Buddhist Monks, Troops Clash in Thailand

Buddhist monks fought with troops in Thailand on Monday during a protest against government interference. Television reports showed troops and monks clashing after the soldiers tried to stop them from entering a park in Nakhon Pathom province, west of Bangkok. Some protestors held signs calling on the government to name Buddhism as the country’s national religion. Most Thais are Buddhists. There is fighting over which monk will lead them. The top candidate is 90 years old and being investigated for financial crimes. Last year, Thai Buddhism’s ruling Sangha Supreme Council said the monk was not guilty of charges he had stolen millions of dollars. Critics say Thai Buddhism has been hurt by leaders who have many luxuries, use illegal drugs and have improper sexual relations. Buddha Issara is an activist monk. He says “we need to reform Thai Buddhism because it has become rotten…” I’m Dorothy Gundy.   The Reuters news agency reported on this story. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the report for VOA 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   luxury – n. something that is expensive and not necessary rotten – adj. not morally good

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

Lamar, Swift, Trainor Win at 2016 Grammy Awards

Kendrick Lamar had a big night at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California. The hip-hop artist won five Grammys, including best rap album for “To Pimp a Butterfly.”  Lamar also excited the crowd with a dramatic performance of his songs “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright.” And, President Barack Obama’s favorite rapper was a subject of a White House tweet Monday night. The administration praised Lamar "and all the artists at the #Grammys working to build a brighter future." ​ In January, Obama and Lamar met at the White House to discuss ways to help children in troubled urban communities. However, the biggest Grammy awards went to others entertainers on Monday night. Taylor Swift walked away with Album of the Year for “1989.” The Song of the Year award went to Ed Sheeran for “Thinking Out Loud.” Singer Meghan Trainor was honored with Best New Artist. And the final of the big four Grammy awards, Record of the Year, went to Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars for “Uptown Funk.” The show The Grammy ceremony is almost as much about the performances as the awards. This year, the audience enjoyed a song from the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton." The show was also honored with the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. And, Lady Gaga hit all the right notes in her musical tribute to the late rocker David Bowie. There were some disappointments, however, including technical problems. Audio failures left British star Adele sounding flat in the performance of her song “All I Ask.”   Other awards Chris Stapleton won the award for Best Country Album for "Traveller." He also won the Grammy for best country solo performance. Best Alternative Music Album Grammy went to Alabama Shakes for sound and color. I’m Caty Weaver.   Caty Weaver wrote this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   dramatic – adj. greatly affecting people's emotions audience – n.  a group of people who gather together to listen to something or watch something audio – n. of or relating to the sound that is heard on a recording or broadcast tribute – n. something that you say, give, or do to show respect or affection for someone Do you think the Recording Academy got it right with the Grammy Awards this year? Were you hoping for other winners? Let us know what you think. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/20CliA4
via IFTTT

VOA English Newscast: 2000 UTC February 16, 2016

From Washington, this is VOA News.      I’m Dave DeForest reporting. Ukraine's president has asked the country's prime minister to resign. President Petro Poroshenko made the surprise request Tuesday in the face of what is perceived to be a government failure to fight corruption and overcome an economic crisis. Opinion polls show growing public disenchantment with the government of Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk. Turkey is bracing for a possible new onslaught of Syrian refugees. Officials fear that fighting in Northern Syria between Kurdish and government forces will cause civilians to flee, seeking safety. Kurdish militiamen have taken control of a strategic town that overlooks the junction of two main roads leading to Aleppo. And Regime forces seized control of two villages overnight. A Turkish official said Tuesday that his government is asking allies to take part in a ground operation in Syria. He said that is the only way to stop the country's five-year war. But the official told reporters that while Turkey wants a ground effort, it will not undertake the effort on its own. Candidates in Uganda are holding final rallies ahead of the country's presidential and legislative elections. Voters will decide on Thursday whether to give President Yoweri Museveni a fifth term in office. On Monday, Ugandan police detained opposition candidate Kizza Besigye as he campaigned in the country's capital. Uganda's assistant inspector general of police accused Besigye of violating campaign rules. Four of the world's biggest oil-producing nations moved to freeze their production Tuesday. They are trying to stop the drop in the price of crude oil, which has resulted from a glut of petroleum on world markets. The agreement was reached by oil ministers of a number of countries. This is VOA News. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This New perceived – v. recognized; thinking of something as being something stated overcome – v. to defeat; to successfully deal with poll – n. an activity in which a number of people are asked questions in an effort to get information about a larger population is thinking disenchantment – n. dissatisfaction bracing – v. preparing for something onslaught – n. a violent attack strategic – adj. important or useful overlooks – v. to look down on something; to fail to see junction – n. a place where two things meet; a place where roads or railroad lines come together regime – adj. of or related to a government overnight – adj. during the night undertake – v. to begin or attempt something rallies – n. demonstrations or gatherings ahead – adv. or adj. before or toward of the front crude – adj. unprocessed or untreated glut – n. too much of something

