Gorbachev Warns US-Russia Tensions Are at ‘Dangerous Point’

  Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev warned this week that tensions between Russia and the United States have reached a “dangerous point.” His comments followed a series of issues that have strained relations between Washington and Moscow. Among them are the war in Syria and U.S. accusations that Russia is involved in cyber attacks aimed at disrupting U.S. elections next month. “I think the world has reached a dangerous point,” Gorbachev told RIA Novosti, Russia’s state news agency. The former leader said he did not have any specific advice for either country. “But I do want to say that this needs to stop,” he said. “We need to renew dialogue. Stopping it was the biggest mistake.” Gorbachev, 85, is credited with easing years of tensions between the Soviet Union and the West. He led the country from 1985 to 1991. He signed several important nuclear disarmament deals with the United States during his rule. In 1990, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. On October 3, the United States said it was giving up its efforts with Russia to negotiate a cease-fire in Syria. U.S. officials noted continued military attacks against civilian targets in the nation. Russia answered the American actions by suspending a number of nuclear cooperation agreements with the United States. It also moved to build up its military forces in Syria and along the Russian border with Europe. Recently, Russia deployed Iskander missiles to a base in Kaliningrad, which sits on the Baltic coast between Poland and Lithuania. Those missiles are able to travel about 500 kilometers in the air and carry nuclear weapons. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier wrote in the Bild newspaper about the deployment. He said he thought it created a more dangerous situation than during the Cold War when the Soviet Union competed against the West. Some military experts agree. Igor Sutyagin is with London’s Royal United Services Institute. “The dramatic reaction of the West about Iskander [missiles] now is that it is just a wake-up call, it is just a very clear message. It is that ice-cold bucket of water that (says), ‘Wake up, you are not living in a safe world.’” During the Cold War, the Soviet Union deployed large missiles in what was then East Germany and Czechoslovakia. Sutyagin says this time around, the missile deployment is more psychological. “The idea is to intimidate the West. Because Russia does not have any other tools to fight for its competitiveness in the international arena but psychology. Even the Russian military are comparatively weaker than NATO’s forces.” Other issues have also increased tensions between Russia and the United States. Last week, U.S. officials accused the Russian government of being involved in attacks on American computer systems. They suspect those cyber attacks are meant to disrupt the U.S. elections next month. The cyber activity resulted in thousands of emails being leaked from the Democratic National Committee last July. In the past, U.S. officials had said they suspected Russian involvement in the leak. But in a statement last week, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Homeland Security went farther, to actually name Russia. “We believe, based on the scope and sensitivity of these efforts, that only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorized these activities,” the statement said. In reaction, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said U.S. officials were creating what he called “anti-Russian hysteria.” He accused the U.S. administration of using “dirty methods” to blame Russian cyber attackers ahead of the U.S. elections. I’m Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. His story was based on reports from reporter Henry Ridgwell, RadioFree Europe/RadioLiberty, the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. What do you think about the state of U.S.-Russia relations? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   strain – v. to add tension beyond proper limits disrupt – v. make something not be able to normally continue renew – v. to restart or continue dialogue – n. discussions; communications wake-up call – n. something that happens to cause a person to take action bucket – n. a round, open container used to carry liquids psychological – adj. relating to the human mind and feelings intimidate – v. make someone afraid scope – n. extent of treatment, activity or influence sensitivity – n. an awareness and understanding of other people hysteria – n. – extreme fear, excitement or anger  

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U.S. Government Lifts Ban on Cuban Cigars and Rum

