A Beautiful Planet in IMAX 3D

A new IMAX film shows our planet, Earth and our human influence on it.

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A Child’s Growing Brain Needs Love as Much as Food

  From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. Fewer babies and very young children are dying today compared to 20 years. Over that period, the number of infant deaths has dropped sharply -- from about 12 million to six million worldwide. Infant child mortality has been cut thanks to billions of dollars in aid and the work of many countries. However, a group of experts say that is not enough. For children to grow and develop fully, they need more than a nutritious diet and access to medicine. That is the opinion of a team of social scientists and public health experts. They found that about 200 million children are failing to meet their developmental potential each year. What is lacking, say the experts, is social interaction with the children and involvement by their caretakers. The U.S. National Academy of Medicine set up the group of 32 academic experts. They provide strong evidence that just as a poor diet can harm children, violence and lack of care can damage a child’s brain. And that, they say, leads to physical and social stunting, even when aid programs are available. Stunting is when a person fails to grow and develop normally. Neil Boothby is with the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University in New York. He likens social interaction to "investing in young children.” He adds that "it's vital to ensuring international peace and security." Boothby says that providing good, positive social interactions is as big a part of development as providing food and water. And these positive social interactions must be consistent and not, what he calls, episodic.  He calls the wiring in the brain, circuitry. And he calls the structure of the brain, 'brain architecture.' Here is Boothby. "This becomes part of actually strengthening the circuitry in the brain. When the response isn't there, or it's episodically there, then (that) same circuitry, that same brain architecture is weakened. So it is not just micronutrient, it is also social care." Boothby says studies have shown that international aid programs alone are not enough to help children reach their full ability. The Columbia University researcher just returned from Uganda. In that country, he says, more than a third of the population suffers from stunting. Signs of stunting include smaller physical growth and lower than average scores on intelligence tests. "For example, I met with some parents on this last trip. Fathers were saying, ‘Ah, you know I don't really engage with the child until she or he is three months old because they’re too little.’ I mean that's counter to what they should be doing because holding, talking, caressing, etc., is all part of brain health." The paper, says Boothby, is a call for social interaction to be added to the list of health and nutrition assistance programs and concerns. "You know, we teach parents when they go to clinics about water and sanitation. We teach them about the kinds of foods children should eat. Why aren't we teaching them the things that make brains grow?" Boothby adds it is time for international aid policies to catch up with scientific research. Aid policies, he says, must combine the neurobiology of caring with other forms of assistance. I’m Anna Matteo.   Jessica Berman wrote this story for VOANews.com. Anna Matteo adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ___________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   circuitry – n. the system of interconnected neurons in the nervous system and especially the brain; stunt – v. to restrict the normal growth, development, or progress vital – adj. needed by your body in order to keep living episodic ­– adj. appearing, or changing at usually irregular periods brain architecture – n. the basic structural form of the brain micronutrient – n. an organic chemical compound (as a vitamin) that is important in small amounts to an organism's growth and health counter – v. going in a different or opposite direction caress – v. to touch in a gentle way sanitation – n. the process of keeping places free from dirt, infection or disease by removing waste neurobiology – n. a area of study that deals with the nervous system

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Muslim American Mayor Talks Religion & Tolerance