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1SRaOy5
via IFTTT

February 16, 2016

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

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

apply (verb)

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

Making Women Signup for the Draft Stirs Debate

Whether women should have to register for the U.S. military service is being debated in the United States. Top Army and Marine Corps commanders recently told the Senate Armed Services Committee that American women, like men, should register with the Selective Service System. The Selective Service System is a government agency that registers young males for military duty in case they are called to serve in wartime. By law, American men between the ages of 18 and 25 must provide important personal information to the government, such as birth dates and Social Security numbers. A bill has been introduced to Congress requiring eligible women to register for the military draft. Political candidates running for president of the U.S. are expressing their opinions about the issue. “The idea that the federal government would … conscript our daughters and put them in a combat role, in a foxhole, fighting a jihadist…is nuts,” said Republican presidential candidate Senator Ted Cruz. Women who were about to become active duty service members also expressed their opinions on women registering for the draft. Nicole Golfin said: “I think it’s a great idea. I think women have just as [much] power mentally and physical strength to help fight for this country.” Another new recruit saw military registration for females differently. “I’m kind of against it,” said Danielle Wilkins. “I do believe that women and men should have the same equal opportunities, but I believe it should not be a requirement for women.” More than 200,000 women are on active duty in the U.S. military. Some 150 service women have been killed on active duty in American wars and battles since 2001. The United States has not had a military draft since 1973, and registration for the draft began in 1980. I'm Jim Dresbach.   Bernard Shusman reported on this story for VOANews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted this 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   eligible – adj. able to be chosen for something controversy – n. argument that involves many people who strongly disagree about something conscript – v. to force someone to serve in the armed forces nuts – adj. crazy foxhole – n. a hole dug for a soldier to sit or lie in for protection from the enemy draft – n. a system in which young people are required to join the armed forces of a country for a period of service

