UN Court Rules Against China in South China Sea Dispute

The United Nations has dismissed China’s claims in the South China Sea. It is a major decision that comes after years of conflict among China, the Philippines and other countries. China says ancient maps show that it legally controls nearly all the South China Sea. But Philippine officials argue that China’s territorial claims and recent aggressive activities in the South China Sea violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The convention is an international treaty both China and the Philippines have signed. On Tuesday, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague said China has “no historic title” to the area. And, the court ruled that China had violated the Philippines’ rights by interfering with that country’s fishing and oil exploration in the area. In Manila, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay called the ruling "a milestone decision." U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby called the ruling "an important contribution to the shared goal of a peaceful resolution to disputes in the South China Sea." But Chinese President Xi Jinping rejected the ruling. He said it would not affect China’s control over the area or its interests there. Years of conflict  An estimated $5 trillion in global trade passes each year through the South China Sea. The large area is home to rich fishing grounds and may include a wealth of oil, gas and other natural resources. Many nearby countries claim part of the South China Sea. They include Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, as well as the Philippines. Taiwan also has a claim. But in recent years, China has seized and rebuilt territory in the area, despite other countries’ objections. One conflict is over China’s activities on natural reefs. It has built many into artificial islands that can support military bases. The UN court ruled against these activities on Tuesday. It said China did not have exclusive economic rights to a disputed set of land and reefs called the Spratly Islands. And, the court said China’s construction on Mischief Reef caused permanent harm to the reef's ecosystem. What does the ruling do? Despite Tuesday's ruling, the UN has no way to enforce the decision. It cannot use military action or economic restrictions. But, the decision could make other Asia-Pacific countries bring cases against China. Those cases could increase diplomatic pressure on Beijing to reduce its presence in the South China Sea.  The United States has challenged Beijing's increasing aggressiveness in the region. The U.S. military has held naval exercises in the area and deployed warships near the rebuilt reefs. The moves aim to assert the international freedom of navigation rules. I’m Mario Ritter.   William Gallo, Richard Green, Saibal Dasqupta and Joyce Huang contributed to this report. Kelly Jean Kelly adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   ancient – adj. very old convention – n. a formal agreement between two groups milestone – n. an important point in the progress or development of something exclusive – adj. not shared; available to only one person or group  

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Filipinos React to South China Sea Ruling

About 100 demonstrators marched outside the Chinese consulate in Manila, Tuesday calling on Beijing to relinquish the Scarborough Shoal, shouting "Chexit Now" - a play on the term coined for Britain's controversial push to leave the European Union.

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Americans Looking Forward After a Week of Violence

