Memories and Hopes Meet in New Year's Music

Welcome to This Is America with VOA Learning English. Steve Ember brings you music for the New Year.  In the United States and other countries, this old Scottish song, "Auld Lang Syne" is played when a new year begins. The song is about remembering old friends. New Year's is a holiday for memories and for hopes. The past and the future come together at midnight. Not surprisingly, emotions are as much a part of New Year's Eve as noisemakers and fireworks. After all, a traditional way to welcome the New Year is to kiss the person you love. "Old Lang Syne" lends its name to a modern song about a man and a woman who once were lovers. One day, a week before New Year's, they meet again by chance. The singer is Dan Fogelberg and the song is called "Same Old Lang Syne." On December 16, 2007, fans of Dan Fogelberg lost an old friend. The American singer and songwriter died of prostate cancer at the age of 56. He was known for the kind of soft rock popular in the 1970s and 80s. "Same Old Lang Syne" was one of the hits from his 1981 album "The Innocent Age." The idea of meeting an old lover by chance is also at the heart of a Paul Simon song. Here is the title song from Paul Simon's 1975 album "Still Crazy After All These Years." Chance meetings are one of life's little surprises. They can happen anywhere -- in a market, on the street, even in a taxicab. This song by Harry Chapin is called "Taxi." Harry Chapin was a popular folk singer and songwriter. In 1981, at the age of 38, he died in a car crash on his way to a performance. Music and emotions go hand in hand. Songs can make us feel the heartbreak of a lost love, or the excitement of finding a new love. Songs can also capture the pain of a wish that a person knows will never come true. Here is James Blunt with "You're Beautiful." The 1989 movie "When Harry Met Sally" was about a relationship.  Billy Crystal plays Harry and Meg Ryan is Sally. They meet and become friends, though not at first. Later, they fall in love, though not for very long. Then, on New Year's Eve, Harry comes to his senses and finds Sally at a party. HARRY: “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and the thing is, I love you.” SALLY: “What?” HARRY: “I love you.” SALLY: “How do you expect me to respond to this?” HARRY: “How about you love me, too?” SALLY: “How about I’m leaving?” HARRY: “Doesn’t what I said mean anything to you?” SALLY: “I’m sorry, Harry. I know it’s New Year’s Eve, I know you’re feeling lonely, but you just can’t show up here, tell me you love me, and expect that to make everything all right. It doesn’t work this way.” HARRY: “Well, how does it work?” SALLY: “I don’t know, but not this way.” HARRY: “How about this way? I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend a day with you I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. “And it’s not because I’m lonely, and it’s not because it’s New Year’s Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” SALLY: “You see? That is just like you, Harry! You say things like that, and you make it impossible for me to hate you. And I hate you, Harry. I really hate you.” What are they doing now? Well, you can probably guess. From New Year's Day, we turn to "A New Day." That was the name of Celine Dion's music and dance show at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.  It closed on December 15, 2007, after almost five years. It sold a reported 400 million dollars in tickets. The show's run ended two months before the start of a worldwide tour for a new album by the Canadian singer. But some fans came to the show again and again, so closing night was like an emotional goodbye to an old friend.                                       We leave you with Celine Dion and a song that some of you will probably sing along with. From the 1997 movie "Titanic," here is "My Heart Will Go On." Avi Arditti wrote today’s program, and Steve Ember was your reader. Wishing you a happy New Year from all of us at VOA Learning English.

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English in a Minute: Get off on the Wrong (or Right!) Foot

It is a new year. We hope it begins well for you! If it does not, you may say you are "getting off on the wrong foot."

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Top Photos of the Year 2016 - Human Interest

A gander at the greatest photos that grabbed our interest in 2016.

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Israel-U.S. Relations Stretched Over Issue of Settlements

  The United States and Israel have exchanged criticism over the issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. On December 23, the Obama administration allowed the United Nations to pass a resolution that declared Israel’s growing settlements in the occupied territories illegal. Until that vote, the Obama administration had blocked resolutions criticizing Israel by using its veto power in the UN Security Council. Days later, on December 28, Obama’s secretary of state, John Kerry, gave a speech in support of what is known as a two-state solution for the area. Kerry started the speech by saying the U.S. remains committed to Israel’s security. He criticized Palestinian leaders for not doing more to stop terrorist attacks on Israel. But he said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had supported a policy on the settlements “driven by the most extreme elements in his country.” By settlements, Kerry meant Israeli efforts to build new housing in the West Bank. Israeli leaders say religious history and security concerns justify the housing. Palestinian leaders and many world leaders consider Israel’s West Bank developments as a barrier to a peace deal. Such a deal would give the Palestinians their own state in exchange for lasting peace with Israel. In his speech, Kerry said, “Let’s be clear: Settlement expansion has nothing to do with Israel's security. Many settlements actually increase the security burden on the Israeli Defense Forces.” He said the Israeli settler movement ignores the “legitimate” hopes of the Palestinian people for their own state. Republican Donald Trump replaces Democrat Barack Obama as U.S. president on January 20. In a post on the social media site Twitter, he suggested the Obama administration’s Israeli policy will not continue. “We cannot continue to let Israel be treated with such total disdain and disrespect. They used to have a great friend in the U.S., but not anymore.” He added:  “January 20th is fast approaching.” Trump recently named lawyer David Friedman as his U.S. ambassador to Israel. Friedman has been a strong supporter of Israel’s settlement movement. Obama and Netanyahu have not had a friendly relationship for much of Obama’s eight-year presidency. Netanyahu took the unusual step of delivering a speech critical of the U.S. president to the U.S. Congress in 2015. The speech criticized the nuclear deal the Obama administration and leaders of other nations were about to sign with Iran. Netanyahu Delivers Speech Responding to Kerry Netanyahu gave his own speech one day after Kerry’s. He was critical of Kerry and the Obama administration. “What he (Kerry) did was to spend most of his speech blaming Israel for the lack of peace by passionately condemning a policy of enabling Jews to live in their historic homeland and in their eternal capital, Jerusalem,” Netanyahu said. He accused Kerry of not doing enough in his speech to discuss the “campaign of terrorism” by Palestinians against Israel over a long period of time. Kerry, in his speech, said the Obama administration has been Israel’s “greatest friend and supporter.” He said he and the president have continually spoken out against terrorism against Israel. But he said the U.S. had no choice but to criticize the growing Israeli settlements that, he said, threaten a two-state peace agreement. He said the number of Israeli settlers on the West Bank increased by 100,000 since Obama became president. “Now, one thing we do know: if Israel goes down the one-state path, it will never have true peace with the rest of the Arab world, and I can say that with certainty,” Kerry said. In defending his criticism of a U.S. ally, Kerry said: “Friends need to tell each other the hard truths.” I’m Bruce Alpert. VOA News reported on this story. Bruce Alpert adapted the story for Learning English and did additional reporting. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   commit - v. to say someone will definitely do something justify - v. to provide a good reason for doing something burden - n. someone or something that is very difficult to accept, do, or deal with legitimate - adj. allowed or understandable passionately - adv. having, showing, or expressing strong emotions or beliefs enable - v. to make someone able to do or to be something eternal - adj. lasting forever

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Mystery at The Ice Castle Inn: The End