  Mohamed Khairullah describes himself as “an American mayor who happens to be Muslim.” Khairullah was born in Syria. He settled in the small American community of Prospect Park, New Jersey when he was 16 years old. He was always interested in politics and decided to seek elected office after becoming a U.S. citizen in 2001. He won a seat on the Prospect Park City Council and has served as mayor for 10 years. Khairullah says his religion has never been much of an issue for voters in this town of 6,000 people. “Despite our differences, we don’t attack each other based on religion or ethnicity, you know? Our ethnicity is for us, for our families, for people we are raised with. And our religion is in the house of worship. That’s where it goes.” He says his religious beliefs provide a basic moral foundation. “I don’t impose my religion when it comes to running the town. But my religion imposes on me the moral values that I operate with...” His term in office lasts until the end of 2018. The mayor is not seeking re-election this year, but two council members are. So he spends some of his time campaigning for them. He likes to communicate with Prospect Park residents by telephone and through social media. Khairullah once worked as a teacher. Intashan Cowdhury, a former student of his, describes him as a dedicated family man. “It’s a family-oriented community. And you need family-oriented people, like Mayor Khairullah.” Another former student, Priscilla Nunez, said he has good demeanor to be a teacher as well as mayor. “He’s very calm, I have to say, reminds me of my dad. Always spoke to us with respect...” While Khairullah seems at ease in his job as a politician, he has not forgotten his Syrian roots. He has visited Syria several times over the years. He says the trips were made to take food and medical supplies to people in need. “It’s a challenge to the dictator and to people who support that dictator that despite all of the dangers, we are going to continue to support those people who have been abandoned by the international community and the world.” He involves his children in the humanitarian projects. He says he wants to teach them that humanity is more important than ethnicity or religious beliefs.    Khairullah has come a long way since arriving as a young man and having no idea he would someday be mayor of the town. But he still remembers an early hint at his political future.  “I remember walking to high school here and seeing a sign that has an Arabic name on it, a political sign. I’m like, ‘Wow, this is crazy, amazing.’ So it planted a seed in my head.” I’m Mehrnoush Karimian-Ainsworth.   Ramon Taylor reported this story for VOANews.com. Bryan Lynn adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   city council – n. a group of people who make and change the laws of a city worship – n. the act of showing respect and love for a god foundation – n. something that provides support for something demeanor – n. a person’s appearance and behavior abandoned – n. left alone without needed protection or care

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Record Number of Environmental Activists Killed in 2015

  Global Witness says 2015 was the most dangerous year yet for environmental activists. The group reports that 185 people across 16 countries were killed last year while defending the environment. Global Witness is a non-profit organization that follows environmental issues and corruption around the world. The organization released a report called “On Dangerous Ground” in June. The report says that on average, more than three activists were killed every week last year while defending the environment and land rights. Global Witness campaign leader Billy Kyte spoke to VOA. He said the number of killings increased by almost 60 percent from 2014 levels. He blamed industrial growth for the problem. "So we are seeing industries like mining, dam and agribusiness encroaching more and more into previously untouched areas rich in resources and coming into conflict with local communities..." The Global Witness report said 42 deaths were related to the mining industry. Brazil had the largest number of deaths, with 50 killings last year, the report said. The Philippines had 33 killings, the second largest number. Colombia had 26 killings. Peru and Nicaragua each had 12, while the Democratic Republic of Congo reported 11 killings. Global Witness is not the only group following environmental killings. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, or IACHR, follows human rights in South and Central America. It reported that at least six land activists were killed in Brazil in early 2016. Billy Kyte says the true number of killings has not been accurately reported because of fear and threats of possible attack. He blamed what appeared to be close ties between big business and government. "So, in Africa it has been more difficult to get information. This may be because of oppressive regimes, which means it is harder to get data on how many people are being killed or threatened..." Activists with a lot of media attention are often targets for violence or police action. Nasako Besingi of Cameroon was threatened with jail time for opposing palm oil companies. In India, journalist Sandeep Kothari was beaten and burned to death for criticizing mining. Global Witness is demanding better protection for environmental activists from governments. The group also asks for increased legal action against these crimes. I’m Patrick Merentie.   Anita Powell reported this story for VOANews.com. Patrick Merentie adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Are environmental activists active in your country? Does the government protect the environment or environmental activists? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   agribusiness – n. the business or industry of farming or agriculture encroach(ing) – v. to gradually take or begin to use or affect something that belongs to someone else or that someone else is using accurately – adv. done without mistakes or errors regime(s) – n. a particular government palm – n. a kind of tree that grows in tropical regions and has a straight, tall trunk and many large leaves at the top of the trunk  