Americans have been reacting to a week full of gun violence. Last week, a gunman shot and killed five police officers in Dallas, Texas. The gunman told police he was targeting white officers. The shooting came the same week two African-American men were shot and killed in separate incidents in Louisiana and Minnesota. The two were killed by police officers who are white. The shootings left some people questioning the state of race relations in the United States. President Barack Obama speaks in Dallas Tuesday at a memorial service for the five killed officers. He plans to meet later with police officials, community activists and others. They are expected to explore ways of improving police-community relations. Are Americans more divided over race? As tragic as the shootings were, Obama said, it does not mean Americans are more divided over race. ”I think the danger…is that we somehow suggest that the act of a troubled individual speaks to some larger political statement across the country. It doesn't,” he said. But businessman Donald Trump said that “racial divisions have become worse, not better.” Trump is likely to officially become the presidential candidate of the Republican Party next week. The likely Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, has said "both police and criminal justice reforms" are needed. Rupert Nacoste teaches psychology at North Carolina State University. Nacoste wrote the 2015 book, “Taking on Diversity: How We Can Move from Anxiety to Respect.” Americans across racial lines mourn killings  On the question of race relations, he agrees with Obama. Recent shootings, including the June 12 killing of 49 people at a gay nightclub in Florida, drew angry reaction from people of all races and sexual orientations, he said. “When I was growing up in the Jim Crow South, even a lynching didn't bring all the kinds of outrage we are seeing today, from all kinds of Americans,” he said.  Jim Crow laws were passed in the southern United States, beginning in the 1880s. Those measures legalized separate rules for blacks and whites. But racism is not gone from America, Nacoste said. “Many Americans did not want to think about the leftovers of our segregated past, but now it's close to impossible to claim that ‘it's all gone.’” The U.S. elections later this year, he said, will force Americans to “struggle with the question: What kind of America do I believe in, want to live in, and want my children to live in?” Robert Snyder is director of the Graduate Program in American Studies at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. He does not believe the U.S. is “nearly as divided as appearances might indicate.” “Even our deepest problems are more open to solutions than we might think at first glance,” Snyder said. He said that research shows better training of police officers reduces police shootings. A new report on Monday found that black men and women are more likely to be treated roughly by police -- such as being pushed to the ground. Harvard University economist Roland G. Fryer wrote the report. But he found no discrimination in how often blacks and whites are shot by police. Robert Snyder said it may because police know they will be investigated and possibly charged with crimes if they shoot people, particularly if racial discrimination is suspected. Respect and listen, says Obama President Obama has called on Americans to respect and listen to fellow citizens. “I would like all sides to listen to each other,” the president said. He was referring to protesters such as members of the “Black Lives Matter” movement, and police groups throughout the U.S. Many demonstrations have been held across the country in recent days. There have been clashes between protestors and police in some communities, including Baton Rouge, Louisiana. That is where Alton Sterling was shot and killed last week after being knocked to the ground by police. Baton Rouge police said they arrested 50 people Sunday for blocking a road. Lisa Batiste, who lives near the demonstration, said police overreacted. “I’m disappointed. So disappointed,” she told the Baton Rouge Advocate. “It was extremely unnerving -- the military-style policing.” On CNN television Sunday, Dallas Police Chief David Brown praised the five officers who were killed and many other officers who responded to the shootings. “You saw footage of officers running toward gunfire, extraordinary acts of bravery,” Brown said. On Monday, TheBlaze media reported comments from the parents of Micah Johnson, who police say killed the five officers. His mother, Delphine Johnson, said he was “very disappointed” after returning home from military service. “It may be that the ideal that he thought of our government, what he thought the military represented, it just didn’t live up to his expectations,” she told TheBlaze. I’m Dorothy Gundy.   Fern Robinson and Ken Bredemeier reported this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted this story and did additional reporting for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. ____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   anxiety - n. fear or nervousness about what might happen lynching - n. to kill someone illegally as punishment for something, real or not glance - n. a quick look particularly - adv. more than usual disappoint - v. make someone unhappy by not being as good as expected or by not doing something that was hoped for or expected extraordinary - adj. unusual, very special

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Theresa May to Be Britain's Second Woman Prime Minister

Britain’s Theresa May is set to become the second woman to hold the position of Prime Minister since Margaret Thatcher. British Prime Minister David Cameron announced on Monday that he will resign Wednesday and Andrea Leadsom, May’s rival for the position, abruptly withdrew. Cameron told reporters he would officially offer his resignation to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth on Wednesday. The prime minister announced his intention to resign last month after Britons voted in a referendum to leave the European Union. Cameron had campaigned for Britain remaining in the EU. Theresa May, 59, has served as Home Secretary in Cameron’s cabinet since 2010. May had been campaigning in a race to lead the Conservative Party against Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom. But Leadsom withdrew after she made comments highly criticized by the media and her party. In the comments, Leadsom suggested she was better qualified to be Prime Minister because she is a mother. May has no children. Speaking outside his residence at 10 Downing Street, Cameron said he was “delighted we are not going to have a prolonged leadership contest.” He praised May for being “strong, competent and more than capable of taking on the role of prime minister.” During last month’s referendum, also referred to as “Brexit,” May campaigned for Britain to stay in the EU. Since the vote, she has pledged to help pull the country out of the bloc. Speaking outside parliament, May said she was "honored and humbled" to be chosen the party's new leader. She said she is prepared to provide “strong, proven leadership to steer us through what will be difficult and uncertain economic and political times.” She added that Britain needs “to forge a new role for ourselves in the world.” May will be in charge of overseeing the country’s complex transition out of the EU. She said her goal is to “negotiate the best deal for Britain in leaving the EU.” “Brexit means Brexit, and we’re going to make a success of it,” she said. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for Learning English based on reporting from VOAnews.com, with additional reports from the Associated Press and Reuters. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear your thoughts on the Brexit vote. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   referendum – n. a vote of a single political question abruptly – adj. sudden and unexpected competent – adj. having the necessary ability or skills to do something well humbled – adj.  not proud, modest forge – v. to create or form  

