oh, okay, Miguel said reluctantly. Roberto shook his head. No, Jack, no, he said. Diego's players laughed.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] You'll lose now for sure, Miguel." One of them yelled, big time. Give us a minute, Jack said to the soccer players. And he huddled with Annie and Roberto. Jack, they are right. I'm not a good player, said Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Me neither, said Jack, but together we will make a beautiful team, I promise. Listen, Roberto, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He pulled the cork from the bottle, and breathed in Merlin's magic mist.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Then he exclaimed with great enthusiasm, I wish to play like Pele. Come on, Miguel shouted from the soccer field. We're coming one second, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack confidently led Annie and Roberto toward the soccer game. When they got to the edge of the field, Jack stopped. Off with the shoes, he said cheerfully.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The three of them slipped off their shoes and socks to be like the other kids. Jack left his backpack next to his shoes. Then he clapped his hands.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As Jack, Annie, and Roberto walked onto the field, mud oozed between their toes. The rain had stopped, but the ground was soaked. They took forward positions on Miguel's team. We're ahead by two goals, said Miguel. Don't blow it, okay? Jack just smiled and nodded, buzzing with excitement he was eager to play.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] A kicker and another teammate from Diego's team stood near the ball.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] On the other side of the center line, the opposite team glared at the three forwards. But Jack wasn't worried. He grinned back at them, eager for the game to start.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The referee on the dusty sideline blew a whistle and the second half of the match began.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The kicker on Diego's team tapped the ball to her teammate who passed it to Diego.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As Diego and some other teammates knocked the ball around, Jack noticed that they were really good soccer players.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] She whacked it with her instep, passing it to Jack, who slid it to Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As Diego's defenders moved in, Roberto changed pace from slow to fast, slow to fast.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The ball seemed glued to his feet until he fired a shot and drove it like a missile into the net. Score! shouted the referee. Goal!


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack, Annie and Roberto shouted, pumping the air with their fists. All the other players gasped in amazement. Who are you guys? Carla shouted.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The goalie kicked the ball back into play. Carla passed it to a girl who tried to pass it to a boy. But like lightning, Jack moved in and shot the ball through the air to Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Roberto used his thigh to pop the ball to Annie. Annie stopped the ball with her foot and dribbled it past two defenders down the field and passed it to Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack moved the ball backward, forward, and sideways with short taps of his feet. He had never had so much fun in his life. He felt as if his feet could do anything.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He saw Roberto across the field and kicked the ball to him, passing it over the heads of the defenders.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Roberto gave the ball a leaping header, sending it to Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] She faked a move one way, then another, then kicked the ball backward to Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Roberto delivered another perfect shot into the net. Score! Goal!


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Annie sent the ball back to Roberto, who scooped his foot under the ball and popped it over a group of players right to Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack outjumped two defenders and hit the ball with his chest sending it down the field.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Roberto sped after the ball, stole it from two players, and gave it a swift kick, right into the net. Goal!


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack, Annie and Roberto shouted, pumping the air with their fists.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] All the players seem to be enjoying the work of the beautiful team of Jack, Annie and Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As the game went on, everyone was playing really well.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But Diego's players were no match for Jack Ani and Roberto. The three of them were like a goal scoring machine.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Hearing the shouting and cheering from the soccer game, people left their porches and yards and hurried over to see the match.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The spectators watched Jack, Annie, and Roberto move like dancers, making low free kicks, long range kicks, and leaping headers. They watched them hit the ball with their right and left feet, their foreheads, and their chests, stomachs, and thighs.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] They watch them dribble the ball down the field by tapping it with both feet and send knuckleballs zigzagging across the dirt into the net.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] In the final seconds of the game, everyone watched Jack execute a perfect bicycle kick.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Like an acrobat, he threw his legs up in the air and kicked an overhead ball to Annie who sent it on to Roberto who shot it past the goalie into the net. Score!


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] What's the score? Someone shouted from the crowd.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Who cares? said the referee. That was amazing!


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] All the players from both teams had big smiles on their wet dirty faces. They were slapping each other on the back


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Miguel and Diego picked up Roberto and carried him on their shoulders.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Other players gathered around Jack and Annie, asking for their autographs.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] An old man shook their hands, saying, You three are the beautiful team!


