Trending Today: Have You Seen the Tsunami Ghosts of Japan?

This is What’s Trending Today. Nearly 19,000 people were killed when an earthquake and powerful tsunami struck Japan in March of 2011. A Japanese university student is working on a project in Ishinomaki, a coastal city affected by the disaster. She recently spoke with over 100 of the city’s taxi drivers. And some of the drivers say they have offered rides to passengers who turn out to be ghosts. These spirits ask for rides to places that were destroyed by the huge waves, and then they disappear. The Asahi Shimbun newspaper reported the story last month, but it is trending today on Facebook. The blogger Perez Hilton, who has over 6 million Twitter followers, wrote a story about it. A number of other websites also have the story. One taxi driver told a story about a young woman he met in the summer of 2011. She asked for a ride to an area that the tsunami destroyed. The driver asked if she really wanted to go there because very little was still there. Then the woman asked, “Have I died?” and disappeared. Today on Facebook, people are writing about their own experiences with the spirit world, and talking about the ghosts in Japan. The student says the drivers were not making up the stories, because they started up their taxi cab meters, drove off, and have the records to prove it. They had to pay the “ghost” fares themselves. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Have you ever seen a ghost? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   ghost – n. the spirit of a dead person thought of as living blogger – n. a person who writes and publishes articles and commentaries on a web site tsunami – n. a very high, large ocean wave that can result from a powerful earthquake

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1S5UzMR
via IFTTT

Clinton, Sanders Debate in New Hampshire

Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders traded sharp comments in the first debate in which they faced each other directly. It took place in New Hampshire, days before the primary in that small, northeastern state. Senator Sanders pushed Clinton about the donors who give to her campaign. The former secretary of state replied, “Enough is enough. If you’ve got something to say, say it directly.” Clinton said she was not “bought,” or influenced by donors who were wealthy and powerful. Clinton said she never changed a vote because of a donation and added, "It's time to end the very artful smear that you and your campaign have been carrying out." The candidates also battled over what it means to be “progressive.” And the two argued over who would improve health care, education, and the economy. Sanders called for higher taxes on wealthier Americans to pay for free college education and universal healthcare. Clinton called to make education and healthcare more affordable. Calling herself a “progressive who gets things done,” Clinton said Sanders’ proposals are “just not achievable.” As the debate went on, Clinton stressed her experience while Sanders stressed his progressive positions. Foreign policy Sanders agreed that Clinton has more experience in foreign policy and the fight against the Islamic State, also known as ISIS. Sanders again questioned Clinton’s vote to support the invasion of Iraq. And she replied, "A vote in 2002 is not a plan to defeat ISIS. We have to look at the threats we face right now.” The two agreed that U.S. troops should only have an advisory role in the fight against the Islamic State. And “Muslim troops on the ground” are needed in the fight. In Afghanistan, both agreed with President Barack Obama’s decision to leave 10,000 U.S. ground troops in the fight against the Taliban. Close race, heated debate Differences over issues appear to be very small between the candidates. The tone of the debate, however, reflected how close the race for the Democratic nomination has become. Clinton came out of the Iowa caucus with a very small victory over Sanders. The margin of two-tenths of 1 percent even prompted the Des Moines Register to ask for a recall. A new poll from CNN/WMUR shows Sanders with 61 percent support to Clinton’s 30 percent in New Hampshire. That state borders Sanders’ home state of Vermont. I'm Mario Ritter.   Hai Do wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. If you watched the debate or have comments about it, leave your thoughts in the comments section. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   smear – n. an untrue story told about a person meant to hurt their reputation progressive – adj. using or interested in new and modern ideas especially about politics and education affordable – adj. not costly, able to be paid for achievable – adj. able to be reached, able to be successful prompt – v. to cause to do something

