September 22, 2016

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

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2dkYaWN
via IFTTT

News Words: Error

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2deaPi4
via IFTTT

Using Electromagnetic Waves to Fight Depression

  People suffering from depression are finding help when electromagnetic waves enter their brains. Mental health experts estimate that depression affects more than 120 million people worldwide. It severely affects the person’s quality of life and, in extreme cases, can lead to suicide. Anti-depressant medicines have been shown as an effective treatment for many patients. But the drugs are unable to help some people with the disorder. For such persons, doctors may suggest deep transcranial magnetic stimulation, or DTMS for short.  In this treatment, patients wear a helmet — a large hard hat on their head. The helmet is connected to a machine. An electric coil in the helmet sends out regular pulses of electromagnetic energy. These beating sounds produce changes in the brain area responsible for the disorder. In the treatment room, patient Wayne Sarles says he felt an improvement after four weeks of DTMS. “Since I started this treatment I’ve only had one cycle of deep depression and that’s uncharacteristic for this time frame so I’m very relieved.” The first results are felt in about five days. Wagdi Attia is a mental health expert. He uses this treatment on his patients. “In three to four days later they said ‘yes, I’m out of it. Yes, I am more energized. Yes, I sleep better and could function.  I can go out I have a good relationship with my husband or my wife.’” Electromagnetic brain stimulation is not new. It was first used to treat depression over 30 years ago. Now, a new generation of wiring can direct the energy on one part of the brain. DTMS starts with daily 20-minute-long treatments for 20 to 30 days. The patient then returns for treatment two to three times a week for several weeks. The only side effect is sometimes minor head pain. Aaron Tendler is the chief medical officer of Brainsway, the company that makes the machine. He told VOA on Skype that it is hard to say how long the effects of DTMS last.  “We do know that if a person continues maintenance, meaning if a person gets better from TMS and then continues some form of maintenance, meaning twice a week for 3 months, they’ll more than likely stay better.” DTMS is being used in Europe to treat both depression and other conditions. Patients there are getting treated for dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. And DTMS is even being used to help some Europeans stop smoking. But in the United States, the federal Food and Drug Administration has approved it only for the treatment of drug-resistant depression. But clinical tests are continuing on other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Both of the disorders, like depression, can get in the way of a person working and getting along with people. I’m Anne Ball.   George Putic reported this story for VOANews.com. Anne Ball 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 us on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   transcranial – adj. passing through the skull stimulation – n. the act of exciting to activity or growth coil – n. a number of turns of wire wound around a core center to create a magnetic field for an electromagnet regular – adj. happening at the same time in the same way uncharacteristic – adj. not typical or usual relieved – adj. feeling relaxed and happy because something difficult has stopped obsessive-compulsive disorder – n. an anxiety disorder when a person has thoughts or actions over and over again that cause distress or interfere with normal daily living post-traumatic stress disorder – n. a mental condition that can affect a person who has had a very shocking or difficult experience

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2cuL6PV
via IFTTT

US, China Look at Chinese Company’s Trade with North Korea

Chinese and U.S. officials are said to be investigating a Chinese business with ties to North Korea. The business is suspected of helping the North Korean government avoid international sanctions. Those measures are meant to punish the North for seeking to expand its nuclear weapons program. Liaoning Hongxiang Group is a large conglomerate, made up of many companies. It operates six companies that reportedly sold aluminum bars and chemicals to North Korea. Experts say the bars and chemicals have possible military uses. The companies are suspected of operating 10 ships involved in North Korea’s mineral trade, including coal. They also operate a hotel linked to a group of North Koreans who attack computers overseas. Go Myong-Hyun is a researcher with the Asan Institute for Policy in Seoul. He said the companies “are actually selling to the North Koreans dual use goods, which are explicitly forbidden by the United Nations sanctions.” Go is one of the writers of a report about Liaoning Hongxiang Group and its activities in North Korea. The Asan Institute released the report on Monday. Chinese business group linked to banned trade The researchers studied blacklisted individuals and companies. They said private businesses like Liaoning Hongxiang Group helped companies on the United Nations sanctions list do business in North Korea. The value of the trade between the conglomerate and North Korea is estimated to be over $500 million. The report said the trade could provide financing for the North’s nuclear development program. Part of the conglomerate, Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Co., imports almost all of its goods from North Korea. The report also points to satellite pictures of a ship linked to the group at a North Korean port where coal and iron is exported. Most mineral exports from the North are banned under U.N. sanctions. However, trade in coal or iron not linked to government organizations is permitted as a humanitarian exception. A company linked to Liaoning Hongxiang Group has ties to a hotel suspected of being the base for a North Korean cyber-attack group. The Wall Street Journal newspaper reported Monday that police in China’s Liaoning province are investigating the conglomerate. The Asan report says Liaoning Hongxiang Group also has done business with at least 15 American companies. Lawyers with the U.S. Department of Justice visited Beijing last month to discuss possible legal action against the group. North Korea has continued its nuclear and long-range missile programs in violation of strong U.N. sanctions. On September 9th, the country carried out its fifth nuclear test, the second this year. And on Tuesday, North Korea’s state media reported that a test of a new rocket engine was successful. The reports said leader Kim Jong Un ordered preparations for a satellite launch as soon as possible. I’m Mario Ritter. Brian Paddan reported this story for VOANews.com. Mario Ritter adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Reach us in the comment section below. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story sanctions – n. measures against a country to cause it to obey international law conglomerate – n. a large business that oversees a number of other companies often in different kinds of industries allegedly – adv. said to have happened, but not yet known forbidden – adj. not allowed blacklisted – adj. placed on a list of people or groups that should be avoided

