Maz Jobrani: Building Cultural Bridges, One Laugh at a Time

PIA FINAL Maz J

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Lionel Messi Receives 21-Month Prison Sentence

  This is What’s Trending Today: Lionel Messi is known for escaping defenders on the soccer field. But he was not able to escape a conviction for tax fraud in Spain this week. A court in Barcelona, Spain, sentenced the Argentinian soccer star to 21 months in prison on Wednesday. Messi plays for Barcelona’s soccer team during the club season. He is the five-time winner of FIFA’s player of the year award. Investigators in Spain said they found evidence that Messi and his father, Jorge, hid money that should have been taxed by the Spanish government. The younger Messi earned the money from 2007 to 2009. Tax inspectors said over $4 million of Messi’s money went to accounts in Uruguay, Switzerland and Belize. Messi was fined over $2 million. His father was fined about $1.5 million. Jorge Messi was also sentenced to 21 months. Neither man, however, is expected to spend any time in prison. In Spain, first offenses carrying sentences of less than two years are usually suspended. Both Messis told the court they did not think they were breaking any laws.  The news about Messi was one of the top trending topics around the world on Facebook and Twitter on Wednesday. People made their feelings clear about Messi’s actions. Zaheed Sabur used Facebook to say: “you already have more than you can ever spend. Shame on you Leo Messi!” And, many people questioned why Messi could not pay his taxes like everyone else.  And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Do you think Messi should go to jail? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   offense – n. a criminal act club – n. a sports team or organization conviction – n. the act of proving that a person is guilty of a crime in a court of law fraud – n. the crime of using dishonest methods to take something valuable from another person

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'Curious George' Explores Ramadan

He has ridden a bike, received a medal, flown a kite and learned the alphabet. He has even traveled into space. Since the Curious George series began in 1941, the beloved children’s book character has also celebrated different holidays. The playful monkey took part in Christmas, Hannuka and Easter traditions. But in 75 years Curious George had never celebrated Ramadan. Until now. George is taking part in the Muslim holy month in the new book, “It’s Ramadan, Curious George.” An Islamic religious center in the state of Maryland, the Diyanet Center of America, held a public event for the new book. Eight-year-old Amina expressed joy to have a popular character like George represent Muslims. “When I see a monkey celebrating Ramadan, and he does all this stuff, I am surprised,” she said. ​Writer Hena Khan is a Pakistani-American and a Muslim. She shows George making food for late night feasts. She also has George playing games throughout the day with his friend Kareem. This helps Kareem keep the daytime fast, a period of no eating. Later, while enjoying the peaceful sound of evening prayers, George breaks his fast with a sweet date. Later at the mosque, the famed monkey helps the imam prepare food and gather clothing for people in need. After a whole month of daily prayers, fasting and giving to the poor, Curious George celebrates Eid-al Fitr, marking the end of the fast. Khan says the publishing company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, invited her to write the book. It has published the Curious George series for 75 years. Khan said, “They found me because I had written two other books about Islam and Ramadan for kids. They asked me if I would be interested in doing the book and, of course, I was overjoyed at the opportunity, such a beloved character, to introduce him to Ramadan and in turn to be able to introduce so many children to Ramadan.” Since the book's release in May, it has become a best-seller on Amazon.com. As this Ramadan comes to an end, Khan and Curious George remain busy traveling the U.S. in support of the book. More than 200 people showed up for Khan's reading of the book at the event in Maryland. Maryam is a local mother of five. She said she was pleased that the book helps explain Ramadan, especially to non-Muslims. Maryam said, “I am really glad they brought a book about the beautiful month that we are supposed to teach our children about from very young age.” I’m Anna Matteo.   Vina Mubtadi wrote this report for VOANews. Caty Weaver adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. Do you have a special holiday or tradition you would like explained in a children’s book? Let us know, and practice your English writing skills in the Comment Section. Or leave a message on our Facebook page. ____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   curious - adj.  having a desire to learn or know more about something or someone​ feast - n. a special meal with large amounts of food and drink​ fast - n. a period of time when you do not eat any food : a time of fasting​ date - n. a small, sweet, brown fruit from a kind of palm tree​ imam - n. a Muslim religious leader​

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DC Activists Aim to Offer Paid Leave to Parents

