Improve Your Writing with Contrast and Concession

For VOA Learning English, this is Everyday Grammar. Today we are going to talk about words that connect opposing ideas. We call these ideas contrast or concession. Some of these adverbs are but, although, however and despite. These words will help you communicate more complex ideas. They will improve the flow and clarity of your writing. Contrast versus concession  Let us begin by understanding the differences between contrast and concession. Here are two examples: I used to live in Malaysia, but now I live in Thailand. Even though I live in Malaysia, I work in Thailand. The first example shows a simple contrast. The first sentence, “I used to live in Malaysia” indicates my previous place of residence. The second part of the sentence, “but now I live in Thailand”, shows that I now live in another place. The statement contrasts these two different places: the one where I used to live and the one where I live now. In the second example, “Even though I live in Malaysia” tells you where I live now. But this sentence contains a surprise for my readers: “I work in Thailand.” When the opposing idea is something readers do not expect or that surprises them, we call it concession. But Let us start with but, the most common way to show contrast. But is a coordinator. We use it to connect ideas that are more or less of equal value. Here are some examples: The students were tired after the test, but were happy with their results. Some refugees have found new homes, but others are still living in camps. Luca tried to solve the math problem for two hours, but he could not find the answer. In the second and third examples, notice that the conjunction but connects two independent sentences or clauses. In this case, we use a comma before but. However, nevertheless, nonetheless A more formal way to say but is however. Consider the examples: We really wanted to go to that concert; however, we could not afford the tickets. Car prices went up fast. However, motorcycle prices are still the same. In these examples, you can replace however with nevertheless or nonetheless. The idea will remain the same. However and nonetheless can make your sentences more formal. You have some options for punctuation. You could write, “I am tired. [period] However, [comma] I will finish the job.” Or you could write, “I am tired; [semicolon] however, [comma] I will finish the job.” The semicolon is a punctuation option to connect two independent clauses that are closely related. It is up to the writer to decide whether to use a period or a semicolon. Although, even though, and though Although and even though are two common adverbs to express unexpected results or surprises. They are subordinators: adverbs that show that one idea is more important than the other. Here are some examples: I managed to fall asleep although we were watching an action movie. Although we were watching an action movie, I managed to fall asleep. In both sentences, the subordinating conjunction although is attached to the clause that contains the less important idea. “Although we were watching an action movie,” cannot stand alone as a sentence; it is a subordinate clause. If the subordinate clause comes first, we must separate the two by using a comma. If the subordinate clause comes second, there is no comma. Here are two examples with even though. These students already know how to read even though they are still in kindergarten. Even though these students are still in kindergarten, they already know how to read. Though is less formal than although and even though. It is more common in spoken English. Here are some examples: Though Indra waited for almost an hour, his doctor never showed up. Indra’s doctor never showed up though he waited for almost an hour. To make your sentence even more conversational, you can move though to the end: Indra waited for almost an hour. His doctor never showed up, though. In spite of, despite In spite of and despite are also subordinators to show unexpected results. They also come attached to the subordinate clause. However, they require a different sentence structure. Consider the examples: That man has saved a lot of money in spite of earning a small salary. That artist is very creative despite having limited resources. In these examples, in spite of and despite are followed by a gerund. A gerund is the “-ing” form of a verb which functions like a noun. In the sentences above, “earning a small salary” and “having limited resources” are gerund phrases. Despite and in spite of can also be followed by noun phrases. My brother has managed to save a lot of money in spite of his small salary. That artist is very creative despite her limited resources. His small salary and her limited resources are noun phrases. In spite of that In spite of that can also be used to indicate contrast or concession, but it works as a coordinating conjunction. Therefore, it is used to connect two independent clauses. For example: Most students had understood the explanation; in spite of that, the teacher wrote a few more examples. It rained for almost three hours non-stop. In spite of that, the ground is already dry. Practice The best way to master these transition words is to make up a few sentences of your own. After you start practicing, you will naturally begin to remember when and how to use these words more accurately. Try to write a few sentences using the transition words above and post them here for comments. I’m Jill Robbins. And I’m John Russell.   This article was written by guest writer Fabio de Oliveira Coelho. Fabio is a linguist and bilingual educator. He has worked on education and development projects in Brazil, the United States, Nicaragua, Indonesia, and Guinea-Bissau. He was born in Brazil and is a now U.S. citizen. Fabio is an English Language Fellow with the U.S. Department of State in Semarang, Indonesia. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   contrast - n. a difference between people or things that are being compared concession - n. grammar. a clause which begins with "although" or "even though" and which expresses an idea that suggests the opposite of the main part of the sentence. clause - n. grammar. a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb semicolon – n.  the punctuation mark ; that is used to separate major parts in a sentence and to separate items in a series if the items contain commas subordinate clause – n. grammar. a clause that does not form a simple sentence by itself and that is connected to the main clause of a sentence gerund – n. grammar. an English noun formed from a verb by adding -ing ​

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How America Elects: Caucuses & Primaries

Caucuses are more complicated than primaries. People who are registered in one of the parties gather for an evening of discussion and debate around the state. At the end of the night, everyone votes.