  And now the VOA Learning English program, Words and Their Stories. This week we finish the three-part story “Mystery at The Ice Castle Inn.” You will learn not only the ending of the mystery but also more English expressions that deal with cold. At the end of part two, our four travelers had gone on a treasure hunt. They followed clues and searched the castle. But as they gather by the fire to tell what they found, no one is happy. What they found are not treasures at all. The actress, Sylvia, is deeply disturbed by a pink baby’s rattle. A framed termination letter unnerves teacher Madeline. A white wedding veil angers Vincent, the handsome athlete. Major Jack is saddened by a military medal. As each person looks at their so-called treasure, they hear a terrifying sound from the room above. They all break out in a cold sweat. They are so scared they cannot speak -- well, all but one. The housekeeper remains as cool as a cucumber. They wonder why she is able to stay so calm while they are scared to death. The housekeeper tells them to not move. She will investigate. As they listen to her footsteps traveling up the massive staircase, Sylvia asks, “Shouldn’t one of us go with her? What if it is a wild animal?” Vincent says, “I am staying right here by the fire and drink my wine. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long night.”  The teacher suggests they use furniture to block the door in case the creature, whatever it is, is dangerous. Major Jack suggests they each find something to use as a weapon. Time passes. Finally, Sylvia speaks. “Someone needs to check on the housekeeper,” she says. The actress goes the door. But when she tries the knob, it will not turn! She runs to a window and pulls up. But it does not move. She cries out. “We are not only snowed in --- we are locked in!” Everyone stops cold. They stop immediately. “You can’t snow us, Sylvia,” yells Vincent. “And why would you try to fool us, anyway?” He hurries to the door but finds it is, indeed, locked. The others run to the windows but none will open. Major Jack finally loses his cool and yells at the group. “Why are we here?! What is going on?” “Look, everyone just chill out,” Madeline says, using her poor classroom discipline skills to try to calm the group. Then, she explains why she is at The Ice Castle Inn. “I was invited,” she says. “That’s why I'm here. The plane ticket, room, food -- everything was free!” The others look at each other in shock. They all received identical invitations. Each guest comes to the same realization at once: they are victims of a trick.  “Getting us all together here in this castle – it is one big snow job,” says Major Jack. Sylvia agrees, “Yes, but who is trying to snow us? Who invited us?” Just then, the door to the room creaks open. The four guests stare as the housekeeper walks into the room. She has returned from investigating the upstairs. “I invited you,” she says. “You? You?! You’re just a housekeeper,” says Madeline. She eyes them each, coldly. “No, I’m not just the housekeeper. My name is Crystal Castle. The Ice Castle Inn is mine. And now, I’d like you to meet my daughter, my adopted daughter, Hope.” A young woman enters. She is very thin and her straight, blond hair is messy. But her face – it’s like an angel’s. She wears a silky white nightgown and robe. They look costly. But her feet are bare. Her body twitches and her eyes move nervously around the room. She doesn’t speak. Vincent drops his wine glass. He is suddenly stone cold sober, as he says, “Hope? Is that you?” Madeline, is now standing next to Vincent. “It can’t be. Hope? I haven’t seen you in years.”  “You haven’t seen her in exactly 5 years.” says Crystal. Sylvia and Major Jack do not recognize Hope. They are only more confused. “Was she the one who made that terrible noise? Is she … mad? I mean, is she crazy?” asks the major. Crystal, no longer the housekeeper, yells at them, “Hope is as pure as the driven snow! She is good and kind. But yes, she is mad. And you four people in this room drove her to madness! That is why you are here!” It is now the middle of the night. Crystal let’s everything out in the open. She explains how each person in that room contributed to her beloved girl’s insanity. “I’ll start with you, Vincent. You and Hope were engaged. But on the wedding day, you broke your promise to marry her, leaving her stranded at the church!” Vincent says nervously, “I got cold feet! I was nervous and changed my mind at the last minute.” He picks up the white wedding veil from the floor and holds it tightly. “If you must know, it was the worst mistake of my life. I’ve never been the same. I’ve never been happy. I was happy with Hope. But I was too young to marry.” He sinks into the chair. He looks deep into the fire, his mind trapped in the mistake of years past. “You may think you know me but you don’t know anything about me,” he says, his voice filled with regret. “I know a lot about you, Vincent,” Crystal says. She knows, for example, that Vincent’s wealth and status come entirely from his wife’s family. She also knows that he was married before and never got divorced. “Which means,” she continues, “that you are not legally married to your rich wife. What will happen if I tell her and her family?” “I would lose it all,” he says, “my wealth, home, social position. But, I don’t care. Tell them. I don’t care about anything. Life without Hope has been a cold and lonely place. I bet you didn’t know that.” Outside the storm is easing. The wind blows lighter and the snow has stopped. And, Hope has changed ever so slightly. She puts on a pair of slippers and moves toward the fireplace. Standing over Vincent, she lays a hand on his head. And then she speaks. “It is okay, Vincent. We were very young.” They are Hope’s first words in many months. The young man can’t bring himself to look at Hope. He simply holds tighter to her wedding veil. Crystal moves to her daughter, hugs her tightly and puts a coat over her shoulders. Then, she redirects her frigid stare to Madeline. The teacher looks down at the framed letter in her hands. “You don’t need to speak, Crystal. I can explain this myself,” Madeline says. She says she and Hope worked at the same school. At first, they were best friends. Hope was very talented, beautiful and kind. Everyone liked her very much. Over time, Madeline became very jealous. “I tried to freeze her out as much as possible. I gave Hope the cold shoulder. I tried my best to leave her out of things. But that didn’t work. So, I stole money from the school and made it look like Hope did it. She was fired immediately.” Crystal answers with anger. “You destroyed her career and her reputation!” “Crystal, you should check again,” Madeline says. “Several teachers investigated the theft knowing their beloved Hope would not steal. They suspected I was to blame for the situation. But, they couldn’t find any evidence against me so they couldn’t fire me.” “But, my career has been in a deep freeze ever since,” Madeline continues. "My students hate me, the other teachers hate me and I hate my job. And I’ve never had another friend like Hope.” As she says this she throws the framed termination letter across the room.   Hope says in a calm, clear voice, “It will all be okay. Listen … outside … the storm has stopped.” The actress, Sylvia, suddenly feels an unexpected and strong feeling for this strange, quiet young woman. Then she asks Crystal how she is connected to Hope. Crystal says with an icy tone in her voice, “Why, Sylvia, Hope is your daughter.” With that news, Sylvia passes out cold. When she wakes up, the others learn why the actress so often holds her gold locket close to her heart. In the locket are pictures of a baby girl and a baby boy – babies she gave up for adoption. “I was young and alone,” Sylvia explains. “I was poor and snowed under so many unpaid bills that I could barely breathe. I didn’t know what to do with two babies. But I have thought of them every day since. But how did you come to adopt them?” Crystal says she was a young doctoral student assigned to the orphanage. She took care of the brother and sister. When a rich relative died, she inherited a fortune and The Ice Castle Inn. So, she adopted the two babies and raised them as her own. As Crystal talks of raising two wonderful children, the actress holds the locket to her chest. It was Crystal’s plan all along to expose Sylvia’s history. She thought that people would stop seeing her films if they knew she had given up her own children to further her career. But she now realizes that that is not true.   Crystal also realizes she was wrong and feels, quite unexpectedly, ashamed. She doesn’t feel any better when Sylvia looks down at her locket and asks, “Where is my son?” “This is where the major comes into the story,” Crystal says hesitantly. Major Jack says that he does not know this young woman. Crystals agrees with him. “That’s right. You don’t,” she says. “But you did know her brother – her only brother. They were so close growing up. They were more like best friends than brother and sister. His name was Lieutenant Justice Castle.” Major Jack’s blood turns to ice. Yes, he knows the name Justice Castle very well. “Justice was a soldier under my command – one of the finest soldiers I have ever met. We were on a peace keeping mission and weren’t supposed to see any fighting. But I got my information wrong. I sent his squad into a dangerous area.” The major has a difficult time continuing. His voice breaks as he speaks and his eyes fill with tears. “Justice was killed in action because of my mistake. But I lied on official reports. I blamed him for misreading a map. This has haunted me ever since. Before coming on this trip, I told my superiors the truth about what happened that day. When I return, I will probably be court-martialed. And I deserve it.” Crystal turns off a recording device. She had planned to say, “And now I have recorded your statement, Major.” She had planned to say, “Now, I have the proof I need to ruin you too.” But her plans are not necessary now. He is already a ruined man. Vincent is the next to speak. “Do you mean to tell us, that for the past several years you have been collecting information on us, planning this whole trip just to get even with us?” Crystal stares at the empty faces of the group and says, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” “What does that mean, mother?” asks Hope as she moves to Crystal’s side. “It means,” she explains, “that I have waited a long time to get my revenge. And that just makes my revenge feel even better.” “But revenge won’t bring back Justice, will it.” “No, it won’t, my dear.” Crystal collapses into a chair, tired from the years of planning and hating. She has waited so long to get her revenge for her daughter but now it is cold comfort. The revenge has offered her none of the reward she thought it would. “Oh, look! The sun is coming up!” Hope says happily. “And what’s that on the horizon?” The group are shocked to hear the sounds of a helicopter approaching. “Look mother!” says Hope. “A helicopter is landing on the big lawn! How beautiful the day is going to be.” She looks reborn, renewed.  “Yes, I think it will be,” says Crystal Castle. “Let’s get our bags and leave this cold place. How would you like to spend the rest of the winter on a tropical island?” “That sounds lovely,” Hope says as the color returns to her cheeks. “But what about the others? I hope they will be alright. I hope.” A helicopter is not the only sound they hear. A snow plow is slowly working its way up the long drive to The Ice Castle Inn. It won’t be long before Vincent, Madeline, Sylvia and Major Jack will be able to leave the inn and return to their normal lives. Or will they? Will their lives ever be normal again? Will any of them ever be the same ever again? And so ends “Mystery at The Ice Castle Inn.” I’m Anna Matteo. Anna Matteo wrote “Mystery at The Ice Castle Inn.” Kelly Jean Kelly, Ashley Thompson and Caty Weaver edited the three parts. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story disturb – v. to worry or upset (someone) obvious – adj. easy for the mind to understand or recognize stranded – v. to leave (a person or animal) in a place without a way of leaving it identical – adj. being the same twitch – v. to make a slight, sudden movement that is not controlled or deliberate insanity – n.  severe mental illness : the condition of being insane regret  – n.  to feel sad or sorry about (something that you did or did not do) frigid – adj. very cold : not friendly or loving : lacking emotional warmth inherited – v. to receive (money, property, etc.) from someone when that person dies fortune – n. a very large amount of money — usually singular lullaby – n.  a song used to help a child fall asleep revenge – n. he act of doing something to hurt someone because that person did something that hurt you ashamed – adj.  feeling shame, guilt, or disgrace hesitantly – adv.  slow to act or proceed haunt – v. to keep coming back to the mind of (someone) especially in a way that makes the person sad or upset : haunted – adj. court-martial – v. to present evidence against (someone) in a military court : to put (someone) on trial in a military court tropical – adj. of, relating to, occurring in, or used in the tropics  

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Student Newspapers at U.S. Colleges Face Pressure

