Buttons Are Art at New York City Gallery

No one can deny that buttons are an important clothing device. But, can they rise to the level of art? Organizers of an exhibit in New York City think so. Peter "Souleo" Wright organized "The Button Show," at Rush Arts Gallery in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. Eleven artists used the small, ordinary objects to create sculptures, portraits and wearable art. Some of the works are political, some are personal and others are just fun. Wright said each artist reimagines and repurposes the buttons to make art. "What I tried to do with this show," he said "was look at artists who were elevating that level of craft." He said he wanted the button art to be comparable to a painting "because of the amount of detail and precision in the work.” Artist Beau McCall produced "A Harlem Hangover." It looks like a wine bottle that fell over on a table. A stream of connected red buttons hang over the side, like wine flowing down. Similar red buttons form a small pool on the floor. McCall layers buttons of different shapes and sizes to create the bottle. The stitching that holds them together is also part of the artistic design. For San Francisco-based artist Lisa Kokin, buttons are highly personal. She said her father was an upholsterer. After he died in 2001, she created a portrait of him using only buttons. That memorial to her father led to other button portraits, including those of activists Rosa Parks and Cesar Chavez. Kokin also makes button sculptures. A sculpture of her dog Chico is among the works in the show. She first built a structure of wire. Then she covered it in old and new buttons. She connects them all with thread. Kokin said, "It is as though I am painting with buttons." Others use buttons for details. Artist Amalia Amaki of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, placed them on and around old photographs. Los Angeles artist Camilla Taylor attached buttons to three large sculptures that look like headless animals with long, narrow legs. "The Button Show" ends March 12. The Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation paid for the exhibition. The foundation was created in 1995 by the Simmons brothers: artist Danny, hip-hop producer Russell and rapper Rev. Run. The foundation seeks to bring the arts to urban youth and to provide support for new artists. I’m Caty Weaver.   The AP reported this story. Caty Weaver adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Post your message in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   button – n. a small, usually round piece of plastic, glass, metal, etc., that is sewn to a piece of clothing and is pushed through a loop or hole to fasten one part of the clothing to another part sculpture – n. a piece of art that is made by carving or molding clay, stone, metal, etc. portrait – n. a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person that usually includes only the person's head and shoulders elevate – v. to raise precision – n. exactness or accuracy upholsterer – n. a person whose work is to cover furniture with cloth, leather, etc.

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US Asking China to Limit North Korea’s Nuclear Testing

The United States and China say they want the Korean peninsula free of nuclear weapons, but they have not agreed on new actions after North Korea’s recent nuclear test. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Wednesday in Beijing. After the meeting, Wang said his country was preparing to support a new United Nations resolution against North Korea’s nuclear program. But he did not identify any specific punishment. And he said the resolution should not fuel new tensions. Tensions in East Asia rose after North Korea claimed to have tested a hydrogen bomb underground on January 6. Kerry said agreement needs to be reached on a strong U.N. resolution. The U.S. is reportedly a supporter of stronger international sanctions. This could include a ban on exports of oil to North Korea and imports of minerals from the North. Wang and Kerry also discussed territorial disputes in the South China Sea. But there was no discussion of any agreement on steps to reduce tension in the sea. China and others in Asia have competing claims to islands in the waterway. They include Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan. China was the last stop during Kerry’s three-nation trip to Asia. Other stops included Laos and Cambodia, where human rights and trade issues were discussed. I’m Jim Dresbach.   VOA’s Pam Dockins and Brian Padden reported on this story. Youmi Kim in Seoul also provided information for this report. Jim Dresbach adapted the story 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   peninsula – n. a piece of land that is almost completely surrounded by water and is connected to a larger land area penalties – n. punishments for violating a rule or law sanction – n. an order that is given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country specific – adj. exact or detailed

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Vietnam's Ruling Committee Re-elects Leader

