Research Shows Dogs Really Do Understand Humans

This is What’s Trending Today.... Researchers at a university in Hungary say there is truth to what many dog owners always believed. Dogs do understand what humans say. The researchers made images of the brains of 13 dogs using a machine that records brain activity. The dogs were trained to lie down in the machine for seven minutes. During that time, they listened through headphones to their trainers’ voices. Dog owners may think the news is not surprising. But scientists are impressed. Brian Hare is a professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University. He called one of the findings a “shocker.” The brain imaging showed dogs processed words using the left side of their brains, just as humans do. They use the right side of their brains to understand tone and pitch. The study showed dogs understand words and how they are said. Meaningful words said in a neutral way did not have the same effect as the same words said in an encouraging way. Attila Andics was the lead researcher on the project. “Dog brains care about both what we say and how we say it,” he said. Researchers say they think dogs are tuned in to what people say because dogs have lived with people for a long time. Andics said he thinks other animals probably can understand human language like dogs do. But those animals are not very interested in what humans have to say. People reacted to the story on Facebook and Twitter. They said they always knew their pets could understand them. And they were happy to see scientific support for what they experienced every day. One reader from Virginia said she thought her dog could probably read her mind, too. Someone in California joked that he always knew his dog ignored him. And Greg Matos in Boston called the study “fascinating!” And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. What do you think of the dog study? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story impress – v. to cause (someone) to feel admiration or interest evolutionary – adj. the way things change due to a natural process over a long period of time tone – n. a quality, feeling, or attitude expressed by the words that someone uses in speaking or writing pitch – n. the highness or lowness of a sound encouraging – adj. causing a hopeful feeling tune in – v. to understand and be aware of a situation, other people's needs

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2cd7wDB
via IFTTT

Remembering Actor Gene Wilder

This week, the United States lost a beloved actor and funnyman. Gene Wilder, the wild-haired star of unforgettable comedy films, died Monday at the age of 83. A family member said Wilder was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease three years ago. He said the actor kept the condition private so he would not disappoint fans. "He simply couldn't bear the idea of one less smile in the world,'' his nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman said. Gene Wilder started his acting career on the stage. However, millions of people knew him from his work in film. His movies with director Mel Brooks were especially famous. They included "The Producers,'' "Blazing Saddles'' and "Young Frankenstein.'' 'Truly great talent of our time' In a statement Monday, Brooks wrote, "Gene Wilder, one of the truly great talents of our time, is gone. He blessed every film we did together with his special magic and he blessed my life with his friendship. He will be so missed.'' Wilder was a master at playing nervous characters trapped in impossible, but funny, situations. In 1974’s "Young Frankenstein,'' Wilder’s character sought to build a living person from the dead. Wilder played Leo Bloom in the 1968 film "The Producers,'' about a man who tries to produce a costly failure on Broadway. The play, “Springtime for Hitler,” becomes a surprising hit instead. Wilder could play cool-headed characters like the gunslinger in "Blazing Saddles.'' He also made millions of child fans with his portrayal as the main character in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.'' 'But I don't think I'm that funny' Many have posted messages on social media about the loss of Gene Wilder. "The greatest comedic mind of my childhood is now gone,'' tweeted actor Josh Gad. Comedian and actor Jim Carrey posted, "Gene Wilder was one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form.'' Wilder was close friends with Richard Pryor. Their opposite personas - Wilder the worrier and the easy-going Pryor - were perfect for making comedy. They starred in four films together: "Silver Streak,'' "Stir Crazy,'' "See No Evil, Hear No Evil'' and "Another You.'' They created several memorable scenes, such as when Pryor provided Wilder with directions on how to "act black'' as they tried to avoid police in "Silver Streak.'' However, Wilder said in a 2013 interview that he was no comedian. He told interviewer Robert Osborne it was the biggest misunderstanding of him. “But I don't think I'm that funny. I think I can be in the movies.'' An early performer Wilder was born Jerome Silberman on June 11, 1933. His father was a Russian emigre. His mother was of Polish descent. When he was six, Wilder's mother suffered a heart attack that left her disabled. He soon began performing comedy at home to entertain her. He started taking acting classes at age 12. In 1961, he made his Broadway debut. That is when he took on the professional name of Gene Wilder. Wilder was married three times. His second marriage, to Saturday Night Live performer Gilda Radner, ended when she died of ovarian cancer in 1989. Wilder spent much of his time after her death speaking in support of cancer research. He also opened a support center for cancer patients. In 1991, he spoke before Congress about the need for increased testing for cancer. Wilder is survived by his wife, Karen, whom he married in 1991, and his daughter Katherine from an earlier marriage. I’m Jonathan Evans.   The Associated Press news agency reported this story. Caty Weaver adapted it for VOA Learning English. 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   comedy – n. a play, movie, television program, novel, etc., that is meant to make people laugh​ disappoint – v. to make (someone) unhappy by not being as good as expected or by not doing something that was hoped for or expected​ persona – n. the way you behave, talk, etc., with other people that causes them to see you as a particular kind of person: the image or personality that a person presents to other people​ entertain – v.  to perform for (an audience): to provide amusement for (someone) by singing, acting, etc.​ debut – n. the first time an actor, musician, athlete, etc., does something in public or for the public​

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2crOjC1
via IFTTT

Part Two of Dr. Anthony Fauci: America’s Man on Infectious Diseases

  The nation’s top expert on infectious diseases is Dr. Anthony S. Fauci. Fauci has carried out important research in HIV/AIDS and other diseases affecting the immune system. He also is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the United States National Institutes of Health. At age 75, Fauci has served under five presidents during his tenure. His advice is sought all over the world when infectious diseases threaten to become public health crises. He says, when considering the history of public and global health, vaccines could be the most important intervention that has ever been developed for any public health issue. That was the case with the serious disease caused by the West Nile Virus. "West Nile Virus was never in the United States until 1999. It was in the West Nile area of Africa and in the Middle East and it came over to the United States, likely through a mosquito, or a bird, or a person who was infected. And we had a few cases for the first couple of years and then we had an outbreak a couple of years after it arrived and now, it’s endemic at a low level in the United States. It isn’t a major public health threat, but it is enough of an issue that we get enough cases each year and that’s the reason why we have to have good mosquito control.  We tried to make a vaccine, and would have made a vaccine, for West Nile years ago, but we couldn’t find a pharmaceutical company that was interested in partnering with us.” Today, another virus spread by mosquitoes, the Zika virus, is an issue of concern to the world.  Zika outbreaks are currently happening in many countries and territories.The mosquitoes that can spread Zika live in many parts of the world, including parts of the United States. Fauci says pregnant women should be especially careful. “What people need to understand about Zika is it’s important to protect pregnant women. It is likely that Zika was in Africa and in Southeast Asia for decades and decades before we had the first recognized outbreak. In the United States, we have close to 700 already travel-related cases. We’ve had local outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya in Florida and in Texas and we’ve been able to successfully contain it. I believe we need to do the same thing, and will do the same thing, with Zika.”         The development of a vaccine for Zika is already underway at NIAID. Dr. Fauci says a DNA vaccine for Zika could be ready for testing by September. Fauci will tell you he is a proud workaholic. That means he enjoys working a lot. He works 7 days a week. He says there are many difficult problems in his work. However, just as important as his job, is his health. He is a devoted runner. Fauci has run several marathons and many 10-kilometer races. He also makes sure that, every day, he does something related to exercise. Fauci hopes that one day it will become possible to eliminate controllable infectious diseases. “I want to see the elimination of polio. I want to see HIV no longer be an epidemic and pandemic, as we know it. I want to see an era of the end of AIDS. I don’t think we’ll ever be able to completely eliminate infectious disease, that’s unreasonable. But we can do a lot more to alleviate the suffering associated with infectious diseases.” I’m Marsha James. Marsha James wrote this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.   Try this quiz to practice your listening skills Next time on People in America, meet Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-Mcrae.​ _______________________________________________________________ Words In This Story      tenure – n. the amount of time that a person holds a job or office global – adj. involving the entire world​ outbreak –​ n. a sudden start or increase of fighting or disease endemic –​ adj. growing or existing in a certain place or region pharmaceutical –​ adj. of or relating to the production and sale of drugs and medicine devoted – adj. having strong love or loyalty for something or someone​ marathon – n. a 42 kilometer race for runners eliminate – v. to remove something or someone epidemic – n. an occurrence in which a disease spreads very quickly and affects a large number of people pandemic - n. an occurrence in which a disease spreads very quickly and affects a large number of people over a wide area or throughout the world era  – n. a period of time that is associated with a particular quality, event, person, etc. alleviate – v. to reduce the pain or trouble of (something) : to make (something) less painful, difficult, or severe