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US Defense Secretary: More Troops to Go to Iraq

  The United States will deploy 560 more troops to Iraq to help prepare for the fight for Mosul. The Islamic State militant group currently holds the city. However, Iraqi forces recently recaptured an airbase nearby. The additional troops will go to that airbase, says American Defense Secretary Ash Carter. He made the deployment announcement during a visit to Baghdad Monday.  The Qayyarah Airbase West is about 60 kilometers south of Mosul. Carter said it will serve as a planning and flight center for the coalition. A top U.S. defense official said the Iraqi government capture of the airbase marks the completion of the coalition’s first 10 steps toward defeating the Islamic State. The official spoke on the condition that his identity would not be reported. Ash Carter is meeting in Baghdad with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi. Carter will speak by phone with Masoud Barzani, the president of Iraqi Kurdistan. What were the 10 steps? In December and January, President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Carter set 10 goals to meet before two important cities could be captured. One was Raqqah in Syria, which served as Islamic State’s capital. The other was Mosul, the terrorist group’s largest base in Iraq. The recapturing of Hit, Rupta and Ramadi in Iraq were key steps toward dividing the Iraq and Syria battlefields, said one top defense official. Establishing a staging base in Makhmour has been considered a critical step in surrounding Mosul. In Syria, control of Shaddadi was also critical. The town is along the road from Raqqah to Mosul. Ash Carter said control of Shaddadi left Islamic State core “severed in half.” He said it interfered with the movement of people and supplies between the two cities. U.S.-trained opposition forces took the northern Syrian city of Manbij, also one of the 10 steps. Last month a coalition spokesman based in Baghdad described Manbij as a “hub” for Islamic State foreign fighters. Another of the 10 steps was the start of a program to train and supply anti-IS forces within northeast Syria, said a second defense official.  Mosul fight shaping up The plan to take Mosul in the south required the capture of Makhmour to the southeast and Qayyarah airbase to the southwest. A small number of U.S. forces have carried out a brief site examination at the airbase. But, they did not remain there. Officials say the recapture of Qayyarah showed the increasing military sophistication of Iraqi forces.  At the same time, two Iraqi Kurd military teams are completing the encirclement of Mosul from the north. The U.S. provided equipment and some money to the teams. During Defense Secretary Carter’s last trip to Iraq, he announced that the U.S. will provide $415 million in financial aid to Kurdish forces. The Kurdish economy had been damaged by the worldwide drop in oil prices. Carter said the aid would go through Iraq’s government. A top defense official confirmed the U.S. has completed its early goal of training 12 military brigades for the Mosul offensive. Commanders say that is the number needed for the battle. US looking to do more U.S. officials say additional training might be needed for those groups. In the fight for Ramadi, for example, many improvised explosive devices or IEDs were being used against anti-IS fighters.  U.S. forces specially trained soldiers how to deal with IED threats. Police training also might be needed to help secure the city once Islamic State has been ousted. Carter said he will talk with Abadi about many tools and techniques that have proven effective against the enemy. These include air support, equipment, supplies and help with planning. He said the U.S. will “provide more if and when the Iraqi Security Forces can make good use of them, and Prime Minister Abadi requests them.” Last week, President Obama announced his decision to keep 8,400 U.S. troops in Afghanistan through the end of his presidency. The Obama administration had earlier announced it would keep only 5,500 troops through the end of the year. Obama said last week that “the Taliban remains a threat.”  I’m Ashley Thompson.   VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb reported this story from Baghdad. Caty Weaver adapted it for Learning English. ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to know what you think of this story. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   staging - n. temporary area severe - v. to separate, cut or remove sophistication - n. showing experience, highly developed improvised explosive device - n. bomb built in ways other than conventional military, usually used as roadside bomb.