  This is What’s Trending Today. People in the United States who enjoy smoking Cuban cigars celebrated Friday. The U.S. government ended its restriction on cigars, a tobacco product made in Cuba. The U.S. did the same for the alcohol called rum. Both are two well-known products from Cuba. They had been banned in the U.S. for almost 50 years. American travelers who purchased Cuban-made products were not permitted to bring them into the U.S. That changed in 2014, when the government agreed to let travelers return home with cigars and rum valued at $100 or less. But now even that restriction is over. The U.S. government announced the news on Friday along with other plans for boosting trade with Cuba. However, the sale of Cuban cigars and rum in the U.S. remains illegal. The new rules go into effect on Monday. American tourists returning home will be permitted to bring up to 100 cigars and several bottles of rum. The magazine Cigar Aficionado included two Cuban cigars in its top-10 list for 2015. Some Cuban cigars cost as much as $20 each. One Facebook user reacted to the news story with the post, “Gentlemen … light ‘em up!”  Many other people also celebrated on social media. One user posted a video of a movie actor reacting to good news as his status. But another Twitter user was not so sure the news was good for those who make cigars. He joked that Cuban cigars will no longer be “cool” if they are easy to get. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. Have you ever smoked a Cuban cigar? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   boost – n. help or encouragement cigar – n. a roll of tobacco leaves that is longer and thicker than a cigarette and that is smoked rum – n. an alcoholic drink that is made from sugar status – n. the current state of someone or something  

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Former VOA Learning English Reporter Publishes a Book

Where did Jeri Watson go? For 24 years, Jeri wrote and reported for VOA Learning English. She covered many subjects. In her final year at VOA, she also began working as a broadcaster. People who had enjoyed her stories since 1990 finally got to hear some of them in her own voice. They liked what they heard -- her voice was clear and easy to listen to -- and, like Jeri, friendly. Many people wondered why she had not been broadcasting earlier. Then, 19 months ago, Jeri was no longer heard on VOA. And her byline was no longer seen. Where was she? After a long career in journalism, Jeri simply and quietly retired. She said she wanted to spend more time visiting her children and grandchildren. Jeri returned to visit her friends at VOA recently. Everyone was happy to see her again. She said she misses her work at VOA, but she does not regret retiring. “We all reach a, a time when work comes to an end. For me it was about 25 years with VOA and working for a Chicago daily newspaper years ago. I felt that I had a wonderful career and it was time to sleep late in the mornings.” Jeri also wanted to complete the novel she had been writing in her spare time. Finally, she was able to spend hours every day on the project. “I write on my sunporch, with only the company of my cat -- two cats to tell the truth -- and that felt very strange after working all these years with good friends at VOA. We talk(ed) to each other constantly, so writing in the quiet felt lonely at first.” “But you like it now?” “I have totally adjusted. And I have to say I had no trouble adjusting to sleeping a little later in the morning.” The book has just been published. It is called “Sorrow Street.” The main character is an American reporter named Sandra Shelton. She is sent to Brazil to report from Rio de Janeiro. She is depressed over a recent end of a relationship. She is also unhappy leaving Washington, D.C. Jeri says Sandra is modeled on the many reporters she has known who have dealt with serious disappointments in their life. In Rio, Sandra tries to help some mysterious children -- a young boy and his younger sister -- who appear to be living on the city’s dangerous streets alone. The reporter is pulled into a drug dealer’s dangerous kidnapping plot. She also discovers a part of her past -- a past she has tried hard to forget. Jeri Watson has travelled to Brazil many times. The book includes details that only someone who experienced the complex and beautiful country first-hand could know. Jeri first visited Brazil 18 years ago. Several return trips followed. She was back again last year. “Just walking around and talking to people and seeing how things were going. And you would have to be not very observant to miss the fact that things had been economically better for quite a time there and having bad days again, corruption again, has made people feel very sad.” Jeri says those who have read the book, including other authors, have said they enjoyed it. Here, Jeri reads from “Sorrow Street.” Pedro, the little boy Sandra has been trying to help, is now in a shelter. “It was after midnight but the shelter was still noisy. A couple of young kids cried and mumbled in their sleep. Pedro rolled around restlessly on the soft bed. It seemed to swallow his body. He’d often longed for a softer place to sleep than the pavement, but now he thought a cot was kind of flimsy.” “He dreamed of ice-cream with pieces of chocolate cookies in it. He dreamed of his mother, her wide red and blue cotton skirt swishing as she pulled up the threadbare sheet to his waist, as she patted at the deflated, torn pillow under his head on the mattress. She spoke softly as she leaned over him.” Jeri is very active in her retirement. She swims and hikes. And twice a week she teaches people from around the world American English. In her classes, she uses some of the stories she has written for VOA Learning English. Jeri seems very happy and looks great. Retirement agrees with her. That means it is good for her. Jeri is now writing another book. It will tell about her long life and the many adventures she has had. She thinks it will be easier to write than a fiction book. When it is published, we will write about it and you will hear from Jeri Watson again. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.   Christopher Jones-Cruise reported this story from Washington and wrote it in VOA Special English. Caty 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   byline – n. a line at the beginning of a newspaper or magazine article that gives the writer's name novel – n. a long written story usually about imaginary characters and events spare – adj. available to be used in whatever way you want sunporch – n. a structure attached to the entrance of a building that has a roof and that may or may not have walls and is designed to be a place where rays from the sun enter constantly – adj. happening all the time or very often over a period of time adjust – v. to change in order to work or do better in a new situation model on – v. to try to be like and to behave like (someone you admire) disappointment – n. the state or feeling of being disappointed, making (someone) unhappy by not being as good as expected or by not doing something that was hoped for or expected first-hand – adj. coming directly from actually experiencing or seeing something mumble – v. to say (something) quietly in an unclear way that makes it difficult for people to know what you said swallow – v. to flow over and cover (something) completely (used here figuratively) pavement – n. the hard surface of a road, driveway, etc. cot – n. a narrow, light bed often made of cloth stretched over a folding frame flimsy – adj. easily broken, torn, etc.; not strong or solid skirt – n. a piece of clothing worn by women and girls that hangs from the waist down threadbare – adj. very thin and in bad condition from too much use deflate – v. to release air or gas from (something, such as a tire or balloon) and make it smaller torn – adj. ripped; split mattress – n. a cloth case that is filled with material and used as a bed                    