  Freedom of the press is one of the most valued rights protected under the United States Constitution. Among other things, the constitution’s First Amendment bars creation of any law limiting freedom of speech, or of the press. American colleges and universities have a long history of producing journalists for the country’s news media. And many of them get their start by working at their college’s student newspaper. These student reporters write about many subjects, from school sports to local events. But a new report suggests that some newspapers publishing stories critical of their colleges are under attack. Who or what is threatening these publications? The report claims school administrators are to blame. The report is called “Threats to the Independence of Student Media.” It is a joint project of four groups: the American Association of University Professors, the College Media Association, the National Coalition against Censorship, and the Student Press Law Center. All four organizations say they support academic freedom in higher education. Released in December, their report lists actions that college and university administrators have taken because of critical stories in student newspapers. For example, the University of Kansas reduced financial support for its student newspaper after the student government voted to do so in April 2015. The paper’s student editors then took a university administrator to court. They claimed the vote was retaliation for a 2014 story critical of the student government election process. Finally, the student government agreed to give the newspaper its full funding. The report also lists actions taken against advisors to student-operated newspapers. In the U.S., almost every student newspaper has an individual with journalism experience guiding the reporters. Cheryl Reed was one example. Northern Michigan University (NMU) asked Reed to serve as its student media advisor for the school’s newspaper, The North Wind, in 2014. The university also made her a professor of investigative journalism because she has years of experience in the field. However, it was not long before Reed and her student journalists began to experience problems. In fall 2014, school officials decided to close a popular, independent coffee shop on campus. The school then replaced it with a Starbucks owned by a former NMU student. The newspaper began to investigate the issue and requested copies of the Starbucks contract. The school first refused before eventually agreeing. Next, the paper requested copies of emails between administrators discussing the activities of The North Wind. As NMU is a public university, these emails were public record. However, the school tried to charge the newspaper for use of the information. At this point, the publication board that governs the newspaper became involved. The board’s members voted against paying for the emails. The student journalists then went to social media. The attention that followed led to the school releasing the documents free of charge. But the problems did not end there. The newspaper published several stories critical of Northern Michigan University. This included reports about sexual assault and payments for travel costs made to one of the school’s trustees. Then, in April 2015, the newspaper board, made up of students, NMU officials, teachers and community members, voted to remove Reed as the advisor. She and a student editor then took four of the board’s student members and an NMU representative to court. They argued the board violated their free-speech rights because of the critical stories. During the court case, one student board member made a sworn statement against NMU. She said the board’s administrative representative met with her individually. She said this meeting was designed to persuade her to vote against paying for access to the emails. She also believed the representative influenced other students so they would vote to remove Reed. Yet, the judge decided there was no violation of constitutional rights. Reed has since left NMU for personal reasons. Also, she fears that many administrators are more concerned with the school’s image than education. Administrators see colleges more and more as a business, and that in itself is a threat to student journalism, she says. "There’s this conflict between how administrators want to sell their campuses … and how student journalists see their role in all of this in terms of their trying to report about their campus from a journalistic means. And that means … How does the campus do business? … How safe are these campuses? … These are all major issues for students. And that’s what the journalists are trying to do, cover them in a way that is responsible but also as any journalist would." Derek Hall is the assistant vice-president of communications at NMU. He denies the board’s action was retaliation or that the administration has power over them. He says the board made its decision for several reasons. This includes concerns about the accuracy of some stories in the newspaper. But Hall was unable to provide VOA with direct examples of the board expressing these concerns to the paper. And he says he has some regrets about the experience. "I’m not going to rationalize much of anything that happened there. It was a lot of petty back and forth … A lot of mistakes were made on both sides." The report on college media lists several other examples of similar actions taken against advisors at other universities. Frank LoMonte, executive director of the Student Press Law Center, says the problem seems to be growing. LoMonte notes that 40 years ago, students and parents would be shocked at the actions of these university administrations. But, now young people worry much more about bad reputations reducing the value of their college degrees. "What seems to be different is that colleges have recognized they can get away with very open and undisguised acts of retaliation because their communities accept that protecting the reputation of the institution is a legitimate use of authority." LoMonte says students worry that if their school’s public image is damaged, they will be less likely to find employment. Also, administrators warn students against speaking out, he says. If they do, they risk losing their school’s support in finding a job. Chris Evans is with the College Media Association. He says student journalists can play an important role. Many newspapers around the world have reduced their work force greatly in recent years. And an American research group, the Brookings Institute, reported just 1.4 percent of news stories were about education in 2009. Evans says universities need journalists to criticize them and make sure they are doing the job of educating as best they can. If few news organizations are reporting on education, students must produce education-related stories. But, he notes, schools must let students learn the correct skills to become the best possible journalists. "Good journalism involves questioning authority, not getting permission from authority to publish something.  We develop these habits when we’re young. We develop them in high school and then we take them on to college if we are able to go to college, and then out into the newsroom. And … that’s what perpetuates our democracy, in theory." In 1988, the U.S. Supreme Court decided high school administrators could control their student newspapers however they like. That is why Evans, LoMonte and Reed all support passing legislation called “New Voices” laws. These measures are designed to protect high school and college student journalists from administrative control. At least 10 U.S. states now have “New Voices” laws. Evans says as more administrators take business-minded attitudes, this is the best way to protect the next generation of journalists. I’m Pete Musto. Pete Musto reported on this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Does your university have a student-run newspaper? How much control does your school’s administration have over what the newspaper reports? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   journalist(s) – n. a person whose job is collecting, writing, and editing news stories for newspapers, magazines, television, or radio academic – adj. of or relating to schools and education editor(s) – n. a person whose job is to prepare something written to be published or used retaliation – n. something bad done to someone who has hurt you or treated you badly campus – n. the area and buildings around a university, college or school board – n. a group of people who manage or direct a company or organization trustee(s) – n. a member of a group that manages the money of an organization accuracy – n. freedom from mistake or error rationalize – v. to think about or describe something, such as bad behavior, in a way that explains it and makes it seem correct petty – adj. relating to things that are not very important or serious reputation(s) – n. the common opinion that people have about someone or something legitimate – adj. permitted as directed or required by rules or laws perpetuate(s) – v. to cause something to continue

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A Look Back at the 2016 US Presidential Race

In 2016, Americans voted for a new president. The result was a surprise to many people. Learning English takes a look back at what happened along the way in this unusual election year.

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US Soldier Who Helped Stop Killing of Unarmed Vietnamese Villagers Dies

  American Larry Colburn, who became famous for his actions during the Vietnam War, died earlier this month. He was 67 years old. Lisa Colburn, his wife of 31 years, told the Associated Press that Colburn died three months after they learned he had cancer. “He was a very peaceful man who had a great desire for there to be a peaceful world,” she said. Lawrence Colburn joined the United States military during the Vietnam War. The U.S. government supported South Vietnam in its battle against North Vietnam and its allies. Colburn was the last surviving member of an army helicopter crew that halted the killing of hundreds of Vietnamese civilians by American soldiers. The incident took place in the village of My Lai on March 16, 1968. It is now called the My Lai massacre. The three-man crew had been sent to the village to try to find enemy soldiers. Instead, they found murdered, unarmed civilians and U.S. soldiers who were prepared to kill more villagers. Hugh Thompson, the pilot, landed the helicopter between villagers who were still alive and troops who were planning to shoot them. Thompson told Colburn and the other crew member, Glenn Andreotta, to prepare to shoot the Americans if they tried to kill the civilians. Colburn and Andreotta agreed. In 2006, Colburn told the Democracy Now radio program that the helicopter crew saw troops walking toward about 10 villagers who were hiding in a bunker. He said the crew “decided that if we didn’t do something within the next 30 seconds, these people would die. So (Thompson) landed the aircraft in between the advancing American troops” and the villagers. Thompson spoke to the leader of the soldiers “and asked him how we could get these people out of the bunker. They were obviously civilians. And the lieutenant replied he’d get them out with hand grenades. Mr. Thompson, who was outranked by this lieutenant, actually gave the lieutenant an order, told him to keep his people in place. He had a better idea, and I think he told him, ‘If you fire on these people when I’m getting them out of the bunker, my people will fire on you.’” An Army investigation later found that the soldiers had begun killing the villagers without warning. Before the helicopter crew was able to stop the killing, 504 civilians -- mostly women, children and old people -- were dead. Trent Angers wrote a biography about Thompson called “The Forgotten Hero of My Lai: The Hugh Thompson Story.” He said that Colburn “stood up, shoulder to shoulder with Hugh and Glenn, to oppose and stand down against those who were committing crimes against humanity. Without his assistance, Hugh might not have done what he did.” Many years after the incident, Colburn and Thompson were given the U.S. Army’s Soldier’s Medal. It is the U.S. military’s highest award for bravery not involving conflict with the enemy. Glenn Andreotta was killed in battle three weeks after the My Lai shootings. Hugh Thompson died in 2006. In 2008, 40 years after the My Lai massacre, Larry Colburn returned to the village. He met Do Ba, whose life Colburn had saved on that day.  Charles Pierce wrote on Esquire.com that Colburn’s actions are “one of the more astonishing displays of courage of which I’ve ever heard.” He wrote that Colburn’s funeral should “be on national television. Children (should) read about him in school. There (should) be memorials on the National Mall and at West Point.” I’m Jonathan Evans. The New York Times and the Associated Press reported this story. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the reports for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story bunker – n. a strong building that is mostly below ground and that is used to keep people, soldiers, weapons, etc., safe from attacks grenade – n. a small bomb that is designed to be thrown by someone or shot from a rifle outrank – v. to have a higher rank or position than (someone) shoulder to shoulder – expression united together to achieve a shared goal astonishing – adj. causing a feeling of great surprise or wonder National Mall – n. an area in Washington, DC where there are many monuments and memorials West Point – n. town in New York where the United States Military Academy is located. The USMA trains young men and women to be military officers.