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Cleveland, Philadelphia Increase Security for Political Conventions

  The two main parties in the United States will officially nominate their presidential candidates at national political conventions later this month. The Republican Party is holding its national convention in Cleveland, Ohio, from July 18 to July 21. The Republicans are expected to officially nominate businessman Donald Trump as their candidate. The Democrats are preparing to meet at the end of the month in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The party will officially nominate former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as its candidate. Millions of dollars are being spent on security for the two conventions. The cities of Philadelphia and Cleveland have each received $50 million to pay for security, according to multiple sources. The money was awarded in federal grants to keep the convention grounds and the areas around them safe. Close to 50,000 people are expected to travel to Cleveland for the Republican convention. That number includes about 6,000 demonstrators. Democratic and Republican protesters clashed at a number of Trump campaign events earlier this year. Police in Cleveland are preparing for the possibility of unrest. The office of Cleveland’s mayor says the “size and significance of the convention creates unique challenges.” City officials have put special restrictions in place. Cleveland plans to enforce rules designed to control demonstrations. The city will limit marches to 50 minutes. Most of the marches will be held in the morning before Republican delegates gather at the convention site. The planned parade route will send demonstrators in a direction away from the meeting area. Dan Bulla is the president of a private security company. He thinks the biggest problems will be physical acts of civil disobedience. These acts include blocking streets, disabling police vehicles and trying to incite police action. Bulla said there may be “more opportunity for disruption and violence” in Cleveland than at the Democratic National Convention. Officials in Philadelphia will let supporters of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders to demonstrate in a park near the Democrats’ convention site. Sanders was Clinton’s main opponent in the race for the presidential nomination. The U.S. Secret Service is heavily involved in planning political conventions. The agency has been working with local and federal law enforcement to prepare for the meetings in Cleveland and Philadelphia. Nicole Mainor works for the Secret Service. She told VOA: “If individuals or groups decide to act unlawfully, plans have been put in place to …address them. We understand the nature of [these events]. We have anticipated the number of individuals we may encounter.” Law enforcement officials are also guarding against a possible terror attack or attacks on computers. Cyber-attacks are the “most significant” threat, said Bulla. Officials are working with computer experts to stop hackers’ attempts to cut off telephone service and electricity. Bulla said the threat of a terrorist attack does not rate as high as threats of cyber-attacks and civil disobedience. In a related development, a federal judge decided some of Cleveland’s rules for protesters were unconstitutional. The rules would have banned some objects from a 5.6-kilometer wide “event zone.” Those items include large backpacks, adhesive tape and string. The rules would have also limited where demonstrators could speak. Cleveland officials say they will appeal the ruling. I'm Mehrnoush Karimian-Ainsworth.   Wayne Lee wrote this story for VOANews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. What do you think will be the biggest security problems at the political conventions? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   grant –​ n. public money that is given to someone or something for use on a project or for a particular purpose civil disobedience – n. refusal to obey laws as a way of forcing the government to do or change something altercations – n. noisy or angry arguments cyber-attack – n. an attempt by a computer hacker to damage or destroy a computer network or system disruption – n. an event that causes something to be unable to continue in the normal way hackers – n. people who secretly get access to a computer system in order to get information or cause damage

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North Korea Further Limits Communication with US

  North Korea says it is closing one of its last lines of communication with the United States. The move is in reaction, North Korea says, to the U.S. placing sanctions on leader Kim Jong Un for human rights abuses. North Korea said Monday it has told the U.S. that it is ending all diplomatic communications with the U.S. that have been conducted through the U.N. offices in New York. The U.S. placed personal sanctions on Kim and several other North Korean officials last week. The restrictions added to sanctions already placed on the country for its nuclear weapons program. Earlier Monday, North Korea threatened to take "physical action" after the U.S. and South Korea announced plans to deploy a missile defense system. The threat comes several days after U.S. and South Korean officials revealed plans to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, known as THAAD. Details, including the location and timing of the deployment, have not been announced. Through its official KCNA news agency, North Korea threatened to launch a “retaliatory strike” that would turn the South into “a sea of fire” when given the order. North Korea said the "physical response" will take place the moment the time and location of the THAAD system have been confirmed. China and Russia also have expressed strong opposition to the deployment of THAAD. Both countries have urged the U.S. and South Korea not to deploy the system.  South Korean President Park Guen-hye said Monday that the THAAD system is only intended as a defensive measure against the North. She said it does not target any other country. North Korea has tested several long-range missiles recently and exploded a nuclear weapon in January. Last week, the North fired a missile from a submarine off the coast of the port city of Sinpo. The missile reportedly exploded after traveling about 10 kilometers into the air, similar to a failed test in April.  Western military officials, however, say the North's abilities improve with every test. China is North Korea's main ally. It has urged the government of Kim Jong Un to return to international talks and dismantle its nuclear program. In return, China has promised economic assistance and security guarantees. I'm Mario Ritter.   Chris Allen reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   sanctions –n. measure that punish a country in an effort to force it to obey international law, usually by limiting trade location –n. a place, where something is retaliatory –adj. a measure taken in reaction to an attack dismantle –v. to take something apart piece by piece