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2di5W3A
via IFTTT

US Urges North Korea to Halt Nuclear Program, Seek Talks

  United States Secretary of State John Kerry has urged North Korea to stop its nuclear and ballistic weapons development programs. Kerry met with South Korean foreign affairs minister Yun Byung and Japanese foreign affairs minister Fumio Kishida on Sunday in New York. He said, “Serious negotiations about the future could occur if North Korea does not engage in any more provocative actions.” The three nations are part of a multi-national group seeking to get North Korea to end its nuclear program. The group also includes China and Russia. However, so-called six party talks including all the countries involved have not taken place since 2008. Satellite images have shown that North Korea is ready to carry out more nuclear weapons tests, which could take place at any time. South Korea’s foreign minister, Yun Byung warned that North Korea’s weapons are not only a threat to Northeast Asia, but are a danger to the whole world. He called for greater sanctions on North Korea and said that the current U.N. General Assembly needs to “send out a united and forceful message.” Yun also said South Korea, the U.S. and Japan need to stop North Korea’s nuclear program by “whatever means we have.” Japan’s foreign minister, Fumio Kishida, also called for greater pressure, including sanctions, against North Korea. He said the international community is “required to initiate a different response accordingly” because of the growing threat from North Korea. But he did not explain what actions would be taken. The three countries released a joint statement after the meeting. It said that the ministers agreed to “explored ways to work together to ensure that all countries fully and effectively implement all their obligations and commitments under U.N. Security Council 2270.” That resolution places strong sanctions on North Korea for its nuclear and long-range missile programs. I’m Patrick Merentie. Steve Herman reported this story from New York City. Patrick Merentie adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.   Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   ballistic –adj. able to travel long distances at high speed occur –v. to happen, to take place engage –v. to take part, to carry out provocative –adj. meant to cause a reaction sanctions –n. measures meant to cause a country to obey international law

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2d9VQkR
via IFTTT

World Reacts to End of 'Brangelina'

  This is What’s Trending Today… People continue to react to reports that Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie has asked her husband, actor Brad Pitt, for a divorce. The move appears to end their marriage and a relationship that some media have called “Brangelina.” Jolie and Pitt were among the most powerful married couples in America’s show business industry. On Monday in Los Angeles, Jolie filed legal documents to end their marriage. Jolie is also seeking rights to raise the couple’s six children. Jolie’s lawyer said Tuesday that her decision to divorce was made “for the health of the family.” Jolie and Pitt were together for 12 years and married two years ago, in August 2014. They became close while filming the 2005 movie, "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." That led to widespread reports in the media that Jolie led to Pitt’s divorce from Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston. Pitt and Jolie denied that. Aniston and Pitt announced their separation in early 2005. Pitt’s divorce from Aniston, and his relationship with Jolie, became one of the most talked-about stories in Hollywood. Many people reacted to the end of Brangelina on social media. Some used GIFs of Jennifer Aniston. They made predictions about what Aniston’s reaction to the news might be. ​One person called September 20 “Jennifer Aniston Meme Day.” ​British singer Adele reportedly was deeply saddened by what seemed to be the end of Brangelina. She decided to dedicate her show in New York City Tuesday night to Jolie and Pitt. ​Later, Madame Tussaud’s museum in London announced on Twitter that it had officially separated its wax statues of Jolie and Pitt. And that’s What’s Trending Today. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story divorce - n. the ending of a marriage by a legal process couple - n. two people who are married or who have a romantic or sexual relationship file - v. to give (something, such as an official form or a legal document) to someone in authority so that it can be considered, dealt with, approved, etc. meme - n. an amusing or interesting picture, video, etc., that is spread widely through the Internet dedicate - v. to officially make (something) a place for honoring or remembering a person, event, etc.

