Mental Health Not Primary Cause of Gun-Related Violence

  The order of events is almost always the same after a mass shooting in the United States. People go to the place where the shooting happened. The mourners cry or stand silently. They leave flowers, balloons or messages. Many Americans watch television reports about the shooting. Later, politicians call for strong laws to prevent individuals with mental problems from using guns. Earlier this year, CNN invited President Barack Obama to appear on a special television program on gun violence. During the program, a law enforcement official told the president that gun violence would not end until criminals and “those with mental illness” obey gun ownership laws. Many political leaders link shooting deaths to mental illness. The president proposed a $500 million plan to expand mental health treatment programs in an effort to limit mass shootings and gun violence. Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, said “we have seen consistently that an underlying cause of these attacks has been mental illness, and we should look at ways to address this problem.” But researchers say people with mental problems -- including schizophrenia and severe depression -- are no more likely to use a gun to kill others than anyone else. Small percentage of gun violence Beth McGinty is an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health in Maryland. She recently completed a study that found most people with mental illness in the U.S. are not violent toward others. Her study also found that mental illness is not a cause of most gun violence in the U.S. McGinty told VOA that “even if we had a perfect mental health system that treated everyone when they needed it, and gave them effective treatment, we would probably only prevent between three to five percent of gun violence and 95 to 97 percent of gun violence would remain untouched.” She added that “we have good studies showing that news media [reports about] mental illness really focus on rare acts of violence -- often very high-profile acts of violence like mass shootings committed by people with serious mental illness.” McGinty says whenever there is a mass shooting, officials and reporters look for evidence that the shooter had a mental problem. She notes “violence helps sell newspapers and so that’s often what gets focused on.” Failure to seek other causes Experts say when shootings are blamed on mental illness, people do not think about other possible causes for the attack. Paul Gionfriddo is president of Mental Health America, a group that helps people with mental problems. He says if we don’t “automatically think ‘mental illness,’ it would give us the opportunity to think about some other things” as the cause of mass shootings. Gionfriddo and McGinty say the belief that mental illness is linked to gun violence hurts the image of those who suffer from these disorders. And they say it makes it more difficult for people with such illnesses to be treated. Experts believe there has not been enough research on the causes of gun violence. They believe it should be studied as a public health threat so gun deaths can be prevented -- or at least reduced. I’m Mehrnoush Karimian-Ainsworth.   VOA’s Carol Pearson reported this story from Washington. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it 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   mental illness – n. a specific condition that prevents your mind from working normally; a sickness or disease consistently – adv. continuing to happen or develop in the same way underlying – adj. used to identify the idea, cause, problem, etc., that forms the basis of something address – v. to give attention to (something); to deal with (a matter, issue, problem, etc.) schizophrenia – n. a very serious mental illness in which someone cannot think or behave normally and often experiences delusions focus – v. to cause (something, such as attention) to be directed at something specific (usually + on) high-profile – adj. attracting a lot of attention in newspapers, on television, etc. commit – v. to do (something that is illegal or harmful) automatically – adj. happening or done without deliberate thought or effort image – n. the idea that people have about someone or something  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1Yo7iMO
via IFTTT

Orlando Gunman’s Father: ‘I Do Not Know What Caused This’