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2c5hXd9
via IFTTT

Next on People in America: Jennifer Webb-Mcrae

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2bQrQMA
via IFTTT

People in America: Dr. Anthony Fauci Part Two

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2cfw959
via IFTTT

In Kenya, Growing Support for New Rites of Passage

  Communities in southern Kenya are slowly changing practices connected to the traditional ideas of passage from girl to woman. Alternative rites of passage, or ARPs, are growing in popularity in place of female genital mutilation, or FGM. FGM, also known as circumcision, is the cutting and removal of parts of sex organs. In Kenya, FGM is illegal, but some communities continue to practice it. VOA recently went to an alternative rites ceremony. It took place in the town of Oloitoktok, in Kajiado County. About 400 Maasai girls took part to mark their passage into womanhood. The ceremony used to involve FGM. But here, the girls are receiving a special blessing from older members of their community. Sabina Lakara is one of the girls. "I'm happy because I have undergone ARP and I haven't undergone FGM because it causes a lot of diseases and a girl may die. And also I'm wonderful because we have told our parents the bad effects of FGM and now they have left it." Laserian Katau worked as a female circumciser for more than 20 years. She says she circumcised about 200 girls. But she is now a strong supporter of ARP. She teaches the girls two days of classes about life as a woman.   She said, “Some of the elders have not embraced alternative rites of passage and you know they are the decision makers, so that’s a major challenge. But in our village, we have embraced it because of information and education.” ARPs began in Kenya seven years ago. But FGM is still done to an estimated 100,000 girls in Kenya each year. Nice Nailantei is a fellow in U.S. President Barack Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative. She is also an ARP international ambassador for the Nairobi-based nonprofit Amref Health Africa. She avoided an FGM operation when she was eight years old. “We should invest in education because all these harmful traditional practices -- female genital mutilation, early marriages, teenage pregnancies -- if we are not educating our girls, if we are not investing in education, they will never end. But once we realize that there’s an importance of educating our girls the same as educating our boys, that is when as a community we will be able to move forward.” The girls are given documents at the end of the ceremony. The papers serve as notice of their transition from girls to young women. I’m Caty Weaver. Correspondent Lenny Ruvaga reported this story from Oloitoktok, Kenya. It was adapted for Learning English by Christopher Jones-Cruise. Caty Weaver 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 alternative – n.  not usual or traditional rite – n. an act that is part of a usually religious ceremony circumcision – n. the act of to cut off the clitoris or outer sexual organs of woman or girl elder – n. a person who has authority because of age and experience embrace – v. to accept (something or someone) readily or gladly  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2c9rsXf
via IFTTT

American Millennials are Cautious About Spending

  Many young Americans have a large amount of debt even before they begin working. Millennials -- people between 18 and 35 -- are worried about paying their student loans, so many of them are not using credit cards. Some experts believe this trend may have a long-term effect on the economy. Stefanie O’Connell graduated from New York University with a degree in drama and a large amount of debt. There were not many jobs for someone with her education. So she became cautious about how she spent her money. That behavior caused her to begin a new career as a financial expert. She writes a blog about wealth management. It has helped her to learn that many millennials share her situation. “They’re very wary of spending beyond their means. They’re wary of tools like credit cards. They’re wary of taking any kind of risk -- even if it is a smart risk, like investing.” O’Connell’s experience with her blog readers is supported by information gathered by the U.S.  central bank. It found that the percentage of Americans under 35 who hold credit card debt has fallen to its lowest level since 1989. Credit cards are an important part of the American financial system. Without one, it is difficult to buy many goods and services. These can include buying a cell phone or renting an apartment.   Credit expert Adam Levin says young people need these financial instruments. “It’s critically important  for a young person to build credit, to build strong credit. That doesn’t mean you over-credit yourself. It just means that you are wise about your credit; you are a responsible payer, that you don’t get yourself in over your head.” Smartphone apps like Level Money can help young people build credit. The apps give advice and help people make better spending decisions without going deeper into debt. I’m Ashley Thompson. VOA Correspondent Faiza Elmasry reported this story from Washington. It was adapted for Learning English by Christopher Jones-Cruise. Mario Ritter 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   credit cards –n. plastic cards that let people spend money on credit with the understanding that they will pay it back drama –n. the art of acting in a play or other performance blog –n. a web log, a website in which people write their opinions, experiences or activities wary –adj. not having or showing complete trust in someone or something beyond (one’s) means –idiom. to be more expensive than a person can afford financial instruments –n. financial products people use for investment, any kind of tradeable asset critically –adv. very, extremely over (one’s) head –idiom. to be beyond someone’s ability to understand or act 

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2c1hHNN
via IFTTT

Research Breakthrough for Biodegradable Tires?

  Researchers say they have created a new synthetic rubber that could be used to make biodegradable tires. A team at Texas A&M University’s campus in the Gulf nation of Qatar is testing the synthetic rubber.             One of the researchers, Robert Tuba, said the goal is to find a way to make fully recyclable tires. Rubber tires thrown into landfills decompose very slowly. They are a fire risk and can release chemicals into the soil. If they collect water, they can also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.    The research team discovered a by-product of the oil refining process called cyclopentene. This was combined with a polymer to make a substance very similar to natural rubber. The new synthetic rubber is being tested to see if it can be mixed with metal and other materials now used in making tires. The goal is to produce a new kind of synthetic that is just as strong as the rubber now used, but is biodegradable. The team said they found other benefits of the synthetic rubber. For one thing, they were able to recover 100 percent of the original materials when the rubber decomposed. The researchers say they already have a partner in the rubber industry. If future tests go well, Robert Tuba said his team would be ready to “bring the material to market.” This would eventually make biodegradable rubber tires widely available. I’m Bryan Lynn. Kevin Enochs reported this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted it for Learning English. Pete Heinlein was the editor. We want to hear from you. What other products do you think could be replaced by synthetic versions? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   synthetic – adj. something not made from natural substances biodegradable – adj. able to break down without harming the environment recyclable – adj. able to be reused after processing decompose – v. to gradually decay until destroyed breeding – n. the process animals use to produce babies by-product – n. something that happens as a result of something else polymer – n. a chemical mix that is made of small molecules that are arranged in a simple repeating structure to form a larger molecule  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2c9uieO
via IFTTT

Explorers Find 200-Year-Old Sunken Ship in Lake Ontario

  Explorers have found a ship that is over 200 years old at the bottom Lake Ontario. This is the second-oldest, confirmed shipwreck in the Great Lakes area between the U.S. and Canada, the explorers said. The team of three underwater explorers that found the ship is from the western part of the U.S. state of New York. The wreck was in the deep waters of Lake Ontario near the town of Oswego in central New York. Team member Jim Kennard said that pictures taken using an unmanned vehicle identified the ship as the Washington. The Washington sank in 1803. The Washington was built on Lake Erie in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania in 1798. The ship was used to transport people and goods between, New York, Pennsylvania and the Canadian province of Ontario. Canadian merchants then bought the ship, took it out of the water, and transported it by land to Lake Ontario in 1802. The 16 meter-long ship was loaded with goods from India when it left Kingston, Ontario on November 6, 1803. It was sailing to Niagara, Ontario when it was caught in a fierce storm and sank. At least three crew members and two merchants died when the ship sank. Kennard said that records showed some of the goods and pieces of the ship were found the next day on a shore near Oswego. The Washington is the oldest commercial ship wreck found in the Great Lakes, he added. It was also the only ship known to have sailed on both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. "This one is very special," Kennard said. "We don’t get too many like this." Kennard and team members Roger Pawlowski and Roland ‘Chip’ Stevens have found several shipwrecks in Lake Ontario and other waterways. Carrie Sowden is an official at the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio. The museum helps pay for Kennard and his team to explore the area. Sowden said ships with only one mast, called sloops, were replaced by ships with two or three masts, called schooners, in the early 1800s. Schooners were much easier to sail. There are no known drawings of the Washington, she added. This means the discovery will help historian of the seas learn more about the ships that sailed on the Great Lakes between the American Revolution and the War of 1812. "Every shipwreck offers something different that adds to our knowledge base," Sowden said. The oldest ship found in the Great Lakes is a British warship called the HMS Ontario. The HMS Ontario sank in Lake Ontario in 1780. Kennard and another explorer found it in 2008. I’m Pete Musto. Chris Carola reported on this story for the AP news service. Pete Musto adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Have explorers found any interesting discoveries in your country recently? What is the oldest thing explorers have discovered in your country? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   shipwreck – n. a ruined or destroyed ship merchant(s) – n. someone who buys and sells goods especially in large amounts commercial – adj. related to or used in the buying and selling of goods and services mast – n. a long pole that supports the sails of a boat or ship

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2c9qqL0
via IFTTT

Volvo Truck Breaks Two World Speed Records

The Swedish-based manufacturer Volvo says one of its trucks has broken two world speed records. The truck reached a top speed of 276 kilometers an hour during recent tests. The Chinese-owned carmaker carried out the tests on an airplane runway in Sweden. The truck, called “Iron Knight,” broke speed records for distances of 500 and 1,000 meters, according to Volvo. The driver was former European Truck Racing Champion Boije Ovebrink. The company said the truck covered 500 meters in 13.7 seconds. It traveled one kilometer in 21.29 seconds. The records are still unofficial while they are reviewed by the international motor sport association FIA. The old record for one kilometer was set in 2012 by Volvo’s Mean Green truck. After starting, the 4,500-kilogram Iron Knight can reach 100 kilometers per hour in just 4.6 seconds.​ The vehicle’s diesel engine is based on Volvo’s normal design for tractor-trailer trucks. But it was modified to increase the usual power and performance.   The truck was also designed to reduce wind resistance to increase speed and reduce fuel use. Nigel Atterbury is a senior designer for Volvo Trucks. “The Iron Knight is basically a truck where we said to our designers, ‘Think out of the box.' And that's exactly what they did.” Volvo said the main goal in building the speedy truck was to show off the company’s two-part clutch system. The truck’s transmission was made to give the driver smoother control when changing gears. This helps the truck perform better under extreme conditions, such as carrying a heavy load up a steep hill. I’m Bryan Lynn. Geroge Putic reported this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   runway –n. a long road used by airplanes to start out or land horsepower – n. unit of measurement for engine power diesel – n. type of engine that uses diesel fuel modify – v. make changes to improve something clutch – n. piece of equipment in a vehicle that allows the driver to change gears transmission – n. part of a vehicle that transfers power from the engine to the wheels gears – n. used by a car’s transmission to control different speeds of the engine  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2c1hJFp
via IFTTT

August 31, 2016

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

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2cftxEs
via IFTTT

Have We Entered a New Geological Period?