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1ToS6gY
via IFTTT

Former UN Chief Boutros Boutros-Ghali Dies

This is What’s Trending Today…. Boutros Boutros-Ghali was the United Nations Secretary General in the first part of the 1990s. He died in Egypt on February 16. He was 93. His name became one of the top trending topics worldwide on Twitter on Tuesday. An Egyptian newspaper, al-Ahram, reported Boutros-Ghali died due to complications from a broken pelvis. An Egyptian diplomat, Boutros-Ghali was elected to a five-year term as U.N. Secretary General in 1991. The Washington Post wrote Boutros-Ghali presided over the U.N. during two of the world’s worst genocides. Hundreds of thousands of people from the Tutsi and Hutu ethnic groups in Rwanda were killed during his term. Boutros-Ghali called it, “my worst failure.” About 100,000 also died during the civil war in Bosnia. The New York Times called his term “a chaotic period.” It was marked by diplomatic conflicts with the United States over Bosnia and a failed raid in Somalia that resulted in the death of 15 Americans. The event was documented in a film called “Black Hawk Down.” The Washington Post also noted there were regular disagreements between the U.S. and the U.N. over unpaid dues, totaling close to $1.5 billion. After leaving the U.N., Boutros-Ghali wrote in his memoir of the difficulty in dealing with American President Bill Clinton. He wrote, “His mocking pronunciation of my name – Boo-trus, Boo-trus – sounded like a jeering mob.” While there were many tweets and messages of support for Boutros-Ghali’s family upon the news of his death, there were also some references to his unique name. One person wrote “God, I loved that man’s name.” Others were quick to reference a viral video that Boutros-Ghali appeared in after his term ended. Boutros-Ghali did an interview with comedian Sacha Baron Cohen. Baron Cohen was known in the late 1990s and early 2000s for playing a character called Ali G. Cohen, as the loud, ill-informed street personality Ali G, interviewed celebrities and politicians on his television show. Many of them were flustered by his act, but Boutros-Ghali was praised for handling the interview with poise. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.   Who do you remember from Boutros-Ghali’s term? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ___________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   chaotic – adj. in a state of complete confusion or disorder pelvis – n. the wide curved bones between the spine and the leg bones poise – adj. showing a calm, confident manner flustered – adj. upset or nervous

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1PDt3CY
via IFTTT

UN: Kim Jong Un Could Be Guilty of Crimes Against Humanity

A United Nations expert on human rights in North Korea has warned that the country’s dictator, Kim Jong Un, could be responsible for crimes against humanity. Marzuki Darusman is the agency’s top investigator for human rights in North Korea. On Monday, he released a report on a UN investigation into human rights abuses in the closed country. The report said the UN Human Rights Council should tell Kim and other senior North Korean leaders that they could be held responsible for human rights crimes. The council will review the report next month. North Korea’s human rights abuses are among the worst in the world. UN investigators say the abuses are the worst since World War II. UN investigators have said North Korean leaders should be tried at the International Criminal Court. The UN Security Council would have to approve the prosecution. China and Russia are members of the council. They do not support the prosecution of the North’s leaders. They can veto any Security Council decision. UN investigators have accused the North Korean government of operating a large system of prisons holding political prisoners. They say North Korean officials have ordered murder, enslavement, torture, imprisonment, rape, forced abortions and other sexual violence. I’m Jonathan Evans.   This story was based on information from VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted this report 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   review - v. to look at or examine prosecution - n. the act of holding a trial against a criminal suspect abortion - n. an operation to end a pregnancy and cause the death of the fetus

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1Ko9rUA
via IFTTT

China Stops Author from Accepting Prize in US

A former reporter for China’s official news agency says the government forbids him to accept an award in the United States for a book he wrote about the Great Chinese Famine. Yang Jisheng’s book -- called Tombstone -- was published in 2008. In December, Harvard University’s Nieman Fellows program gave him an award for writing the book. It is 1,200 pages. The book tells about the famine that lasted from 1958 to 1961. Yang estimates that at least 36 million Chinese died during the famine. He wrote that the government hid information about the disaster, which was caused by agricultural mismanagement. As he researched the book, Yang was permitted to see many government documents that others had not read. Recently, China has allowed authors to write about problems during the time of former leader Mao Zedong. But the government does not permit discussion of national disasters. Yang’s book has been banned in China. In a telephone interview with the Associated Press on Tuesday, Yang said the official Xinhua news agency would not permit him to travel. He did not say how it would stop him from leaving the country. And he did not say if his passport had been taken from him. Because Yang worked for the Chinese government, his pension could be at risk. Yang says he traveled to Sweden in November to receive the Stieg Larsson Prize in Stockholm. The 76-year-old writer said he accepted the prize “with grief.” This time he told officials of his travel plans, and they stopped him. He said he could not give more information because he is not permitted to speak to foreign reporters. “I grieve for the 36 million starved dead,” he said in a speech. “I grieve that this human tragedy that occurred five decades ago is still being covered up, while those who uncover this human tragedy are pressured, attacked and slandered.” After he retired from Xinhua, Yang wrote for a history journal that publishes articles that the government sometimes does not like. In a message published online, he said he stopped working for the journal last year after he was pressured to do so by people at Xinhua. The Xinhua news agency did not immediately answer a message asking for an interview about Yang. I’m Mario Ritter.   The Associated Press reported on this story. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the report 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   forbid – v. to order (someone) not to do something; to bar pension – n. an amount of money that an employer pays to a retired worker grief – n. deep sadness, caused especially by someone’s death ​