  The father of the man identified as the gunman in the Florida mass killings says he is "extremely" upset over the incident. The gunman killed 49 people early Sunday at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Over 50 others were wounded. Seddique Mateen says he has no idea why his son, Omar Mateen, carried out such an attack “during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan." "I do not know what caused this,” the father said. “I did not know he had hatred in his heart.” Seddique Mateen lives in Florida. He calls himself the revolutionary president of Afghanistan. He has been communicating with the Afghan people through video messages on his Facebook account. Mateen has appointed a “cabinet” for his revolutionary government. He also has been releasing “orders” and “policy” statements on his Facebook page. Mateen placed a message on Facebook hours before his son attacked the gay nightclub. In it, he spoke to those he called, “the revolutionary people of Afghanistan.” He said they have the ability to arrest the Afghan president, the Afghan national security adviser and Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan. In his video messages, Seddique Mateen is critical of the government of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. He said that his revolutionary government will help Afghans get rid of the war and corruption and will guarantee a "prosperous” Afghanistan.  In a video message Saturday, Mateen criticized individuals inside the Afghan government who he said are plotting against the Afghan people. He accused the national security adviser, Mohammad Hanif Atmar, of helping the Islamic State group. In addition, he accused former President Hamid Karzai of leading the plans and activities of the “Iran and Pakistan-backed” Taliban. Mateen traveled to Mexico in early June and sent messages to Afghans from a cruise ship. Before leaving, he said he was on an “official” trip.  A VOA reporter spoke with an individual who did not want to be identified. The person said Seddique Mateen launched an organization called “Durand Line Jirga” for political and financial purposes. Mateen organized a gathering of Afghans a few years ago in Northern Virginia. A number of people objected because he “pursued his own political agenda,” one person not wishing to be identified told VOA. “He wanted to establish contacts with U.S. officials and congressmen,” the person said. Mateen spoke to NBC News about his son’s actions. “This has nothing to do with religion,” he said. “We are saying we are apologizing for the whole incident. We are not aware of any action he is taking.” He added that his son was “enraged” when he saw two men kissing a few months ago in Miami. Afghan President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah have strongly condemned the Orlando nightclub attack. “Targeting civilians is not justifiable under any circumstances whatsoever,” Ghani said. Abdullah said, “Terrorism and terrorists, as foes of human being(s), are not representing any faith, religion, ethnicity (or) race.” I’m Mario Ritter.   Noor Zahid reported this story for VOANews.com. Mario Ritter adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   nightclub – n. a place for drinking and dancing usually only open at night circumstances –n. conditions that affect a situation upset – adj. unhappy, anxious or angry rid – v. to remove, to take away prosperous – adj. to have gained wealth enraged – v. to become very angry gay – adj. describing people attracted to the same sex as themselves  

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

Scientists Discover Gene Responsible for Multiple Sclerosis

  From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. An estimated two million people around the world have multiple sclerosis, a disease commonly called MS. The disease can affect a person’s brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves in the eyes. It can cause problems with eyesight, balance, muscle control, and other body functions. The severity often differs from one MS patient to the next. The most severe form of the disease is called “primary progressive.” Scientists have found that a single change in a person’s genetic material can cause primary progressive MS. They say this finding could lead to a cure for a disease that cripples millions of people. Researchers have long suspected that multiple sclerosis resulted from some kind of interaction among genes. Individuals with that genetic interaction, they thought, were more likely than others to get sick. They also believed that something in the environment, such as a viral infection or lack of vitamins in the diet, could activate the disease. But Canadian researchers have found that is not the cause of the most severe form of multiple sclerosis. With primary progressive MS, a single mutated gene can greatly increase the risk for developing the disease. This single gene is called NR1H3. The Canadian researchers are with the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. They reported the findings in the journal Neuron. The researchers examined medical records for 2,000 Canadian families with family members who had MS. The investigation led them to two families that carried a mutation, a structural change, in the NR1H3 gene. Members of those families suffered from the most severe form of multiple sclerosis. Medical geneticist Carles Vilariño-Güell was the lead writer of the report. He noted that 15 to 20 percent of MS cases were thought to be hereditary, but that has never been proven. Vilariño-Güell says other studies have linked other genes to the disease. But those genes increased the risk of getting MS by, at most, three percent. "With this mutation, your risk is 60- to 70-percent. So, that's a 600 to 700 (percent) increase in comparison to the general population. And that's what really makes this completely different from other genetic findings." In other experiments, the researchers examined the NR1H3 gene in mice. Animals with a normal copy of the gene developed neurological problems when the gene was removed. The problems included a decrease in the production of myelin. Myelin protects protein on the outside of neurons. It speeds the electrical messages that control movement. A common sign of MS is muscle weakness and a loss of coordination. Many research teams are studying how to repair myelin in MS patients. Currently, drugs to treat it only slow down progression of the disease. They do not cure it. Discovery of a single genetic defect as the cause of MS, Vilariño-Güell says, could mean it may one day be possible to repair the gene. This means curing the crippling disorder. "You know, the more understanding we have of the mechanism of disease for all these families allows us to develop different treatments for different forms of the disease." Researchers say they will continue their search for a single genetic cause for the most common form of multiple sclerosis, called “relapsing remitting MS.” They say their hope is that a cure could be discovered soon. I’m Anna Matteo.   Jessica Berman reported this story for VOANews.com. Anna Matteo adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ___________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   spinal cord – n. the large group of nerves which runs through the center of the spine and carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body optic nerve – n. either of the second pair of cranial nerves that pass from the retina to the optic chiasma and conduct visual stimuli to the brain cripple – v. to cause (a person or animal) to be unable to move or walk database – n. a collection of pieces of information that is organized and used on a computer geneticist – n. a scientist who studies genetics hereditary – adj. passed or able to be passed from parent to child before birth neurological – adj. the scientific study of the nervous system and the diseases that affect it coordination – n. the process of organizing people or groups so that they work together properly and well defect – n. a physical problem that causes something to be less valuable, effective, healthy, etc. mechanism – n. a process or system that is used to produce a particular result: “Scientists are studying the body's mechanisms for controlling weight.”