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2d0zXra
via IFTTT

U.S. Mistakenly Offers Citizenship to Hundreds

  A United States government agency mistakenly offered citizenship to over 800 immigrants who had been ordered to leave the country. This information comes from a report this week by the Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The inspector general, John Roth, has the job of investigating problems at the agency. Here is what happened, according to the report: At least 858 immigrants had been ordered expelled or removed from the United States. But they then requested citizenship under a different name, or provided a different date of birth.   When applying for citizenship, foreigners are required to provide fingerprints. But the fingerprints from their earlier immigration records were not saved on computers. That meant the government could not find the prints from the earlier records. It did not find out about the removal orders and, as a result, approved people for citizenship who should have been rejected, Inspector General Roth said. Computer records, unlike paper records, can be searched quickly. “This situation created opportunities for individuals to gain the rights and privileges of U.S. citizenship through fraud,” Roth said. Roth did not identify any of the immigrants who gained citizenship through fraud. But he said they were all from “special interest countries.” Those are nations that present a national security concern for the United States, or have high rates of immigration fraud. The Department of Homeland Security said it has long had a problem with paper fingerprint records that have not been made part of computer records. The department said it is working to add those paper records to computers and will examine “every file” listed as possible fraud. But it said that not all people who asked for citizenship without computer fingerprint records were offered citizenship. Businessman Donald Trump is the presidential candidate of the Republican Party. He has promised to tighten rules for people seeking to immigrate to the United States. Trump made a statement that connected the inspector general’s report to the terrorist attacks last weekend. The attacks included a bombing and attempted bombings in New York and New Jersey. In addition, a man armed with a knife attacked people at a shopping center in Minnesota. There were injuries, but nobody was killed except the person who Minnesota police said carried out the knife attacks. Trump said the inspector general’s report “puts this weekend’s attacks in a broader perspective.” That is why Trump said he wants “extreme vetting for immigrants from troubled parts of the world where terrorists live and train.” Vetting are the investigations done when someone seeks citizenship, jobs and loans. Hillary Clinton is the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate. Clinton said she has long supported “tough vetting for making sure that we don’t let people into this country” who might represent a danger. “But let us remember, there are millions of naturalized citizens from all over the world,” she said. “There are millions of law-abiding peaceful Muslim-Americans.” I’m Bruce Alpert.   Megan Duzor reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted the story 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   apply - v. to ask formally for something, such as citizenship, a job or admission to school fingerprints - n. the mark that is made by pressing the tip of a finger on a surface opportunity - n. chances to do something -- such as to become a citizen or get a job privilege - n. a right or benefit that is given to some people and not to others fraud - n. the crime of using dishonest methods to take something valuable from another person broader perspective - adj. see something from a larger point of view naturalized - adj. to allow someone who was born in a different country to become a new citizen