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1T3D4wL
via IFTTT

VOA English Newscast 1300 UTC February 5, 2016

From Washington, this is VOA News.       I’m Joe Palka reporting. Russian airstrikes undermining peace efforts in Syria, that according to a NATO chief… NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg says Russia's air strikes in Syria are undermining efforts to find a non-military solution to the conflict. The Russian-backed assaults were, in part, responsible for derailing peace talks in Geneva earlier this week, with Syrian government officials walking away from the talks after claiming that they had ended the rebel siege of two Shi'ite villages in Aleppo, handing President Bashar al-Assad's government a major victory. Meantime, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has pledged nearly $1 billion in new U.S. aid for Syrian refugees at an international donors’ conference, and is calling for the Syrian government and Russia to halt attacks on rebel-held areas in order to let humanitarian aid through. The conference opened on Thursday in London. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon… “The commitment of countries hosting large numbers of refugees to open up their labor markets is a breakthrough. I thank the governments of Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey for choosing solidarity over fear.” The more than 10-billion dollars pledged on Thursday aims to support people in Syria as well as in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. Those are the neighbor countries that are strained by the exodus of refugees fleeing the fighting in Syria. Somali officials investigating an apparent bomb blast that forced a passenger jet to make an emergency landing in Mogadishu say the explosion was likely the work of militant group al-Shabab. Somali aviation officials say they estimate the blast went off 15 minutes after the plane took off from Mogadishu airport, bound for Djibouti.  Of the 74 passengers were on board, one was likely killed. This is VOA News. ________________________________________________________________ Words in The News   undermining – v. making someone or something less effective according – adv. as stated by or in assaults – n. a violent physical or military attack derailing – v. blocking the progress of something siege – n. a serious, lasting attack; a situation in which police or soldiers surround a building or city handing – v. giving meantime – adv. in the time between events; meanwhile pledged – v. promised commitment – n. promise hosting – v. leading or organizing something breakthrough – n. a sudden or successful development solidarity – n. a feeling of unity between people who have the same interests strained – v. feeling or showing the effect of too much use or effort exodus – n. a situation in which many people leave at the same time blast – n. explosion jet – n. an airplane powered by jet engines aviation – n. the business of flying airplanes or helicopters bound – v. going or moving to board – phrase. on or in a ship, airplane or other vehicle   We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1L2Y92S
via IFTTT

North Korea Prepares to Launch Long-Range Missile

First, North Korea said Tuesday it planned to launch an “Earth observation satellite” between February 8 and 25. It said the launch is part of its peaceful space program. It says it wants to place satellites in space to gather information to help its weather experts make predictions. But many experts say it is a way for the country to develop its nuclear weapons program. That program would be in violation of a United Nations ban on such activities. The New York Times reports the proposed launch is part of a North Korean effort to develop “an intercontinental ballistic missile that can deliver a nuclear bomb.” The newspaper reports that the United States has been helping to write a new U.N. Security Council resolution that would punish North Korea for these tests and launches. On January 6, North Korea conducted a nuclear test. The United States, South Korea and Japan have warned North Korea that it will be punished severely if the launch takes place. South Korea had talked about peace negotiations with the North, but that idea ended after the nuclear test in January. And this week there are reports that South Korean companies may stop operating in the Kaesong Industrial Complex if the launch takes place. The area is operated jointly by North and South Korea, but is six miles north of the border with South Korea. It was formed in 2002. About 120 South Korea companies operate in the area, or zone. About 50,000 North Koreans work there. Some work at South Korean-owned factories there. This benefits both sides. It is the only development program between the two countries that is still operating. Almost all relations and aid programs were cancelled in 2010 after South Korea accused the North of sinking a South Korean naval warship that killed 46 sailors. President Park Geun-hye’s support for strong international sanctions against North Korea has made South Korea’s relations with the U.S. stronger. At the same time, it has weakened its relations with China. Jonathan Pollack is an East Asia policy expert at the Brookings Institution, a research group in Washington. He says Chinese President Xi Jinping “has chosen not to communicate in a meaningful fashion with the government of the Republic of Korea, or with President Park Geun-hye, who he has closely cultivated over a period of time.” China opposes North Korea’s nuclear program, but continues to support the country. China is reluctant to support strong sanctions. Instead, it has called for international talks to end North Korea’s nuclear-weapons program in return for economic aid and security. However, North Korea says its nuclear weapons program is necessary for national defense. It says it will not negotiate an end to the program. That means it will be difficult for China to convince North Korea to end its nuclear activities. Critics say that if China does not take part in sanctions against North Korea, it will send that country a message of support. Experts worry that sanctions put in place against North Korea by the United States or the United Nations could hurt China. That is because North Korea is already isolated and dependent on China for fuel, trade and aid. Possible limits on trade and on companies that operate in North Korea could hurt Chinese companies and banks. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.     VOA's Brian Padden reported on this story from Seoul. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it into VOA Learning English. He also used reporting by The New York Times newspaper. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ____________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   fashion – n. a specified way of acting or behaving cultivate – v. to try to become friendly with (someone) usually to get some advantage for yourself reluctant – adj. feeling or showing doubt about doing something; consequence – n. something that happens as a result of a particular action or set of conditions acquiesce – v. to accept, agree or allow something to happen by staying silent or by not arguing status – n. the current state of someone or something isolated – adj. separate from others intercontinental - adj. traveling or able to travel between continents ballistic - adj. of or related to an object that can travel a great distance, land on the ground and then explode benefits - v. to help or assist convince - v. to persuade