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1VVFoY3
via IFTTT

Contrast in Color Between Tony and Oscar Awards

  Each year, the Tony Awards honor the best actors, entertainers, writers and producers from New York City’s Broadway theaters. James Corden, a white comedian, opened the Tony Awards on Sunday night by saying, “think of tonight as the Oscars, but with diversity.” By contrast, Chris Rock, a black comedian, had opened the Oscars show last February by welcoming people to the “white People’s Choice Awards.” Of the 40 actors nominated on Sunday night at the Tony Awards, 14 were of color. Black actors won four of the major acting awards. Leslie Odom Jr. is a black actor who plays Aaron Burr in Hamilton. He won the best leading actor in a musical award over his cast-mate Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda created the musical and played the title role of Alexander Hamilton. Miranda is of Puerto Rican heritage. Cynthia Erivo, a black actor from Great Britain, won for her role in The Color Purple. African-Americans Daveed Diggs and Renee Elise Goldsberry also won for their performances in Hamilton. One person following the Tony Awards on Twitter compiled photos of four of the black winners with the hashtag #TonysSoInclusive. Last February, the Oscars were criticized for not nominating any black actors for its major awards for the second year in a row. People protested the awards show and the social media hashtag #OscarsSoWhite was trending. While Miranda lost the best leading actor award to a fellow cast member, his musical Hamilton was the big winner of the night. Miranda won awards for best new musical, best musical book and best original score. The show won 11 awards on Sunday night, only one short of the record held by The Producers. The musical is about the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers. Hamilton was not a president, but he fought in the Revolutionary War, persuaded the states to accept the Constitution, and helped create the country’s national banking and economic system. Other well-known actors won awards on Sunday: Frank Langella won for his role in The Father; Jessica Lange won for Long Day’s Journey Into Night; and Jayne Houdyshell, who has been performing for 40 years, won her first Tony for The Humans. The Tony Awards also celebrated a big year for Broadway shows. Hamilton and 38 new productions helped sell a record 13.3 million tickets for live theater in New York City. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. Do you think the Oscars will be different in 2017 after seeing the success of the Tony Awards this year? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   diversity – n. the state of having people who are different races or who have different cultures in a group or organization compile – v. to put together (various songs, pieces of writing, facts, etc.) in a publication or collection protest – v. to show or express strong disagreement with or disapproval of something heritage – n. the traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc., that are part of the history of a group or nation — usually singular argument – n. a statement or series of statements for or against something score – n. a document showing all the notes of a piece of music

