January 12, 2017

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

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Tillerson: China Should Be Barred from South China Sea Islands

  United States President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for secretary of state has suggested a U.S. policy that could create serious disagreement with China. Rex Tillerson said China should be barred from the islands it has built in the South China Sea. Tillerson is former chairman of the oil company ExxonMobil. He spoke to the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday during his confirmation hearing. “China’s island building in the South China Sea is an illegal taking of disputed areas without regard for international norms.” Tillerson told the committee that China’s island building -- and its efforts to place military equipment on those islands -- was similar “to Russia’s taking Crimea” from Ukraine. He added: “We’re going to have to send China a clear signal that, first, the island-building stops; and, second, your access to those islands also is not going to be” permitted. China claims most of the waters of the South China Sea. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam also have claims. So does the government in Taiwan. The South China Sea is considered to be rich in natural resources, including oil. It is also an important shipping passage, with an estimated $5 trillion in trade passing through its waters. At the hearing, Tillerson restated U.S. defense guarantees to Taiwan. But he said he knew of no plan to change the government’s 'One China' policy. In Beijing Thursday, reporters repeatedly asked a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman about Tillerson’s comments. Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said he could not make any suppositions about what Tillerson meant. He said he would not answer theoretical questions. However, he did say that China’s right to carry out what he called normal activities in its sovereign territory in the South China Sea is indisputable. “We hope the countries outside the region can respect this consensus that is in line with the common interests of regional countries and the world,” Lu said. He added that the situation in the South China Sea has calmed down, and that relations with the U.S. are based on non-conflict and what he called win-win cooperation. Ankit Panda is with the publication The Diplomat. He told VOA reporter Victor Beattie that Tillerson’s comments are a sharp change from past U.S. policy. He said some people have expressed opinions about changing U.S. policy in the area. “Even some commentators and senators, in particular Marco Rubio, who are more hawkish on the issue of the South China Sea, have proposed departures from U.S. policy, including specifically not recognizing Chinese sovereignty, but recognizing the sovereignty of other states.” But, Panda says the nominee’s proposal goes beyond that. “Tillerson’s idea, however, goes a lot further here. I think there is a really possibility that this could be, if implemented, a spark to a broader skirmish with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army's Navy.” During his presidency, Barack Obama increased [the] U.S. military’s presence in East Asia as part of his “pivot” to Asia. President-elect Trump has called for an increased naval presence in the area. I’m Dorothy Gundy.   Reuters news agency reported this story. George Grow adapted the report for VOA Learning English. Additional information came from VOA’s Victor Beattie and VOANews.com. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   norms – n. accepted or correct behavior sovereign – adj. coming before all others in importance consensus – n. being of one opinion about something hawkish – adj. of or related to someone who attempts to incite conflict departure – n. the act of leaving a place spark – n. a small, hot particle with the ability to cause a fire skirmish – n. a clash pivot – n. a physical movement toward something  

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Michelle Obama Surprises Supporters on 'Tonight Show'

  This is What’s Trending Today. Barack and Michelle Obama are saying their goodbyes as their time in the White House comes to an end. The President and First Lady have been making their final speeches and television appearances. Michelle Obama recently did a farewell interview with television host Oprah Winfrey. Barack Obama gave his farewell speech to the American people in Chicago on Tuesday night. And on Wednesday, Michelle Obama had some fun with late night television host Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show.” One part of the show the first lady took part in is called “Thank-You Notes.” It is a popular segment. In it, Fallon usually writes humorous “Thank-You Notes” to celebrities, people in the news or strange things he notices about life. For example, he once wrote a thank-you note to the word moist “for being the worst word, ever.” Fallon and Obama took turns writing messages. Fallon wrote “Thank you, First Lady Michelle Obama, for bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘the right to bear arms.’”    Obama is known for showing off her strong arms by wearing sleeveless dresses. But in a more serious segment, the show’s producers asked regular people to describe what Michelle Obama means to them. The people looked at a painting of the first lady as they spoke. One woman said, “because of you, I know that my race does not define who I am, or what I can accomplish.”  Another person said, “Thank you for making me a more confident woman.” One man said Michelle Obama reminded him of the best teachers he ever had. Another man thanked Obama for inspiring his young daughter to eat more vegetables, and for always encouraging kindness. After each person finished speaking, they got a huge surprise. Michelle Obama herself stepped out from behind a curtain. She hugged them and thanked them for their kind words. The participants were surprised and emotional. Some even cried on the first lady’s shoulder. One woman exclaimed, “This is not what I was expecting. I was eating pizza bites yesterday in my bed and now I’m meeting the first lady!” Another participant turned out to be a former classmate of Obama’s. The two attended Princeton University together. The video came out on Facebook and YouTube early Thursday morning. It has already been played over 11 million times. Viewers described the video as “an amazing segment,” “really heart-warming.” Some wrote that they watched with tears rolling down their cheeks. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. What did you think of Michelle Obama’s appearance on the show? Let us know in the comments section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   segment – n. a part of something larger moist – adj. slightly or barely wet bear – v. to carry or move something accomplish – v. to succeed in doing something farewell – adj. done when someone is leaving, ending a career, etc. confident - adj. having a feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something inspire - v. to make (someone) want to do something curtain - n. a piece of cloth that hangs down and can be used to cover the window (or doorway)    