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] In the middle of the noisy celebration, Annie shouted to Jack, What time is it?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We'd better go, remember Coney Island and Thebes, said Annie. Oh yea, definitely, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] On their last two missions, they found themselves in big trouble when their magic hour of greatness had ended.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack and Annie turn to Roberto, who is now holding a toddler, posing for the camera.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] After the picture was taken, Jack leaned close and said, We have to leave fast before the magic wears off and we turn into our regular selves. Okay, said Roberto. He gave the child back to her mother. Let's go to the city. But I warn you, they will all follow us.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Then let's go while we're still great athletes and runners, said Annie. The three of them turned back to the crowd and waved.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Bye! Jack, Annie, and Roberto said backing up.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Everyone shouted at once, no wait, don't go, stay, stay. Sorry, but we have to go, said Annie. Thank you so much for letting us play. Jack grabbed his backpack. All three grabbed their shoes and socks. Run, yelled Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And they took off running away from the soccer field. Kids from both teams ran after them.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The kids were all shouting, Stop! Come back! Join our team! Join our team! But the beautiful team kept running.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Roberto led Jack and Annie down an alley and out to a dirt road.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The three of them ran between rows of cinderblock buildings.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] They zipped around a maze of sheets and towels hanging on clotheslines.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As they kept running and leaping, Jack felt as if he were flying. He felt agile and light-footed. Then suddenly, Jack felt heavy and clumsy.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Out of breath, he slowed down and came to a stop. Annie and Roberto did the same.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Covered with mud, the three of them collapsed onto the ground. I, I can't run anymore, Jack said. Me neither, said Annie. I'm dead, said Roberto. Jack looked at his watch. Seventeen minutes after four, he said breathlessly. Our magic hour is over.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As Jack looked around, he saw a newspaper stand and an outdoor cafe. Hey, are you guys as hungry and thirsty as I am? He asked. Yes, Andy and Roberto said together. Jack pulled some pesos out of his backpack. How are we doing here? He said. He showed his money to Roberto. Do we have enough for tacos and bus fare too? Roberto nodded, grinning. Perfect, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack sighed as he looked at his mud-splattered clothes.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Let's worry about that after we eat, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] A couple of teenagers were putting coins in a jukebox. Loud music started to play.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Three taco plates and three lemonades please, Roberto said to the woman behind the counter. She nodded and put food onto three plates. Then she brought the plates to a table and set them down.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack gobbled up tacos filled with tomatoes, chilies, and cheese.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Roberto, you scored lots of goals today. Annie said her mouth full.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Yeah, your feet moved like lightning, said Jack. Roberto laughed. You two made me look good, he said. You passed the ball to me every chance you got. That's called teamwork, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Yes it is, said Jack. Someone called us the beautiful team. Right, said Annie. She raised her arms above her head.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] You have a good enthusiasm for soccer Jack and Annie, he said. Enthusiasm is everything. Jack smiled. Right.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Me too, it's so good, said Annie, taking another bite of rice and beans. Hey Jack, where did you get that ring? Asked Roberto. It looks like it's on fire. What? Said Jack and Annie together. They both looked at the ring on Jack's finger. It was flickering with light. Man, whispered Jack. Annie's eyes grew huge. What were we just talking about? She asked.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Uh, good food, said Jack. Jack's bicycle kick, said Roberto. The beautiful team, said Annie. Enthusiasm, said Roberto. I said enthusiasm is everything. Suddenly the ring exploded with light. That's it, cried Jack. Enthusiasm is everything, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But it wasn't me who first said it, said Roberto. Pele said it. Pele said that, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Yes, my father read it in the newspaper, said Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Okay, that's it. We just accomplished our mission, said Annie. We can go to Camelot now, said Jack. They both shot their arms in the air and shouted, Gooooooooooo! What mission? Where's Camelot? asked Roberto. He looked confused. It's a long story, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Today was a magical day, said Roberto. But it will never happen again. I will never be a great soccer player again.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Yes, you can be a great soccer player again, Annie said. You have lots of enthusiasm. That's all I have, said Roberto. I'm clumsy. I don't run fast or kick well. Before today, I never scored even one goal.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Roberto, this is really important, said Annie. If you want to be a great soccer player, or great at anything, Jack broke in. Right.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] If you want to be great at anything, there are four secrets you need to know, said Annie. Right, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] First you need to have humility. That means you have to be willing to learn from others. Roberto has that, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Absolutely, you have that, Jack said to Roberto. Second, being great takes hard work. Do you work hard at practicing soccer? Annie asked Roberto. Well, no, said Roberto. I don't either, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Third, you need to have meaning and purpose in your life, said Annie. Roberto frowned. What does that mean? He said.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] That means you try to do something that's good for the world and not just yourself, said Annie. Oh, said Roberto. Well soccer does that. It brings people together from different neighborhoods.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And it brought the three of us together, said Annie. Good, said Jack. And finally enthusiasm.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] An enthusiasm is something we know you have. Yes, said Roberto. Smiling again, he settled back in his seat. So I know the thing I must do. I must start to practice very hard. My brothers and sisters will help me with that. Oh, oh no. He jumped up from his chair.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] What's wrong? said Annie. I must go now, Roberto said. I forgot all about my family.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Oh right, we have to go too, said Jack, standing up with Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack looked at their bill and left a bunch of pesos on the table. Then they all headed out of the cafe. The rain had let up and there was a steamy mist in the air. Where's the banquet you must find? Said Roberto. Oh, we don't have to go there anymore, said Jack. Our mission is done. We just need to get back to the U.S. Embassy. No problem, said Roberto.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We can all get off there and I'll catch the metro to my neighborhood. Come on! He led Jack and Annie across a vacant lot.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Then they started up a dirt road lined with small stucco houses. There it is, run! Roberto said. An old bus was rattling up the road.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack and Annie ran with Roberto to the corner. Out of breath, they got to the bus stop just in time.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The doors of the bus opened, and the three of them hopped aboard.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Metro in Cervantes, please. Jack said to the driver. He paid for three fares.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Then even though there were plenty of seats, Jack, Annie, and Roberto squeezed into a two-seater so they could all sit together.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] As the bus wound through the outskirts of Mexico City, Jack leaned his head against the window. Soon he closed his eyes.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack held a trophy high above his head, while the crowd roared.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Wake up, kids, we're here, announced the bus driver. Jack opened his eyes. The bus driver was standing over them.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] They jumped off the bus and stood together on the plaza of Metro Incerhentes.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Do you know how to get to the embassy from here? Roberto asked. Sure, we've been there already, said Annie. Good, said Roberto. He shook hands with Annie, then Jack. Thank you, Annie and Jack, he said formally. Thank you for everything. Thank you for everything, Roberto, said Jack. Happy birthday forever, said Annie. Roberto flashed his beautiful smile.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] They passed the Angel and then ran down the street to the U.S. Embassy. The embassy grounds were quiet. There was no sign of a guard on duty.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I hope Benny got to see the game on TV, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I would like to see that game someday, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I'll bet there's a way to see it back home on the computer or on a DVD.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Hey, you really couldn't see anything from Roberto's seat, could you? said Annie. Jack shook his head. You're a good person, Jack, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Before Jack could say he wasn't that good, Benny stepped out of the embassy. Hi, y'all. Are you just getting back from the game? He asked. Yep, said Jack. Did y'all have a good time? Asked Benny. Yes, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And you know what? said Jack, thinking about running around the soccer field with Annie and Roberto. It was the game of a lifetime.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] It sure was, I got to see some of it on TV, said Benny. I'm headed home now, night. Good night, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] She and Jack stood on the lawn of the embassy until Benny had disappeared down the city sidewalk.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Jack and Annie hurried to the rope ladder, hidden in the trees.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] They climbed up into the magic treehouse and looked out the window together.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] A fiery waterfall of green and yellow stars was bursting above the jagged skyline of Mexico City.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] With whistling and popping sounds, the fireworks were celebrating the game of a lifetime. Goodbye Mexico, said Jack. Goodbye Pele, said Annie. Good luck Roberto, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] She picked up the squirrel lying on the floor and pointed at the word Camelot in Merlin's note.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Chapter 10 Candles in the Forest Golden light flooded the treehouse. Jack and Annie looked out the window. It was early evening.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Thousands of lanterns hung from oak trees.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Their candle flame shone on knights in gleaming armor and ladies in cone-shaped hats with flowing veils. Jack couldn't speak. Even Annie was speechless. Morgan Le Fay stepped out from the crowd.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] You look wonderful to us, said Morgan, smiling. All of Camelot celebrates your return.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Fifty-two times you have traveled to faraway places in my magic treehouse. Fifty-two times you have proven your courage and kindness under the most difficult of circumstances. It is a magical number, the same number as there are weeks in a year.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Caring his staff, Merlin the Magician stepped forward and stood beside Morgan.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I could not believe two children would venture into the lands of dinosaurs, castles, ancient Egypt, and pirates, and return unharmed.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Yes, and Jack and I had fun when we solved your four riddles.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Annie said breathlessly, on the coral reef?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And when we became master librarians, said Jack,