Vietnam's Communist Party re-elected Nguyen Phu Trong to a second five-year term as general-secretary Wednesday. The official Vietnam News Agency reported the move.  The 71-year-old Trong pushed back a challenge to a seat on the 19-member ruling politburo from Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. Dung carried out a series of economic reforms during his years as prime minister. Those measures helped Vietnam increase foreign investment.  Dung also strengthened ties with Vietnam’s former enemy, the United States. This development led to Vietnam's signing of the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. Dung also spoke out against China's increasingly aggressive expansion in the South China Sea.  Nguyen Phu Trong is considered a more conservative leader who supports closer ties with China. However, observers say he will likely to continue Dung's economic reform agenda and position on China's territorial claims. Dung will continue as prime minister until later this year. Observers expect his replacement will be Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. I’m Mario Ritter.   Richard Green reported this story for VOANews.com. Mario Ritter adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   challenge – n. an invitation to compete in a game, fight or political competition politburo – n. the main group of decision-makers in a Communist government agenda – n. a list of things to be done

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Basketball Great Surprises Florida Children

This is What’s Trending Today. Bobby White works as a police officer in Gainesville, Florida. On January 15, he was told to investigate a noise complaint. A group of young men were playing basketball in the street. Instead of lecturing the boys or sending them home, White joined in on the game. He said: "Can you believe someone's calling to complain about kids playing basketball in the street -- can you believe that?" White started shooting baskets with the kids. And a few minutes later, some more boys joined the game. Later, the police officer and the kids lowered the basketball hoop and were having a “slam-dunk” contest. The camera on White’s police car recorded the event. The police department posted the video on Facebook. It was seen over 15 million times. Department officials praised White for the way he reacted to the complaint. Before he left the boys, White said he would come back again “with back-up.” That generally is what police officers say when they are requesting help from other officers. As the video spread, a former basketball star became interested in what happened in Gainesville. That player was Shaquille O’Neal. He was a member of the Los Angeles Lakers when they won the National Basketball Association championship. He also played for the Orlando Magic, a team not too far from Gainesville. The other day, O’Neal visited the Gainesville police and spoke with White. And then they went out to “the scene.” That is what police officers call the area where a crime happened. But of course, there was no crime. This time, White told the boys “told you I was going to bring some back-up, right? You guys ready?” And O’Neal emerged from a nearby sports utility vehicle. One of the kids said “Oh, my God, you’re huge!,” as O’Neal, weighing over 140 kilograms and standing over 2 meters tall, walked up. O’Neal played basketball with the boys and other officers as a crowd gathered. O’Neal eventually gathered the boys together and offered this wisdom: “Be a leader, not a follower;” “Respect your peers and your elders;” and “You can be whatever you want to be.” In addition, he passed out $100 to each boy – as long as he made one free throw shot. The video was played over 1 million times. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. How would you have handled the situation with the kids? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   contest – n. an event in which people try to win by doing something better than others peer – n. a person who belongs to the same age group or social group as someone else wisdom – n. knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life emerge – v. to rise or appear from a hidden or unknown place or condition :to come out into view complain – v. to say that you do not like something elder – n. a person who is older — usually plural scene – n. the place of an event or action ​

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Electronics Show Displays Newest Gadgets