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

Indoor Farming Industry Is Growing Fast

As experts warn of a coming food crisis, the vertical farming industry aims to create plants that offer more nutritional value and require fewer resources. In vertical farms, plants are grown indoors. Each set of plants is stacked on another. Workers control the climate and closely monitor each plant’s growth. Vertical farm supporters say the methods are good for the environment, and good for the world’s growing population. Experts say the size of the vertical farming market is expected to quadruple over the next five years to nearly $4 billion. Aerofarms Because of the technology it has created, AeroFarms has become one of the top indoor-farming companies. One of its vertical farms is in a large building near a busy road in Newark, New Jersey. It grows more than 250 kinds of greens and herbs. Farmers wear gloves, coats and coverings on their head. Their shoes must be cleaned. AeroFarms grows crops at the same rate throughout the year. The methods it uses lower soil erosion. They also reduce the amount of pesticides and water needed to grow the crops. The company says carbon emissions are heavily reduced and in some cases eliminated. David Rosenberg is the co-founder and chief executive officer of AeroFarms. “We could do this whether it is in the Sahara [Desert] or a city like Newark,” he said. AeroFarms co-founder and chief marketing officer Marc Oshima says the company grows the kinds of plants that are eaten by people who live near the indoor farm.   “We think about amaranth -- one of the most popular greens in Africa and Southeast Asia. We think about how we can really bring and celebrate different types of varieties and different types of greens that are going to be specific to those regions,” he said. Alina Zolotareva is a dietitian and nutritionist at AeroFarms. She says she wants people to eat more leafy greens like kale, one of the most nutritionally dense foods. She says if her company is to successfully encourage this kind of healthy eating, it must grow crops that taste good. “Americans especially don’t eat enough vegetables, and so for me the most exciting part is all of the different flavors that we have here. It makes eating your vegetables so much more exciting and so much more fun.” CEO David Rosenberg believes the company’s kale is tasty. “A lot of people like the nutritional density of kale, but they don’t like the taste. So we can make a sweeter kale using the same seed,” he said. Rosenberg said AeroFarms is helping the world deal with a growing food shortage. He said people must change their focus from the number of calories they consume to the nutrition levels of the foods they eat. Recent World Bank studies predict that an estimated global population of 9 billion in 2050 will require at least 50 percent more food. Experts say the crisis will be worsened by climate change, which they believe will reduce crop yields by more than 25 percent during that time. They say the food crisis will have a larger effect on the world’s poorest citizens than on those who live in developed countries.  I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.   VOA Correspondent Ramon Taylor reported this story from New York. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly 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   vertical – adj. positioned up and down rather than from side to side; going straight up nutritional – adj. healthy food or liquid stack – v. to place things on top of each other; to put things in a neat pile quadruple – adj. to become four times bigger in value or number; to cause (something) to become four times bigger erosion – n. the gradual destruction of something by natural forces (such as water, wind, or ice); the process by which something is eroded or worn away pesticide – n. a chemical that is used to kill animals or insects that damage plants or crops emissions – n. something sent out or given off eliminate – v. to remove (something that is not wanted or needed); to get rid of (something) variety – n. difference, not the same nutritionist – n. a person whose job is to give advice on how food affects your health focus – n. the center of interest or attention ​ calorie – n. a unit of heat used to indicate the amount of energy that foods will produce in the human body consume – v. to take in; to finish; to eat or drink yield – n. the amount that is produced by a plant, farm, etc.  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1U4ztLx
via IFTTT