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1OeRtP4
via IFTTT

Afraid of Public Speaking? You Are Not Alone!

Students in American schools learn from an early age to give presentations as part of their regular classroom activities. Children as young as five years old often give brief talks about objects they bring in to school - called “show and tell,” this training is a basis for later public speaking. Even so, many native English-speaking adults are afraid to speak or give presentations in front of a large group. There is a large industry of consultants who train professionals in public speaking. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld said the most common fear people have is public speaking. The second most common fear is death. He made a joke about this. He said, "I saw a thing, actually a study that said: speaking in front of a crowd is considered the number one fear of the average person. I found that amazing. Number two, was death. Death is number two? This means, to the average person, if you have to be at a funeral, you would rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy."  Speaking English in public meetings is necessary for many students and employees. The best way to improve is to practice public speaking in a friendly environment. Learners need to receive feedback about what they are doing well and about their mistakes. One group that gives members the chance to practice is Toastmasters. Toastmasters is an international organization that holds weekly meetings. At the meetings, members each give a speech and give others advice about their speeches and speaking style. Charles LeBeau is a public speaking professor and consultant. He began his career in Japan in 1982.  Currently, he teaches at two universities and at the Toshiba International Training Center. He has also written books on the subject. English language learners around the world use his book Speaking of Speech. Mr. LeBeau says that students in other cultures may not have the chance to practice public speaking as young children. When they reach the college level, or enter their career, they need to present well in English. Many careers require public speaking skills. “In Japan now, most students need to do presentations in many of their classes. The other area is professionally. Whatever profession those students are in, or are going to be in, presentations are going to be an important part of it. So for example, if they’re going to be in sales, presentation is an important part of sales. If they are going to be a teacher, it’s an important part of being a teacher. If they are going to be in the tourism industry, it’s an important part of that. Practically, in almost all kinds of work there’s some opportunity to do a presentation.” Speaking of Speech tells about a method of teaching public speaking for non-native speakers. Mr. LeBeau says a simple approach helps English learners. So, the professor divides public speaking into three parts: the physical message, the visual message, and the story message. “The central thing to remember about public speaking or presentation is that it’s a very complex, sophisticated communicative activity. For non-native speakers it’s a really scary activity. So to make that more simplistic and easy for them, and to keep it from being so overwhelming, because there’s so many things going on, the approach that I’ve taken is to simplify and break it down. First if we look at presentation, what’s going on, there are basically three messages that the presenter is giving the audience, all simultaneously.  There’s what I call the physical message. It’s basically body language. It’s the way that my body, as a speaker, is talking to the audience. Then there’s also the visual message. The visual message(s) are the slides that we now make and show the audience. The third message is the story message. The story message is the content of our presentation. So another way we can think of the story message is that it’s the verbal message, it’s what we say to the audience.  The story message also includes how we organize our ideas to present to the audience.” The graphic [click to enlarge] shows examples of these three messages. Mr. LeBeau finds that company employees are under pressure to perform well when giving professional presentations. He says it can take years to improve general English speaking ability. He says the simple approach to breaking down the parts of public speaking has proved itself. He says learners improve quickly and do a good presentation after a few days of study.  “They don’t have the time to work and improve their English, they don’t have three or four years to work on their English and become better English speakers. What they need to do is work on their presentation skills, so that they can give a good presentation next week, regardless of the level of their English. So I think this is why focusing on presentation skills is really, really important. Of course, over the long run they have to improve their English. But if we can help them improve their presentation skills, they can do a good presentation regardless of their English level.” Modern technology is an important tool in teaching and learning public speaking. Many students now have a phone or device that can take videos. Using these videos, students can watch themselves and see how they appear to their audience. They can also watch models of good speeches on the Internet and learn from watching videos of public speaking experts. In the next ‘Speaking Tips’ we will explore Charles LeBeau’s recommendations for improving the Physical Message. He thinks this is the public speaking skill that is easiest for English learners to improve quickly. I’m Jill Robbins.   Jill Robbins wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   consultant – n. a person who gives professional advice or services to companies for a fee practice – v. to do something again and again in order to become better at it visual – adj. relating to seeing or to the eyes feedback – n. helpful information or criticism that is given to someone to say what can be done to improve a performance, product, etc. approach – n. way of dealing with something; a way of doing or thinking about something communicative – adj. relating to communication scary – adj. causing fear overwhelming – adj. used to describe something that is so confusing, difficult, etc., that you feel unable to do it simultaneously – adv. referring to events happening at the same time