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A National Park for the Father of Parks

  The U.S. National Park Service has been celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016. Woodrow Wilson, America’s 28th president, established the National Park Service in 1916 to “protect the wild and wonderful landscapes” in the United States. But it is an earlier leader who is considered the father of the America’s national parks. In 1906, Theodore Roosevelt, America’s 26th president, signed the American Antiquities Act. The law permitted him – and future presidents - to take immediate action to protect important cultural or natural resources. The Antiquities Act led to the creation of many of the 413 sites within the National Park Service today. No president has played a bigger role in protecting the country’s natural and cultural resources than Theodore Roosevelt. During his time in office, he established five new national parks and 18 national monuments. In all, he protected over 93 million hectares of public land. He became known as “the conservationist president.” Roosevelt’s concern for the land and environment came from the time he spent in the Dakota Territory, beginning in the 1880s. The area where he traveled is now the state of North Dakota. Today, you will find a national park there named in his honor. The park protects badlands, wildlife, [and] scenic views, as well as two ranches where Roosevelt himself once lived.  Welcome to Theodore Roosevelt National Park! Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory in September 1883. He was a young, married man from New York, where his political career was just beginning. He came to Dakota in hopes of hunting huge animals called bison. He also had a great interest in the Western frontier lifestyle. Roosevelt soon developed an interest in raising cattle. Cattle ranching in Dakota was a big business in the 1880s. Cattle fed on the land’s healthful grasses. He and a partner entered the business. Roosevelt invested $14,000 to build the Maltese Cross Ranch. Roosevelt returned to New York while workers constructed the ranch. He resumed his political duties in Albany, the state capital. But, in early 1884, he experienced two great personal losses. His mother and wife died of illnesses on the same day, February 14. Roosevelt described the pain and loss in his diary with only one sentence: “The light has gone out of my life.” Roosevelt again headed west in the summer of 1884. He sought to escape the reminders of his recent losses. He arrived at his newly built Maltese Cross Ranch. He also decided to build a second ranch in a quieter, more remote area. He called that ranch Elkhorn. Roosevelt traveled between New York and Dakota, working both as a state lawmaker and a cattle rancher. In late 1884, he helped form an organization in Dakota to help protect ranchers’ rights. In 1885, Roosevelt published his first book about his experiences as a rancher and hunter. In it, he predicted that the cattle industry of the Dakota Badlands was not sustainable. In other words, it would not last. Roosevelt was right. Severe weather struck the area in 1886 and 1887. In the winter, a terrible freeze killed many cattle. The animals that survived the cold soon starved. Roosevelt himself lost over half of his cattle. He decided to get out of the business. The experience, however, shaped Roosevelt’s beliefs about the need for conservation in America. Those beliefs, in turn, helped shape his policies as president. Visiting the park Visitors to Theodore Roosevelt National Park today can experience the badlands just as Roosevelt did hundreds of years ago. They can also visit the Maltese Cross Cabin as well as the Elkhorn Ranch area. The park has three main areas -- the South Unit, the North Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. In the South Unit, visitors can drive along the Scenic Loop road. It offers many places to see wildlife and the surrounding badlands. Badlands are very dry places with little vegetation. Wind and water shape badlands, mainly through erosion. The process leaves behind high, flat-topped hills of clay and other soft rock. Many visitors stop to look at Painted Canyon. It gets its name from the colorful exposed rocks there. Trails near the canyon offer visitors a chance to see animals, from the huge American bison to small black-tailed prairie dogs. These animals are not really dogs. They are rodents. Roosevelt described prairie dogs as the “most noisy and inquisitive animals imaginable.” The North Unit also offers several hiking trails. Some paths are short and easy. Others may take two days to complete. The Achenbach trail is a 28-kilometer-long path. It crosses the Little Missouri River and takes visitors into the heart of the Theodore Roosevelt wilderness. The third area of the park is the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. This is what Roosevelt described as his “home ranch.” He wrote of the ranch in this way: “My home ranch-house stands on the river brink. From the low, long veranda, shaded by leafy cotton-woods, one looks across sand bars and shallows to a strip of meadowland, behind which rises a line of sheer cliffs and grassy plateaus.” Today, the Elkhorn cabin itself no longer stands. Visitors will find only stone rocks where the cabin once was. The area that surrounds Elkhorn, however, is among the most beautiful, wild and quiet places in the badlands of North Dakota. It is this peace and beauty that appealed to Roosevelt after the deaths of his mother and wife. But the Dakota badlands did more than just help Roosevelt overcome his pain. They helped shape the kind of president he would later become. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt himself, "I would not have been president had it not been for my experience in North Dakota."   I’m Ashley Thompson. And I’m John Russell.   Ashley Thompson wrote this story with materials from the National Park Service. Caty Weaver was the editor.   Editor's Note: Each week in 2016, VOA Learning English has been exploring some of the many sites within the National Park Service. While this is the final week of our America's National Parks series, we will continue to write about this topic in the future! Let us know if you have any ideas or suggestions.  _______________________________________________________________   Words in This Story   badlands - n. a region in the U.S. where weather has worn away rocks into strange shapes and where there are very few plants ranch - n. a large farm especially in the U.S. where animals (such as cattle, horses, and sheep) are raised cabin - n. a small, simple house made of wood frontier - n. a distant area where few people live sustainable - adj. able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed erosion - n. the gradual destruction of something by natural forces (such as water, wind, or ice) conservation - n. the protection of animals, plants, and natural resources​ inquisitive - adj. having a desire to know or learn more veranda - n. a long, open structure on the outside of a building that has a roof strip - n. a long, narrow piece of something sheer - adj. almost straight up and down plateaus - n. a large flat area of land that is higher than other areas of land that surround it

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December 30, 2016

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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Russia’s President: No Expulsions to Answer US Punishments

  Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that he has decided not to expel American diplomats from his country. Russia’s foreign minister had suggested expelling United States diplomats and other measures to answer U.S. sanctions against Russia. On Thursday, President Barack Obama ordered 35 Russians to be expelled from the United States and other measures. The moves came after U.S. intelligence agencies said Russia hacked Democratic Party computers and released stolen emails. The agencies said this was done to interfere with the U.S. presidential election. Putin said Russia “has reasons” to take action against the U.S. But he said he will wait to “plan out further steps” based on the policies of the incoming administration. Republican Donald Trump will replace Democrat Barack Obama as president on January 20. The Russian officials were ordered to leave the country within 72 hours. In addition, Obama ordered the closing of two Russian properties inside the U.S.  He also ordered sanctions against nine Russian individuals, companies and agencies, including the Russian intelligence service. “All Americans should be alarmed by Russia’s actions,” Obama said in a statement. He said the “theft” of computer emails and other data, and their release through WikiLeaks, were done to “interfere” with the 2016 U.S. election. A senior Obama administration official said the United States believes Russia “will continue to interfere” with elections in other countries” and in future U.S. elections. Trump also released a statement after Obama’s announcement. He said, “It's time for our country to move on to bigger and better things.” Trump added: “Nevertheless, in the interest of our country and its great people, I will meet with leaders of the intelligence community next week in order to be updated on the facts of this situation." When Trump becomes president, he could move to cancel the sanctions ordered by Obama. But he might find opposition from Republicans in Congress who have called for punishments against Putin and his government. Putin’s decision not to take action against the new U.S. sanctions came as a surprise. Just hours before Putin’s announcement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested Russia would remove 31 American diplomats and take other action. Putin said he decided against any actions -- for now. “The Russian diplomats returning home will spend the New Year holidays with their relatives and dear ones,” Putin said in a statement. “We will not create problems for U.S. diplomats. We will not expel anybody.” Putin said he is inviting all children of U.S. diplomats to holiday parties at the Kremlin. Dmitry Trenin is director of the Carnegie Moscow Center. Trenin said Putin’s decision not to act against the U.S. sanctions appears to be an “investment” in the possibility of better relations with President-elect Donald Trump. Trenin made his comment on Twitter. I’m Jonathan Evans. Daniel Schearf reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted this story for Learning English and did additional reporting. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. __________________________________________________________ Words in This Story sanctions –n. diplomatic or economic measures taken against a country to punish it for actions considered wrong or illegal hacking - n. to secretly get access to the files on a computer or network in order to get information, cause damage further - adj. additional alarm - v. to be worried theft - n. the act or crime of stealing nevertheless - adv. in spite of what has just been said

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'A Princess of Mars,' by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Part One

American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote about a man's journey from Earth to Mars and the world of strange beings he met there.

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Can People Die of a Broken Heart?