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1Pm1QSV
via IFTTT

How Should the Next US President Discuss Islam?

Americans are split on how their next president should talk about Islamic extremism, says a new public opinion study. The study found that 65 percent of Republican supporters say the next president should speak directly about Islamic extremism  -- even if the statements are critical of Islam. But among Democrats, 70 percent said they want the next president to speak more carefully about the issue. The Pew Research Center conducted the poll last month. Almost half of those who took part in the study said they believe some Muslim-Americans disagree with U.S. culture, politics and policies. About 11 percent believe “most” or “almost all” Muslim-Americans are anti-American. A Pew study conducted in December found almost half said they believe Islam is more likely than other religions to encourage violence. A similar number said they are “very concerned” about an increase in Islamic extremism in the United States. And almost two-thirds said they believe the bigger problem is that religion is used by violent people as a reason for their violent actions. On Wednesday, President Barack Obama visited a mosque, or Muslim religious center, in Baltimore, Maryland. He said Muslim-Americans are seen negatively by many Americans because of the increase in terrorism linked to Islamist extremists. The president’s visit “is a simple but powerful affirmation of the fact that American-Muslims are a part of the mosaic of American society,” said Omid Sofi, director of the Duke Islamic Studies Center in North Carolina, in an email to VOA. “Hopefully, it will serve as a reminder of the need to affirm the full rights of all of us, regardless of faith and ethnicity.” I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.   VOANews.com reported on this story. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it into VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   conduct – v. to plan and do (something, such as an 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 encourage – v. to make (someone) more likely to do something negative – adj. thinking about the bad qualities of someone or something affirmation – n. the showing of a strong belief in or dedication to (something, such as an important idea) mosaic – n. something made up of different things that together form a pattern    

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1PDD1Wl
via IFTTT

Martin Shkreli, the 'Most Hated Man in America'