  Working parents in America are increasingly sharing childcare. In other words, both mothers and fathers go to a business or office, and both take care of family members at home – especially babies. But the U.S. does not require employers to pay workers while they take time off to care for new family members. It is the only developed country in the world that does not mandate some kind of paid parental leave. Instead, working parents in the U.S. must negotiate for time off directly with their employers. But a few states, as well as Washington, D.C., are trying to change parental leave laws. The Lott family The Lott family in Washington, DC is one of many families advocating for the U.S. to change its parental leave policies. Rob and Jessica Lott both have jobs outside the home. They also have a 12-month-old daughter named Shulie. When Shulie was born last July, both Rob and Jessica looked forward to spending time with her. They also needed to take care of her, and Jessica had to recover from childbirth. But Jessica’s employer offered her just four weeks of paid leave. Rob’s employer did not give him any. Instead, Rob used his vacation and sick leave to care for his wife and daughter for two weeks. He noted that these kinds of paid time off are not the same as parental leave. “Certainly, having a child is not vacation, nor is it a sickness,” he said. Universal Paid Leave Act Rob and Jessica Lott are part of a campaign to bring paid parental leave to all Americans, starting with those who live or work in Washington, DC. Lawmakers here are considering a bill called the Universal Paid Leave Act. The act would require all businesses to give workers up to 16 weeks of paid time off to care for a family member or for themselves. To cover the costs of the program, every employer would contribute 1% of each worker’s salary into a common pool of money. Joanna Blotner is the manager of the D.C. Paid Family Leave campaign. She said the program does not hurt small businesses because it spreads costs across the entire workforce. And, she said, businesses with fewer than 20 employees do not have to hold someone’s job while he or she is away from work. That employee will still be paid for the time off, but each employer can decide whether to fill the position before the worker returns. Stronger families Charles Allen is a local lawmaker and the father of a young child. He supports the legislation. Allen listened to Jessica Lott and other parents share their stories around a conference table in his office. “We know that families will be stronger when you have this [bill],” Allen told them. “The connection you get to have with your kid -- that just makes a stronger family.” Cost and flexibility But some people oppose D.C.’s family leave bill. Marc Freedman works for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He said the bill would be too financially difficult for employers. “Our feeling is that employers provide leave as they are able to provide leave,” Freedman said. “Many do so happily, and if they can't afford it, then that’s generally why they don’t provide it.” In addition, Freedman says, he believes the program will be more expensive than activists are saying. And, he wants employees – not just businesses – to pay for part of the cost, too. Freedman notes he does not have the perfect solution. But, he suggests that businesses should not be required to give employees paid time off. Instead, he says, businesses should be able to be flexible about what they offer, and to benefit from leave programs, too. I’m Mario Ritter.   Julie Taboh wrote this story for VOA News. Jim Dresbach 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   mandate – v. to officially demand or require leave – n. a period of time when someone has special permission to be away from a job or from military service negotiate – v. to discuss something formally in order to make an agreement pool – n. an amount of money that has been collected from many people for some purpose

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Apps to Help in a Disaster

Disasters almost always arrive unexpectedly. But there are computer apps to help people prepare for disasters. Some apps alert users when a disaster has taken place. Other disaster apps can be used when people need rescue or other help. Apps to Alert Others When You Need Help SirenGPS Mobile The free SirenGPS Mobile app connects users to emergency services at the tap of the screen. The app will let emergency workers know where the person in need is. The app works over cell networks. But it also works on Wi-Fi if cell networks are down after an emergency. Users can create a personal health report on the app to share with emergency services. This will provide information about medicines users take, allergies they might have and other medical information important to treatment decisions. SirenGPS Mobile on iPhone and iPad SirenGPS Mobile on Android Guardly Guardly is an app that can help keep people safer in places such as businesses and universities. This app permits workers and students to report about unsafe conditions, suspicious activity and more. Reports can be made to an organization’s own security division as well as to government emergency services. The reporter’s location can be sent with the report so security or emergency services help can arrive more quickly. The app works worldwide and Guardly can even find people within buildings, if the buildings are equipped with the right technology. Organizations can also use Guardly to notify users of danger or ask if they need assistance and more. This video shows how Guardly works: The app is free, but Guardly charges for its services. Guardly on iPhone and iPad Guardly for Android Life360 The Life360 app provides a service to keep loved ones connected. Users can set up a network of people to share their location, chat, and get alerts when they are near someone in their network. People in the same network can use the app on iPhone and Android devices. The app helps users communicate when they are in a disaster. The location share function can be suspended when desired. The Life360 app is free, with some services available for a fee. Life360 on iPhone and iPad Life360 on Android Red Panic Button When a person is in a dangerous situation, the Red Panic Button app might help. This app can send a text message and/or email to chosen contacts providing the user’s location. You can also add a voice or video message and/or photo to your text and email. This app can also be used to contact emergency services. Red Panic Button is free, but extra features are available for a fee. Red Panic Button app on iPhone and iPad Red Panic Button on Android   Apps to Alert You of Disasters Disaster Alert The Disaster Alert app is from the Pacific Disaster Center. It lets users know of disasters around the world when they happen. Alerts will be sent about volcano eruptions, earthquakes, floods and more. Disaster areas around the world are shown on a map, and reported in a list view. The app is free with paid features available. Disaster Alert for iPhone and iPad Disaster Alert on Android First Aid by American Red Cross The free First Aid app by the American Red Cross helps guide users in giving aid to injured people. The app can also help prepare for disaster with information to help plan for drought, flood, storms and more. Watch videos and take quizzes within the app. Users can switch the app from English to Spanish. This video shows how the app works: First Aid by American Red Cross iPhone and iPad First Aid by American Red Cross for Android Global Emergency Overview App The Global Emergency Overview App gives weekly information about natural disasters and humanitarian crises around the world. Search by map or a list of countries. The developer says the app is designed to answer questions about humanitarian disasters. The information includes the location and nature of current humanitarian crises and help in judging need levels among crises. The app is available free on: Global Emergency Overview on Android Global Emergency Overview on iPhone Humanitarian Kiosk The United Nations has a similar app at no cost. The Humanitarian Kiosk app gives information about humanitarian crises around the world. Users can choose geographic areas and follow current information from those areas. Humanitarian Kiosk app for iPhone and iPad Humanitarian Kiosk app for Android Real Time Warning/Earthquakes Get information about disasters around the world with the Real Time Warning app, also known as Earthquakes. See a list of disasters or look at the map. The app shows users the severity of the disaster and lets users involved in a disaster share their experiences. The app is free with a fee for alert notifications. Real Time Warning/Earthquakes app on Android Earthquake Alert! The free Earthquake Alert! app notifies you of earthquakes above 1.0 in the U.S. and 4.5 in the rest of the world. See the earthquakes on a map or a list. Tap an earthquake to find out more about it, including news reports on the event. Earthquake Alert on Android Related article: App Feels Earthquakes Through Mobile Phones I’m Dorothy Gundy.   Carolyn Mohr wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. Have you made preparations in case of an emergency? Which disaster apps do you think you would find most helpful? Share your thoughts in the Comments Section below or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   emergency - n. an unexpected and usually dangerous situation that calls for immediate action function  - n. the special purpose or activity for which a thing exists or is used drought  - n. a long period of time during which there is very little or no rain humanitarian - adj. related to helping people's lives ______________________________________________________________ Infographic *Infographic used with permission of Nature's Water                                  