Debbie Reynolds’ son, Todd Fisher, said his mother told him that the death of her daughter, Carrie Fisher, was “too much” for her. On Wednesday, one day after Fisher’s death, Reynolds, 84, died. “I want to be with Carrie,” is what she said just before her death, Todd Fisher told the Associated Press. Can people die because they are so upset over the loss of a loved one? Some call it “broken heart syndrome.” The American Heart Association lists a “broken heart” as a medical condition. It reports that it can lead to sudden intense chest pain, especially for women. The good news, it said, is most people make a full recovery. Debbie Reynolds was a movie star, beginning with her starring role in 1952 with Gene Kelly in “Singin’ in the Rain.” Fisher, 60, won fame through books, movies and plays. She is best known for playing Princess Leia in four of the “Star Wars” movies. All of Us Feel Loss Susan Gennaro is dean of the William F. Connell School of Nursing at Boston College. She said all people have felt or will feel the loss of a loved one that leaves them feeling like their heart is breaking. That can bring on stress, which can affect a person’s health, Gennaro said. That is especially true for a person who already has health problems. Gennaro said she does not believe people know how to control their bodies “to the point that we can will ourselves to die.” But, people can make the decision to “give up” on life, or to fight and hang on, she said. “I don't know why we are surprised as we also all have stories of people who were dying and waited until a loved one arrived before dying or some other important event,” Gennaro said. For people who believe that death is followed by an afterlife, it can make sense to want to join a loved one who passed away, Gennaro added. “It makes all the sense in the world that Debbie Reynolds having lived a full life would prefer to ‘pass’ to another existence with her daughter,” Gennaro said. Grief brings with it stress Harvard University’s School of Public Health did a study in 2013 that examined health information for 26,000 Americans over age 50. It found an increased chance of dying after a spouse dies. People who lost a wife or a husband had a 66 percent increased chance of dying three months after the spouse’s death, the Harvard researchers said. David Kessler is a grief expert who has written five books about losing a loved one. “There is a stress that comes with deep heart break and that stress can affect your heart,” Kessler said. “For some people that passes. But, in some cases, people die from it.” Kessler said his advice to people experiencing loss of a loved one is to accept the pain and sadness. “We often want to run away from the pain, but that grief will actually help us heal in time if we don’t run away from it,” Kessler said. Kessler is still dealing with his own grief. His 21-year-old son died unexpectedly on September 12. “I’ve worked many years with people going through grief,” Kessler said. “This year, it’s personal. I certainly feel a kinship with Debbie. Your heart is just so broken when you lose a child. I can see at 84 years old, she was just done.” I’m Bruce Alpert. And I'm Jill Robbins.   Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. _______________________________________________________ Words in This Story   upset - n. a period of worry and unhappiness caused by something that has happened syndrome - n. a disease or disorder that involves a particular group of signs and symptoms stress - n. a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life existence - n. the state of existing spouse - n. someone who is married -- a husband or a wife grief - n. deep sadness caused especially by someone's death actually - adv. used to refer to what is true or real

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English @ the Movies: 'Fresh Start'

On English @ the Movies today, we talk about the expression "fresh start." It comes from the movie "Max Steel." The story is about a teenager who discovers he has special powers he got from his dad. Watch here to find out if you know what "fresh start."

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Some of 2016’s Top News Stories Were Big Surprises

  Today we look back at some of the biggest news stories of 2016. With stories of conflict, tension and peace, it was a “complicated” year. First on many people’s list was the result of the U.S. presidential election. The U.S. presidential election tops most lists On Election Day, the New York Time’s reported that Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton had an 85 percent chance of winning the presidency. But it was Republican Donald Trump who won. It was one of the biggest political upsets in United States history. Trump will become America’s 45th president on January 20. The billionaire businessman and television star was not even expected to win the Republican Party nomination. At the beginning of the year, political experts expected one of his many Republican opponents to become the party’s nominee. But Trump won the most Republican primaries. Then, on November 8, Trump won four important industrial states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin. Those key victories helped him win the presidential election. Trump has promised to bring back factory jobs lost to other nations. During his campaign, he promised to “make America great again.” Here is how Trump explained his victory over Clinton: “As I’ve said from the beginning, ours was not a campaign, but rather an incredible and great movement made up of millions of hard-working men and women who love their country and want a better, brighter future for themselves and for their families.” The presidential campaign was divisive. Trump called his opponent “crooked Hillary.” Clinton described Trump as being “temperamentally unfit and totally unqualified to be President.'' Clinton won the national popular vote by more than 2 million votes. But she lost several industrial states that Barack Obama, also a Democrat, won in 2008 and in 2012. Those losses hurt her; she was not able to receive enough electoral votes in the Electoral College. Members of the Electoral College base their votes on the winner in each of America’s 50 states and the District of Columbia. Trump gained more than the 270 electoral votes needed to be the winner. President Barack Obama campaigned for Clinton. After the election, he told National Public Radio (NPR) that the Democratic Party failed “to give people in rural areas” a sense “day-to-day that we’re fighting for them.” Surprise result in Vote on EU Membership in Britain Another political surprise took place with Britain’s referendum on whether the nation would remain in the European Union. The movement was known as “Brexit.” London, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain in the European Union. But, other parts of Britain voted in favor of Brexit. Many supporters of Brexit were shocked -- as were opponents of the move -- when they won the vote on June 23. British Prime Minister David Cameron, who supported remaining in the E.U., resigned as a result of the vote. That cleared the way for Britain’s second woman Prime Minister Theresa May. She has promised to start the process of leaving the group. It will require new agreements on everything from trade to security. British money, the pound, lost exchange value against other currencies after the vote. Europe hit with terror attacks Several major terrorist attacks took place outside of conflict areas in 2016. The deadliest terrorist attack took place in France when a man drove a truck through a celebrating crowd on Bastille Day, July 14, in the coastal city of Nice. Eighty-six people were killed and more than 400 were injured. The driver was a Tunisian man living in Nice. He was shot and killed by police. French President Francois Hollande promised new security efforts. “Nothing will make us give way in the fight against terrorism,” he said. Germany faced a similar attack days before the Christmas holiday. A man drove a truck into a crowd at a Christmas market in Berlin. Twelve people died and injuring many more. In July, attackers killed 41 people and wounded about 240 more with gunfire and explosives at Istanbul’s main airport in Turkey. Earlier in the year, suicide attackers killed 32 people in bombings at the city’s airport and a subway station in Brussels, Belgium. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks.   A summer of gun violence shakes U.S. In the U.S., a series of shootings brought attention once again to gun violence. The deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history happened in June at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The gunman, Omar Mateen, killed 49 people over three hours before dying in a shootout with police. Many more people were injured. During the incident, police said Mateen called himself an Islamic soldier and promised loyalty to the Islamic State. In July, a series of incidents involving police shootings and attacks on police made news. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a white police officer shot and killed Alton Sterling, a black man, during a struggle outside a store. The incident was captured on video and widely watched on social media.  This led to large protests, violence and mass arrests. About two weeks later, a gunman in Baton Rouge killed three police officers and wounded three others.  Soon after the shooting of Sterling, Philando Castile was shot and killed by a police officer during a traffic stop in Minnesota. Part of the incident was captured on video by Castile’s girlfriend. Then, a peaceful demonstration against those police shootings turned deadly when five police officers were shot and killed in Dallas, Texas. The gunman, who was black, told police he was targeting white officers. He was killed with an explosive device on a law enforcement robot. President Barack Obama and other officials attended a memorial service in Dallas for the officers killed. The U.S. Supreme Court goes to work with only eight justices United States Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died suddenly in February. President Obama nominated Merrick Garland, a U.S. Court of Appeals judge, to fill the nine-member court. However, Republicans in the Senate did not want Obama to appoint a replacement for Scalia, who was a strong conservative voice on the court. The Senate refused to consider the nomination, saying it was too close to the end of the president’s term. The refusal angered Senate Democrats and left the Supreme Court with eight instead of nine justices. A humanitarian crisis continues in Aleppo, Syria The conflict in Syria remained intense during 2016. Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al Assad regained control of rebel areas of the city of Aleppo, with help from Russia. The cost was a humanitarian crisis made worse by many failed attempts at a ceasefire in the city. The United Nations says more than four million Syrian refugees have fled to neighboring countries. Hundreds of thousands are seeking asylum in Europe. Experts say E.U. member nations are becoming less willing to accept immigration requirements coming from E.U. headquarters in Brussels. North Korea tests two nuclear devices Only one country has tested nuclear devices in the 21st century. In 2016, North Korea carried out two nuclear tests: first in January and then in September. In both cases, the United Nations Security Council answered by placing strong sanctions on the country. The sanctions included trade restrictions. North Korea’s actions worried its East Asian neighbors. South Korea answered the North’s threats with its own sanctions. It also closed the Kaesong Industrial center, a joint development project meant to build trust. In response to missile threats, South Korea agreed to the deployment of the U.S. THAAD missile defense system on its territory. The move led to increased tensions with China. American President visits Cuba For generations of Americans, the idea of a U.S. president visiting the island of Cuba seemed impossible. No American president had visited the country since Communist revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro took over in 1959. But in March, President Barack Obama made a historic to Cuba. His visit came seven months after the U.S. reopened its embassy in the capital city of Havana. The U.S. still has trade restriction on the country and denounces the island nation’s human rights record. In November, Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro died at the age of 90. His passing could signal political change for Cuba. But his brother, Raul Castro, still remains in power. The younger Castro has ruled Cuba since 2008. Colombia peace agreement approved The Colombian government and the country’s largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as FARC, reached a peace deal this year. The agreement aimed to end more than 50 years of conflict that has claimed more than 220,000 lives. The public signing of the deal earned a Nobel Peace Prize for Colombia’s president Juan Manuel Santos.  However, the Colombian people voted against it in a referendum held in October. Critics, including former president Alvaro Uribe, said the deal gave amnesty to drug traffickers. This week, Colombia’s Congress approved a law giving amnesty to thousands of FARC guerillas guilty of minor crimes. The deal does not include fighters who have carried out war crimes or human rights violations. The law also extends to the country’s military. Both the Congress and Senate have passed the new agreement. It includes reforms and payments to victims. FARC will become a political party under the deal. And those are some of the top news stories for 2016. I’m Alice Bryant. I'm Dorothy Gundy. And I'm Mario Ritter. Bryan Lynn wrote the story on terrorism and U.S. gun violence with additional material from VOA News, the Associated Press and Reuters. Bruce Alpert wrote on the U.S. presidential election. Mario Ritter adapted the remaining stories for VOA Learning English using material from VOA News, AP and Reuters. Ashley Thompson was the editor. What did you think the biggest news story of 2016 was? What do you think was missed by the news media? Tell us in the comment section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story upset - n. occurrence in which a game or election is won by a person or team that had been expected to lose primary - n. an election in which members of the same political party run against each other for the chance to be in a larger and more important election temperamentally - adv. unpredictable in behavior or performance unqualified - adj. not having the skills, knowledge, or experience needed to do a particular job subway – n. a system of transit trains operating underground gay – adj. sexually attracted to someone of the same sex amnesty –n. a decision to put aside punishment for a person or group