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1Ko9pfw
via IFTTT

US: ASEAN Is the Heart of Asia Pacific

At a meeting of Southeast Asian nations in California, President Barack Obama is looking to solidify America’s leadership role in the Asia Pacific region. All 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, are meeting with the U.S. at the historic Rancho Mirage retreat in Sunnylands. Behind the beautiful backdrop, the leaders will take on difficult issues important to the region. Obama hopes to continue his Asian pivot to place more American political and military power in the fast-growing area. The U.S. and China are competing for influence among Asian nations. The talks will include closer relationships on people, trade and commerce, cooperation against violent extremism, and establishing rules and principles to guide nations on different issues. South China Sea dispute A main discussion point will be territorial disputes in the South China Sea and China’s increasing activities in the region. White House officials said the U.S. will send “a very clear message” to ASEAN leaders that it opposes China’s “militarization” of the disputed territories, and any increase in tensions there. The U.S. is not a claimant in the South China Sea disputes. But it will continue to press for freedom of navigation. The U.S. “interest in the South China Sea is the free flow of commerce,” said Ben Rhodes, White House deputy national security advisor. The administration says ASEAN is “the heart” of the Asia Pacific, and the best way to build a structure for peaceful and legal pursuit of interests. “The more that we can establish clear rules of the road for how issues are managed, for how disputes are resolved, the more stable and prosperous this region is going to stay going forward,” said Rhodes. North Korea’s recent rocket testing is also expected to be discussed at the meeting. The U.S. and ASEAN leaders will discuss how China can help pressure Pyongyang to end its “provocative” actions. The U.S. and China disagree on North Korea, but the U.S. sees common interest in keeping the Korean Peninsula nuclear-free. "We are exceptionally candid in confronting the many differences and tensions that exist between us,” said Daniel Kritenbrink, National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affairs. He said our relationship with China is “stable” and “complex." Daniel R. Russel is Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He said the ASEAN summit is “not about China,” but about creating an ASEAN committed to rules and fairness. “It allows major countries like the United States and other powers to engage constructively as partners,” Russell said. Obama will speak about human rights and democracy at the meeting. But administration officials said ASEAN countries have very different political models and human rights and democracy records. American officials say that countries that show positive movement towards democracy, like Myanmar, will get U.S. support.   Mary Alice Salinas reported on this story for VOANews.com. Anne Ball adapted this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. What agreements do you want to see come from the ASEAN summit?  Let us know. Write a comment in the section below or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   solidify - v. make something stronger retreat - n. a place that is quiet and private pivot - n. the action of turning around pursuit –n. the act of following or chasing someone or something prosperous –adj. having success usually by making a lot of money provocative – adj. causing discussion, thought, argument, etc. candid –adj. honest stable –adj. in a good state or condition that is not easily changed or likely to change commit –v. to say that someone will definitely do something to make someone obligated to do something  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1okD1AG
via IFTTT