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'The Return of a Private' by Hamlin Garland

​Our story today is called, "The Return of a Private. " It was written by Hamlin Garland. Here is Harry Monroe with our story. The soldiers cheered as the train crossed the border into the state of Wisconsin. It had been a long trip from the south back to their homes in the north. One of the men had a large red scar across his forehead. Another had an injured leg that made it painful for him to walk. The third had unnaturally large and bright eyes because he had been sick with malaria. The three soldiers spread their blankets on the train seats and tried to sleep. It was a cold evening even though it was summertime. Private Smith, the soldier with the fever, shivered in the night air. His joy in coming home was mixed with fear and worry. He knew he was sick and weak. How could he take care of his family? Where would he find the strength to do the heavy work all farmers have to do? He had given three years of his life to his country. And now he had very little money and strength left for his family. Morning came slowly with a pale yellow light. The train was slowing down as it came into the town of La Crosse where the three soldiers would get off the train. The station was empty because it was Sunday. "I'll get home in time for dinner," Smith thought. "She usually has dinner about one o'clock on Sunday afternoon,” and he smiled. Smith and the other two soldiers jumped off the train together. "Well, boys," Smith began, "here's where we say good-bye. We've marched together for many miles. Now, I suppose, we are done." The three men found it hard to look at each other. "We ought to go home with you," one of the soldiers said to Smith. "You'll never be able to walk all those miles with that heavy pack on your back." "Oh, I'm all right," Smith said, putting on his army cap. "Every step takes me closer to home." They all shook hands. "Good-bye!" "Good luck!" "Same to you!" "Good-bye!" Smith turned and walked away quickly. After a few minutes, he turned again and waved his cap. His two friends did the same. Then they marched away with their long steady soldier's step. Smith walked for a while thinking of his friends. He remembered the many days they had been together during the war. He thought of his friend, Billy Tripp, too. Poor Billy! A bullet came out of the sky one day and tore a great hole in Billy's chest. Smith knew he would have to tell the sad story to Billy's mother and young wife. But there was little to tell. The sound of a bullet cutting through the air. Billy crying out, then falling with his face in the dirt. The fighting he had done since then had not made him forget the horror of that moment when Billy died. Soon, the fields and houses became familiar. Smith knew he was close to home. The sun was burning hot as he began climbing the last hill. Finally, he reached the top and looked down at his farm in the beautiful valley. He was almost home. Misses Smith was alone on the farm with her three children. Mary was nine years old. Tommy was six and little Teddy had just turned four. Misses Smith had been dreaming about her husband when the chickens awakened her that Sunday morning. She got out of bed, got dressed, and went out to feed the chickens. Then she saw the broken fence near the chicken house. She had tried to fix it again and again. Misses Smith sat down and cried. The farmer who had promised to take care of the farm while her husband was away had been lazy and dishonest. The first year he shared the wheat with Misses Smith. But the next year, he took almost all of it for himself. She had sent him away. Now, the fields were full of wheat. But there was no man on the farm to cut it down and sell it. Six weeks before, her husband told her in a letter that he would be coming home soon. Other soldiers were returning home, but her husband had not come. Every day, she watched the road leading down the hill. This Sunday morning she could no longer stand being alone. She jumped up, ran into the house, and quickly dressed the children. She carefully locked the door and started walking down the road to the farmhouse of her neighbor, Misses Gray. Mary Gray was a widow with a large family of strong sons and pretty daughters. She