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Trump Leads in Iowa, Bloomberg May Join the Race

For nearly a year, candidates have been telling American voters that they are best qualified to become the next U.S. president. On Monday, voters will have their say in an evening of discussion and debate known as the Iowa caucus. Monday’s caucus in the Midwestern state of Iowa is the first in a series of caucuses and primaries to select a nominee for the Republican and Democratic parties. In the Republican presidential field, businessman Donald Trump expands his lead over the crowded field of candidates. A Fox News poll in Iowa shows Trump leading 23 to 34 percent above Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. Another poll by CBS News has Trump with a smaller lead over Cruz in Iowa -- 34 to 39 percent. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida is in third place in both polls. Nationally, support for Trump is also increasing, according to a new CNN poll on Tuesday. It shows Trump with the support of 41 percent of Republican voters across the United States. Cruz is in second place with 19 percent. On the Democratic side, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont are in a virtual tie among Iowa voters. The CBS poll of Iowa voters shows Clinton leading 46 to 47 percent. But Clinton still has a large lead over Sanders nationally in the new CNN poll. Her lead is 38 percent to 52 percent. As a candidate, Trump has called for deporting undocumented immigrants and for banning Muslims from entering the U.S. On the opposite side, Sanders has called for breaking up large financial institutions. He also wants free college tuition at public colleges. Rival candidates have called their proposals as unrealistic and “not serious.” But Trump, on the Republican side, and Sanders, on the Democratic side, continue to gain strength among primary voters. “There seems to be an extraordinary amount of anger in the United States, both on the left and on the right and maybe even in the center and it’s a little disconcerting,” said political analyst Stan Collender. “I don’t think anyone saw this coming or anyone predicted it.” Will Bloomberg enter the race? Over the weekend, The New York Times reported that former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is considering a run for president as an independent. The paper reported that Bloomberg would run if Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump were the Democratic and Republican nominees. Bloomberg, a billionaire like Trump, was mayor of New York City for 12 years. Since he has left office, Bloomberg has spent much of his own money calling for tougher gun control laws. The threat of another billionaire in the race brought quick response from the candidates. On NBC's Meet the Press, Clinton said, “Well, I’m going to relieve him of that and get the nomination so he doesn’t have to.” Trump said he would be happy if Bloomberg ran. Trump said he and Bloomberg have been friends, but “perhaps we’re not friends anymore.” Sanders’ candidacy is largely a promise to reduce big wage differences between wealthy and poor Americans. “If Donald Trump wins and Mr. Bloomberg gets in, you’re going to have two multi-billionaires running for president of the United States against me,” Sanders said on Meet the Press. He said Americans do not want to see “billionaires control the political process.” Obama weighs in Even President Barack Obama felt the need to say something about the race. In an interview this week with Politico, Obama described Clinton as “wicked smart,” and “extraordinarily experienced.” He also praised Sanders, but not as much, according to Politico. Obama said Sanders gets the benefit of being a new candidate for president. Clinton also ran in 2008, when she lost the Democratic presidential nomination to Obama. “You’re always looking at the bright, shiny object that people haven’t seen before — that’s a disadvantage to her (meaning Clinton),” Obama said. But he had nothing good to say about Trump and Cruz, the two leading Republican candidates. “When I ran against (Senator) John McCain, John McCain and I had real differences, sharp differences, but John McCain didn’t deny climate science,” Obama told Politico.  “John McCain didn’t call for banning Muslims from the United States. … [The] Republican vision has moved not just to the right, but has moved to a place that is unrecognizable.” I'm Kathleen Struck.   VOA's Jim Malone reported on this story. Bruce Alpert adapted his report for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or share your views on our Facebook Page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   caucus – n.  a meeting of members of a political party for the purpose of choosing candidates for an election qualified – v. having the necessary skill, experience, or knowledge to do a particular job or activity  poll – n. an activity in which several or many people are asked a question or a series of questions in order to get information about what most people think about something virtual – adj.  very close to being something without actually being it deport – v. to force a person who is not a citizen to leave a country extraordinary – adv. very different from what is normal or ordinary disconcerting – adj. cause for concern billionaire – n. a rich person who has at least a billion dollars tougher – adj. stricter, more demanding relieve – v., to reduce or remove something replace – v. to be used instead of something wicked – adj. very much vision – n. what conditions a candidate or person wants in the future

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VOA English Newscast 2200 UTC January 27, 2016