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Ghana Women in Business

  In Ghana, some people believe certain jobs are only for men. But some Ghanaian women are starting to do traditionally male work, such as carpentry or jobs that require physical strength. And they are proving that men are not the only ones who can be tough. Esenam Nyador is one of those women. She is one of three female taxi drivers in Accra. She is also a wife, mother of two and a student at the University of Ghana. Nyador says she has gotten used to the strange looks she gets when she drives her taxi around town. She calls herself “Miss Taxi.” She says the loan company and the taxi union originally rejected her when she first began her business. “They weren’t sure I would even be able to make up sales or have a good business to pay back their car, just because I am a woman. So they were like concerned about whether I wouldn’t be open to car hijacking and they’ll end up losing their assets in the long-term." Nyador now has regular customers, many of them women. And she is finding creative ways to grow her business. For example, she books her clients via social media, email or text message. And unlike most male taxi drivers, she charges set prices instead of haggling with her customers. Selina Adjeley Annan also works in a male-dominated field. Annan, a single mother, works as an electrician at Teshie. She remembers the day she applied for a job. The company she was applying to took apart a fluorescent tube and asked her to fix it. They took Annan more seriously when they saw that she was able to fix the tube. Annan says that, now, salesmen have started sending clients to her. Like Nyador, Annan has found that some people would rather work with a woman. Annan says that when customers see her instead of a male electrician, they are surprised and often say, “I have never seen a woman electrician before.” All of the people Annan works with are men. Eric Adjetey Otenkorang is one of her supervisors. He says there are limits to what Annan can do because she is a woman. Otenkorang says that if “the job is a little bit risky,” he has the men handle it instead of Annan. He explains that some work is too heavy for a woman to do. Taxi driver Esenam Nyador does not allow talk about women’s limits slow her down. She says men are just used to being the only ones who work in certain jobs.  "It all started with men…so I guess they have developed this sort of entitlement attitude.”  But, Nyador says, that way of thinking is just a habit. She says in reality, there is no such thing as “man’s work.” I’m Mehrnoush Karimian-Ainsworth.    Francisca Kakra Forson wrote this story for VOANews.com. Mehrnoush Karimian-Ainsworth adapted it for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor.  ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   haggling – v. to talk or argue with someone especially in order to agree on a price  entitlement – n. the condition of having a right to have, do, or get something: the feeling or belief that you deserve to given something  We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.    

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Traveling Religious Workers in Rural America

  In the early years of American life, traveling religious workers called preachers helped to spread Protestant Christianity westward as the territory of the United States expanded. Many of these preachers traveled on horses to lead religious services in small towns and places where only a few people lived. Today’s traveling preachers arrive in rural communities in cars. It is Sunday morning in Unionville, Tennessee. Dan Sweet is leading services at the tiny Zion’s Hill United Methodist Church. It is 150 years old. Sweet is one of a growing number of pastors who travel to small Methodist churches in rural areas of the United States. During the week, Sweet works at a large engineering company that designs and builds government projects. He says he has two full-time jobs. “I do this job seven days a week. The other job is five. The other job pays a whole lot better and it pays the bills. This is more a labor of love and it's a labor of what God has asked me to do.” Barbara Waterson has been attending religious services at Zion’s Hill Methodist Church since the 1960s. She is now one of just 20 remaining members. “I’m just a small-church person. I love big churches, but I just love the fellowship of the small churches. Everybody’s just a loving, spiritual family, and everybody gets along.” When the religious service ends at Zion’s Hill, Sweet drives 10 minutes to another church, Hickory Hill United Methodist Church. He leads another service there. Methodists have been worshiping at Hickory Hill since before the Civil War. Sweet is helping them keep the church alive. He says he is surprised by the role he is in. “Early on in my life I did not attend regular worship services and actually it wasn’t until about 10 or 12 years ago that I started where God really impressed upon me that it was time. He’d let me goof-around, goof-off long enough and it was time now to start doing His will.” The Pew Research Center says the number of Americans who attend church services regularly has been slowly decreasing for many years. The decline is especially sharp in the country’s older, traditional Protestant churches, like the Methodist churches Sweet visits each week. Mark Chaves is a sociologist at Duke University. He researches religious trends in the U.S. He says other Christian churches should pay attention to what is happening to attendance at Methodist churches. Chaves says other Christian groups, such as Southern Baptists, could see a similar decrease in attendance in the future. Sweet says that unless new members join his small churches, the churches may have to close. But he says that it is not something he can control. “I’ve only been facing it with them for about two years now. They’ve been facing it for quite a while, a longer while, and God always seems to bring in new people.” The United Methodist Church is based in Nashville, Tennessee. It says the number of traveling preachers serving Methodist churches is growing. I’m Marsha James.   Mike Osborne reported this story for VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it for Learning English. Ashley Thompson 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   pastor - n. a Christian clergyman serving a local church bill - n. a statement showing the cost of goods sold, services performed or work done fellowship - n. friendly relations between people gets along - v. to be or remain on good terms worship - adj. of or related to religious services goof around - v. to spend time doing playful things trend - n. something is currently popular decline - n. a drop or decrease in something