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Minerals Important to Your Health

  Minerals are important elements for keeping the human body healthy. Minerals are necessary for life-saving medicines. They are also useful in cutting-edge medical equipment. Minerals and their uses are the subject of an exhibition at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Washington, D.C. The Clinical Center worked in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History to tell the story of minerals in medicine. Visitors to the exhibit will see 40 minerals that look as if they could be used in costly jewelry. But these minerals are much more important than that. The show is called "Minerals in Medicine." It explains how minerals dug up from the earth make a big difference in human health, medicines and treatment.  John Gallin is director of the NIH Clinical Center. He says minerals are important not only for good health but also for treatments that keep us healthy. "Each mineral has a different role. Some are important as antibiotics, such as silver. Some are important in carrying certain proteins from one place to another, such as copper. Some are important in our teeth health, such as fluoride. They have different functions and that's what makes them so magical." He adds that these minerals are necessary for medical equipment used in health care centers around the world. "For example Beryl, which is beautiful crystal, is very important in our imaging equipment for high resolution imaging such as in CT (Computed Tomography) scans and breast mammography." "This is the source of the CT, computed tomography…" That was Les Folio, a radiologist working at the National Institutes of Health. He notes that other minerals are also required in imaging devices. "These are resultant CT images getting us a three-dimensional information. You can see the lungs and the abdominal organs and these green areas are lymph nodes from metastatic cancer. CT picks those up beautifully thanks to the minerals on the exhibit."  Most gypsum comes from Spain. This mineral has long been used in dentistry – the study, prevention and treatment of diseases of the mouth. Robert Range is a dentist at NIH. "The gypsum in this case is a stone that is being used to create the mold of the patient's gum tissue and teeth for diagnostic purposes." The 40 minerals in the exhibit are on loan from the National Museum of Natural History. The exhibit is part of an ongoing arts exhibition at the clinical center. John Gallin says that art can have an effect on a person’s health. And he considers looking at beautiful minerals as a form of art. “The impact of art on health is very intriguing – probably very important. Art can be paintings, it can be music as well as looking at things like crystals and minerals. (It) makes people smile and makes them feel better.” Gallin says he hopes visitors can also begin to understand the importance of minerals in their health and well-being. I’m Anna Matteo.   June Soh wrote this story VOANews.com. Anna Matteo adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ___________________________________________________________   Words in This Story cutting edge – adj. the newest and most advanced area of activity in an art, science, etc. Computed Tomography – n. technical : radiography in which a three-dimensional image of a body structure is constructed by computer from a series of plane cross-sectional images made along an axis —called also computed axial tomography, computerized axial tomography, computerized tomography resultant  – adj. always used before a noun formal : coming from or caused by something else three-dimensional – adj. having or seeming to have length, width, and depth lymph node – n. any one of many rounded masses of tissue in the body through which lymph passes to be filtered and cleaned metastasis – n. the spread of a disease-producing agency (as cancer cells) from the initial or primary site of disease to another part of the body; also :  the process by which such spreading occurs metastatic – adj. mold – n. a cavity in which a substance is shaped: diagnostic – adj. technical : of, relating to, or used in diagnosis : used to help identify a disease, illness, or problem magical – adj. an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source  

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China Launches New Intelligence Gathering Ship