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And rescued the four ancient stories from Rome, China, Ireland, and Greece.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The firelight shone on the young sorcerer's tousled red hair as he stepped forward.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Remember when I was a dog? Teddy said grinning. Jack and Annie laughed and nodded.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And we escaped the Titanic? Said Teddy. And the buffalo stampede? The tiger in India? And the forest fire in the Australian outback? Yes, said Jack and Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And do not forget how you saved his majesty from despair, said a woman in a snow-white gown.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] You brought me wisdom and courage from the American Civil War, said King Arthur, and the Revolutionary War.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] A schoolhouse on the American prairie and an earthquake in San Francisco.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And then you discovered the secrets of everyday magic, said Morgan.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] From the people of the First Thanksgiving, the Gorillas of the Cloud Forest, William Shakespeare, and Friends in Hawaii.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And you saved the four treasures of Camelot for Merlin, said King Arthur. Merlin laughed.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Yes, you outwitted the dragons of the other world. The Raven King.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And do not forget when Teddy and I journeyed with you to the four beautiful cities, said a young girl.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Her dark hair curled down over her shoulders. Her sea blue eyes shone in the firelight.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Ancient Baghdad. Venice, Paris, and New York? She said. Jack nodded. Hi Kathleen. He said shyly.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And thank you Jack and Annie, for saving another from a spell too, said Kathleen, on our mission in New York City.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] A white unicorn gracefully stepped forward and stood beside Kathleen. He lowered his head. Dianthus, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The Wand of Diamthus helped you learn four secrets of happiness, said Merlin. From Leonardo da Vinci, Basho the poet, the deep sea, and best of all,