Worldwide Reaction to Orlando Mass Shooting

In Photos: Worldwide Reaction to Pulse Orlando Massacre

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1UMl88J
via IFTTT

What It Takes to Be an Astronaut

Is it your dream to fly and to work in space? Do you want to be a NASA astronaut? Like many jobs, the first thing would be to fill out the application. A recording-breaking 18,300 people filled out applications recently to be an astronaut. NASA — the National Aeronautics and Space Administration — said that is how many people applied when it announced it was filling its 2017 Astronaut Candidate program. But out of those 18,300 applicants, just eight to 14 will be hired by the U.S. space agency. That means chances of becoming an astronaut are less than 0.08 percent.  That makes getting into this program 65 times harder than getting into Harvard University. Their acceptance rate is 5.2 percent. It will take NASA 18 months to decide who will be in the new class of astronauts. Anne Roemer is NASA’s Selection Manager. She said it is a very hard job — making the selections -- one they will do “very carefully.” “It starts by us reviewing all of the files to make sure they meet the basic qualifications, and then we actually utilize our current team of astronauts to come in and review the files as well." The first requirement is the applicants must be U.S. citizens. They need a college degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science, or mathematics. They also need at least three years of experience in a similar field or at least 1,000 hours as a jet airline pilot. There are requirements to pass a physical test. And then there are personality tests as well. What kinds of personality qualities is NASA looking for in an astronaut? “I think leadership, teamwork, the ability to both work on a team, lead a team, but also follow, be a follower on a team. Communications certainly plays a role, so it’s some pretty common skills that I think translate into even other professions.” About 120 applicants will be invited to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, for a first round of interviews. Then, about half of them will go back for a second round. Once the astronauts are selected, they must complete two years of training. This is when astronauts learn “a little bit of everything about spaceflight,” Roemer said. Things like learning about all the systems used by NASA, and Russian language training. Until the U.S. has a working vehicle to launch into space, NASA still depends on Russia to get astronauts into space. They also learn EVA, or Extravehicular Activities. In other words, they learn all about walking in space. “So they do a little bit of everything in that two-year window before moving into that mission specific training.” This is the group that may fly on as many as three new spacecraft still being developed. They include NASA’s Orion, which will be taking people into deep space exploration. NASA hopes to get humans to Mars in the 2030s. If you are you a young person interested in a space career later, Roemer offers this advice: “The piece of advice that we always like to tell young folks that are interested is to pick a career that you are passionate and enthusiastic about, because you tend to do well with things you like, and then being an astronaut would be the icing on the cake to hopefully what would otherwise a very fulfilling career." If you are chosen to be an astronaut, you would be part of a rare and prestigious group. The first seven astronauts were picked from the military in 1959. Since then, only 338 others have been chosen as NASA astronauts. I’m Anne Ball.   Peggy Chang reported on this story for VOANews.com. Anne Ball adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and post on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   application – n. a form used for making a request personality – n. the set of emotional qualities, ways of behaving, etc., that makes a person different from other people passionate – adj. having, showing or expressing strong emotions or beliefs enthusiastic – adj. feeling or showing strong excitement about something icing on the cake – phrase. something extra that makes a good thing even better prestigious – adj. having the respect and admiration that someone or something gets for being successful or important  