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China Places a New, and Higher, Tax on Pollution

Recently, dangerous levels of air pollution spread over several major cities in China. The problem shows that China has much to do to fight pollution. But China is also changing the way it deals with the problem. In the past, local governments, including officials in the capital Beijing, would have denied the problem. But, during the recent period of smog, schools and some polluting factories were closed. Also, the number of cars permitted on city streets was limited.  Environmental groups say the number of clear days is increasing. More people are paying attention to the deadly effects of microscopic air pollutants called PM 2.5. These small particles can harm human lungs.   During the five-day pollution crisis, state-run Xinhua news agency reports that 15 million face masks were sold online. Recently, China’s National People's Congress passed a new environmental tax. The tax affects polluters of air, water and solids. Noise pollution is also among the things that can be taxed.  The new law aims to pressure polluters and give the government more enforcement power.   Weak local enforcement The law aims to deal with the failure of local governments to watch, enforce, and punish polluters. For nearly 40 years, China has been collecting fees from polluters. However, the system did not work well.  Under the old pollution fee law, local governments placed more importance on economic growth than the environment. Yuan Ying works for the Climate and Energy Unit of Greenpeace East Asia in Beijing. She said a pollution tax is a good step. She said the new policy will help cause local governments to make tougher rules for companies that pollute. In the past, local officials from China's Ministry of Environmental Protection were responsible for collecting pollution fees and the system was easy to abuse. Earlier this month, state media reported that investigations this year have led to the punishment of more than 3,700 officials for not effectively protecting the environment. Now, local tax officials will send the money directly to the local governments, instead of local environmental protection departments. Environmental officials will be responsible for monitoring polluters. War on Pollution For years, China has been criticized for not limiting pollution because of the effect it could have on economic growth. Critics of China include Peter Navarro, the man President-elect Donald Trump has appointed as the head of what he is calling the National Trade Council. These critics argue that weak enforcement is unfair because China uses it to cut costs for its companies. These savings can make their products more competitive. But, in recent years, public awareness and opposition has grown.  Pressure to clean up the environment has increased. Chinese leaders see the problem affecting not only the country's water, soil and air, but social stability too. ​ Too little, too slow The effect of the tax is not yet known. The new law does not take effect until January 2018. Information released by state media shows that few companies will feel pressure to pollute less. For example, the tax on one ton of dangerous waste is about $144. Coal mines and users are expected to pay less than one dollar for one ton of waste. And the cost for releasing one kilogram of the chemical sulfur dioxide is about 17 cents.  But officials say the increase in money received from the tax will be large. Last year, under the old system, officials collected $2.5 billion from about 280,000 polluters. The new tax law is expected to collect as much as $50 billion during its first year. Greenpeace's Yuan Ying said that based on their estimates the current rate is still too low, especially for coal-burning power plants. She said the current cost to polluters is not enough to limit or pay for the environment costs.   I’m Alice Bryant.   William Ide reported this story for VOA News. Alice Bryant adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. __________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story smog - n. fog mixed with smoke : a cloud of dirty air from cars, factories, etc., that is usually found in cities microscopic - adj. able to be seen only through a microscope; extremely small mask - n. a covering used to protect your face or cover your mouth ton - n. a unit for measuring weight that equals 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms) monitor - v. to watch, observe, listen to, or check (something) for a special purpose over a period of time stability - n. the quality or state of being stable power plant - n. a building or group of buildings where electricity for a large area is produced

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Have You Met the Perfect Tenses?

Editor’s note: This is the third episode of four-part series on verb tenses. Be sure to listen to part one and part two first. For VOA Learning English, this is Everyday Grammar. Today we are going to talk about the perfect verb tenses. Perfect tenses generally focus on how a past action affects the present.For example, “I have already eaten.” The suggestion is that the speaker is not hungry. Perfect verb tenses are the most difficult for English learners. The term “perfect” can be confusing. What does grammar have to do with not making mistakes? When you are talking about grammar, perfect has a different meaning. It comes from the Latin word perfectum, which means “complete.” The most important thing to remember is the perfect tenses always refer to completed actions. If you get confused, try replacing “perfect” with “completed” and the time relationship should become clearer.     Present Perfect Past  Perfect Future Perfect PERFECT TENSES I have driven in snow many times. Have/has + past participle verb It had already snowed before I left. Had + past participle verb It will have snowed 6 inches by the end of the day. Will have + past participle verb   Present perfect We will start with the present perfect. You form the present perfect using has or have followed by a past participle verb. For example, “I have seen Star Wars.” The use of the present perfect here gives us three pieces of information. First, it tells us that the event is finished. Second, it tells us that the exact time of the action is unknown or unimportant. Third, it suggests that the experience of seeing Star Wars has some effect in the present. One of the most difficult distinctions for English learners to make is the difference between the simple past and present perfect. Remember, when there is a specific time, you use the simple past. In the sentence “I saw Star Wars last night,” the adverb last night is a specific time. You cannot say “I have seen Star Wars last night.” But, you could say, “I have seen Star Wars before” or “in the past” or “three times.” You should also use the present perfect to refer to a repeated action in the past. For example, “I have taken that test four times.” The exact time of each action is not important. You can also use the present perfect to describe an action that did not happen, using the adverb never. “I have never traveled outside of my country” and “I have never smoked in my entire life.” Something that did not happen in the past, like not traveling and not smoking, can also have an effect in the present. The adverbs never, already, yet and so far are common in the present perfect. Adverbs are often the best indicators of which verb tense to use. Past Perfect Now let us look at the past perfect. The past perfect describes an activity that was finished before another event in the past. For example, “She had already had a baby before she graduated.” To form the past perfect, use had followed by a past participle verb. For the second action, use before or by the time followed by the simple past verb. Imagine you were at a New Year’s Eve party, but you fell asleep before midnight. You could say, “I had already fallen asleep before the New Year came.” You can use the past perfect to talk about how an experience from the distant past relates to an experience from the more recent past. For example, “The soldier wasn’t scared because he had already been in battle before.” In other words, battle was not a new experience for the soldier. If the time relationship is clear, you can choose between the past perfect and the simple past. “My grandfather passed away before I was born,” has the same meaning as “My grandfather had passed away before I was born.” The past perfect just emphasizes that the first action was completed before the second action. Future perfect Let us move on to the future perfect. Use the future perfect when you know that one future action will be completed before another future action. For example, “I will have graduated from college before my little brother graduates from high school.” The future perfect has very limited use because we rarely know a future sequence of events with any certainty. When it is used, the future perfect usually refers to major life events that are planned years in advance. And those are the three perfect tenses. Join us next week on Everyday Grammar for an explanation of the perfect progressive tenses. I’m John Russell. And I’m Ashley Thompson. Adam Brock wrote this story for Learning English. Jill Robbins and Kathleen Struck were the editors. Here is a video explaining  the difference between the simple past and the past perfect tense. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   participle - grammar. a form of a verb that is used to indicate a past or present action and that can also be used like an adjective adverb - grammar. a word that describes a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a sentence and that is often used to show time, manner, place, or degree indicator - n. a sign that shows the condition or existence of something scared - adj. afraid of something 

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Chicago Working to Reduce Gun Violence

Gun violence is an issue in Chicago, Illinois, America’s third largest city. The Chicago Tribune reported that 61 people were shot in the city during the long Christmas holiday weekend. Eleven of those shot died, the newspaper said. The holiday weekend ended Monday night. The Tribune said the attacks brought the total number of shootings for 2016 to more than 4,300. The number killed in shootings this year reached 770, it said. In 2015, 2,989 people were shot and 492 were killed in gun violence. Chicago is not the only city in the United States to report an increase in shootings and murders. The Brennan Center for Justice is a non-profit research group with ties to New York University’s Law School. It reported last week that the murder rate for 2016 in America’s 30 largest cities is expected to be 14 percent higher than the rate last year. The center blames the increase on fewer police officers working in some cities, as well as poverty and increased gang violence. But it said that two large cities -- Baltimore and Washington D.C. -- have fewer murders this year than in 2015. Eddie Johnson is Chicago’s Police Superintendent. He said 90 percent of those killed in his city over Christmas weekend had ties to gangs, criminal histories or had been identified as potential offenders or victims. Johnson urged politicians to increase sentences for people found guilty of gun crimes. “If you pick up a gun and shoot somebody, you should go to prison, period, that’s the end of the story,” he said. “Some people want to give them a pass for it. I don’t,” he added. Chicago is working to add police officers who more closely represent the ethnicity and races of city residents. Rahm Emanuel is mayor of Chicago. He said, “Officers come together from different backgrounds, different cultures, and different faiths for a common cause: to serve and protect the people of the City of Chicago. And this whole city will be behind our officers, rooting for their success.” Gary Slutkin is founder of a group called Cure Violence. His group has trained people to work in their communities to persuade people to choose non-violent ways of dealing with conflicts. Slutkin said the workers often knew when a young person was planning a violent act just by living nearby. Because they have credibility with their neighbors, they often have more influence than police, or even parents, he said. Often the “issue” with another young person was not that big a deal -- maybe someone spoke to his girlfriend or owes him money. His workers, Slutkin said, could persuade young people that their problem with another person was not worth a violent response. “Sometimes it is simply pointing out that if you go ahead and do it (shoot somebody), people are going to be looking for pay back against you or you might be spending 20 years or more in prison,” Slutkin said. But he said a loss of government assistance has left all but one city neighborhood without the program this year. He believes the lost funding and higher shooting rates are related. Slutkin is a professor of epidemiology at the University of Illinois’ School of Public Health. He said his program uses policies developed by health experts to deal with disease. It works, he said, because violence can spread just like diseases such as AIDS or tuberculosis. His Cure Violence Program operates in 25 U.S. cities, as well as in other countries, such as South Africa, Honduras, Mexico, and prisons in Britain. I’m Ashley Thompson.   VOANews.com reported on this story. Bruce Alpert adapted the story and did additional reporting for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   gang - n. a group of criminals potential - adj. capable of becoming real pass - n. let people go on without penalty faith - n. religious beliefs root - v. to express or show support for someone credibility - n. the quality of being believed or accepted as true, real, or honest epidemiology - n. the study of how disease spreads and can be controlled