Thousands of people were in the American state of Nevada earlier this month for the Consumer Electronics Show. The CES is the world’s biggest show for electronic devices. It is held every January in the city of Las Vegas. The CES is said to be a guide to the path technology companies will follow in the coming year. The show offers visitors a chance to see high-tech products that may change our lives -- or may never be seen again. Some of the products are fun, while others are useful. From high-tech cameras to instruments for measuring physical fitness, these new gadgets and services are meant to make our day-to-day activities easier. These products are either being sold now or should be available later this year. 1. Polar Balance Smart Scale Activity trackers can help you keep records of your activity levels and physical exercise. But how many trackers will connect with a scale to measure your weight? The Polar Balance Smart Scale connects to an activity tracker and a software program to show whether the exercise affects your weight. The software application can be downloaded on your phone. Set a weight goal using the Flow app. Then get weighed on the Smart Scale. The Flow app also connects to a calorie counting app if you want to follow what you eat. Polar Coach, a free service, uses information from the Smart Scale, activity tracker and the Flow app to help you reach your goals. Find out more at the Polar website. 2. Withings Go A common problem with activity trackers is their seemingly endless need for electricity. Users report they often need to recharge their trackers. It can be aggravating to exercise only to discover that the device needs more power. Withings Go is a simple activity tracker. It uses a black and white screen, similar to an e-reader, to show your activity levels. The battery on the Go lasts up to eight months so you do not have to worry about adding power every day or week. The Go follows you both when you are awake and when you are asleep, and knows the difference between the two. You can see your information on an app on your phone to learn about your sleep patterns and physical activity levels. More information is available at the Withings website. 3. Presence Presence is a security camera that helps you see what is on the other side of your door. The camera sends a live video stream to the app on your phone and informs you when a car, person or animal comes close to the door. Video is also recorded by the camera. Presence should be available later this year. More information is available at the Presence website.   4. Nima Millions of people have stomach problems after eating food containing gluten. Gluten is a name for the proteins found in wheat and other grains. People who cannot eat these proteins often have trouble knowing when a food has gluten or not. Now, a device called Nima can identify gluten in food. Add a piece of food into Nima to see whether it has gluten levels of more than 20 parts per million. The device works with solids and liquids to identify gluten. More information about Nima can be found at the Nima website. 5. Misfit Ray Not all activity trackers look like activity trackers. One example is the Misfit Ray. It looks like a metal container and can be worn around one’s neck or as a bracelet on the arm or the leg. Slide the Ray over a cord to wear it on your wrist or add it to a chain and wear it as a necklace. The Ray will record your activity and sleep, showing you information on a phone app. The Ray shakes when you get a text or phone call. You can also use the Ray to take selfies and control the lights in your home. Find out more at the Misfit website. 6. Ween Thermostat The Ween thermostat is designed to help heat and cool homes when people are around and save energy when they are away. The thermostat connects to your phone to know when you are at home. Users can set their ideal temperatures for when they are at home and when they are away to save on energy costs. You can learn more about the Ween at the Ween website. 7. Code-a-pillar Coding is a necessary skill for computer programmers. When are children old enough to learn to code? At the Consumer Electronics Show, Fisher-Price showed a product that gives children the building blocks of coding. It is called “Code-a-pillar,” and is a toy designed for children from 3 to 8 years old. The Code-a-pillar looks like a caterpillar. This one has colorful lights and moves according to the order in which the pieces are placed. The Code-a-pillar is set for sale in June. You can find out more at the Fisher-Price website. 8. Pic Pic is a video camera that looks like it belongs in a cartoon. In fact, its manufacturer makes versions so this camera can become a cartoon character, such as Frank, Bob or Jack. The camera is made from plastic so you can bend it around a dog's collar, your wrist, a bicycle or other places from which you may want to take pictures. The Pic can store thousands of photos and can record up to one hour of video.   9. Prizm Prizm is a new music player. It offers songs from two music services: Deezer and Soundcloud. Instead of using a smartphone to stream music, users can connect Prizm to a sound system and log into their music service accounts. Songs will be played according to the time of day and who is in the room. Prizm has a button shaped like a heart. When you hear something you like, make sure to touch the button so the player knows the song is a favorite. Learn more about Prizm at the Prizm website. 10. Sensorwake Sensorwake is an alarm clock that wakes you up with smells, not sounds. At a set time, Sensorwake will release a fragrance to wake you from your sleep. Choose to wake up to the smell of food or to the smell of nature. Six different fragrances will be available. No worries about sleeping through an alarm if you have a cold. The clock will make noises if you don't turn it off within three minutes. Find out more at the Sensorwake website. I’m Kathleen Struck.   Which of these gadgets are most interesting to you?  Leave your thoughts in the Comments Section and on our Facebook page. Carolyn Nicander Mohr wrote this story for VOANews.com. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   consumer – n. a person who buys goods or services gadget – n. a small, useful device tracker – n. a device that follows and records the movements of someone or something calorie – n. a measure of heat used to show the amount of energy that foods will produce in the human body aggravate – v. to make (someone) angry ereader – n. a handheld device on which electronic versions of books, newspapers and magazines can be read battery – n. a device that is placed inside a machine (such as a clock, toy, or car) to supply it with electricity stream – v. send or receive electronic data over the Internet gluten – n. a substance in wheat and flour that holds dough together selfie – n. a photograph that one has taken of oneself, usually one taken with a smartphone or webcam and shared on social media thermostat – n. a device that sets the temperature in a room to a desired level code – v. to change information into letters, numbers, or images that can be read by a computer caterpillar – n. an insect with many legs that becomes a butterfly or moth cartoon – n. artwork or pictures as a humorous comment on something alarm – n. a device that makes a loud noise fragrance – n. a pleasant and usually sweet smell