This is What’s Trending Today… For almost 12,000 years, Planet Earth has been in what is called the Holocene Epoch. This geological era started after the last ice age. Human civilizations developed during this warm period. But, geology experts now say the Holocene period is over. We are in a new geological era, they say, and have been since around 1950. This era is marked by the huge effects humans have had on the planet. Scientists have been calling this new era the Anthropocene Epoch. The prefix anthro comes from the Greek word anthropos, which means human.  A group of experts at the International Geological Congress presented a report on the Anthropocene era this week in Cape Town, South Africa. They recommended officially declaring a new geological era. Their statements quickly became a trending topic on social media. The group ClimateMama posted on Facebook, “We have entered Anthropocene, the age of man’s dominance over our planet...Can we learn to be thoughtful caretakers?” Some called it “terrifying” that humans have so strongly affected the planet. Twitter user Lexie described the change as “incredible and terrifying at the same time.”   Many others on social media and beyond shared those thoughts.   And that’s What’s Trending Today.    Ashley Thompson adapted this report. Caty Weaver was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   era - n.  a period of time that is associated with a particular quality, event, person, etc. prefix - n. a letter or group of letters that is added at the beginning of a word to change its meaning​ dominance - n. power and influence over something or someone incredible - adj. difficult or impossible to believe​  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2bA0j3f
via IFTTT

In Michigan City, College Is Free for Many High School Graduates

  Emily Olivares was surprised when a friend told her she is $50,000 in debt after paying for four years of college. “I almost had a heart attack,” Olivares said. “That’s a lot of money.” She has no such problem. Her tuition for four years at Western Michigan University was about $40,000. But, a program called Kalamazoo Promise paid for it all. Since 2006, a group of secret donors provided money so students who graduate from Kalamazoo public schools can attend a Michigan state college. The money pays tuition for students in part or fully. “I don’t think I would be in the same place in life right now if it wasn’t for this program,” said the 22-year-old Olivares. She recently graduated from Western Michigan University, and works for Kalamazoo Promise. In the future, she hopes to set up international study programs for college students. Hillary Clinton's Proposed Tuition Program The Kalamazoo program is now getting more attention because of Hillary Clinton. The Democratic candidate for president is proposing a free tuition program for the entire country. Clinton wants to provide free state college tuition for families with yearly incomes of up to $125,000. Republican Donald Trump’s campaign website does not list a plan on college tuition. However, last year, Trump told The Hill newspaper that the federal government should not profit on student loans and should allow students to lower the amount of interest they pay.                 In Kalamazoo, the tuition aid program is praised as a program that makes a difference in the small city in America’s Midwest. Kalamzoo has a population of 76,000 and is halfway between the cities of Chicago, Illinois and Detroit, Michigan. Bob Jorth is the Kalamazoo Promise executive director. He said the city has about 25 percent more students attending college than it did 10 years ago, when the program began. Kalamazoo is sending about 85 percent of its high school graduates to college. That percentage, Jorth said, is similar to the rate in much wealthier communities. Research Group Says Promise Program Has Limits But the Brookings Institution research group said in a 2015 report that the program has limitations. It found that only twenty percent of African-American high school graduates earned college degrees six years after graduation. Brookings said the overall college degree average for the city’s public school graduates was forty percent. What it shows, Brookings said, is that Kalamazoo “has not yet come close to resolving the problem of inequality of opportunity” for African-American children. But several Kalamazoo Promise students said the program made a big difference for them. Twenty-one-year-old Tinashe Chaponda is now attending Western Michigan University with a lot of help from Kalamazoo Promise Not having to pay full tuition, means he does not have to spend his free time working at a paid job, Chaponda said. It has freed him to set up a non-profit group to help place students with groups needing volunteers. Chaponda came to Michigan from Zimbabwe in time to start 8th grade in Kalamazoo’s school system. Today, he gets 70 percent of his tuition covered. Students who attend Kalamazoo public schools for all 12 years get their entire Michigan state college tuition covered. Chaponda said his goal is to return to Zimbabwe some day and run for president of the southern African country. “The Promise program allows me to focus on college and still have extra time to start my non-profit,” Chaponda said. “I feel if people are investing in me, the least I can do is give back to the community in some way.” Other Cities Offer Tuition Aid Kalamazoo is not the only place with free- or reduced-cost tuition for public school graduates. The Upjohn Institute for Employment Research reported that about 30 U.S. communities have created similar programs. One of the largest is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Upjohn Institute studied graduation rates in Kalamazoo in 2015. It said there was a 12 percent increase in people earning college degrees within six years of high school graduation. The U.S. Education Department says that is important for economic reasons. People who graduate from college in America earn $1 million more, over their lifetime, than those who only graduated from high school. The Promise program also means Kalamazoo public school graduates can attend state colleges without owing a lot of money. The average student debt for 2016 college graduates is $37,000, according to the website, StudentLoanHero.com. Not everyone supports the idea of free tuition. Norbert Michel, writing for the conservative Heritage Foundation, said free tuition can lead to higher education costs. “The core problem is that they remove the paying customer -- in this case the student -- from the equation,” Michel said. If students and their parents are paying they will work to keep costs down, he said. Students Know 'This Is Something Special' Michael Rice is superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools. He said, teachers start talking about the program in early in a student’s education. “By sixth grade students understand that this is something special and unique,” Rice said. He said the program has helped increase test scores for students who know they and their families will be able to afford college. Jorth said it is too early to say what will happen to the program he leads if Clinton is elected and gets her tuition plan approved by Congress. When Kalamazoo Promise was announced in late 2005, a press release said the donors wanted to give people a reason to remain in Kalamazoo or move to the city. They also wanted a more educated workforce. But the press release did not say who the donors are. Since then, Jorth said local residents have been trying to guess who in Kalamazoo has enough money to provide the $80 million given the program since 2006. The secret donors make Jorth’s job pretty special. He may be one of the few people who can say, “I don’t know who I work for.” I’m Bruce Alpert.   Bruce Alpert reported 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 heart attack -- n. a suddedn painful and dangerous condition in which your heart stops beating properly tuition -- n. money that is paid to a school for the right to study there entire -- adj. complete or full focus -- v. to put most of your attention on a matter or subject graduate -- n. a student who complete his or her studies at a school core -- adj. the central or major issue equation -- n. the issue at hand guess -- v. to form an opinion or give an answer about something when you do not know much or anything about it

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2cpnqi7
via IFTTT

Indian Scientists Design Device to Collect Solar Energy

Indian scientists have designed a new device they hope will solve one of the biggest problems with the use of solar energy. They call the device a solar tree. Solar trees have metal “branches” extending from a tall, central pole at different levels. Each branch holds a photovoltaic panel, also called a solar panel. These panels are flat surfaces that collect energy from the sun and turn it into electricity. Daljit Singh Bedi is the chief scientist at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, or CSIR, in New Delhi, India. The CSIR laboratories are where the solar tree was designed.  Bedi says the shape of the solar trees makes it possible to fit more photovoltaic panels in a space than traditional systems do. This means less land would be needed to produce solar energy. “It takes about four-square meters of space to produce energy which otherwise would have required 400 square meters of space,” he says. “So almost 100 times the space is saved, which as you know is very valuable.” Buying land to develop roads, factories and other infrastructure has been a disputed issue in India. Disagreements often lead to protests by those forced to move. Some of the protests have turned violent. Scientists believe the energy a solar tree collects will be enough to power five homes. The space-saving tree will make it easier to provide solar energy to homes in cities, they say. The trees will also take less space from farmers in rural areas. Bedi says solar trees will collect more energy than normal photovoltaic panels on the tops of buildings. “This design, it facilitates placement of solar panels in a way that they are exposed more towards the sun, ” he says. “And that way they are able to harness 10 to 15 percent more energy.” India is the world’s third largest producer of greenhouse gases. The country promised to reduce its rate of greenhouse gas production at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Paris last year. India said, by 2030, it would reduce its rate of greenhouse gas production by one third over its levels in 2005. The country’s promise depends heavily on increasing solar energy. India has set a difficult goal of getting 40 percent of its total energy from renewable sources by 2030. It also plans to reduce its use of coal. The cost of photovoltaic panels has gone down in recent years. This has made solar power cheaper and easier to use. But, some people worry about the need to buy large areas of land for traditional solar energy collectors. Amit Kumar is the senior director of the Energy and Resources Institute in New Delhi. The institute studies development in India and countries in the southern half of the world. Kumar says gaining access to land takes time and increases costs. He adds that it is still not clear how useful these new  developments in solar power technology are. “[Only when] we put those [trees] on a large scale … will we be able to get that answer,” he says. I’m Pete Musto. Anjana Pasricha reported on this story for VOA. Pete Musto adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Are scientists in your country developing new technology for renewable energy? What are some ways countries should try to use renewable energy sources? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   pole – n. a long, straight piece of wood or metal that is often placed in the ground so that it stands straight up photovoltaic – adj. relating to the production of electricity by exposing two substances to light panel – n. a flat piece of metal or plastic facilitate – v. to make something easier greenhouse gases – n. gases or pollution that causes the temperature of the Earth to raise renewable – adj. restored or replaced by natural processes