From Washington, this is VOA News. I’m Dave DeForest reporting. A committee of key Syrian opposition groups is expected to decide Thursday whether to participate in U.N.-brokered peace talks in Geneva. U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura sent out invitations to the negotiations on Tuesday, but did not disclose who was on the list. The United States and China agreed Wednesday to work together to ensure that North Korea ends its nuclear weapons program.  U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with China's foreign minister Wang Yi in Beijing, stressing the North Korean issue is a high priority for the U.S. government. “Now is the time we believe for action that can bring North Korea back to the (negotiating) table. I agree with my fellow minister. There is a goal in sanctions. It is to get to the negotiations.” The talks revealed that the two sides disagree on whether and what sort of sanctions to use against North Korea following its recent nuclear test. International Criminal Court judges have authorized an investigation into allegations that war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed during the 2008 Russia-Georgia conflict. Japanese-based Toyota Motor Corporation says it sold 10.15 million vehicles worldwide in 2015.  That makes Toyota the world's top-selling automaker for the fourth consecutive year. Suicide bombers have killed at least 10 people in Chibok, the Nigerian town where Boko Haram kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls nearly two years ago. Witnesses say one bomber detonated explosives Wednesday at a checkpoint where people were being searched, and at least two others blew themselves up in the town's market. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the attack bore the hallmarks of Boko Haram. This is VOA News. ______________________________________________________________ Words in The News   key – adj. important participate – v. to be involved with others in doing something brokered – adj. organized or controlled by disclose – v. to make known ensure – v. to make sure or safe stressing – v. giving special attention to something priority – n. a goal; something that is important table – n. a piece of furniture that has a flat top and one or more legs sanctions –n. actions that are taken to force a country to obey international rules revealed – v. made known authorized – v. to give power or permission to allegations – n. accusations or charges committed – v. carried out; executed consecutive – adj. following one after the other detonated – v. exploded checkpoint – n. a place where police or guards search people bore the hallmarks – expression. showing evidence of something We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

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Urgent Call to Stop the Spread of Zika Virus

U.S. President Barack Obama has called for immediate development of tests, vaccines and treatments for the Zika virus. The Zika virus has infected people in more than 20 countries. Spread of zika virus Just this week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed that two people have tested positive for the virus in the states of Arkansas and Virginia. Health officials said that both became infected recently after traveling to countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Health official also reported that a baby recently born in Hawaii was infected with the virus in the mother’s womb. The mother had emigrated from Brazil early in her pregnancy. In Puerto Rico, health officials are reporting 18 cases of the virus, according to Reuters. The virus was first reported in the U.S. territory last December. In Europe, a hospital said a Danish tourist who had traveled to South and Central America has tested positive for Zika virus. This came after British health officials confirmed five cases of returning travelers infected with the virus. Where did the virus come from? The CDC said that Brazil reported its first case of Zika virus in May 2015. Since then, the virus has spread by mosquitos and has caused infections in many Brazilian states and other countries in Latin America.    The World Health Organization (WHO) said the Zika virus could be linked to 4,000 suspected cases of microcephaly in Brazil. Microcephaly is when babies are born with extremely small heads. It causes severe brain damage. After the outbreak, Brazilian officials sent 200,000 troops to homes to deliver information on how to get rid of mosquitos. In areas that will be used for upcoming carnival celebrations and this year's Olympics, city workers sprayed chemicals to kill mosquitoes and their eggs. Officials in El Salvador, Colombia and Jamaica have recommended women postpone getting pregnant. Women’s health advocates, however, said that advice was not appropriate. Monica Roa is vice president of strategy for Women's Link Worldwide, a women's rights group. She said it is “incredibly naïve for a government to ask women to postpone getting pregnant in a context such as Colombia where more than 50 percent of pregnancies are unplanned and across the region where sexual violence is prevalent." WHO Director General Margaret Chan said Zika might spread to all countries in the Americas except for Canada and Chile. "The explosive spread of Zika virus to new geographical areas, with little population immunity, is another cause for concern, especially given the possible link between infection during pregnancy and babies born with small heads." Symptoms and advice on the virus Symptoms for Zika include mild fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. These symptoms can last from a few days to about a week. However, an estimated 80 percent of people infected with the virus have no symptoms at all. This makes it difficult for pregnant women to know whether they have been infected. Researchers and health experts warn that there are many unknowns about the Zika virus. The World Health Organization said there are two effective ways to stop the virus from spreading: reduce the areas where mosquitos breed and protect people from getting bit by mosquitoes by using insect repellants, nets, screens and clothing that covers as much of the body as possible. The CDC suggests that pregnant women avoid traveling to 14 countries and territories in the Caribbean and Latin America affected by the virus. These areas include Puerto Rico, Martinique, Haiti, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Brazil, Colombia, French Guyana, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and Mexico. The agency also warns that women who have recently traveled to these places during their pregnancy be examined and monitored for the virus. I’m Anna Matteo.   Anna Matteo adapted this story from VOA News reports. Hai Do was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   postpone to put off to a later time repellant – n. serving or tending to drive away or ward off —often used in combination naïve – adj. deficient in worldly wisdom or informed judgment prevalent – adj. common or widespread ​

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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.

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1TnX5xr
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