was poor. But she never said 'no' to a hungry person who came to her farm and asked for food. She worked hard, laughed often and was always in a cheerful mood. When she saw Misses Smith and the children coming down the road, Misses Gray went out to meet them. "Please come right in, Misses Smith. We were just getting ready to have dinner." Misses Smith went into the noisy house. Misses Gray's children were laughing and talking all at the same time. Soon she was laughing and singing with the rest of them. The long table in the kitchen was piled with food. There were potatoes, fresh corn, apple pies, hot bread, sweet pickles, bread and butter and honey. They all ate until they could eat no more. Then the men and children left the table. The women stayed to drink their tea. "Mamma," said one of Misses Gray's daughters. “Please read our fortunes in the tea leaves! Tell us about our futures!" Misses Gray picked up her daughter's cup and stirred it first to the left, then to the right. Then she looked into it with a serious expression. "I see a handsome man with a red beard in your future," she said. Her daughter screamed with laughter. Misses Smith trembled with excitement when it was her turn. "Somebody is coming home to you," Misses Gray said slowly. "He's carrying a rifle on his back and he's almost there." Misses Smith felt as if she could hardly breathe. "And there he is!" Misses Gray cried, pointing to the road. They all rushed to the door to look. A man in a blue coat, with a gun on his back, was walking down the road toward the Smith farm. His face was hidden by a large pack on his back. Laughing and crying, Misses Smith grabbed her hat and her children and ran out of the house. She hurried down the road after him, calling his name and pulling her children along with her. But the soldier was too far away for her voice to reach him. When she got back to their farm, she saw the man standing by the fence. He was looking at the little house and the field of yellow wheat. The sun was almost touching the hills in the west. The cowbells rang softly as the animals moved toward the barn. "How peaceful it all is," Private Smith thought. "How far away from the battles, the hospitals, the wounded and the dead. My little farm in Wisconsin. How could I have left it for those years of killing and suffering?” Trembling and weak with emotion, Misses Smith hurried up to her husband. Her feet made no sound on the grass, but he turned suddenly to face her. For the rest of his life, he would never forget her face at that moment. "Emma!" he cried. The children stood back watching their mother kissing this strange man. He saw them, and kneeling down he pulled from his pack three huge, red apples. In a moment, all three children were in their father's arms. Together, the family entered the little unpainted farmhouse. Later that evening, after supper, Smith and his wife went outside. The moon was bright, above the eastern hills. Sweet, peaceful stars filled the sky as the night birds sang softly, and tiny insects buzzed in the soft air. His farm needed work. His children needed clothing. He was no longer young and strong. But he began to plan for next year. With the same courage he had faced the war, Private Smith faced his difficult future. You have just heard the story, "The Return of a Private." It was written by Hamlin Garland, and adapted for Special English by Dona de Sanctis. Your narrator was Harry Monroe.   We want to here from you. How do you feel when you return to a place you have not been in a long time? How do you act towards people you have not seen in a long time? Let us know in the Comments section below or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story scar - n. a mark that is left on your skin after a wound heals forehead - n. the part of the face above the eyes malaria - n. a serious disease that causes chills and fever and that is passed from one person to another by the bite of mosquitoes mood - n. the way someone feels : a person's emotional state pickle - n. chiefly US: a cucumber that is preserved in salt water or vinegar barn - n. a building on a farm that is used for storing grain and hay and for housing farm animals or equipment courage - n. the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerou