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2bGVYbS
via IFTTT

Political Tension Cancels Nigerian Mass Wedding

  A mass wedding has been canceled in northern Nigeria, leaving about 100 couples wondering when they will get another chance to marry. The couples from rural areas in Kano state were to be married in the middle of August. But tensions between the governor and a state senator who organized the ceremony forced a delay. The postponement was enforced by police. They said they had been told the event could be a security threat. Plans had already been made when the postponement was announced the day before the wedding. The wedding meal was prepared. A goat had been slaughtered. Chickens were roasting and rice had been bought. Organizers said thousands of people were expected to attend, including governors from five other states. “I had already invited my friends and many of them had come from faraway places, only to come to Kano to hear that the wedding will not be taking place,” said Inuwa Inuwa. The 22-year old Inuwa had planned to marry his 16-year-old girlfriend Kaishia Yunusa.  Mass weddings paid for by the government are common in this mostly Muslim state. All costs are covered, including the venue, gifts and food. The government buys furniture for each couple and gives them some money to start out. The Kano state government has held mass weddings for more than 4,000 couples in recent years. The governor’s office said it will try to organize a new mass wedding in Kano as soon as possible. Single women register for mass weddings with an Islamic, or Sharia committee. The committee helps match them with a man and organizes the wedding ceremonies. Couples who do not have enough money for their own weddings can also register. Abubukar Jiddere is a political scientist with the Aminu Kano Center for Democratic Research and Training in Kano City, Nigeria. He says the wedding program is good for society and can improve a woman’s social status. “It is essentially meant to promote gender equity, in terms of providing sustainable lifestyles for the women.” In Nigerian culture, a sustainable lifestyle means getting married and staying married. But many couples are also getting divorced. Economy affecting marriages  Population growth and falling oil revenues have made the economy worse making it harder to find a job in Nigeria. This has caused many families to force their young girls into early marriage. But many newly married couples find they are not happy together and cannot pay their debts.  It is harder for people married in mass weddings to get a divorce. The couple must bring their marriage disputes to officials who enforce Muslim Sharia law. Husbands are required to pay a $600 fine to divorce.  Local activist Zubaida Nagee says the high divorce rate causes problems for women. She believes the real issue is that too many women lack education and are poor. She says many of these women are “desperate” and see a government-sponsored marriage as a way out of their problems.  “There are better ways of taking care of women. For the government to come up with mass weddings, it is only a short term solution to the problem.” She says marriage naturally leads to children who add to the financial burden of the family. She would like to see the government do more to help the women in other ways. As for Inuwa, he now has a job as a driver. He says he can now afford to take care of a wife on his own. But, he says he would not turn down a government offer to pay for his wedding. I’m Bryan Lynn. Chika Oduah reported this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted it for Learning English. Pete Heinlein was the editor. We want to hear from you. What do you think about the holding of mass weddings? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   slaughter – v. to kill an animal for meat venue – n. a place to hold a wedding or other special event furniture – n. chairs, tables and other items used inside a house equity – n. when everyone is treated fairly and equally sustainable – adj. able to stay or continue over time divorce – n. the official or legal end of a marriage desperate – adj. a feeling of hopelessness burden – n. something difficult or unpleasant to deal with

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2bDSLId
via IFTTT

August 30, 2016

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

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2c6rEql
via IFTTT

Juno Gets a Close-up Look at Jupiter

  The spacecraft Juno successfully passed close to Jupiter Saturday as it orbits the solar system’s largest planet. NASA, the American space agency, said the spacecraft passed about 4,200 kilometers above Jupiter’s clouds. The approach was the closest the spacecraft will get to the planet before crashing into it at the end of its mission in 2018. Early information shows NASA officials “that everything worked as planned and Juno is firing on all cylinders,” said Rick Nybakken.  He is Juno project manager at NASA’s Jet propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. All scientific instruments on the spacecraft were turned on for the first time and pointed towards the planet as it passed Jupiter. NASA released a picture taken as Juno sped toward the planet. The agency says more will be made public later. The new photographs will be the closest ever taken by a space probe. They also will be the first of their kind taken of the planet’s north and south poles. Scott Bolton is the top investigator of Juno from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. He said, "We are in an orbit nobody has ever been in before, and these images give us a whole new perspective on this gas-giant world." Jupiter and the three other outer planets are known as gas-giants because of their thick, gaseous atmosphere. Bolton said, “we are getting some intriguing early data returns.” Intriguing means very interesting. He said that it will take days before all the data collected during the flyby to be “downlinked,” or sent back to Earth. And he said, it will take more time to understand “what Juno and Jupiter are trying to tell us” with the data scientists are gaining. There are seven instruments on board the spacecraft sending the information to NASA. NASA hopes scientists will learn more about the Jupiter’s beginnings, structure, and its atmosphere and magnetosphere. The magnetosphere is believed to influence auroras, or glowing particles, above Jupiter’s northern and southern poles. Scientists also hope to find out more about the great red spot.  It is a huge storm that has lasted for hundreds of years. NASA launch the Juno spacecraft in August 2011, from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It began its orbit of Jupiter this year on July 4. I’m Anne Ball. Anne Ball wrote this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and visit us on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story firing on all cylinders – phrase. all its parts are working probe – n. an instrument used for examining something pole – n. either end of the imaginary line around which something, like Jupiter, turns—north or south pole perspective – n. knowledge or understanding flyby – n.  the act of flying over, or by, something magnetosphere - n. an area of space surrounding an object in space that is dominated by the object’s magnetic field

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2bYopEb
via IFTTT

Obama Names New National Monument in Maine

  President Barack Obama has named a new national monument in the northeastern state of Maine. Businesswoman Roxanne Quimby gave the 35,000 hectares of land to the government. The gift honored the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis said “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate” the anniversary. He called the land in Maine’s North Woods “extraordinary.” The Katahdin Woods and Waters monument includes the East Branch of the Penobscot River. From the land, Maine’s tallest mountain -- Katahdin -- can be seen. Many animals live on the land, including moose, black bears, coyotes, deer and bald eagles. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said the gift would permit the area to “remain accessible to current and future generations of Americans, ensuring the rich history of Maine’s hunting, fishing and recreation heritage will forever be preserved.” Supporters of the monument say it will create hundreds of jobs in an area affected by the closing of paper factories. But opponents fear it will hurt efforts to rebuild a forest-based economy in the area. Earlier this year, the Maine state legislature said it opposed federal ownership of the land. Governor Paul LePage also opposed the creation of the monument. Lucas St. Clair is Roxanne Quimby’s son. He has led the efforts in recent years to create the monument. “Many parks over the history of the park system have been criticized upon creation,” he said. “But when we look to the future, we see huge amounts of success.”' Quimby began buying the land in the 1990s. She wanted it to be named a national park. But only Congress can create new parks. The president has the power to create national monuments without the approval of Congress. Many national parks -- including the Grand Canyon National Park -- were monuments before becoming parks. The land has a value of $60 million. Quimby gave 20 million to help care for it. She plans to help raise another 20 million for the effort within three years. I’m Caty Weaver. The Associated Press news agency reported this story from Portland, Maine. It was adapted for Learning English by Christopher Jones-Cruise. Caty Weaver ​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   accessible - adj. able to be reached or approached​ heritage - n. the traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc., that are part of the history of a group or nation​ preserve - v. to keep (something) in its original state or in good condition​