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] From this little one you brought me from Antarctica.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The magician picked up a baby penguin that had been hiding behind his cloak.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And four creative geniuses of history thank you too, said Morgan, for helping them begin the path to giving their gifts to the world. Mozart and Louis Armstrong, said Jack remembering their friends, and Lady Gregory and Charles Dickens.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And thank you for helping Teddy to undo the spell he accidentally cast on Penny, said Merlin. He confessed all to us later.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And now you have returned from four more missions, said Merlin. And you were successful, I presume. Yes, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We learn secrets of greatness by spending time with Alexander the Great and his black stallion.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And with the great Houdini and his wife Bess, Florence Nightingale. And finally, said Jack, from Pele the Great.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He held out the notebook paper on which he had written the four secrets of greatness. Merlin took the paper from Jack and read in a deep resonant voice. Humility, hard work, meaning and purpose, enthusiasm. The magician was silent for a moment. He seemed deep in thought. Then he looked back at Jack and Annie. Yes, he said, perfect.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Thank you Jack and Annie for your greatness. Jack and Annie both smiled and shrugged. We're not that great, said Jack. We're just two regular kids, said Annie. Really lucky, regular kids.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] You have seen many parts of the world and met many remarkable people. Jack, you have become kinder and more courageous. Annie, you have become more thoughtful.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Your next missions may be even more challenging, said Merlin. Really? breathed Jack. How, how do we prepare for that? Do not worry, said Morgan.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] We want you to do what others your age do. Learn new things in school. Have fun with your family and friends. Read books. Play games outside, said Teddy. Play music. Play with animals, added Kathleen. Jack and Annie smiled. Goodbye, Jack and Annie, said Merlin. For now, said Morgan.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The candle flames danced wildly in the gentle breeze.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] In the golden light, bells rang through the air. Sweet music filled the forest with the sounds of flutes and horns. The wind began to blow. The treehouse started to spin. It spun faster and faster, then everything was still. Absolutely still.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The pale gold light of dawn shone through the window of the tree house. Jack and Annie were back in the woods of Frog Creek, and their clothes were clean. No time at all had passed in Frog Creek. Did, did all that just happen? Said Jack dazed. All what? Said Annie. Thousands of candles in the woods?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] King Arthur and Queen Guinevere? Merlin, Morgan, Teddy, Kathleen, all that? said Jack. I think, said Annie. Amazing, said Jack. I wonder what our next mission will be. I hope we find out soon, said Annie. Yep, said Jack. Let's go home.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] He pulled on his backpack and started down the rope ladder Annie followed him


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] They stepped onto the ground and started through the summer woods.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I think I'll buy a soccer goal with my birthday money, he said, and set it up in the backyard. Good idea, said Annie.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And let's email Jenny and Randy and Quinn and see if they want to practice with us.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Yeaah, and Will and Lally and Griffin, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Breakfast, bike to the library and the sports shop, home for lunch, practice soccer, eat dinner and read before bed. Sounds like a good plan, said Annie. A perfect one, said Jack.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And they quickened their steps as they left the Frog Creek woods and headed for home.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] This is Mary Poboz-Born. We hope you have enjoyed this unabridged production of Magic Treehouse Merlin Missions, book number 24, Soccer on Sunday. This program was directed by Lewis Milgram, executive producer Orly Moskowitz.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Text Copyright 2014 by Mary Pope Osborne Production Copyright 2014 Penguin Random House LLC All rights reserved.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] This is a very, very, very special place. And today's about one thing. To become part of the class of 2019, you need one of these.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] To get your hands on one of these, you just need to cook us your signature dish in 60 minutes and have us love it. You get three yeses, you get an apron.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But, if we see a glimmer, a spark of what we think could be great potential,