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English @ the Movies: 'They Tracked You'

Our English @ the Movies saying today is "they tracked you," from the movie "Jason Bourne." In this story, Jason Bourne does not know who is he. Maybe you know what the saying "they tracked you," means. Watch-- then test yourself-- and see if you get it right.

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WHO Warns 9 in 10 Live in High Air Pollution Areas

The World Health Organization says that 92 percent of the world's population lives in areas of high air pollution. Experts say much of that pollution comes from vehicles fueled by diesel. Many cities in Europe have called for ending the production of diesel cars. They hope to replace them with electric vehicles as battery life for those vehicles improves. London is one of the most heavily polluted cities in Europe. Levels of harmful gases in the city are regularly higher than limits set by the European Union. Martin Williams, with King’s College London, says pedestrians often do not realize how close they are to air pollution sources because they cannot see them. "One of the difficulties of getting the message across to the public at large these days is that air pollution, although it's a major public health problem, is actually invisible. Not like the smogs of the 1950s and 60s when not only could you see it, you could barely see anything else." Williams adds that toxic gases from diesel cars have led to public health concerns. He says people across Great Britain have died too early because of the pollution. "The main problem that you are breathing in are the particulates, the soot largely from diesel exhausts, which is the primary problem as far as public health is concerned. And that's responsible for maybe up to around 30,000 premature deaths across Britain. The other pollutant that's more recently become an issue is nitrogen dioxide, again largely from diesel." Last year, officials discovered that German carmaker Volkswagen attempted to cheat on emissions tests on its vehicles. The incident became known as ‘diesel-gate.’ Areeba Hamid is with the environmental group Greenpeace. She says that incident is why many in the automobile industry want to produce electric cars. "It's quite clear that the car industry is feeling the pressure of a public health crisis owing to air pollution in big cities in particular and the aftermath of the diesel-gate' scandal, which is the reason why it's looking to produce new electric models." At the Paris Motor Show in September, many of the vehicles on display were electric cars. Volkswagen announced it aims to sell two to three million electric vehicles each year by 2025. Experts say electric cars could offer the answer to air pollution in major cities. They add, however, that the electricity should be created using renewable energy.   I’m Jonathan Evans. VOA’s Henry Ridgwell reported this story from London. Jonathan Evans adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.   _____________________________________________________________   Words in this Story emissions – n. harmful substances released into the air by automobiles pedestrian – n. a person who is walking in a city, along a road, etc. renewable – adj. restored or replaced by natural processes; able to be replaced by nature premature –adj. too early, before its usual time smog –n. fog mixed with smoke; a cloud of dirty air from cars, factories, etc. that is usually found in cities

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Singer Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Literature Prize