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2bVuWzD
via IFTTT

Feelings and Fashion at MTV's Video Music Awards

  This is What’s Trending Today… The MTV network held its Video Music Awards, or VMAs, Sunday night. Social media users are still talking about the stars and performances at the ceremony. Rihanna was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Her friend, singer Drake, introduced her and presented her with the award. In his speech, he declared his love for the singer. “She's someone I've been in love with since I was 22 years old,” Drake told the crowd. He then tried to kiss Rihanna on stage. The media has long questioned the nature of Rihanna and Drake’s relationship. Is it romantic? Or is it just friendship? One fan tweeted that she thought Drake might ask Rihanna to marry Sunday night. Another asked if this meant their relationship was now “official.” ​ Whatever Drake meant, Facebook posts and tweets seem to approve the message. One Twitter user asked “Can someone get me a Drake please?”   ​ Singer Beyonce arrived at the VMAs with her daughter, Blue Ivy, by her side. Her appearance was also a popular subject of social media discussion. The four-year-old Blue Ivy wore a $11,000 gown and a diamond tiara. One Twitter user said the little girl “stole” the show. But, some social media users criticized the amount of money spent on the child’s clothing and jewelry. Social media was also excited about Alicia Keys at the VMAs. She reportedly went without wearing any makeup on her face. Many applauded her decision. One Twitter user wrote “I love Alicia Keys’ no make up movement.” ​ Another wrote that Keys’ decision was something for “women to get inspired by.”   And that’s What’s Trending Today.   Caty Weaver wrote this article for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.  _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story tiara - n.  a small crown that is decorated with jewels and that is worn by women or girls on special occasions makeup - n. substances (such as lipstick or powder) used to make someone's face look more attractive applaud - v.  to express approval of or support for (something or someone)

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2c3CYn2
via IFTTT

Average Weight of American Men Increased 7 Kilograms in 20 Years

  American men weigh about seven kilograms more now, on average, than they did 20 years ago. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, reported the finding earlier this month. The CDC report noted that the average weight for American men over the age of 20 is 88.7 kilograms. That amount is based on information gathered between 2011 and 2014. Between 1988 and 1994, the average weight of an American man was 82 kilograms. Over the 20-year period, the average height of men did not change. The report said American women and children have also gained weight. The average woman weighed 64 kilograms in 1960 and now weighs 76 kilograms. On average, the weight of adolescent boys and girls increased 5.4 kilograms over the past 20 years. The report did not tell why the average weight of Americans increased. But many studies show a large number of people in the United States are obese. Obesity is a condition in which the body stores large, unhealthy amounts of fat. Obese individuals are considered overweight. The information for the new report was gathered from 19,000 people. They took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2014. CDC officials say about 35 percent of Americans are obese. Obesity can cause many health problems, including heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and some kinds of cancer. There was some good news from the report. It noted that the rate of weight increase for men appears to be slowing. Since 2002, the average weight of men has increased by just 2.3 kilograms. Goutham Rao heads the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at Case Western Medical Center in Ohio. Rao told ABC News the rate of increase in weight of American men, women and children “is always a cause for alarm.” He said there are some easy ways to prevent weight gain, including choosing water over sugary drinks and taking part in some kind of physical activity every day. Rao said that people should not worry about each pound they lose, but should instead “think about adopting healthy behaviors that can last a lifetime.” I’m Pete Musto. This story was based on a report published on VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the report 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 obese – adj. very fat; fat in a way that is unhealthy adolescent – adj. describing a young person who is developing into an adult stroke – n. a serious health diroder caused when a blood vessel in your brain suddenly breaks or is blocked diabetes – n. a serious disease in which the body cannot properly control the amount of sugar in your blood because it does not have enough insulin adopt – v. to begin to use or have something

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2bwqtlK
via IFTTT

Deaths From Lightning Strikes in US at Highest Since 2010

  Two people in the United States died over the weekend after they were struck by lightning.   The number of deaths from lightning-related accidents in 2016 rose to 29. It is the highest amount of deaths from lightning strikes since 2010, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).  The latest lightning-related deaths happened in the states of Colorado and Michigan on August 19.   Even though there are four months left in the year, the 2016 toll has already exceeded last year's 27.  Eight people have died from lightning in August of this year, making it the deadliest August since 2007. July is usually the month with the most fatalities. This year, 12 people were killed by lightning in July.  John Jensenius, an NWS lightning safety specialist, believes that the rise in lightning-related deaths was due more to people’s behavior than science.   "People are outside, enjoying beaches in the summer time. There's not much variance in lightning activity," Jensenius said.  Fridays have been the deadliest day of the week in 2016, which Jensenius said was unusual.   Usually, the highest number of incidents occur on Saturdays and Sundays, when Americans are outside barbecuing and enjoying other weekend activities.  Florida has had the highest number of lightning deaths in 2016, with six people. Louisiana followed with four lightning-related fatalities and then New York with three.  Deaths from lightning strikes were reported in the hundreds each year in the 1940s and 1950s because there were more farmers riding tractors in open fields, Jensenius said.   Since then, deaths from lightning have decreased significantly.  The chances of being struck by lightning in a lifetime remain low. About 1 in 12,000 people will be struck by lightning in their lifetime. Out of every ten people struck by lightning, one of them will die.   Even though the odds are low, Jensenius wants people to be more careful. "If you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck," he said.   Jensenius advises people to get inside during thunderstorms to avoid the risk of being struck by lightning. ​ I'm Mehrnoush Karimian-Ainsworth This story was reported by Reuters news service. Mehrnoush Karimian-Ainsworth adapted this story 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    toll – n. the number of people who are killed or injured in an accident, disaster, war, etc.   exceeded – v. to be greater or more than (something) : to go beyond the limit of (something) ​ variance – n. an amount of difference or change ​ significantly – adv. in a way that is large or important enough to be noticed or have an effect 

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2bMScwd
via IFTTT

Kerry: Stopping Corruption Key to Fighting Extremism

  U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says the best way for governments to stop extremist groups is to fight corruption and reduce poverty. Kerry was speaking during a visit last week to Nigeria. He met with the country’s top Muslim leader, Sa’adu Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, in northern Nigeria. Kerry said it is up to governments to give people reasons not to join extremist movements. “To win the struggle for the future, nations need to do more than just denounce bankrupt dead-end ideologies that the terrorists support. They also have to offer their citizens an alternative that is better.” Kerry added that people who believe the government system is failing them may eventually become demoralized. Boko Haram The Secretary of State condemned the Nigerian-based Islamic extremist group Boko Haram. The group has been fighting for seven years to establish an Islamic government in northern Nigeria. It has so far killed more than 20,000 people and displaced up to 2.7 million. “Boko Haram boasts no agenda other than to murder teachers, burn books, kidnap students, rape women and girls, and slaughter innocent people, most of whom are Muslims.” Nigeria’s military has made progress against Boko Haram in recent years. But the fighting has put millions at risk of starvation.    As Secretary Kerry arrived, the military claimed it had killed senior Boko Haram fighters in an attack in the northeast. A military statement said the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, was also believed to have been “fatally wounded.” The secretary linked the fight against groups like Boko Haram to rampant government corruption in Nigeria. Analysts say one  reason that so many of the country’s 170 million people are living in poverty is corruption. Anti-corruption campaign Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was elected after promising to fight corruption. He says he has made the issue a priority. He spoke about his efforts after meeting Kerry in the capital Abuja. “We will retrain our staff,” Buhari said. “And those who run afoul of these rules will be prosecuted, no matter who is involved.” Some observers say Buhari has broken campaign promises by putting too few reforms in place to crack down on looters. But Kerry said the U.S. supports Buhari’s anti-corruption policies. “Already, President Buhari is working with civil society to encourage official transparency and accountability. It is so important to restoring trust among the people.” Kerry also issued an indirect warning to Nigeria’s military, which has been accused of carrying out atrocities. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have issued reports on the military’s activities. Both reported cases of soldiers torturing Boko Haram suspects and killing members of another separatist group and a Shi’ite Muslim sect. “It is understandable that in the wake of terrorist activity, some people are tempted to crack down on everyone and anyone who could theoretically pose some sort of a threat. Extremism cannot be defeated through repression or just creating fear.”    I’m Bryan Lynn. Chris Stein reported this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted it for Learning English, with additional information coming from the Associated Press. Pete Heinlein was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   bankrupt – adj. when a business runs out of money and cannot continue demoralized – adj. losing confidence and hope slaughter – v. the violent killing of a group of people rampant – adj. growing quickly in a way that is hard to control priority – n. something important that is put ahead of other things run afoul – adj. some into conflict with something looter – n. person who takes money or belongings, especially in emergencies or riots transparency – n. the state of being transparent, clear sect – n. a group of people who share a particular set of beliefs, often extreme

