英语听力精选进阶版 6299（在线收听）

Up until now, a trip to the toilet for most men has been limited in its potential for entertainment. Standing at the urinal there's not much to do but stare blankly at the wall tiles, whistle and relieve oneself.

But for those who can't bear the boredom any more, a British company has developed a product that fills a gap in the market – a urine-controlled games console for men.

Captive Media thinks it's invented the first "hands-free" video game console of its kind. The device sits above the ceramic bowl at eye-height. The user has to aim his wee at one of three targets in the bottom of the bog. They're labelled "Start", "Left" and "Right". The console detects where the pee is falling by means of an infra-red device.

On offer so far are a skiing game and a multiple-choice pub quiz. When players have done their business they can use their mobile phones to post their scores on a live leader board on Twitter.

According to research by Adweek newspaper, on average men stand still to spend a penny for 55 seconds. That adds up to nine months over the course of a lifetime and a billion minutes a year. Not surprisingly, advertisers are wetting themselves at the prospect of being able use this time to target commercials at men.

"It's notoriously difficult for brands to engage a young male audience while they are out socialising. Captive Media offers a long 'dwell time'," says Gordon MacSween from the company.

Drinkaware, a charity which promotes responsible drinking, has already signed up. But it remains to be seen how many brands will be put off by the idea of being associated with calls of nature.

Quiz 小测验

1. Is the games console controlled with hands?

No. It's a urine-controlled games console for men.

2. Can you look directly at the device when you are standing?

Yes. The device sits above the ceramic bowl at eye-height.

3. According to the article, is the device aimed at businessmen?

No. 'To do one's business' is an informal phrase, meaning to go to the toilet.

4. On average do men spend less than a minute standing at the urinal?

Yes. On average men stand still to spend a penny for 55 seconds.

5. Is it easy for advertisers to engage a young male audience while they are socialising?

No. It's notoriously difficult for brands to engage a young male audience when they are out socialising.

Glossary 词汇表

urinal 小便池

wall tiles 墙壁瓷砖

relieve oneself （委婉语）上厕所，解手

urine 尿

ceramic bowl 瓷盆

wee （俚语）尿

the bog （俚语）厕所，抽水马桶

pee （粗话）尿

done their business 完成任务

spend a penny （英国口语）上厕所

wetting themselves 笑得都快要尿裤子了

calls of nature （委婉语）上厕所