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Actress Debbie Reynolds Dies, One Day After Daughter Carrie Fisher

  This is What’s Trending Today. Many people have been reacting to the news of Carrie Fisher’s death on Tuesday. Fisher died at the age of 60. She was best known for acting in the Star Wars movies in which she played Princess Leia. Then, Fisher’s mother, actress Debbie Reynolds died because of complications from a stroke. Reynolds was 84. She was a star actress and singer starting in the 1950s. Her son, and Fisher’s brother, Todd, confirmed the news to reporters late Wednesday. Reynolds won her first big part at the age of 19 in the 1952 film “Singin’ in the Rain.” She acted and danced with Gene Kelly, who was one of the most popular performers of that time. She made news in 1955 when she married singer Eddie Fisher. They had two children, Carrie and Todd.   Three years later, Fisher left Reynolds and married actress Elizabeth Taylor. It was the sensational Hollywood love triangle of the time. Reynolds was nominated for an Academy Award, known as an Oscar, for her part in the 1964 film “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” After the 1960s, Reynolds had fewer film roles, but still appeared often on television. Many people used social media to express their sadness upon hearing the news. They could not believe Reynolds died one day after her daughter. There is a Twitter account for Fisher’s dog, Gary. It is run by a fan. The person tweeted a picture of Reynolds and Fisher, writing “they don’t make ‘em like this anymore.”  Comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres wrote: “I can’t imagine what Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds’ family are going through this week. I send all of my love.”  Actor William Shatner is best known for his role as Captain Kirk in the Star Trek series. He wrote: “Debbie Reynolds was one of the last of Hollywood Royalty. It breaks my heart that she is gone. I’d hoped that my grieving was done for 2016.” Other fans posted tributes to the women. Some made videos showing Reynolds’ work as dancer, like this clip of Reynolds performing with Donald O’Connor in the film “I Love Melvin” from 1953.  And a French artist posted an illustration of Reynolds and Fisher holding hands, dressed in their costumes from “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Star Wars.” And that’s What’s Trending Today.   I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.   How did you react to the news of Debbie Reynolds’ death? Let us know in the comments section. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   stroke – n. a serious illness caused when a blood vessel in your brain suddenly breaks or is blocked sensational – adj. causing very great excitement or interest with shocking details love triangle – n. a situation in which two people are competing for the love of another unsinkable – exp. unable to be stopped or pushed down transition – n. a change from one state or condition to another role –n. the character or part played by an actor or actress account – n. an arrangement in which a person uses the Internet or e-mail services of a particular company grieve – v. to feel or show grief or sadness tribute – n. something that you say, give, or do to show respect or affection for someone clip – n. a short section of a movie, TV show, etc. illustration – n. a picture or drawing in a book, magazine, etc. costume – n. the clothes that are worn by someone (such as an actor) who is trying to look like a different person or thing

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News Words: President-elect

This news word is the title of a political job.

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First, Trump Pumpkins, Now Trump Roosters?

  This is What’s Trending Today... A few months ago, photographs of carved pumpkins were all over social media. The photos began appearing in October, just before the elections in the United States. Some of the bright, orange vegetables were cut in such a way to look like the face of Donald Trump. At the time, he was the presidential candidate of the Republican Party. The pumpkins were displayed during Halloween. As we move closer to 2017, birds seem to be on many people’s minds, as they prepare to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Rooster. On social media, some people are comparing Donald Trump’s hair to the colorful, soft feathers of a rooster. In November, the People’s Daily newspaper published a photo of a bird with blond feathers, saying it looked like Trump. But a large shopping center in China went further than that. It crossed an image of the U.S. president-elect with the Year of the Rooster and created a large statue. The photo of the shopping center’s new mascot is causing a stir. The new mascot is a white rooster with gold hair that looks similar to Trump’s hair.  The rooster has a gold-colored beak and eyebrows. Its wings are designed to look like fingers. They appear similar to the way Trump holds his hands while making movements during speeches. The shopping center is in Taiyuan, about 500 kilometers southwest of Beijing. Some smaller versions of the mascot are being sold at local stores and on the website Taobao. Prices go from $57 to almost $2,000. That is for a large version of the statue that is almost 10 meters tall. Broadcaster CNN reported on the story. In its report, one person said, “The rooster is very cute and funny, the hairstyle and eyebrows look very much like Donald Trump. I'm sure it will attract a lot of customers.” On Facebook, many people debated whether the statue is an insult or compliment. Some wrote that babies born in the Year of the Rooster are supposed to be trustworthy and responsible. So they said it was a compliment. Others said the statue is funny, and they would like to buy a small one for themselves. And that’s What’s Trending Today.   I’m Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Do you think the statue looks like Donald Trump? Let us know in the comments section. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   pumpkin – n. to make (something, such as a sculpture or design) by cutting off pieces of the material it is made of carve – v. to make (something, such as a sculpture or design) by cutting off pieces of the material it is made of mascot – n. a person, animal, or object used as a symbol to represent a group (such as a sports team) and to bring good luck cause a stir – exp. to cause a reaction beak – n. the hard usually pointed parts that cover a bird's mouth cute – adj. having a pleasing and usually youthful appearance compliment – n. a remark that says something good about someone or something

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Japanese Leader Praises Alliance with U.S. at Pearl Harbor Memorial

  This week, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a historic visit to Pearl Harbor in the American state of Hawaii. Abe went there on Tuesday with President Barack Obama. The two leaders placed great importance on the idea of reconciliation. Obama said: “Wars can end, the most bitter of adversaries can become the strongest of allies.” The prime minister offered sympathy for the Americans who died in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor 75 years-ago. He expressed “sincere and everlasting condolences” for the deaths of more than 2,400 American servicemen. Abe joined Obama in placing wreaths at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. The memorial is built over the wreckage of the battleship that was destroyed in the attack on December 7, 1941. The visit brought added attention to the modern-day alliance between two nations that fought each other fiercely in World War II. In his speech at Pearl Harbor, Abe called the relationship between Japan and the United States, “an alliance of hope.” Obama called the alliance the cornerstone of the Asia-Pacific area and a force bringing progress around the world. This was not the first visit to Pearl Harbor by a Japanese Prime minister. However, it was marked with symbolism, coming 75 years after the surprise attack that led to U.S. involvement in World War II. It also comes seven months after Obama became the first U.S. president to visit the Japanese city of Hiroshima, where the U.S. dropped the first atomic bomb used in war. A historic visit timed to current politics Jeffery Hornung is a researcher with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Washington, D.C. He says the visit has historical importance. But it also shows the depth of the alliance. Japanese-American ties were an issue during the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign. "It sends a symbolic message to, not only the incoming president-elect, but also to the region, that the U.S.-Japan alliance is stronger than ever, that we are able to confront past problems between us and still be stronger as allies." Abe did not offer an apology for the Pearl Harbor attack. But he is the first Japanese leader to visit the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. China, Asia’s largest economy, criticized Abe’s trip to Pearl Harbor. Before the visit, China’s foreign ministry said Japan cannot turn over a new page of history without reaching an understanding with its Asian neighbors. China called Abe’s effort “wishful thinking.” Japanese officials have been concerned that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump may not value the alliance with Japan as other presidents have. U.S.-Japan economic ties remain very deep. However, the inability to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement has hurt Abe at home, says Hornung. “The failure of the TPP even under the Obama administration has been concerning because Prime Minister Abe put a lot of political capital into this. He had to confront some agricultural cooperatives within his own country and really confront opposition with his own party with this to really push it through his country.” The Japanese leader noted in his speech the part the U.S. played in rebuilding Japan after the war into the economically strong democracy it is today. I’m Mario Ritter. Mario Ritter adapted this story from reports by Kenneth Schwartz, Reuters and other materials. George Grow was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   adversaries – n. opponents condolences – n. expressions of sympathy and sadness for the loss of another cornerstone – n. the most important part of a foundation symbolism – n. to use symbols or actions to represent an idea or quality political capital – n. goodwill or influence that can be used by a politician to get something done, but that can be used up easily wreath – n. a ring or circle of flowers, leaves or other plantlife.