American singer and songwriter Bob Dylan won the Nobel Literature Prize on Thursday.  The Swedish Academy said it chose Dylan “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.” Some people were excited to see the news. Author Salman Rushdie called Dylan a “great choice.” U.S. President Barack Obama congratulated Dylan on Twitter. He described Dylan as one of his favorite poets. Others were not sure that a famous and successful musician needed to win a literature prize for his work. They thought the Academy should have picked a writer who would gain new readers because of the award. Writer Hari Kunzru tweeted: “we all know his records already.” The Nobel Prize in Literature is worth $906,000. Dylan is the first American to win the prize since writer Toni Morrison won in 1993. Dylan was born in 1941 in the Midwestern U.S. state of Minnesota. His birth name was Robert Allen Zimmerman. He was raised in a Jewish middle-class family. Dylan taught himself to play the guitar, harmonica and piano. He first started performing in the late 1950s in coffee shops in his home state. Dylan moved to New York City in 1959. He hoped to make it in the growing folk music scene in Greenwich Village. Folk musicians of that time mostly performed songs from America’s past. However, Dylan began to write his own music. Some of Dylan's best-known works are from the 1960s. Many of his songs became connected to the anti-Vietnam war and civil rights movements, including his 1963 song “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Some of his other famous songs include “Like a Rolling Stone” from 1965, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” from 1973, and “Tangled Up in Blue” from 1975. The music publication Rolling Stone released a list of the “100 Greatest Bob Dylan Songs” in honor of his 75th birthday earlier this year.  It considered “Like a Rolling Stone” Dylan’s best song. In 2011 the magazine also ranked the song number one on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time. Bono is the lead singer for the band U2. He wrote in Rolling Stone that the song is “why every songwriter after him [Dylan] carries his baggage.” Sara Danius is from the Swedish Academy. She announced the prize winner. She said, “Bob Dylan writes poetry for the ear. But it is perfectly fine to read his works as poetry.” She also said people not familiar with Dylan’s work should listen to his album “Blonde on Blonde.” It came out in 1966. She said the album was an “extraordinary example of his brilliant way of rhyming and his pictorial thinking.” Rolling Stone rated “Blonde on Blonde” as the ninth-best rock music album of all time. It includes songs like “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again,” “Just Like a Woman” and “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat.” The ceremony honoring all the Nobel Prize winners will take place December 10 in Stockholm. I’m Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Ashley Thompson  was the editor. What do you think of Bob Dylan winning the Nobel Prize? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________   Words in This Story tangle – v. to become or to cause something to be twisted together baggage – n. the feelings, beliefs, problems, or past events that can make life difficult for a person or group blonde – adj. usually used to refer to yellow or light brown hair of a woman blues – n. a feeling of sadness or depression      

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The Music of Movable Phrases