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Americans Remember Independence Day … Incorrectly

July 4, 1776, was the day early American leaders signed the Declaration of Independence and ended the colonies’ political relationship with Britain. Right? Well … the real story is a little more complicated.  It starts a year and a half earlier, in April 1775, when American colonists began fighting with British soldiers. At the time, most colonists just wanted more independence, not complete independence. But as the fighting continued, public opinion changed. By the summer of 1776, more and more people supported a complete break from Britain.  In June, the colonial government met in Philadelphia. One of the representatives, Richard Henry Lee from Virginia, called for a vote on whether the colonies should declare their independence. The other delegates were not ready to vote. But they agreed to allow five people to write a statement about why the colonies were seeking independence. On July 2, nine of the thirteen delegates finally voted to accept Lee’s proposal for independence. A delegate from Massachusetts, John Adams, wrote to his wife that future citizens would celebrate July 2 for years to come.   Two days later, Thomas Jefferson and the rest of the writing committee presented their Declaration of Independence. The delegates adopted it, and the president of the colonial government, John Hancock, signed it in large letters. But most of the other delegates did not sign the Declaration of Independence until a few weeks later. Some did not sign it until the following year. And some men who signed it had not even attended the vote in Philadelphia. Historian Ray Raphael challenges many American historical myths. Raphael says early American leaders did not discuss celebrating the anniversary of the colonies’ independence until it was too late. On July 3, 1777, they agreed to honor July 4 as America’s birthday. For well over 200 years, most Americans have marked the day with patriotic and family celebrations. I’m Jill Robbins. Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this report for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   adopted – v. accepted or approved challenges – v. questions or disputes myth – n. an idea or story that is believed by many people but that is not true

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Asian-American Voters Share Concerns, But Are Divided