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

North Korea Builds Cambodian Museum

North Korea has spent $24 million and four years building the 6,000-square-meter, 35-meter-high Angkor Panorama Museum in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The Angkor museum shows Khmer warriors fighting using spears, swords and large elephants. The 12th century Angkorian Empire built huge religious centers, called temples. They are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Cambodian government worked with North Korea’s Mansudae Art Studio to build the museum and create paintings for it. The museum opened in December. Mansudae was created in 1959 to tell about North Korea and its ruling family. The stories are often untrue or highly exaggerated. The studio creates large projects. Its website says it has 4,000 workers, about a quarter of whom are artists. It says its studio is 120,000 square meters large, about 80,000 of which are indoors. It says the studio is “probably the largest art production center in the world and by far the largest and most important” in North Korea. Yit Chandaroat is the vice executive director of the Angkor museum. He told VOA’s Khmer service that visitors “feel as if they are right there during the Angkor era. They feel as if they are with the people selling vegetables [or] those on the fighting elephants in the painting.” The museum has a 13-meter-high, 123-meter-long, 360-degree mural showing thousands of warriors and artisans at war and work during the 12th century. Sixty-three North Korean painters worked on the mural for two years. It is so realistic that some visitors believe it is a picture rather than a painting. Keo Samoun lives in Banteay Meanchey province in Cambodia. She says the mural is “amazing. I can see everything. Just sitting here in one place you can see everything.” She went to the museum after visiting Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple. She said the museum helps people understand the history of the temples. She said it is easier to visit the museum than some of the temples spread throughout the province. Chandaroat says people should visit the museum before they go to the nearby temples. He said the more than 40,000 images of ancient warriors, artisans, farmers and animals help people understand the history of the temples and when they were built. Thai Norak Sathya is the Secretary of State of Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. He told VOA North Korea built the museum because of its relationship with the country’s king. He said it is not designed to make money for North Korea. “Let me tell you that the North Korean company completely abides by the technical condition and Khmer style of art. So, it is not the nature of this business to generate income.” The museum has not earned as much money as officials thought it would. About 90 percent of visitors are Cambodian. Foreign tourists bring valuable foreign currency to Siem Reap’s economy. But many say they do not plan to visit the museum. Sarah and Ashley are from Britain. They say they have traveled a long way and do not want to see just a painting of the Angkor temples. Sarah told VOA she is “quite surprised that they invested so much outside North Korea.” Ashley said “I want to see the real things. That is what I am here for. That is what we are going to do today. I am not interested [in going] to the museum.” Christelle Bimar is a traveler from France. She is visiting Siem Reap with her two sons. She did not know about the museum. “I am not aware of what’s inside,” she said. She was sitting in her chair in the shade of a palm tree in front of the Angkor temple. “But, yes, I think Angkor and Siem Reap deserve to have many more museums,” she said. Chandaroat says North Korea’s decision to build the museum was an act of friendship. The agreement between the two countries says North Korea would be paid back the $24 million investment. The museum will then be fully owned by Cambodia under the agreement within 20 years. I’m Christoper Jones-Cruise.   Correspondent Pin Sisovann reported this story from Siem Reap, Cambodia. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do 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   panorama – n. a full and wide view of something era – n. a period of time that is associated with a particular quality, event, person, etc. realistic – adj. showing people and things as they are in real life abide by – phrasal verb obey; to accept and be guided by (something) shade – n. an area of slight darkness that is produced when something blocks the light of the sun