From VOA Learning English, this is Everyday Grammar.  "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars" is widely considered to be one of the best rock music albums of all time. The album helped make the British singer David Bowie world-famous. The songs on Ziggy Stardust tell about a fictional rock star. The music is not only fun to listen to. It can help you better understand the workings of the English language, too. Consider the song "Starman." Listen carefully to some of the words: There's a starman waiting in the sky He'd like to come and meet us But he thinks he'd blow our minds There's a starman waiting in the sky ​David Bowie is giving us information about how to use participial phrases. Today, we will explore -- much like the larger-than-life personalities in Bowie's album -- a really large space. This area is called movability -- or the way English speakers are able to move words or expressions to different places in a sentence. However, to keep from going too far into outer space, we will study just one kind of movable modifier: the participial phrase. What are participial phrases? In an earlier Everyday Grammar program, we talked about present participial phrases. These are groups of words that begin with the present participle, or –ing, form of the verb. Such phrases often act like adjectives in a sentence. They describe or can influence the meaning of other words. Think back to David Bowie's song. The first words you heard were: "There is a starman waiting in the sky…" In the song lyrics, the participial phrase 'waiting in the sky' is acting like an adjective. It has an effect on the noun 'starman.'   In Bowie's song, the participial phrase comes at the end of the sentence. But some participial phrases can move to different places in a sentence -- depending on how the sentence is structured. When participial phrases act as non-restrictive modifiers, they can move around in the sentence. A nonrestrictive modifier does not define a noun; instead, it only adds information or comments on the noun. You can read about these modifiers in another Everyday Grammar program. When these phrases move to different places, they can come at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. Movable participial phrases One common adjectival participial phrase comes after the noun it is modifying - often in the middle of a sentence. Here is an example: "My friends, walking at night, used headlamps." The noun phrase, "my friends," is exact in meaning. The participial phrase "walking at night" acts like an adjective. It gives information about the subject, "my friends." If you wanted to move the participial phrase to the beginning of the sentence, you could say, "Walking at night, my friends used headlamps." Or if you wanted to move the participial phrase to the end of the sentence, you could say, "My friends used headlamps, walking at night." All of these sentences have the same basic meaning. ​ Moving phrases changes the sound of a sentence But there is an important difference between all of these sentences: the way they sound. When reading aloud, the pitch of your voice goes up and down at different places in each sentence. These changes, along with brief stoppages in the sentence, help direct attention to certain words and phrases. When you change the usual position of a participial phrase, after an important noun, you are drawing more attention to its placement. [1] ​Understanding this idea will not only help you understand the music of grammar – the up and down sounds of a voice while speaking English. It will also help you understand how to place emphasis on different ideas. Many great musicians, poets, and speechwriters use movable phrases when they are writing or speaking, even if they do not consciously think about it. They want to make sure an important word or idea comes at certain parts of a sentence. They also want to offer a mix in the sentence structures they use. Moving adjectives, such as participial phrases, to different places in a sentence is one way to meet this objective.  How you can move phrases to highlight certain ideas So how does this principle work? In general, the most important information comes at the end of a sentence, says Martha Kolln, a grammar expert. Important information can come at the beginning of a sentence, too. So, when the participial phrase ends the sentence "My friends used headlamps, walking at night." The participial phrase receives great emphasis. When you write or speak this sentence, you are suggesting that "walking at night" is important information. When you put the participial phrase at the beginning of the sentence, "Walking at night, my friends used headlamps," it gets some emphasis. You draw the listener or reader's attention to the information in the participial phrase by its placement – away from the noun it is modifying. The participial phrase gets the least amount of emphasis when it is in the middle of the sentence: For example, "My friends, walking at night, used headlamps." These different grammatical structures are used differently depending on the situation. So, while you might hear some structures at a poetry or book reading, you might not hear them when Americans are talking with one another. Can you create sentences with movable phrases? The important points in this discussion are the following: participial phrases often act as adjectives, sometimes move to different places in a sentence and always modify the subject when they are set off by commas. When you understand these principles, you will be able to write and speak more elegant sentences in English. Naturally, there are other ways to change the meaning of a sentence. We will explore this in another Everyday Grammar program. We will leave you today with some homework. Can you move the participial phrase to the beginning or end of this sentence? The crowd, laughing loudly, stood and clapped. I'm Jill Robbins. And I'm John Russell.  John Russell wrote this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. [1] Kolln, Martha. Rhetorical Grammar 3rd edition (pgs. 162-169) Here is another song that uses participial phrases.    _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   album – n. a long musical recording on a record, CD, etc., that usually includes a set of songs fictional – adj. written stories about people and events that are not real  lyrics – n. the words of a song movability – n. grammar the ability to move to different places in a sentence modifier – n. a word (such as an adjective or adverb) or phrase that describes another word or group of words participial phrase – n. a verb phrase that is used to indicate a past or present action and that can also be used like an adjective nonrestrictive – adj. describing or giving more information about a person or thing but not needed to understand which person or thing is meant adjectival – adj. a word that describes a noun or a pronoun headlamp – n. a light worn on the forehead (as of a miner or physician) pitch – n.  the highness or lowness of a sound certain – adj.  particular members of a group draw – v. to cause (attention) to be given to someone or something emphasis – n.  added force that is given to a word or syllable when speaking consciously – adv. aware of something (such as a fact or feeling) principle – n. an idea that forms the basis of something comma – n. a punctuation mark , that is used to separate words or groups of words in a sentence

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Thailand’s Long Serving King Dies