  Asian Americans will make up more than 10 percent of California voters by the time America elects the next president. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing minority in the nation. Still, Asian community leaders in Los Angeles say the Democratic and Republican parties are each doing a poor job appealing to Asian voters. The community leaders were reacting to the release of a new study centered on the concerns and behaviors of Asian voters. California State University, Los Angeles, carried out the study. It questioned more than 1,800 Asian American registered voters in Los Angeles. The study suggested that Asian Americans’ politically are moving toward the Democratic Party, if they are moving at all. The researchers said age and country of origin are the biggest issues that divide Asian-Americans. The study included people of Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Philippine ethnicity. It showed that those from the ages of 18 to 29, or “millennials,” think much differently than older Asians. Most of the millennials were born in America. They know English very well. They get their news from the English language media. Their main source of news comes from the Internet. The study shows that older Asian voters are mostly foreign-born and get their news from foreign language media.  Community leaders say political parties seeking support must find Asian candidates for office. They say Asian American voters often support candidates with whom they share the same ethnicity, even if they do not share the same political party. “Asian Americans across the board support someone from their own community to represent them,” said business owner Charlie Woo. Woo is in charge of a community group called CAUSE.  Asian American also differ on what issues are important to them. Younger Asians in the study expressed liberal opinions on social issues, such as gay marriage. Kat Alvarado is a Philippine American student at Cal State, Los Angeles. She says immigration reform, sexual reproductive rights and gun control are the issues most important to her. Alvarado says she is a political independent. Political parties not reaching Asian Americans Charlie Woo of CAUSE says that the study shows that only one in three Asian Americans voters have had contact with elected officials. “I think the parties have been making a mistake not paying attention,” Woo said. Many older immigrants need encouragement to vote, said David Ryu. He is the first Korean American elected to the Los Angeles City Council.  Ryu said total voter turnout in his election last year was just 16 percent. “For Asian Americans - Korean Americans - it was about 40 percent,” he said. The leaders said outreach in politics should differ by age and community. Older Asian Americans are still the majority of active Asian voters. They attend to traditional broadcasts and print media. Some of the recent Chinese and Korean immigrants follow foreign language media sources. Experts say religious organizations are another way to reach older Asian voters. Young voters are less religious and more involved with technology. They can be reached through English websites and social media. Less involvement in community College student Hannah Hsieh spoke to VOA. She says that reaching Asian Americans like her can be difficult. She says this is because many young Asians are focused on education and career. That is likely to change. Experts on politics predict that young, liberal Asian voters will become more involved in civic activities. I’m Mario Ritter.   Mike O’Sullivan wrote this story for VOANews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted the report for Learning English. Katy Weaver 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   millennials – n. a group of people whose birth dates generally range from the early 1980s to around 2000 encouragement  - n. something that makes someone more determined, hopeful or confident​ turnout – n. the number of people who go to or participate in something focus - v.  to cause something-such as attention- to be directed at something specific​ civic – adj. relating to citizenship or being a citizen

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‘American Troops’ in Russia Despite Tensions

  Some Russians enjoy taking part in reenactments of historic military battles. In Russia, the government often plays up past military victories as a show of national strength. Recently, one group of Russians gathered in Moscow for a reenactment of the Western Front during World War II. The Western Front was where the United States, Britain and their allies battled German-led forces for control of Western Europe. For the military reenactment, about 100 Russians wore clothing like that worn by American and British soldiers during the war. As the “troops” moved forward, the only way to tell their nationality was when the “soldiers” spoke to each other in Russian. The reenactors worked hard to make their military camp look like the 1940s camps did. Empty cans of food near the campfire had labels similar to those used in the war. Some were for products or companies that no longer exist. Nearby, an olive green radio played “The While Cliffs of Dover” and other popular songs of 70 years ago. A man named Alexei played an American soldier during the reenactment. He said the hardest part for him was all the walking. “Now we're going back,” he said. “That’s the real war. About an hour walking, then a few minutes of fighting, or no fighting at all, and we are going back.” He and the other Russians recreated historic battles with weapons that look real, but fire plastic pellets. The troops also had realistic-looking grenades and mortar launchers. Maxim Afonin played the part of an American private named Max Garvel. “Reenactment for me it's like a sport. It’s an active sport and some fun with my friends,” he said. “I don't care about politics, about why Germans are Germans,” he added. “I mean, why Russian guys wear a German uniform. I don't care. It's like a cool game for friends.” The exercise gave the Russians a chance to use their English language skills. “If you reenact as a Western soldier, you don’t know what a Western soldier thinks. You don't know how they talk. You learn it,” said Andrei Tuzov. He served as a member of the British force during the re-enactment. Most reenactors choose to be part of the Soviet Red Army because it was a sign of loyalty to Russia. It also was easier. The Red Army clothing doesn’t cost as much as the American or British uniforms. Recreating the western front also means having to order more costly, genuine military equipment. Need for recruiting allies In recent years, military tensions between Russia and the West have been rising. Some of the Western troop reenactors found themselves questioned by fellow Russians. “At work, my colleagues have asked ‘why the American soldier?’” said Andrey Borovoy, who works as a dental technician. “Well, at the moment the relations between our countries are not very good. But let’s not mix up policy and history,” he said. “History is history. We were allies in [the war].” I’m Pete Musto.   Daniel Schearf wrote this story for VOANews.com. Jim Dresbach 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   re-enact – v. to repeat or replay the actions of an event grenade – n. a small bomb that is designed to be thrown by someone or shot from a rifle mortar – n. a military weapon used to fire shells high into the air at a low speed label – n. a sign covering a bottle, can or box uniform – n. a special kind of clothing that is worn by all the members of an organization genuine – adj. real; true to life