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Japan to Move Slowly on Amending Constitution After Election

  Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is claiming victory in Sunday’s parliamentary elections. His Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) coalition won a two-thirds majority in Japan’s upper house of parliament. The LDP won 56 of 121 seats up for election. Its coalition partner, Komeito, won 14 seats. The upper house is known as the National Diet. Only half the seats in the 242-seat diet are up for election every three years. The two main issues during the election campaign were the economic policies of Shinzo Abe, known as Abenomics, and calls to change Japan’s pacifist constitution. The ruling coalition already controls the lower house of parliament. The coalition needed Sunday’s victory to capture a two-thirds majority in both houses. That ‘supermajority’ and a simple majority in a nationwide referendum are required to amend the constitution. The prime minister said the Japanese people will decide on the question of amending the constitution if a special election is called. Abe would like to change article 9 of the document. Article 9 stops Japan from going to war to settle international disputes involving the state. The public is largely divided over calls to amend the constitution. Some opinion polls indicate most people disagree with talk of a more active military. Abe’s supporters say Japan needs a stronger and less restricted military to answer possible threats from other countries in East Asia. They say countries like China and North Korea are increasing their military power and nuclear activities. China and other areas that suffered under Japanese occupation in World War II have expressed concern about calls to change the constitution. They warn that Japan could again become an aggressive military power if the document is amended. China’s official news agency Xinhua published a commentary on the Japanese election Monday. It expressed alarm about Abe’s power expanding and possible changes to the constitution. The commentary said Japan’s militarization will not help Japan or its neighbors. More about economy The prime minister announced on Monday that he plans to increase government spending in the country as a way to fuel economic growth. Abe did not state the size of the spending program. But there are reports that it could total $100 billion. The leading measure of Japanese stock prices rose on Monday, hours after the ruling coalition’s victory. The Nikkei 225 was up close to four percent. The Topix index of all first-section shares climbed 3.79 percent. I’m Jonathan Evans.   Brian Padden wrote this story for VOA News. Jim Dresbach adapted his report for Learning English. Additional information came from reporter Youmi Kim in Seoul. George Grow was the editor. What do you think about the results from the Japanese election? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   pacifist – adj. a feeling that war and violence are wrong diet – n. the legislative body of certain countries referendum – n. an event in which the people of a county or state vote for or against a law that deals with a specific issue poll – n. an activity in which several or many people are asked a question or a series of questions in order to get information about what most people think about something alarm – n. worry, fear or concern 

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Strengthen Your Core With 5 Simple Exercises