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2cmTbs0
via IFTTT

Young Programmer’s App Helps War Veteran Father Sleep Better

  Tyler Skluzacek’s father, Patrick, could not sleep through the night. It was 2007, and Patrick had just returned from a year in Iraq, where he was a convoy commander in the U.S. Army. Patrick Skluzacek was energetic and happy when he left for Iraq, Tyler says. But when he returned, he was unhappy and drinking alcohol too much. “I didn’t like it,” Tyler says. “I really did not know what was going on.” It turned out Patrick Skluzacek was suffering from sleep panic attacks. The nighttime panic attacks are a form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Patrick would wake up every night around 3 a.m. as if someone had shocked him with a jolt of electricity. His heart would beat too fast. He would sweat. He would be so awake that it would be hard to get back to sleep. The nighttime panic attacks prevented Patrick from feeling good the next day. He did not do well at work, because he was so tired. “It was a bad, bad phase in my life. Really bad,” Patrick said. Almost 10 years later, Tyler was in a position to help his father. He was about to graduate from a college in Minnesota. Tyler was studying math and computer science. He thought he could make a computer program that might help his father. So he entered a competition in Washington, D.C. He and three other students worked together to solve the problem Tyler’s father, and other U.S. war veterans, were having. People called them “night terrors.” The students had 36 hours to come up with a program. They called it myBivy. That name comes from bivouac, a military term for a safe place to sleep. The application uses a smart watch and a smart phone together. The watch tracks the wearer’s heartbeat. It sends the data to the program on the smart phone. Research shows that a person’s heart rate will increase right before a night terror. So if the wearer’s heartbeat started to rise, myBivy would respond. The smart watch would vibrate and gently wake up the sleeping person. That was enough to prevent a night terror from happening. Patrick did not know that he was his son’s test subject. He wore the watch for two weeks to get used to it. Then, without telling his father, Tyler turned on the application. On the first night, the vibrations from the watch prevented 10 nightmares. Patrick said he had not slept that well in many years, but he did not know why. It turned out that it was because of the app. Tyler and his team won the contest in Washington, D.C. The prize was $1,500. Then the group tried to raise more money from investors, and they were surprised when they took in over $25,000 using the online site Kickstarter. They entered another competition and won that one, too. By the spring of 2016, Tyler and his team were testing the app with volunteers, and hoped to make it available to the public soon. I’m Dan Friedell. Faiza Elmasry wrote this story for VOANews.com. Dan Friedell adapted it for Learning English. Jill Robbins was the editor. Could you be helped by an app like myBivy? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   convoy – n. a group of vehicles or ships that are traveling together usually for protection commander – n. a person who is in charge of a group of people panic – n. a state or feeling of extreme fear that makes someone unable to act or think normally Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - n.  a mental condition that can affect a person who has had a very shocking or difficult experience (such as fighting in a war) and that is usually characterized by depression or anxiety phase – n. a short period of time during which a person behaves in a particular way or likes a particular thing veteran – n. someone who fought in a war as a soldier, sailor, etc. vibrate – v. to move back and forth or from side to side with very short, quick movements nightmare – n. a dream that frightens a sleeping person : a very bad dream

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2bMSnrg
via IFTTT

Good Time to Enter Job Market for New College Graduates

  A new study suggests that recent college graduates have a good chance of finding employment. The website Career Builder published the survey. The website reports on the U.S. job market. It found that 67 percent of employers plan to hire new college graduates this year. They also found that 27 percent of employers will be hiring recent graduates for jobs that pay up to $57,000 a year. Career Builder said the improving economy and the rise in retirements of older workers is raising the need for young professionals. There is, however, a concern that young graduates are not ready for life after college. Another Career Builder survey of 2,186 hiring professionals found that they worry new college graduates lack professional experience. They blame universities for placing too much attention on teaching academic subjects that do not relate to real jobs. The hiring professionals suggest that schools should give more support to experience gained through internships. They also said universities are not preparing their graduates well enough for jobs that involve new technologies. The survey found that business, computer science and engineering fields were seeking new workers the most. The biological sciences, architecture and education fields needed fewer new workers. Career Builder’s advice to young graduates looking for jobs was to follow companies they like on social media. The website also suggested students write blogs about their career interests. I’m Patrick Merentie.   George Putic reported on this story for VOA. Patrick Merentie adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Are you graduating from college this year? What is the job market like for college graduates in your country? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   graduates – n. someone who has completed studies at a learning institution and received a diploma or degree survey – n. a study in which people are asked questions in order to find out what the public thinks about certain issues hire – v. to give a person work or a job for which they are paid wages or a salary internships – n. the period of time when a student or recent graduate who works at a job in order to get experience social media – n. online digital services that let people communicate and share information blog – n. a web log; a website where someone writes person opinions, activities and experiences

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2cmS4c4
via IFTTT

August 29, 2016

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

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2bMZaG2
via IFTTT

A Laboratory Turns Deadly Insect Venom into Medicine

  To most of us, medicine comes from a drugstore. But originally, much of the medicine developed in the last century came from natural sources: plants, bacteria and fungi. Now, a group of scientists in Great Britain are hoping to develop a medicine from poisonous insects. They are researching whether the deadly venom of some insects can work against bacteria that make people sick.   Venomtech laboratory About 400 insects live in plastic containers in the Venomtech laboratory. Each container has an image of a skull and crossbones. The images warn that a bite from the insects inside can be anything from painful to downright deadly.    The venom from these insects contains hundreds of chemical components. Each component has a different target and effect. Medical researchers, such as Venomtech managing director Steven Trim, separate the venom into its component parts. Then they create a library of those components, looking for the ones that could be turned into new drugs. “Some of them we found can kill bacteria, bacteria like E.Coli and staphylococcus, so they're very relevant at the moment where modern medicines (are) failing. And we're also finding venoms that are modifying and killing cancer cells.” Finding new ways to kill bacteria is important to researchers. One reason is because people have used antibiotics so much that some bacteria can now resist it. For example, tuberculosis used to be curable with antibiotics. Now it is not.   How do they get the venom out?   To get as much venom as possible, researchers feed the insects well, then put them to sleep temporarily. Steven Trim of Venomtech says researchers anaesthetize the invertebrates to make removing the venom safer. After all, an immobile insect cannot bite. Anaesthetizing the insect is better for the animals as well, says Trim. Researchers then electrically stimulate the insect to contract the muscle and squeeze the gland. The pressure produces a small amount of venom. Researchers separate the venom into hundreds of proteins. Each protein contains between one and five different molecules. Someday, those tiny molecules might be turned into powerful new drugs.                                                                                   I’m Marsha James. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. Marsha James adapted this story for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. ____________________________________________________ Words in This Story venom – n. poison that is produced by an animal and used to kill or injure another animal drug-resistant – n. the reduction in effectiveness of a drug downright – adv. completely or totally maximize – v. to increase something as much as possible peptide n. a compound containing two or more amino acids in which the carboxyl group of one acid is linked to the group of other anaesthetize v. – deprive of feeling or awareness immobile – adj. unable to move gland – n. an organ in the body that makes a substance which is used by the body

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2bv80I9
via IFTTT

Antioxidants in Citrus May Fight Obesity-Related Diseases

  Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruit in a diet could reduce the chance of chronic diseases that are related to obesity, according to a new study. Citrus fruits contain antioxidants. New research is giving more evidence about how antioxidants protect the cells inside one’s body. There is a substance in citrus fruits called flavanones. Flavanones are antioxidants that help people’s bodies reduce the amount of stress. The diseases linked to obesity are caused by stress and inflammation. Paula Ferreira is a researcher at the Universidade Estadual Paulista in Brazil. She did the research and spoke of the results. “…[W]e can use citrus flavanones, a class of antioxidants, to prevent or delay chronic diseases caused by obesity in humans,” said Ferreira. Researchers also discovered citrus could help people who are not obese but eat a Western-style diet, she said. A Western-style diet includes foods with fats and red meat. Researchers say antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, such as citrus flavanones, help keep a good balance of chemicals in the bodies of animals that eat a high fat diet, even when they are under stress. Ferreira said the best way to get antioxidants is to drink them. Millions stay healthy by drinking orange juice each morning. The experiment by Ferreira and colleagues involved 50 mice. They fed the mice either a normal diet, a high fat diet, or a high fat diet with three flavanones. Researchers found the mice that ate a high fat diet, but no flavanones, had significantly higher levels of cell damage. The experiment lasted one month. Researchers now plan to conduct human studies. Researchers want to see whether it is healthier to give citrus flavanones in juice or pill form. The researchers presented their findings at the American Chemical Society’s annual meeting in Pennsylvania. I’m Jill Robbins. Jessica Berman wrote this story for VOA News. Jim Dresbach adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter 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   citrus – n. a juicy fruit that has a thick skin and that comes from a tree or shrub that grows in warm areas lemon – n.  a yellow citrus fruit that has a sour taste grapefruit – n. a large yellow citrus fruit chronic – adj. continuing or occurring again and again for a long time obesity – n. fat in a way that is unhealthy inflammation – n. a condition in which a part of your body becomes red, swollen, and painful pill – n. a small, rounded object that you swallow and that contains medicine or vitamins