This is What’s Trending Today. Martin Shkreli has been called the “most hated man in America.” The businessman was criticized last year after his company sharply raised the price of a life-saving drug. Studies have shown that the drug, Daraprim, can help patients with AIDS and some kinds of cancer. Daraprim is used all over the world. Last year, Shkreli’s company, Turing Pharmaceuticals, raised the cost of the drug from $13.50 a pill to $700 a pill. Daraprim once sold for $1 a pill. Shkreli defended the price increase as legal. He has said the move was designed to increase profits for investors. On Thursday, Shkreli appeared at a hearing of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. House members wanted to ask him why the company raised the price of the medicine. Shkreli chose to use his Fifth Amendment rights and did not answer the lawmakers’ questions. The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution says a person does not have to be a “witness against himself” in a criminal court case. But, Shkreli was not totally silent on Thursday. He tweeted about the hearing right after it ended. He criticized the lawmakers who were questioning him. In one tweet, he wrote, “Hard to accept that these imbeciles represent the people in our government.” ​By Thursday morning, “Martin Shkreli” was the number-one search on Google. “Shkreli” trended on Twitter in the United States. On social media, many people criticized Shkreli for smiling during the questioning. One of the lawmakers even said, “It's not funny, Mr. Shkreli. People are dying and they're getting sicker and sicker.” But others on social media criticized members of Congress, saying they did not respect Shkreli’s Fifth Amendment Rights. And that’s What’s Trending Today.   I’m Ashley Thompson.  ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   imbecile - n. a very stupid person

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1oaQr1E
via IFTTT

Texas Law Permits Open Carry of Guns

At the beginning of 2016, a new law went into effect in Texas. The law permits a gun owner with a concealed-weapon license to carry a gun openly in public. The new law is being both supported and protested throughout the state. Stores, markets and restaurants have the right to ban guns on their property. But some business owners are supporting the new law by offering special deals to people who openly carry their guns. Restaurant owner Trent Brooks believes legal gun owners help prevent crime. He offers a 10 percent reduction in the cost of food to customers who wear guns into to his restaurant. However, Brooks told VOA news that the new law has led some people to stop eating at his restaurant. Brooks said, “We have people who say they are not coming back; we have people who say they are not going to support us, and that is their choice.” Gun-rights supporters have held meetings around Texas to celebrate the new law. But many gun owners said the new law has resulted in more gun bans on private property. Some businesses have posted legal, written notices to ban guns. Kroger is one of America’s largest groups of food stores. It has over 220 stores in Texas alone. The company has not banned the carrying of handguns in its Texas stores. A parent named Mandy said she would be uneasy shopping in a store where guns are permitted. “I would not feel comfortable with my kids being around it [a gun],” she said. Close to 945,000 Texans have handgun permits and are affected by the new law. In August, openly carrying guns will become permissible at state colleges and universities. I’m Jonathan Evans.   Greg Flakus reported on this story for VOANews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. What do you thing about the new gun law in Texas? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   conceal – v. to hide something from sight customer – n. someone who buys goods or services from a business comfortable – adv. allowing you to be relaxed: causing no worries, difficulty, or uncertainty

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1S3zLFG
via IFTTT

English @ the Movies: 'Stand On its Own'

Today's English @ the Movies takes its phrase from a comedy-- the movie "Vacation." Do you know what the phrase "stand on its own" means? Watch and listen to find out.

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1PlGCEX
via IFTTT

VOA English Newscast: 1400 UTC February 4, 2016

  From Washington, this is VOA News.      I’m Ira Mellman reporting. The United States kicks more into the till (of money) aimed at helping Syrian refugees… The United States will provide over $925-million to help Syrians trapped by civil war and assist neighboring countries struggling to cope with the crisis. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced the contribution Thursday at an international donors’ conference for Syria in London. “Today, the United States is announcing our latest contribution, which is over (US$) 925-million, that includes more than 600-million in direct humanitarian aid to provide food, shelter, water, medical care and other vital relief to millions of people inside of Syria and across the region. It also includes 325-million (US$) in development assistant, 290-million (US$) of which is new funding specifically to support schooling for 300,000 refugee youth in Jordan and Lebanon.” The United Nations is seeking an additional $1.2 billion to help the affected nations develop response plans to the deal with the scores of refugees.  British Prime Minister David Cameron said the donations will provide the affected Syrians with a "sense of hope needed to stop people thinking they have no option but to risk their lives on a dangerous journey to Europe." Cameron announced ahead of the conference that Britain would contribute $1.75 billion to the effort. The start of the conference took place just hours after the United Nations called off the Syrian peace talks in Geneva, at least temporarily, until the end of February. U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura was alternating between discussions with representatives of both sides. This is VOA News. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Newscast   till – n. a place where money or other valuables are kept cope – v. to deal with something difficult effectively contribution – n. a gift or payment made over – adj. more than vital – adj. important or necessary relief – n. aid or assistance region – n. a part of a state or country funding – n. finances, usually in the form of money specifically – adj. special; exactly presented response – n. something that is said or written in answer to something else scores – adj. many; a large number option – n. the chance of ability to choose something or choose between two or more things journey – n. trip ahead – adj. or adv. in or toward the front of alternating – adj. in or forming a repeated series   We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.  ​