  From VOA Learning English, this is the Health and Lifestyle report. Your core is a complex network of muscles. It includes your abdominal muscles, back muscles and the muscles around you pelvis. Basically, your core is all the muscles in your torso. Harvard University’s website explains that a strong core is helpful for everyone. A strong core makes doing everyday activities easier. Basically, almost every movement of your body either begins or travels through your core. So, a strong core helps you in many ways. A strong core helps you bend over to pick up a child or reach high above your head to put something on a shelf. It helps your body move when you clean your home, fix your car or work in your garden.   Also, having a strong core can protect you from other problems. It can prevent back and neck injuries. A strong core helps your posture. It helps you to stand up straight and look more confident. But more importantly, health experts at Harvard remind us that good posture lessens stress on the spine and helps us to breathe more deeply. But wait, there’s more. Experts at the Mayo Clinic explain on their website that core exercises train the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen to work together. This improves your balance and stability. Strong core muscles also help to make all sports and recreational activities easier and more pleasurable -- whether you are hiking with your family, dancing with your wife or playing a sport with your friends. So few would argue that a strong core is important. But with life’s busy schedules, how can we find time for core exercises? The good news is, there are several simple core exercises. You do not need to go to a gym. You don’t need expensive equipment. You can strengthen your core with floor exercises. All you need is a comfortable space on the floor, a mat -- if you prefer -- and maybe a towel. Five core exercises These five exercises suggested by the Mayo Clinic target the smaller muscles in your core that are often overlooked in other types of exercise. These exercises are also static, meaning you get into position and stay there still for several deep breaths. 1. The Bridge The bridge is a classic exercise to strengthen the core. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Keep your back in a neutral position. This means do not arch or round your back. Tighten your abdominal muscles. Then raise your hips off the floor until they are aligned with your knees and shoulders. In other words, imagine drawing a line that connects your knees, hips and shoulders. Hold for several deep breaths.         2. The Quadruped The quadruped is another exercise that targets the core. Start on your hands and knees. Place your hands on the floor directly below your shoulders. Align your head and neck with your back. Tighten your abdominal muscles. Raise your left arm and your right leg at the same time. Then hold for three deep breaths. Release back to your hands and knees. And repeat with your right arm and left leg.           3. The Plank Pose This pose is a foundation of many yoga exercises. It looks simple, but it is a full core workout. Start on all fours, meaning on your hands and knees. Lower yourself down so that you are resting on your forearms. Stretch out your legs behind you. Align your head and neck with your back. Place your shoulders directly above your elbows. Tighten your abdominal muscles. And hold for as many deep breaths as you can. You can slowly build up time as your get stronger. The more advanced version is basically the beginning of a push up. For an added challenge, raise yourself onto your hands. Your hands should face forward with your wrists under your shoulders. (If you have problems with your wrists, adjust your hands so they are comfortable.) The body should be in a straight line from the top of your head to your heels. Do not dip or raise your hips. And do not let your chest sink down to the floor. Hold for several deep breaths.           4. The Side Plank The side plank challenges your stability and improves core strength by working the muscles along the side of your body. Lie on your left side. Raise yourself onto your left forearm. Place your left shoulder directly above your left elbow. Keep your shoulders, hips and knees in alignment. Rest your right arm along the side of your body. Tighten your abdominal muscles and hold for several deep breaths. Then repeat on your right side. For an added challenge, balance on your left hand. Raise your hips off the floor and extend your right hand toward the ceiling. Hold for several deep breaths. Then repeat on your right side.                         5. The Superman This exercise strengthens your lower back. It also allows you to pretend you are flying like Superman! Lie on the floor on your stomach. Place a rolled up towel under your hips to support your back. Tighten your abdominal muscles. Raise your right arm off the floor. Hold for several deep breaths. Lower your right arm and repeat with your left. Then raise your right leg off the floor. Hold for several deep breaths. Lower your right leg and then repeat with your left. For an added challenge, try this version. Raise both arms at the same time. Hold for several breaths. Then raise both legs at the same time. Hold for several breaths. Then try raising both arms and both legs at the same time. Hold for several breaths.       These are all simple exercises that most people should be able to do. But you know what is right for your body. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. And, of course, if you have any health concerns, check with your doctor before doing any exercises. And that’s the Health & Lifestyle report. I’m Anna Matteo, wishing you a strong core!   Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. Ashley Thompson demonstrates the exercises. ___________________________________________________________ Words and Their Stories   posture – n. the way in which your body is positioned when you are sitting or standing confident – adj. having a feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something : having confidence spine – n. the row of connected bones down the middle of the back stability – n. the quality or state of someone who is emotionally or mentally healthy abdominal – n. the part of the body below the chest that contains the stomach and other organs pelvis – n. the wide curved bones between the spine and the leg bones torso – n. the main part of the human body not including the head, arms, and legs classic – adj. very typical tighten – v. to make (something) tight or tighter or to become tight or tighter yoga – n. a system of exercises for mental and physical health arched – adj. something that has a curved shape align – v. to arrange things so that they form a line or are in proper position alignment – n. a forming in line Check your understanding of this article by taking a quiz!

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Matador Dies at Spanish Bullfight