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] And you get one yes from any of us. You'll cook again tomorrow.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Not having the crunchy edges. You lose some of that texture and that contrast. For me, it's a no.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] You've absolutely smashed it. Fish, perfect. That sauce, there's so much boniness, rich, funky, very big yes from you.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Very elegant, bang on trend, and most importantly, totally delicious and exactly the food I think we really wanted to see this year.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Yeah, it's pretty emotional as well, I think. Because you've been watching the show for a long time, yes?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Glass ravioli. Is this how you cook? Are you all modern?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I love the creativity, I love the idea, but I just feel that you have to have your fundamentals right. And then you can move on to the fun stuff.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Which is a pity because radish rites is delicious, the rites are great, the greens are great, the spicing in the ragdosh is spot on. I'm gonna say there's enough here to cook again.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I like him, I like him already. Uhm, what's the dish?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] You know what, rather than talking about who you are, what you cook, I'd love for the boys and us to taste this now and then maybe we can have a chat afterwards and that's okay.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] That looks very pretty. Very pretty, yeaah. Get stuck in.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Oh, it's so nice of a proper height person in this kitchen. Here you go. Thank you. Well done. That looks...


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] What do you reckon? Oh my god.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] There's some really good things about this. Tenderness of the lamb, the hummus is fantastic. What I'm slightly concerned about, I find some of the spicing quite harsh and quite dry. But I'm gonna say yes, but I think probably one of the boys will say no because I think you need to cook again.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I hope I deserved that apron. I needed that bath.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] To be honest, I'm a little bit nervous about having to flambé in front of the judges.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Why is grass killed if salt is sprinkled on it?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Don't cry. I will tell you why this happened. This happened because of a concept called osmosis.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Bingo. You are right. Normally, osmosis does not take place on a day to day basis. Because the grass tries to keep the concentration of water. Same inside and outside itself through the process of transpiration.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] However, when we sprinkled salt on the grass, the concentration of salt outside the grass increased and the concentration of water decreased. As a result, the water present inside the plant started flowing outside due to osmosis. Since most of the water flowed out, the grass drooped down and eventually, it died. Topic. Human hair.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Our hair is basically made up of keratin, a colorless protein.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] How's that possible? I had black hair during childhood.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Don't worry, I'll explain. Our hair grows from hair follicles. A hair follicle contains melanocytes which produce melanin. Melanin is injected in the keratin cells during the growth of our hair. This melanin gives color to our hair.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Now, the color of our hair is dependent on the type of melanin injected. Eumelanin makes our hair black or brown, while pheomelanin makes our hair red or blonde.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] However, as we grow old, the melanocytes decrease the production of melanin. Thus, less melanin is injected in hair, causing them to eventually turn white.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Nah. Pop rocks are tiny candy crystals.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] The resulting solution is heated until most of the water boils off and we are left with a thick sticky syrup.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] However, to make pop rock, highly pressurized carbon dioxide gases added to the syrup and then it is cooled to subsequently form a hard candy. This results in the formation of small bubbles of pressurized carbon dioxide trapped inside the candy.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Now, when we put this candy in our mouth, our saliva dissolves the candy. As a result, the highly pressurized carbon dioxide escapes from the bubbles with a pop.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Most of this heat is used to maintain our body temperature and keep us warm. However, some people always feel cold. This might be because they are suffering from hyperthyroidism.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] In hyperthyroidism, our thyroid gland which regulates metabolism does not function properly. As a result, our metabolism slows down and less heat is generated due to which we feel cold.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] When a person having this disorder is stressed or is exposed to cold conditions, the arteries of his hands and legs become narrow. Hence, warm blood is not transported efficiently to his hands and legs, making his extremities feel cold.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] You don't look so well lately, Dan. Are you okay? Well, I've been feeling out of sorts lately.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] I've not been sleeping well at all and I can't concentrate. Maybe I should see a doctor. You need to take care of yourself. You need to make your body strong. How can I possibly do that? It's not that hard. First, you should eat healthy food. I eat only healthy food, but I still don't feel good. Oh yeah? What do you eat?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Then, at noon, ate a hamburger or a pizza.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] For dinner, I will always have salty french fries with lots of ketchup.