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1NSpWTh
via IFTTT

If You Learn Conditionals, You'll Be Glad You Did!

In this week's episode of Everyday Grammar, we are going to talk about conditionals. We use conditionals to show that something is true only when something else is true. Conditionals offer endless possibilities for creative and imaginative expression. Present real conditional The present real conditional is the most basic kind of conditional. Basically, when A happens, B happens. Here's an example of a present real conditional: "If it rains, I bring an umbrella." Conditionals have two parts: the if clause: "if it rains," and the result clause: "I bring an umbrella." You could also say "I bring an umbrella if it rains." Poets and songwriters often use conditionals in their work. Listen for the present real conditional in this song by American songwriter Bob Dylan. "If you see her, say hello. She might be in Tangier ..." Notice that the verbs see and say are both in the present tense for the present real conditional. Present unreal conditional The next conditional that we're going to talk about is the present unreal conditional. Use the present unreal conditional to talk about what you would do in an unreal, or imaginary situation: If A happened, B would happen. For example, "If I were you, I would take the job." The key word is would; it makes the conditional unreal. Would can only be used in the result clause of the sentence. Here's an example from American singer Johnny Cash. "If I were a carpenter And you were a lady Would you marry me anyway? Would you have my baby?" To form a present unreal conditional, use a simple past verb in the if clause. In the result clause, use would followed by a simple present verb. Use the verb were for all nouns in the if clause of the sentence. For example, "If she were an animal, she would be a cat." In informal speech, people might say, "If she was an animal, she would be a cat." But you should avoid this in formal writing. Future real conditional Now let's talk about the future real conditional: If A happens, B will happen. To make a future real conditional, use will in the result clause. For example, "If your plane is late, I will wait in the car." Use the future real conditional to talk about possible situations in the future. Speakers sometimes use the future real conditional to threaten others. Listen to actor Liam Neeson in the 2013 movie "Taken." In this scene of the movie, Neeson's character is on the phone threatening the man who kidnapped his daughter. "If you let my daughter go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you. I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you." This is only a quick introduction to conditionals. In a future episode of Everyday Grammar, we will talk about past and mixed conditionals. Until then, we will leave you with country music stars Johnny Cash and June Carter. "If you were a carpenter And I were a lady I'd marry you anyway I'd have your baby" (Watch Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash sing "If I were a Carpenter.") I'm Jonathan Evans. Adam Brock wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Jill Robbins and Ashley Thompson were the editors. Now it's your turn. Here's a conditional sentence you can apply. If you send us your mailing address in the comments, we will send you a 2016 VOA Calendar. We will not publish your address in the comments, of course. Feel free to add a comment, we will publish that without the address.  REFERENCE – Three common conditionals (incomplete list)   If clause Result clause Present Real If you see her, Simple present say hello. Simple present Present Unreal If I were you, Simple past I would leave. Would + simple present Future Real If your plane is late, Simple present I will wait for you. Simple future   ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   conditional - n. a word, clause, or sentence that shows that something is true or happens only if something else is true or happens imaginative - adj. having or showing an ability to think of new and interesting ideas : having or showing imagination basic – adj. forming or relating to the first or easiest part of something clause - n. grammar : a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb tense - n. a form of a verb that is used to show when an action happened unreal - adj. not real; not true

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1SZGyjW
via IFTTT

February 3, 2016

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

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1nO1gXr
via IFTTT