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

Concerns over Few Asians in Broadcasting, News

Recent disputes over using white actors to play characters of color in Hollywood films have raised concerns that the media ignore minorities. Activist groups have called for more minorities to be hired for media jobs. Some Asian Americans worry that they are becoming invisible especially in the entertainment industry. They say minorities are often underrepresented and their opinions go unheard. Experts say that is a problem in television news also. Asians represent the fastest growing racial minority in the United States. However, critics say there are few Asian faces reporting news across the country. Juju Chang is an Asian American news anchor. She questions whether there is enough diversity in top management jobs. “When I went on air at the network here, I was the only Asian-American and among the few women, and I'm sad to say that many all these many years later, I think that we've gone a long way in terms of diversity in front of the camera, but I think we still have a ways to go behind the scenes, especially in upper management. Chang says it is important for minorities to take part in the approval process for story ideas. “Until Asian-Americans get real traction in that sense, you know, we're going to keep pressing our noses against the invisible window.” Asians make up about three percent of the broadcast workforce while they are over five percent of the U.S population. Angie Chuang is a journalism professor at American University. She says a cultural bias may be to blame. “The truth is that all kinds of psychological studies and employment studies have shown that we tend to favor or be more comfortable with people who are like us.” Some experts say Asians lack the political power of other minority groups such as African Americans and Hispanics. One group pressing for greater representation of Asians in reporting is the Asian American Journalists Association. The group supports Asian-American reporters and those seeking journalism careers. VOA spoke with the group's Vice-President for Broadcast Niala Boodhoo on Skype. She says there has been progress in recent years. “I feel like even having those conversations is something that would not have happened years ago, and I think the fact that we're even having those conversations is a sign of progress.” A leading broadcast industry group says 2011 was the best year for Asian American broadcasters. That year, Asians made up 3.5 percent of the industry. However, the percentage of Asians has decreased since then. Many Asian-Americans are concerned issues important to their communities will continue to be misinterpreted or ignored. I’m Mario Ritter.   Linda Ha reported this story for VOA News from Washington. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. What do you think about how many Asians are seen in the news industry? Please tell us what you think in the Comments section, and post on our Facebook page, thanks! ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   characters – n. people playing parts in a film or play entertainment – n. amusement or pleasure that comes from watching a performer, playing a game, etc. invisible – adj. not able to be seen news anchor –n. the main announcer on-air who delivers the news diversity – n. including many different types or groups from different ethnic backgrounds network – n. a system of connections, sometimes of programs, broadcast to different markets over a large geographical area traction – n. (idiomatic) making practice bias – n. to favor something not supported by facts, or unfair to someone or some group misinterpret – v. to misunderstand, to not understand correctly behind the scenes – adj. working or happening privately without being seen management  – n. those who make decisions about a business, department, sports team, etc. tend – v. likely, or learning to one side comfortable – adj.  causing pleasant feelings

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

Meet the Newest Robots Joining the Work Force

Robots are not new to the industrial world. But as technology keeps getting better, more robots are helping humans in the workplace. Some of the world’s top robot innovators recently gathered at an expo in New York to show off their best machine workers. One person attending the RoboUniverse expo said robots are important because they can take over tasks humans do not want. The founder and CEO of a new company called Blue Workforce, Preben Hjørnet, said robots will always assist humans, not replace them. “Robots have no conscience, no self-awareness, so they’ll never be social. But they don’t need to, to make a service for us,” he said.   Tom Moolayil, a technical manager at Universal Robots, agrees. “Doing a repetitive, mundane task over and over again, I don’t think that’s a job any person should be doing even for a day,” he said. He added that a lot of companies with these kinds of jobs find it hard to keep workers. But luckily, robots do not mind being bored. They are also experts at repeating a task over and over again. Advances in technology have made robots very safe. Universal Robots demonstrated how one of its machines stopped moving after a human fell on it. Safety is especially important in workplaces such as car factories, where humans and robots work side-by-side. Designers at Transcend Robotics created a robot for very dangerous jobs, including mining and law enforcement. It has controllable cameras, climbs stairs and travels over rough terrain. Chief Marketing Officer Alvin Wong said the machine aims to save lives. “You can actually survey a hazardous environment before bringing a human into that area,” he said. While some people fear robots will replace them, Wong said machines can actually help humans perform better. For example, police officers and soldiers consider the field of robotics to be their partner. Another use for modern robots is to help people who cannot walk. 5D Robotics showed how its navigation technology can guide people in wheelchairs along pre-programmed paths. 5D’s Chief Marketing Officer, Phil Mann, said cars and airplanes can also use the same navigation technology. Mann and his colleagues believe Americans will soon have robot co-workers. But in most cases, he said workers won’t even notice – except maybe to realize that their day goes by much faster. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Tina Trinh reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bryan Lynn adapted it for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. We want to hear from you. Do you think you would enjoy working with a robot? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   innovator – n. person who introduces new ideas and products task – n. job for someone to do conscience – n. feeling inside that you did something wrong mundane – adj. lacking interest or excitement in, dull bored – adj. complete lack of interest in something advances – n. progress made in improving something terrain – n. a stretch of land hazardous – adj. harmful, risky, dangerous colleague – n. person who works with you  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1ZJ4JU6
via IFTTT

Everyday Grammar: Adverbs

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1U88VOJ
via IFTTT