  Thailand is mourning King Bhumibol Adulyadej. King Bhumibol died Thursday in Bangkok. He was 88 years old. In recent years, the king suffered from a series of age-related health problems that mostly kept him in a Bangkok hospital. Last weekend, Thai officials announced that his health had worsened and his condition was “not stable.” Officials said on Thursday his health never improved and that he died peacefully. A large crowd had gathered outside the hospital where the king was being treated. Many in the crowd broke down with emotion after hearing of his death. Some held photographs of the king and wore yellow or pink clothing in his honor. King Bhumibol came to power 70 years ago. He was the world’s longest serving monarch. He was born in 1927 in the American community of Cambridge, Massachusetts, where his father was studying medicine. The future king was educated mostly in Europe, attending secondary school and a university in Switzerland. He studied music, and was a skilled saxophone player and composer of jazz. He also liked sailing and wrote several books, including a best-seller about his favorite dog. ​ He  became Thailand’s king in 1946 after the mysterious shooting death of his older brother. King Bhumibol was greatly respected and beloved in Thailand, a deeply Buddhist country. He was known as a humble leader who directed many social and economic development projects. His wife, Queen Sirikit, is also a beloved figure in the country. She has been in poor health for several years. Supporters believe King Bhumibol provided unity and stability at a time when Thailand faced many social and economic problems. The country experienced political unrest several times during his rule. The current leadership took power after the military ousted the civilian government in 2014. At times, King Bhumibol acted as a negotiator in disputes between competing military leaders. Sometimes, he approved army requests to overthrow elected governments. The 70th anniversary of the king’s rule was celebrated in Thailand in June, when millions of people wore yellow shirts to show their support.  In a nationwide broadcast, Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha called the death a tragedy for all of Thailand. “He was a king that was loved and adored by all. The reign of the king has ended and his kindness cannot be found anywhere else,” he said. Next in line to Thailand’s royal throne is the king’s son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. The crown prince, who returned home from Germany on Wednesday, has yet to gain the same respect in Thailand as his father. The prime minister confirmed on Thursday that the crown prince will become the new king. Prayuth added that the government will observe one year of mourning for King Bhumibol. I’m Caty Weaver. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for Learning English. His story was based on reports from VOA correspondent Steve Herman, the Associated Press and Reuters. 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   monarch – n. a king or queen saxophone – n. musical instrument with a curved metal tube at the bottom played by blowing into mouthpiece composer – n. someone who writes music circumstance – n. a condition or fact that affects a situation humble – adj. not proud or believing you are important stability – n. the state of something not easily changed adore – v. to like something very much reign – n. period of time a king or queen is ruler of a country  

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Former Refugee Chief Chosen to Lead United Nations

Member states of the United Nations have elected Portugal’s former prime minister Antonio Guterres, the organization’s next secretary-general. Assembly president Peter Thompson introduced the resolution. It was accepted by all 193 U.N. member states. With the approval, diplomats broke into applause. The U.N. Security Council nominated Guterres by acclamation last week after six unofficial votes.  He was elected from among 13 candidates. Seven women and six men campaigned for the secretary-general position. His election disappointed many who had campaigned for the first woman or the first Eastern European to lead the U.N. Guterres spoke to VOA during the campaign. He said he was seeking to lead the U.N. because he wanted to “create the conditions for solutions” to global challenges. Gutterres served as prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002. More recently, he led the U.N. refugee agency from 2005 until the end of 2015. U.N. members widely praised the nomination. U.N. Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon of South Korea called Guterres a “superb choice.” Ban has led the U.N. since 2006. His term ends December 31. Russia’s U.N. Ambassador, Vitaly Churkin also praised Guterres. Churkin said, “He’s a high level politician. He’s been prime minister of his country. He is a person who talks to everybody, listens to everybody, speaks his mind, (a) very outgoing, I think, open person.” Guterres will be the ninth person to hold the position in the organization’s 71-year history. As chief of the U.N., the secretary-general oversees about 44,000 employees and more than 100,000 peacekeepers. The position involves dealing with issues like human rights, refugees and climate change, as well as fund-raising for the U.N.’s many campaigns. I’m Mario Ritter. Joshua Fatzick reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English with additional material from AP, AFP and Reuters. Ashley Thompson was the editor. What do you think of the choice of Antonio Guterres as the next secretary-general of the United Nations? Let us know in the comment section. _________________________________________________________ Words in This Story applause –​ n. a show of approval or appreciation at a play, speech, sporting event, etc., in which people strike their hands together over and over​ acclamation – n. a vote on something by cheers or clapping disappointment –​ n.  the state or feeling of being made unhappy by something or someone superb – adj. extremely good : excellent or brilliant in a very noticeable way​ outgoing – adj. used to describe someone who is friendly and likes being with and talking to other people​ challenges – n. difficulties, problems to be overcome​ fund-raising – n. activity done to collect money for a political party, charity, school, etc.​  

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October 13, 2016

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

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