  This is What’s Trending Today. A Spanish bullfighter died for the first time in over 30 years and several people were injured throughout Spain at bullfighting festivals. Victor Barrio was a professional bullfighter, a matador in the Spanish language. He died after being injured by a bull’s horn on Saturday. He was participating in a bullfight in Teruel, a small town east of Madrid. Barrio was 29. The bull weighed over 500 kilograms. Barrio was struck in the chest by the bull’s horn during the fight. At the famous running of the bulls in Pamplona, two Spanish men were seriously injured by a bull’s horns and three others hurt their heads after falling. Pamplona is a small city in northeastern Spain. It is a popular destination for tourists who come to run through the streets with the bulls. Later in the day, the bulls are in bullfights. People dress in white clothing with red belts and scarves. They try to run close enough to the bulls to feel scared, but not so close that they get injured. The death of the bullfighter and the other injuries prompted numerous comments on social media sites. Some people expressed their sympathy for the matador. But many others used the news of the death and injuries to say that bullfighting is a cruel sport. One person reminded us of the saying: “you mess with the bull, you get the horns.” Another suggested that the death of the matador will help end the “supposed sport.” Others reacted to the news that according to tradition, if a bull kills a matador, the bull and its mother will be killed to eliminate the bloodline. One Twitter user called that “the dumbest thing ever.”  And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   belt – n. a band of material (such as leather) that is worn around a person's waist festival – n. a special time or event when people gather to celebrate something scarf – n. a long piece of cloth that is worn on your shoulders, around your neck, or over your head horn – n. one of the hard pointed parts that grows on the head of some animals (such as cattle, goats, or sheep) mess – v. to handle or play with (something) in a careless or foolish way dumb – adj. not showing or having good judgment or intelligence : stupid or foolish

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Texas Gun Range Offers Free Training to LGBT People

  The killing of 49 people at a gay nightclub in Florida has shaken America’s LGBT community. The attack has led some of the community’s members to consider carrying guns. A gun range in Houston, Texas is now offering free training to LGBT people. LGBT is short for the words lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Many people have signed up for the classes because they fear they could be a victim of violence. Texas law requires an operating permit for people to carry a gun, whether it is concealed or not. “There is a target that has been painted on people’s backs now if they are part of the LGBT community,” class member Cheryl Burgin said. Burgin knows how to use a gun. She once served in the U.S. Marine Corps. She now feels the need to have her own gun to protect herself and her wife. Even with a legal permit in Texas, guns are barred from some public places, such as schools and hospitals. They are also not permitted in most drinking establishments and nightclubs, like the one attacked in Orlando. Burgin admits that taking a gun into a bar or club would not be a good idea. “You don’t want to mix alcohol and firearms. It is not the smartest thing to take it into a club. But if I need to have it nearby, I will make sure I have it with me.” Jess Sanford is General Manager of Houston’s Shiloh Gun Range and 3D Archery. He says his decision to drop the usual $69 class fee for the LGBT community has been warmly received. “What we thought was going to be two classes, with maybe 40 people total, has now just totally blown up to 13 classes, and we've got over 550 signed up, with over a hundred done already.”  He says people receiving the training enjoy being with like-minded people who do not judge them. Desaree Reyes and her wife, Marcella, said they decided to take the training because of possible hostility to their same-sex marriage. But Desaree admits she is not sure how she would react to an attack like the one in Orlando. “I don’t feel that just because I have my license that I am going to be ready,” she said. But she added that carrying a weapon will give her better piece of mind. “I do feel like at least I have that protection…so that if somebody were to come towards me or my family, I'm already ready to protect myself.” The gay community includes people on both sides of the gun control debate. Pink Pistols is an LGBT gun rights group. It was already urging members of the community to arm themselves before Orlando. A representative of the group, Gwendolyn Patton, released a statement after the shooting. “Guns did not do this. A human being did this, a dead human being. Our job now is not to demonize the man’s tools, but to condemn his acts and work to prevent such acts in the future.” Other LGBT rights groups, including Human Rights Campaign, have called for stronger gun control measures. “The safety of the LGBTQ community depends on our ability to end both the hatred toward our community, and the epidemic of gun violence that has spiraled out of control,” HRC president Chad Griffin said. Griffin blamed the mass shooting on “a toxic combination of two things: a deranged, unstable individual who had been conditioned to hate (LGBT) people, and easy access to military-style guns.” I’m Bryan Lynn. Greg Flakus reported this story for VOANews.com. Bryan Lynn adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Do you think gun training for the gay community is a good idea? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   conceal – v. keep something hidden piece of mind – n. a feeling of being safe or protected epidemic – n. a sudden, widespread growth of something deranged – adj. behaving in a dangerous way because of a mental disorder gay – n. a person sexually attracted to someone who is the same sex nightclub – n. a place that offers entertainment and drinks  lesbian – n.  a woman who is sexually attracted to other women bisexual – n. a person sexually attracted to someone who is the same sex or the opposite sex transgender – adj. a person who expresses or identifies with a gender different from the one they were born with  

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