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Deadly Shootout Between Police, Anti-Federal Group

Federal and state police officers have exchanged gunfire with members of an armed group in Oregon, killing one person. The armed group had taken control of a federal wildlife area in the eastern part of the state. A shootout happened when police stopped cars carrying members of the group. The protesters were reportedly driving to a meeting with people who live near the wildlife area. The Oregonian online newspaper reported that the man who was killed was Robert Finicum. He often served as the group’s spokesman. Reports say the leader of the group -- Ammon Bundy -- and six others have been arrested. It is not clear how many members of the group are still in control of the federal wildlife area. The group, which calls itself “Citizens for Constitutional Freedom,” illegally occupied the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge on January 2nd. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and local officers had watched the protest for weeks without intervening. People from states as far away as Arizona and Ohio had joined the protest. Some members of the group have for many years criticized the federal government’s management of public lands in the West. Many people who live near the wildlife area had been calling for the group to leave. Many of them agree with the group’s criticism of the federal government. But they opposed the occupation of the wildlife area because they feared it would end violently. The group wants control of federal lands to be given to local officials. The federal government controls about half of the land in the Western United States. Disputes about management of public lands have been taking place for many years. In the 1970s, Nevada and other states pressured the federal government to give state and local governments more control of the land. People want to use the land for cattle grazing, mining and timber harvesting. I’m Mario Ritter.   Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on the Associated Press report. 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   occupy – v. to take and keep control of (a town, foreign country, etc.) by using weapons or military power intervene – v. to become involved in something (such as a conflict) in order to have an influence on what happens wildlife – n. animals living in nature; wild animals (often used before another noun) graze – v. to eat grass or other plants that are growing in a field, pasture, etc.

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Muslim Women Tweet to British PM David Cameron

This is What’s Trending Today… Last week, British Prime Minister David Cameron announced a plan that would require women immigrants to learn English within 30 months of arriving in Great Britain. The plan targets Muslim women joining their husbands already in Britain. Cameron said his plan would help Muslim women immigrants who spend most of their time at home. He said the plan would help them feel less socially isolated. A government source told the media that “David knows that the traditional submissiveness of Muslim women is a sensitive issue.” Submissiveness is a willingness to obey, or submit to, someone else.  Some British Muslim women were offended by the comment. They responded on social media with humor and sarcasm. Sarcasm is the use of words that mean the opposite of what you really want to say. Mashable.com reported that British author and activist Shelina Janmohamed created the hashtag #traditionallysubmissive. She tweeted sarcastic responses to Prime Minister Cameron. In one tweet, she wrote: “I bought a sportscar and published a book (in English and 8 other languages.) I must be doing this wrong. #traditionallysubmissive.   Throughout the weekend, more than 30,000 tweets with the hashtag were sent to David Cameron’s Twitter account. Women tweeted #traditionallysubmissive along with a photo of them holding a sign that listed their accomplishments and life experiences. The hashtag highlighted examples of Muslim women’s independence and their lack of submissiveness.  Many of the women listed their university degrees, professional goals, athletic interests, and a long list of languages they speak fluently -- including English. Twitter user Mamana Beelah wrote: @David Cameron, I speak 4 languages, how many do you speak? #traditionallysubmissive.”   And Twitter user Asmaam wrote: “My mother was so #traditionallysubmissive she left home to go to med school in 1960s Pakistan. Thanks to her, I’m a journalist and a professor.” And that’s What’s Trending Today.   I’m Ashley Thompson. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   isolated - adj. separate from others​ submissiveness - n. the willingness to obey someone else; the act of conforming to the authority of others sensitive - adj. likely to cause people to become upset sarcasm - n. the use of words that mean the opposite of what you really want to say especially in order to insult someone, to show irritation, or to be funny accomplishment - n. something successfully done or achieved 