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2buZqny
via IFTTT

Some Foods Can Be Medicine

  From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. Food as medicine is not a new idea. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates is commonly quoted as saying, 'Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.' Hippocrates is often called the “father of modern medicine” even though he was born around 460 B.C. But modern medical research confirms that certain foods can help cure, prevent, or even cause some diseases. That is the subject of a new book called Anti-Inflammation Cookbook, by Amanda Haas. Haas is a professional cook. Before we talk about her book, let’s first talk about inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response of our immune system. It is a condition in which a part of your body becomes red, swollen and painful.  Neil Bernard is an associate professor of medicine at George Washington University's medical school. When he explains how inflammation affects the human body, it sounds as if he is talking about a war zone. "It's the body's way to attacking an invader. So if bacteria or viruses enter the body, inflammation is a way of knocking them out." Dr. Bernard also says that when inflammation becomes chronic, the body turns against its own tissue. He compares it, again, to war. He uses the term, friendly fire. This is when a soldier accidentally fires upon his own troops. "It's a biological equivalent of friendly fire. So for example, in rheumatoid arthritis, the joints are inflamed and that's not a bacterium that's being attacked, it's the lining of your own joints. That's where inflammation becomes a problem." Rheumatoid arthritis was one of several conditions that Amanda Haas suffered from. She went to an allergist to try to find out what was wrong with her body. An allergist is a doctor who is an expert in the treatment of allergies. And an allergy is a medical problem that causes someone to be sick after eating, touching or breathing something that is harmless to most people. The allergist suggested that perhaps her health problems were caused by the food she was eating. "Things like chronic heartburn and stomach pain and back problems. And it was an allergist who said to me one day, Amanda, these are just all different forms of inflammation in your body. I think it's something that you're eating. And since you cook for a living, why don't you go and figure out what's going to make you feel great and share it with other people?'" And that is what she did. She stopped eating some kinds of sugars and reduced the amount of caffeine she drank. Haas found that some healthy foods were also causing her some problems. People with joint pain from inflammation, she says, could be sensitive to peppers, tomatoes and eggplants. Haas is a professional cook. So, she started to look closely at the ingredients she often uses in her recipes. "… things that we all probably know we shouldn't have too much of, things like refined sugars, too much caffeine. A lot of people (know that) if you have joint and arthritic issues, you can be sensitive to peppers and eggplants and tomatoes. And I had so much to work with. She uses a lot of green, leafy vegetables, spices and citrus in her cooking to make it anti-inflammatory. “And I wanted people to understand that eating an anti-inflammatory diet can be delicious, It’s just you're going to be using a lot of green, leafy vegetables as you can get. I use a lot of spices, fresh herbs as well. You'll see me use a lot of citrus and natural sweeteners, like a little honey or maple syrup. You wouldn't see me using a lot of refined sugar at all." In her Anti-Inflammation Cookbook, Haas shares many of her vegan recipes along with others that use animal protein. A vegan diet does not include any animal meat or animal by-products such as milk or eggs. She explains that most people who are trying to eat an anti-inflammatory diet will not eat much animal protein. But, she says that grass-fed beef has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Those are good for the body.   “I learned so much about grass-fed beef. So, the thing that's so fascinating is that if cattle is grass-fed, the meat has a lot of the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that we find in salmon and other oily fish that are so good for us. So, most doctors would say 4-ounce portion or less can really be a great part of any inflammatory diet." One of the author’s favorite recipes in her book is her grandmother’s Country Captain's Chicken. The dish has lots of turmeric, a spice that is known for reducing inflammation in the body. She also uses black pepper in the recipe but not just for flavor. Haas says the black pepper makes it easier for the body to use the turmeric. She calls this “bioavailability.” “And one little thing to note that's interesting is that turmeric is well-known for being very anti-inflammatory (spice), but to increase the bioavailability of it if you add black pepper it actually becomes more effective.” Haas even made sweets and desserts healthier by changing the fat she used. She explains that her Chocolate Coconut Brownies use coconut oil instead of butter. Unrefined, pure coconut oil, she says, can help lower cholesterol levels. And the coconut oil gives the brownies what she calls, “the most incredible texture.” “They have coconut oil in them as the fat source. And you know, we thought coconut oil was bad for us, but that's because it was being so refined. And now we're finding out that good coconut oil can potentially lower our cholesterol. And so they're just these amazing brownies that have the most incredible texture with the coconut oil in them." Dr. Bernard says he is happy to see more people becoming aware of the importance of healthy eating, especially eating a more plant-based diet. "We always favor vegan diet, plant-based diet. We want to emphasize some these food as the healthy --nuts or seeds --and getting away of greasy stuff. Unfortunately, the medical world tends to rely on prescriptions and we sometimes neglect things that can be more natural, safer and in the long run, more effective." Cutting out foods that may be making you sick is one way to make that ancient advice – let food be your medicine – useful in your modern, daily life. I’m Anna Matteo. In what ways do you use food as medicine? Let us know in the Comments Section. Faiza Elmasry wrote this story for VOA News. Anna Matteo adapted it for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. ___________________________________________________________ Words in This Story ingredient – n. one of the things that are used to make a food, product, etc. recipe – n. a set of instructions for making food chronic medical : continuing or occurring again and again for a long time allergist medical : a doctor who is an expert in the treatment of allergies spice – n. a substance (such as pepper or nutmeg) that is used in cooking to add flavor to food and that comes from a dried plant and is usually a powder or seed citrus – n. a juicy fruit (such as an orange, grapefruit, or lemon) that has a thick skin and that comes from a tree or shrub that grows in warm areas honey – n. a thick, sweet substance made by bees maple syrup – n. a sweet, thick liquid made from the sap of maple trees refined sugar – n. White and brown table sugars are refined, meaning they have gone through a chemical process that removes impurities and beneficial nutrients. vegan – n. a person who does not eat any food that comes from animals and who often also does not use animal products (such as leather) bioavailability – n. the degree and rate at which a substance (as a drug) is absorbed into a living system or is made available at the site of physiological activity potentially – adv. capable of becoming real texture – n. the way that a food or drink feels in your mouth greasy – adj. containing or cooked with a large amount of fat long run – n. a relatively long period of time —usually used in the phrase in the long run  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2bv7RUZ
via IFTTT

Study Finds Millennials ‘Optimistic’ About the Future

  A new public opinion survey of young people around the world finds they are optimistic about the world and support progressive, or liberal, values. The study of people between the ages of 18 and 35 is the first World Economic Forum Global Shapers Annual Survey. People in that age group who answered researchers’ questions are known as millennials. More than 26,000 millennials from 181 countries answered the survey in nine languages. They include business leaders, students, police officers, rich people and those who have little money. The World Economic Forum says the results tell about the thinking, priorities and concerns of young people from all areas of the world. Adeyemi Babington-Ashaye heads the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community. He says the results show that young people believe the world offers many opportunities. He says they also believe that technology has an important part in creating jobs. He says millennials have a sense of unity and believe they share a destiny: the things they will experience in the future. He says many of those asked support technology, but are worried about it, too. “Although they embrace technology, there is an overwhelming percentage (that) said that they were either concerned or very concerned about privacy. More than 70 percent said they avoided downloading applications for privacy concerns as well.”  These young people believe corruption and a lack of accountability are the most serious problems in their countries. Accountability is the belief by those in government that they must explain their actions or decisions. Millennials expect their leaders to take action while acting with honesty, humility and transparency. Millennials believe climate change is the most serious problem facing the planet, followed by wars, religious conflicts and poverty. Babington-Ashaye says people working on the poll were surprised by the sympathy so many millennials have for refugees. He says 67 percent of those asked have a positive view of refugees. “So, not only do they have empathy, but 73 percent would welcome refugees to their country. And you can see it grades down to their city, their neighborhood. We even have 22 percent saying they'd welcome refugees to their home.”  The survey found that millennials prefer to use laptop computers for emailing and online shopping. But they prefer their smartphone for social media activities. More than half said they strongly support same-sex marriage, although most young people in the Middle East and Africa do not. Fifty percent of those asked believe they can affect how decisions are made in their country. But only 44 percent of Europeans believe they can. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise. Correspondent Lisa Schlein reported this story from Geneva. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the report for Learning English. Mario Ritter 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 optimistic – adj. having or showing hope for the future; expecting good things to happen priority – n. something that is more important than other things and that needs to be done or dealt with first embrace – v. to accept (something or someone) readily or gladly humility – n. the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people; the quality or state of being humble transparency – n. the quality that makes something obvious or easy to understand empathy – n. the feeling that you understand and share another person’s experiences and emotions  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2buZ3cX
via IFTTT

Everyday Grammar: Superlatives

This video is based on an article in the Everyday Grammar series: http://ift.tt/2aUsaMC

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2bKuQqV
via IFTTT

Group Wants Fathers to Volunteer at US Schools

A group called the National Center for Fathering launched a program for American men almost 20 years ago. The program is called Watch D.O.G.S. D.O.G.S. stands for Dads of Great Students. The program tries to get men to spend more time serving as volunteers at schools across the United States. Most of the men are fathers. But they can also be grandfathers, uncles and step-fathers. The program was the idea of two men, both dads. They launched Watch D.O.G.S. after two boys, aged 13 and 11, shot and killed four people at an Arkansas school in 1998. Studies show that children generally do better in school when fathers are engaged in their day-to-day activities. One study in 2013 found that a father’s engagement can help a child succeed in school. It can also increase the child’s chances of finishing high school, while reducing his or her risk of drug abuse. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the findings. The Watch D.O.G.S. program now operates in more than 5,000 schools. It requires that men serve as school volunteers at least one full day during the school year. The men do a little bit of everything during their volunteer days. Some help to direct cars and other vehicles entering school property to drop off children. Others will have a meal with small groups of children. This seems to help boys and girls behave better while out of the classroom. During the rest of the day, the men can read to students, help teachers with activities or assist with small group projects. Adam Mehmud volunteers at a school in northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. Mehmud is a single father with three sons. His own father died when he was very young. So Mehmud says he wants to be sure to be a good father. He has been a Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer for three years. These days, he says, technology can take over a child’s life. It is harder for parents to find time to connect with their children. But the school day is free from video games and smart phones. Adam Mehmud said he and other men see how interactions that may seem small can help children learn the right way to do things. “I see my sons do very thoughtful things, and hopefully part of the reason for that is because I try to do things for others, too,” Mehmud said. I’m Dan Friedell.   Tabinda Naeem wrote this story for VOANews.com. Dan Friedell adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Do your children’s schools allow fathers to get involved? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story engage – v. to become involved with (someone or something) dad – n. a father bit – n. piece  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2buX20n
via IFTTT

Lesson 26: This Game Is Fun!