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July 6, 2016

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

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North Korea Releases Dam Water into South Without Warning

North Korea released water from a dam near its border with South Korea Wednesday morning without warning. No major injuries or damage have been reported from Wednesday’s opening of the Hwanggang Dam. South Korea moved residents along the Imjin River to higher ground. Officials are worried about flooding in areas already hit with heavy rain. South Korea said it does not believe that North Korea would take part in a “flooding attack.” But dam openings have taken place in the past. In 2009, North Korea released water from the dam without warning. That incident killed six South Koreans who were camping downstream. After that incident, North Korea agreed to tell South Korea before releasing water from the dam. But South Korea’s news agency said the North also opened the dam’s floodgates two times in May without warning. No injuries were reported in either incident. I’m Anne Ball.   The staff at VOA News wrote this story. Jim Dresbach 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   downstream – adv. in the direction in which a stream or river flows floodgate – n. a gate for controlling the flow of water from a lake or river

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Donald Trump Praises Saddam Hussein for Killing Terrorists

  Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein has been dead for almost ten years. But his name came alive as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump praised Hussein’s dealing with suspected terrorists. “Saddam Hussein was a bad guy, right? He was a bad guy, really bad guy. But you know what he did well? He killed terrorists. He did that so good. They didn’t read 'em the rights, they didn't talk. They were a terrorist -- it was over." Trump has made similar statements in the past. In 2014, he wrote on Twitter that Iraq was more dangerous then than it ever was under Hussein. “(The) war was a mistake, as I said from the very beginning. Bush and Obama should apologize,” Trump wrote. However, in 2003, when American forces found Hussein hiding in a hole near the city of Tikrit, Trump appeared to support Hussein’s removal from office. He told Fox News: “Some people agree and some people don’t agree, but we are there. And if we are there, you have to take down Saddam Hussein. And they have done that, and they did it -- maybe not as quickly as they thought in terms of finding him -- but they found him. And that is a huge day for this country.” Lukman Faily is a former Iraqi ambassador to the United States. On Twitter he strongly criticized Trump’s statement about Hussein. “As a diplomat, I tried to keep away from this, but as an Iraqi and a victim of Saddam’s ethnic cleansing…I say get your facts first,” he wrote. Hillary Clinton’s campaign also criticized Trump. Jake Sullivan is Clinton’s senior policy adviser. He said Trump’s praise for “brutal strongmen” like Hussein “demonstrate how dangerous he would be as Commander-in-Chief and how unworthy he is of the office he seeks.” In an interview with Fox News, Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan disagreed with Trump’s comment about Hussein. “He was one of the 20th century’s most-evil people,” Ryan said. “He was up there. He committed mass genocide against his own people using chemical weapons.” Trump is not likely to be influenced by the criticism. Throughout the campaign he has said he is the person who can best answer the actions of the Islamic State terrorist group in Iraq. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.   VOA News Writer Chris Hannas reported this story from Washington. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted his reporting for VOA 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   ethnic cleansing – n. the practice of removing or killing people who belong to an ethnic group that is different from the ruling group in a country or region genocide – n. the deliberate killing of people who belong to a particular racial, political or cultural group

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People in America: Maz Jobrani

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July 5, 2016

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

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July 4, 2016

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

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