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Pakistan University Reopens After Deadly Attack

Bacha Khan University in Pakistan re-opened its doors Monday. The Pakistani university was the target of a militant attack last week. At least 21 people, including 18 students, were killed in the attack. This week, students returned to the university briefly for a prayer service to remember their fallen friends. "We're here to avenge our blood. How long will Pashtun kids continue to die?" One university employee noted that: "Pashtuns have always been labeled terrorists. But we want to show that we are not terrorists. We are victims of terrorism." The university is under tight security. It is currently only open to teachers and employees. Administration officials said there will be no classes until further notice. A university spokesman said it is considering several issues, including a prediction of thick fog for several days.   Parents of some of the victims attended the prayer service on Monday. Shah Hussein is the father of one student. He demanded an independent investigation.   "There should be a judicial inquiry so that we find out who was negligent in their responsibilities, and they should be duly punished. Once you have one judicial inquiry and responsible parties punished, such incidents will stop." Later, outside the doors, students held up signs. Some demanded action to answer the attack, while others sought peace. I’m Kathleen Struck. Ayesha Tanzeem reported on this story for VOANews.com. Marsha James adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Have you followed this story about the attack at Bacha Khan University in Pakistan​ and the death of students and teachers? Tell us what you think in the Comments and on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story avenge – v. to harm or punish someone who has harmed you or someone you care about negligent – adj. failing to take care of something or someone duly – adv. in the expected way

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Documents Show Islamic State Seeks Power, Control

Papers collected from the Islamic State terror group show the militants’ dark world. The documents show how IS militants act -- anxious, obsessed, harsh and horrible. And they show how important control of Internet access is to their cause. Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi of the Middle East Forum, a research group in Washington, D.C., gathered the documents. They are published on his website. Sharia law Many of the documents tell people how to pray, fast and pay attention to religious observances. Others tell about harsh punishments for crimes and violations of Sharia law. These include whippings, amputations, stoning and crucifixion. One document says a thief must have his right hand cut off. It says the hand must be hung around the thief’s neck and the person must show himself to others for three days. The militants worry that medical workers will leave towns the group controls in Syria and Iraq, the papers show. The group limits travel, fearing people will leave areas it controls. Women younger than 50 are not permitted to travel unless they are with their husband or a male family member. Only one person may travel with someone who is sick. All travelers must give the IS group ownership papers for their homes and cars. The group believes this will ensure that the travelers return. And it controls electronic information. Controlling access to the internet As the bombing campaign by the United States and its coalition partners strengthened, the group banned GPS devices and mobile phones. And it banned signs on cars that could identify them as Islamic State property. It has recently banned satellite TV. And it limits access to the Internet. It says members may not have email accounts or take pictures of battles. Some Internet cafes remain open in Raqqa city, the center of the group’s activity in Syria. But their owners must record the identity of everyone who uses the Internet “except soldiers of the Islamic State and their families.” Another order says anyone who has “an Internet connection inside his home, office or any private place” will be severely punished. Al-Tamimi says punishment became more severe as the group grew larger and captured more territory. He says “the degree and speed of implementation of Sharia was slower” when the group first began capturing territory. In recent months, the terrorists have killed media activists in Syria and southern Turkey who try to fight the group online. Al-Tamimi and the Middle East Forum have gathered the documents since the Islamic State terrorist group took control of large parts of Iraq and Syria. Al-Tamimi created the website with the documents in January 2015. It is updated often. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.   Jamie Dettmer in Rome prepared this report for VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted his story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck 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   access – n. a way of getting near, at or to something or someone (often + to) account – n. an arrangement in which a person uses the Internet or e-mail services of a particular company whip – v. to hit (a person or animal) with a whip or with something that is like a whip amputate – v. to cut off (part of a person's body) crucify – v. to kill (someone) by nailing or tying his or her hands and feet to a cross degree – n. an amount or level that can be measured or compared to another amount or level implement – v. to begin to do or use (something, such as a plan); to make (something) active or effective Sharia – n. the religious laws based on the Koran that Muslims follow GPS (global positioning system) – n. a radio system that uses signals from satellites to tell you where you are and to give you directions to other places ensure – v. to make (something) sure, certain or safe