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Money Shortages in India Affect Millions of Workers

  Workers recently lined up outside a camp in northern India to open bank accounts. The line formed at a traffic stop in the center of Gurgaon, in Haryana State. One of the workers was Ishwari Lal, a daily wage laborer. He is like millions of migrant laborers across India. They work in small factories or businesses, at building projects, or as security guards, drivers and servants. Lal’s wages were always paid in cash and he spent the money carefully. He sent some of it to his family. He used the rest to make rent payments for his one-room home and buy food or supplies. But Lal has only been paid one-fourth of his wages since severe cash shortages began affecting the country. Six weeks ago, the Indian government banned high-value bank notes of 500 rupees ($7.50) and 1,000 rupees. The move was aimed at finding and seizing large amounts of illegal cash. Lal’s employer asked him to put his wages in a bank. He is doing that now, but worries that getting the money back from the bank will be difficult. Banks see shortage Since the ban was announced, many Indians have stood in long lines at banks to get money. And, banks are not giving customers the amount they demand as the banks run out of money faster than it is replaced. “If I need 10,000 rupees, I get 2,000 rupees. How can I manage in just this much money? I have faced massive problems,” Lal said. He wonders how he can buy food, pay for medicines, or send money home to his children. Some employers are also facing cash shortages and [are] beginning to give out checks to pay wages. In India, hundreds of informal sector workers are opening bank accounts. The informal sector is a part of the economy that is not taxed and not regulated by the government. According to some estimates, nearly 480 million Indian nationals earn cash in the informal sector. That represents 80 percent of the country’s work force. As the cash shortages continue, the informal sector is slowing down. This is affecting economic growth in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Companies have reduced employees as business drops sharply and factories have laid off workers after having to slow down production. Exodus of migrant workers Wages are either not being paid on time or are being paid in old bank notes. This has led some migrant laborers in big cities to return to their villages. The ones who have stayed in cities are struggling to get paid. Harsh Singh is a self-employed driver in New Delhi. Singh says he has not been getting calls from his regular riders since cash shortages began to get worse. He said his work has decreased by at least 50 percent. And his passengers only make part of the payment. “So I have to go back to get my money,” he said. He is thinking of opening a bank account to accept online payments, even if they sometimes amount to less than $10. Several economists, however, say the currency ban will have good long-term effects. They say it help improve controls on small businesses and factories. And it will help bring poor people into the banking industry. Millions in India have no ties to banks and cannot get financial services, credit or insurance. Effect on Economic Growth While it is too early to know the exact effect of the currency ban on economic growth, economist N.R. Bhanumurthy said informal jobs have suffered. He works at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy Bhanumurthy said there is an effect on the employment situation because of the general drop in economic activity. People are also spending less, but spending “is the biggest driver of (the) Indian economy,” Bhanumurthy pointed out. But he expects this to be a short-term drop. He said that when spending returns, India may also see an increase in employment. I’m Alice Bryant. Anjana Pasricha reported this story for VOANews. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   account - n. a record of money that has been paid and money that has been received migrant - n. a person who goes from one place to another especially to find work cash - n.  money in the form of coins and bank notes shortage - n.  a state in which there is not enough of something that is needed lay off - v. to end the employment of a worker or group of workers, usually because there is not enough work currency - n. the money that a country uses insurance - n. an agreement in which a person makes regular payments to a company and the company promises to pay money if the person is injured or dies, or to pay money equal to the value of something (such as a house or car) if it is damaged, lost, or stolen customer - n. someone who buys goods or services from a business regulate - v. to make rules or laws that control something

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Ethnic Group Blames Myanmar Security Forces for Attacks

  Aid agencies and rights groups say about 25,000 members of the ethnic group known as Rohingya have crossed into Bangladesh since October. They are fleeing violence as the government fights rebels in Rakhine state. Many of the new arrivals are saying that Myanmar's security forces are attacking civilians. Some rights groups say satellite pictures support claims that whole villages have been burned to the ground. For Gul Jahar, there is nothing left to go home to. Her three sons disappeared during an attack in November. She describes how soldiers came to her village and carried out violence. "The soldiers burnt down all the houses and everything we had in our village. The rice that we kept in a barn – they burnt it all. We had nothing left," she said. Abu Tha Heck, who traveled to Bangladesh with his wife and four of his six children, tells of witnessing Myanmar security forces committing rape. The shop owner and farmer left his house and land behind. He still does not know where two of his sons are. Government response The government denies that abuses have taken place. A statement posted to the Ministry of Information's website on December 19 criticizes the international community for putting pressure on Myanmar's government. Kyaw Moe Tun, the director general of the Myanmar Ministry of Foregin Affairs, says accusations of abuse are not helpful. But he said that the government is ready to work with those who provide evidence of suspected crimes. "Whoever has [that] kind of information, please bring [it] forward and give use the concrete evidence. Then, the government is ready to look into the matter," he said. In an interview with IRIN news, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Aye Aye Soe said, "The things they are accusing us of didn't happen at all." She added "I am sure there are people going over the border, I accept that, but I don't know if it could be 20 or 30 thousand. It's blown out of proportion." NGOs Dispute the Government's Claims However, human rights groups dispute the government's statements. They say that evidence shows Myanmar's military is committing rights abuses. In a report published in mid-December, Amnesty International says that satellite pictures show that about 1,200 Rohingya homes have been burned. The government says that Rohingya militants have burned the homes. But, Amnesty says, eyewitness reports and satellite pictures show that the burning patterns are "consistent with targeted and systematic attacks by the military." Another human rights group, Human Rights Watch, says other satellite imagery shows the government is behind the burnings. The images show a military post next to the village of Wa Peik, where around 300 buildings have been burned. Brad Adams, the Asia director at Human Rights Watch said, “It’s difficult to believe that militants burned down over 300 buildings in Wa Peik over a one-month period while Burmese security forces stood there and watched.” Foreign reporters and humanitarian groups have been banned from going to the northern parts of the Rakhine state, making it difficult to document violence in the area. Several journalists will be permitted into the area this week, but it is not clear how freely they will be able to travel. I’m John Russell. Steve Sanford wrote this story for VOA News. John Russell adapted it for Learning English with additional sources of information. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   commit – v.  to do (something that is illegal or harmful) concrete – adj. relating to or involving specific people, things, or actions rather than general ideas or qualities systematic – adj. using a careful system or method blow out of proportion – expression. to think of or describe something as larger or greater than it really is

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December 28, 2016

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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Group Works to Bring Better Eyesight to People in Poor Nations

  Imagine sitting in a classroom and not being able to see a picture that your teacher is showing. Imagine driving a car, not knowing that your vision is so bad, that driving is dangerous to you and others. For millions of people, that condition is normal. That is because there are not enough eye doctors, known as optometrists, to diagnose and treat eyesight problems in many poor nations. In some developing countries, there is only one optometrist for every eight million people. That estimate comes from J. Kevin White. He started the group Global Vision 2020. He also is its executive director. Global Vision 2020 is a charity based in Maryland that is working to bring eye tests and low-cost eyeglasses to people in developing nations. Glasses allow people with bad vision to see normally.  “So even if you knew you needed eyeglasses, which most people don’t, the opportunity to find, to get help, is really, really limited and even the cost is just cost prohibitive.” A person can expect to pay $100 for an eye test and glasses, White said. That is too much for most people in many developing nations where many earn $2 a day or less, he said. White has developed a low-cost tool that teachers, nurses, and almost anyone can be trained to use and quickly learn if children or adults need glasses. White demonstrated his system at a coffee shop near Global Vision’s office in Easton, Maryland. In less than five minutes, he tested the eyesight of a woman who could not see things well a short distance away. He then picked out the correct lenses for her, and placed them into a frame. She could then see normally. This meant she could see a group of letters about six meters away. That is what a person with normal vision is expected to see without glasses. Some people need glasses because they cannot see things that are close to them, such as a book when they are reading. White says he uses glasses that cost as little as $1. He uses a tool he calls a USee. It is a frame with a dial on each side. Turning the dial changes the focus of the lenses. When the people being tested say their vision has become clear, the USee shows what lenses are needed to correct their vision. The lenses then are placed into a frame, and soon students who had trouble can now see what their teacher wrote or a driver can read a roadside sign. According to the World Health Organization, about 285 million people have eyesight problems. About 90 percent of those with vision problems live in areas where incomes are low, according to the WHO. Of course, it is helpful to be able to see clearly. For example, White said, studies show that people with vision problems drop out of school at higher rates than those with normal vision. He believes many car accidents are caused by people who need but do not have glasses. “Almost everything that we do is affected by our vision, whether we’re driving, your economic output, everything. You know, we kind of live in a visual world.” White noted how many people had vision problems in poor nations, especially in Africa, during his days on active duty with the United States Marines. During that time, he helped provide glasses to people who needed them. After leaving the Marines, White worked to find a low-cost system that would help the many millions of people who do not see well. That search led him to develop USee. White recently traveled to Mozambique. He is seeking grants that will help pay for a supply of USee lenses and frames that teachers and health officials can use in Mozambique and other countries. During his trip, White said, he gave an eye test to a regional health care official and found he needed glasses. After the official put on his new glasses, he was surprised at what he could see. Wearing the new glasses, the official saw for the first time that under the picture of the country’s president, Filipe Nyusi, his name is written. “Everyone laughed,” White said. They told the health official that all public photos of the president include Nyusi’s name. White said that the first glass frames he produced were not a success because they did not look good. Now, he has produced modern-looking, colorful frames. White said people are now excited to wear them. The people wearing them, he said, look good and see well. I’m Bruce Alpert. And I'm Anna Mateo. Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English.  Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story vision - n. the ability to see diagnose - v. to recognize a disease or eye problem by examining someone charity –n. an organization that works to help people in need opportunity - n. the chance to get something done prohibitive - adj. so costly that people are prevented from using or buying something lenses - n. a clear curved piece of glass or plastic that is used in eyeglasses frame - n. the plastic or metal structure that holds the lenses of eyeglasses dial - n. a round part on a piece of equipment that you turn to operate something focus - n. a state in which something such as glasses produces a clear picture or image grant –n. an amount of money given to a person or group that is to be used for a specific purpose

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