Summary Anna plays the game "Catch Americana" and learns more about U.S. Presidents. She also learns to watch where she walks! Speaking Learn to pronounce the new words for this lesson. Find out more about the U.S. Presidents and the symbols in the game Anna and Dan play in the video. You can also learn another way to warn someone of danger. ​ Pronunciation Use this video to learn about how people say "ought to" in fast speech. Conversation   Anna: This is the Roosevelt Memorial. Where is the symbol? Anna remembers that Dan said: You have to find things that aren't really there. ... When you find an American symbol, you win points and a Fun Fact about a U.S. President. Anna: Yay! I found Uncle Sam and I won another 40 points! What is the Fun Fact? Voice: Franklin Roosevelt was the first to fly in a plane as president! Anna: I didn't know that. This is a really beautiful memorial. Anna: This is the Lincoln Memorial! Where is the symbol? Anna: I found it! The Statue of Liberty! Please give me my Fun Fact. Voice: Abraham Lincoln was a great wrestler! Anna: I didn't know that. Lincoln wanted freedom for all people. So, the Statue of Liberty works well. Anna: And I won 20 points! Time to find the next symbol. Dan: Hey! Look out! Anna: Sorry. Hey, it's you! Now, I should be more careful. Dan: That’s okay. Anna: This game is a lot of fun. Hey, what’s your name? Dan: Dan. What’s yours? Anna: Anna. Dan: Like Americana! Anna: Yeah, I guess so. Dan: Did you find any symbols? Anna: Yes, I found three and won 120 points! Dan: Me too. But, did you find the bald eagle? Anna: No. Did you? Dan: No. First one to find it wins? Dan: Anna, look out for that tree! Anna: I learned a lot about presidents with this game. But I ought to be more careful. Until next time …! Writing Are there any memorials to famous leaders in your town or in your country? Tell us about them. Do you admire the leader? Write to us by email or in the Comments section. Click on the image below to download the Activity Sheet and practice talking about sports with a friend. Learning Strategy Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. The learning strategy for this lesson is Make Associations. When we think of connections between things we are making associations.  In this lesson, Dan makes an association to help himself remember Anna's name. After Anna tells him her name, he says, "Like Americana!" The name "Anna" sounds like the end of the word "Americana" to Dan.  Can you find another example of making associations in the conversation? Write to us in the Comments section or send us an email. Teachers, see the Lesson Plan  for more details on teaching this strategy. Quiz ​Listen to short videos and test your listening skills with this quiz. ______________________________________________________________ New Words (air)plane - n. a vehicle that has wings and an engine and can carry people or things in the air fly - v. to travel in an aircraft or spacecraft freedom - n. the power to do what you want to do or the ability to move or act freely Look out - phrasal verb. used to tell someone to be aware of something dangerous wrestler - n. someone who competes in the sport of wrestling yay - interjection.used to express joy, approval, or excitement   American Presidents and Symbols (Part Two) Abraham Lincoln: America's 16th President, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. It said the 3 million enslaved people in the South were free. They could enjoy some kinds of freedom after the end of the American Civil War. Franklin Delano Roosevelt America's 32nd president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was president from March 4, 1933 – April 12, 1945. He was the only President elected to four terms, and the only paralyzed President. FDR led the United States through World War Two. (President Roosevelt's symbol in the Catch Americana game is Uncle Sam. The Uncle Sam symbol called many American men to join the U.S. Army to fight in the World Wars.  George Washington ______________________________________________________________ Free Materials   Download the VOA Learning English Word Book for a dictionary of the words we use on this website. Each Let's Learn English lesson has an Activity Sheet for extra practice on your own or in the classroom. In this lesson, you can use it to practice talking about associations with sports and warnings using "look out." For Teachers ​ See the Lesson Plan for this lesson for ideas and more teaching resources. Send us an email if you have comments on this course or questions. Grammar focus: modal "ought to;" irregular past tense verbs Topics: U.S. Presidents; Americana symbols Learning Strategy: Make Associations Speaking & Pronunciation Focus: Pronouncing "ought to" in fast speech; Giving warnings with the expression "look out;" Symbols associated with American Presidents ______________________________________________________________ Now it's your turn. Send us an email or write to us in the Comments section below or on our Facebook page to let us know what you think of this lesson.

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2c0bEX7
via IFTTT

English No Longer Requirement for New York City Taxi Drivers

In Louisiana Flooding, It’s Neighbor Helping Neighbor

  Graham Kinchen had an emergency when a sandbag wall near his home began to fall apart. The wall was protecting his house in Baton Rouge, Louisiana from the recent flooding. He let people know about his problem on Facebook and by telephone. Within five minutes, friends gathered to help rebuild the wall. The incident shows how neighbors have helped each other in response to the recent flooding in Baton Rouge and nearby communities. Baton Rouge is the capital of the southern state of Louisiana. Storms and flooding hit the area from August 8th to 14th. Thirteen people were killed and about 100,000 homes were damaged. Thousands of people are homeless. Many are staying in shelters or the homes of friends or family. Spirit of Cooperation “We have seen a great spirit of cooperation, with neighbors, churches and friends pitching in,” said Peter Kovacs, editor of The Advocate, the daily newspaper in Baton Rouge.“ Many of us have unexpected houseguests, and we’re making a great adventure of it.” Kinchen and his wife, Denise, use a boat to get from their front door to the road. Sandbags have been keeping most of the flood waters out of their house. Louisiana has suffered severe flooding before. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 killed 1,833 people and heavily damaged or destroyed 300,000 homes. Many residents of New Orleans left their flooded homes behind and moved to other cities, including Baton Rouge. Eleven years later, many former New Orleans residents remain in Baton Rouge. Obama: Confident Rebuilding Will Move Forward “Sometimes when these kinds of things happen, it can seem a little bit too much to bear,” said President Barack Obama. Obama was in Baton Rouge Tuesday, noting that he had visited New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina when he was a U.S. senator. Obama said he is confident flooded communities in Baton Rouge and nearby communities will recover, just as many neighborhoods in New Orleans did after Hurricane Katrina. “And the reason I can say that with confidence is because that's what Americans do in times like this,” Obama said. “I know how resilient the people of Louisiana are, and I know that you will rebuild again.” By resilient, Obama means having the ability to overcome problems, no matter how tough. Dustin Clouatre  is a member of the self-named “Cajun Navy.” It is a group of residents who use Facebook to organize private boat owners to rescue people and move food and other aid where it is needed. 'Love Is All You Need' He soon became popular on social media. “Me and my uncle had just gotten a family out of a house and something got caught in the motor,” he said. It was a sign that said, “Love is All You Need.” The photo quickly spread on social media. David Vitter is a Republican senator from Louisiana. He visited flooded communities with the president on Tuesday. “There’s a spirit of helping folks and it really was in full display when the president visited the neighborhood,” Vitter said. Vitter calls the rain that brought the floods a 1000-year event, meaning it has a one-in-1,000 chance of happening in any year. The Red Cross said it is the biggest natural disaster in the United States since Super Storm Sandy in 2012. Despite this, Vitter and others said the Louisiana disaster has not received much news coverage outside the state. Competition for News Coverage “I think people are a little disaster weary, plus there are other competing stories,” Vitter said. Both Vitter and Obama praised the willingness of people to help each other. They spoke to a young African-American man, who was helping his father clean out his flooded home. The man was also helping his dad’s elderly white neighbor, who lives alone. The work of removing flooded walls, floors and furniture is not easy. Kevin White has been working on flood relief for the past week in Saint Amant, Louisiana. He said the smells at the water-damaged houses are terrible. White is housing a family of four who were flooded out of their own home. He and the family spent the past few days tearing out walls and throwing out everything else damaged in his guests’ flooded house. The damaged things represent almost everything the family owned, he said. I’m Bruce Alpert. Marissa Melton reported this story for VOA. Bruce Alpert adapted the story for VOA Learning English. 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 sandbag -- n. bag filled with sand and used as a weight or to build temporary walls to protect homes and businesses pitching in -- v. offering help houseguests -- n. people who are invited to stay at a person’s house confident -- n. having a feeling or belief that people can do something well or succeed at something resilient -- adj. having the ability to overcome problems display -- n. put out so people can see it weary -- adv. tired, lacking interest because you have seen it often before furniture -- n. chairs, tables, beds, etc., that are used to make a room ready for use

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2bPAxYg
via IFTTT