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2cShefp
via IFTTT

New iOS 10 Features for iPhone

Even if you are not getting a new iPhone, you can make your phone feel like new with an update. Apple released iOS 10 last week. It brings new iPhone features and changes some Apple apps. At first, some people who tried to update their iPhones had trouble. Their phones did not work until they connected them to their computers. But Apple quickly solved the problem and soon people were updating to iOS 10 without major issues. The iOS 10 update is available for iPhone 5 and it will be available later for iPad 4, iPad Mini 2 and iPod Touch 6. While iOS 10 is filled with new features, these are some that may make a big difference in how you use your phone.   Find My Parked Car Have you ever lost your car in a large parking lot? Or you can’t remember if you left it on First Street or Second Street, for example? The Apple Maps app has a new feature that helps you find your parked car, automatically. You do not have to turn on this feature. After you park your car and walk away from it, Apple Maps will place a pin at the location where your car is parked. Open the Maps app to see your parked car's location.   You must have had your iPhone connected to your car via Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay for this feature to work. This feature does not work if you park your car at your home.             Music App Apple's Music app has been changed to make it easier to find your music. There's a new Library tab that is organized so you can find your music more easily. You can also see which songs you have downloaded to your phone. The “For You” section of Apple Music has songs Apple thinks you will enjoy. It bases the choices on your listening habits and your “favorite” votes. You can listen to custom playlists created by the app. You can see your recently played songs. And you can view other playlists the app thinks you'll like. Apple Music now lets you read lyrics when music is playing. While a song is playing in the Music app, tap “lyrics” to see the actual words to the song.                       Siri Can Announce Calls Want to know who is calling you? You do not have to look at your phone any more, Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, can announce the name of the caller when your iPhone rings. You must turn on this feature to make it work.   Bedtime iOS 10 can help you get better sleep. The new Bedtime feature is available in the Clock app on the iPhone. Answer a few questions, such as what time you like to wake up. Choose which days you want to be reminded and tell your phone how many hours of sleep you want each night. Bedtime will show you a graph of your sleep history during the week. You will get a reminder at night that it is time for sleep and an alarm in the morning on the days and time you choose.   Messages Your messages now can include much more than text and emojis with the new Messages app. For others to enjoy these features, they have to be using Apple’s iMessage app and updated their phones to iOS 10. You can get stickers, images and GIFs to add to your messages in iMessage in iOS 10. Tap the arrow icon to the left of the text field, then tap the App Store icon to download sticker packs. You can search for stickers to use as well as images, including GIFs. Note that some sticker packs cost money but many are free.           You can add balloons, confetti and fireworks to your text messages in iOS 10. After you have typed your message, press and hold the arrow to the right. The next screen lets you choose which effect you want to use.                             The new Messages app also lets you share songs from Apple Music within the app. Tap the left arrow, then tap the App Store icon. Swipe left to share a song with someone.   You do not need to be a member of Apple Music to use this feature.         Today Screen Swipe right when you have your home screen open to see the new Today screen. This replaces the Today screen you used to see when you swiped from the top of the screen. This new Today screen has widgets, such as Calendar, Siri App Suggestions, Maps Destination, and more. Tap the “Edit” button at the bottom of the screen to add, delete and move widgets. This new Today screen is easier to read, gives more information and helps you organize your widgets better than the old version. I’m Pete Musto. And I’m Caty Weaver. Carolyn Nicander Mohr wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. Have you updated your phone to iOS 10? Have you tried any of these new features? Which ones do you like or dislike? Share your thoughts in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   update - n. a change or addition to computer software that includes the most recent information parking lot - n. an area outside a building for parking cars, trucks, etc. automatic - adj. having controls that allow something to work or happen without being directly controlled by a person habit - n. a usual way of behaving : something that a person does often in a regular and repeated way custom - adj. made to fit the needs or requirements of a particular person lyrics - n. the words of a song voice assistant - n. software that can perform tasks or services for an individual emoji - n. a small digital image or icon used to express an idea, emotion, etc., in electronic communication GIF - n. a graphic image that moves  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2cuCxV0
via IFTTT

September 21, 2016

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

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2cW272y
via IFTTT

Let's Learn English Lessons 25-29 Review - Bloopers

These are some of the mistakes we made while filming the Let's Learn English series.

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2cpaMit
via IFTTT

1300 UTC Newscast for September 21

From Washington, this is VOA News. I’m Ira Mellman. The U.S. President lays out the immigrant crisis to the United Nations: President Barack Obama hosted the world's first ever Leaders’ Summit on Refugees in New York City Tuesday, saying the world is facing a crisis of epic proportions. VOA's Cindy Saine reports. “President Obama came straight to the point about the situation millions of refugees are facing. ‘We are here because, right now in crowded camps in cities around the world, there are families from Darfur and Chad, Palestinians in Lebanon, Afghans in Pakistan, Colombians in Ecuador, who’ve endured years -- in some cases, decades -- as refugees.’ The plight of so many displaced people moved the United States, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, and the leaders from Canada, Ethiopia, Germany, Jordan, Mexico and Sweden to pledge to either take in greater numbers of refugees or provide more financial assistance. Cindy Saine, VOA News, New York.” An airstrike in northern Syria that killed five members of medical staff hit a mobile emergency unit and not a medical facility, a relief organization says today. The mobile medical team was hit while responding to an earlier airstrike targeting militants from the al-Qaida-linked Fatah al-Sham Front. We got that according to Dr. Oubaida Al Moufti, the vice president of the International Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations. The organization had initially said Tuesday the strike leveled a medical triage point. This is VOA News. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2cQB4Jj
via IFTTT