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Kerry Meets with Cambodian Leaders, Opposition

America’s top diplomat was in Cambodia Tuesday on the second stop of his trip to Asia. Secretary of State John Kerry met with Cambodian government leaders and opposition party members in Phnom Penh. Kerry said the country has improved its human rights record and made economic progress. But he said he told officials that he was concerned about continued human rights violations. Kerry met separately with Prime Minister Hun Sen and acting opposition party leader Kem Sokha. After the meetings, the U.S. official said that “democratic governments have a responsibility to ensure that all elected representatives are free to perform their responsibilities without fear of attack or arrest.” Seventeen opposition members and activists are jailed in Cambodia. Opposition leader Sam Rainsy is living in self-declared exile to avoid charges made against him. Many observers believe the charges are unfair. And rights groups say the United States should not improve relations with Cambodia until its leaders guarantee reforms. Secretary Kerry also praised Cambodia for its economic progress. He told the prime minister that “Cambodia has experienced remarkable growth. You have seen incredible changes -- not just here in Phnom Penh, which moved from a 350,000-person war-torn city to a much more modern city of 2.2 million people.” I’m Ashley Thompson.   VOA State Department Correspondent Pam Dockins reported on this story. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted her 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   remarkable – adj. unusual or surprising; likely to be noticed incredible – adj. extremely good, great, or large  

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Lao Communists Name New Leaders

The Lao Communist Party has announced a change in leadership. During a weeklong party meeting, Bounnhang Vorachit was named secretary-general. Bounnhang is 78-years-old. He has long-standing ties with Vietnam, dating back to military training and as a student. The Lao Communist Party also named Foreign Affairs Minister Thongloun Sisoulith to the position of prime minister. Observers say the retirement of two pro-China members of the party’s leadership may weaken Chinese influence on the country. China has been the largest foreign investor in Laos. Vietnam and Thailand are second and third on the list. State media said almost 700 delegates attended the communist party meeting in Vientiane. This was the tenth time the party has met since it took power in 1975. The group has more than 200,000 members. Thitinan Pongsudhirak is a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. He says the new party leaders will not make major policy changes. And he says the government will continue to fail to protect the rights of its citizens. “The new leadership is more of the same,” he said. “More of the same in terms of repression and constraints on civil society and basic freedoms. We have had some scandals in the recent past over disappearances of civil society activists and human rights violations, so that is expected to be maintained,” he said. I’m Jonathan Evans. Ron Corben in Bangkok reported on this story for 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   constraint – n. something that limits or restricts someone or something (usually plural) scandal – n. an occurrence in which people are shocked and upset because of behavior that is morally or legally wrong maintain – v. to cause (something) to exist or continue without changing ​

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