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Everyday Grammar: Phrasal Verbs

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One-Third of World’s Population Cannot See The Milky Way

  If you have ever seen the Milky Way galaxy, you know what a beautiful sight it is: a truly massive group of shining stars stretching across the night sky. But a new study finds that one-third of the world’s population no longer can see the Milky Way at night. The findings were reported in the journal Science Advances. The new report says that in the United States, it is even harder to see the Milky Way. For 80 percent of Americans, it is impossible or very difficult to see the galaxy at night.  The problem is light pollution. The sky is brightened at night by street lights and other artificial, or man-made, lighting. This is especially true in big cities. Light pollution not only blocks our viewing of the stars and planets; it can also affect natural events or activities here on Earth. What is the Milky Way? The Milky Way is a spiral structure. Earth is actually part of the galaxy, so we cannot take a picture of the entire formation. From where we are, the Milky Way has looked like a massive star formation stretching across the night sky. NASA, the American space agency, says the Milky Way is about 100,000 light years across, from one end to the other. Our galaxy has hundreds of billions of stars. And where does the Milky Way, our galaxy home, fit into the universe? It is just one of hundreds of billions of galaxies in the known universe, according to NASA. Since the beginning of time, humans have gathered to look at stars in the night sky. The Milky Way at first might look like a group of storm clouds. But actually, it is many stars in cloud-like groups. They shine so brightly they give off white light – the same color as milk. The ancient Greeks had a story that said the white band of stars was milk left in the sky by a goddess. Light Pollution Study The study in the journal Science Advances is the work of an international team of scientists. The team created a series of maps that show where the world’s light pollution is strongest and weakest. Their maps were based on from satellite data and sky brightness measurements. “I hope that this atlas will finally open the eyes of people to light pollution,” said the study’s lead author Fabio Falchi. He works for the Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute in Italy. The Institute says its goal is to limit light pollution and the negative effects on the night environment. The new guide is a follow up to the first World Atlas describing light pollution in 2001.   The new study found that Singapore, Italy and South Korea have the most widespread light pollution. There are only small areas in Western Europe with low levels of light pollution. Those places are mostly in Scotland, Sweden and Norway. The western United States has huge amounts of wide open space. But the study found that nearly half of the U.S. experiences light pollution. The researchers found that two other countries, Canada and Australia, have the most ‘dark sky’ – or night-time light levels low enough to see the stars. Dan Duriscoe of the U.S. National Park Service was the study’s co-author. He says that U.S. national parks are just about the last havens of darkness. He pointed out that places such as Yellowstone and the desert southwest have the darkest night skies. “We’re lucky to have a lot of public land that provides a buffer from large cities,” said Duriscoe. Researchers have looked into the increase of artificial light over the years. They say not only does it affect our view of the Milky Way, but it has been shown to have a big impact on human health and on wildlife, too. Scientists have found that artificial light can confuse insects, birds and sea turtles. It can also put them in situations that can kill them. I’m Anne Ball.   JoElllen McBride wrote this story for VOANews.com. Anne Ball adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and visit us on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   galaxy – n. a big collection of stars viewing – n. the ability to see spiral – n.  a circular curving line that goes around a central point, and gets closer and farther away from it entire – adj. complete or full fit – v. how something goes into a space band – n. a thick line negative – adj. harmful or bad haven – n. a place where you are protected from trouble or danger buffer – n. something that give protection by separating things confuse – v. to make something difficult to understand

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