  China has launched a new intelligence gathering ship in the latest addition to the country’s growing navy fleet. The official China Daily reported the new ship arrived to join other military support vessels Tuesday in the eastern port of Qingdao. It will support China’s North Sea Fleet. The newspaper said China’s navy now operates six electronic reconnaissance vessels. It noted that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) “has never made public so many details about its intelligence collection ships.” It added that the new vessel “is capable of conducting all-weather, round-the-clock reconnaissance on multiple and different targets.”   The ship launch comes as China has increased its patrols in disputed areas of the South China Sea. Regional navy officials have reported Chinese ships are increasingly following vessels – including U.S. and Japanese warships - passing through the area. China claims most of the South China Sea, an important waterway through which more than $5 trillion worth in trade passes each year. The area contains rich fishing grounds and is believed to hold oil and natural gas. The Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia also have claims to the sea. Other claimants and the United States have criticized China for creating man-made islands in the disputed area. Recently released satellite images also appear to show that China had added weapons to some of the islands.   On Wednesday, Rex Tillerson, the nominee for U.S. Secretary of State, called on China to stop building more islands. He added that, “access to those islands also is not going to be allowed.” China has refused to accept the ruling of an international court last year that rejected its “historical” claims to large areas of the sea. The Philippines brought the case to the court. Chinese officials have said they want to settle disputes in the South China Sea through direct talks with other claimants. As part of its latest navy buildup, China has also said it is working to complete the country’s second aircraft carrier. China currently only has one carrier – its Soviet-built Liaoning vessel.   Earlier this week, China said it had sent its Liaoning carrier into the Taiwan Strait to join military exercises in a nearby area. The 160-kilometer strait separates Taiwan from southeastern China. Taiwan’s defense ministry said it had kept an eye on the carrier and found that it had not entered Taiwanese waters. A Chinese spokesman said it was “very normal” for the Liaoning to pass though international waters as part of drills. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from Reuters, the South China Morning Post, the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. Hai Do 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   fleet – n. a group of ships vessel – n. a ship or large boat reconnaissance – n. process of gathering information about a place or area for military use patrol – n. going through an area to make sure it is safe aircraft carrier – n. a ship on which airplanes can take off and land drill – n. training activity conducted by soldiers​  

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Can You Catch These Native Speaker Mistakes?

  From VOA Learning English, this is Everyday Grammar. This week, we will learn a few English words and phrases that are commonly misused in English. Even well-educated native English speakers make the mistakes you will read and hear about today, including reporters and English teachers! After today’s program, you can have fun finding these mistakes when other people use them. Let’s start with a very common written mistake that native English speakers make. "could of" or could’ve If you spend time on social media, such as Facebook, you may see that native English speakers often use the word of after the words could, would or should. For example, in the sentence: I could of gone to New York last weekend. However, the word of is a preposition. The sentence needs a verb instead. The confusion is caused by the shortened, or abbreviated, version of “could have.” It takes an apostrophe followed by the letters ve. The spelling then is could've. The preposition of sounds just like the shortened version of the verb have, which is pronounced ’ve. In speaking, this is not a problem, since both phrases sound the same. In writing, an easy way to remember the correct form is that could, would and should are helping verbs. So another verb must always follow them. In the example, “I could’ve gone to New York last weekend,” have and gone are forms of verbs. Of is a preposition and would never appear after a helping verb. Every day or Everyday Another writing error happens every day in America. Native English speakers often misspell “every day!” They will write it as one word instead of two. When every and day are put together as one word, they become an adjective that means “common” or “used or seen each day.” When you use this adjective, you must usually put it before a noun. For example, you can say: He didn’t let the problems of everyday life worry him. But, if you wanted to tell someone that something happens each day, you must separate the words every and day in writing. For example, you could write:​ I practice my grammar every day. When every and day are separate words, they are an adverb phrase that describes when, or how often, something happens.    So, how can you easily remember which one to use? Think of the title Everyday Grammar. Remember, if you are writing the single word everyday, it is an adjective that most often comes before a noun. But the two words every and day express how often something happens. And they are an adverb phrase, and must modify a verb.   The other mistakes we are looking at today can happen in either speech or writing. Different than or different from Many native English speakers use the phrase different than to show contrast between things or people. For example: Children are different than adults. Technically, that is incorrect. Standard English usage requires from instead of than, in this case. The correct sentence would be: Children are different from adults. But grammar experts do not always agree. Some of them say the phrase different than is acceptable. It has existed for centuries, they argue, and famous writers have used it in their works. For instance, 19th century writer F. Scott Fitzgerald used different than in his short story “The Rich Boy.” Listen:   Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different than you and me. Some grammar experts say that both than and from are acceptable. However, no one objects to from, so it would be your safest choice, especially in academic writing. “15 items or less” The less grammar you understand, the more mistakes you probably will make. And the fewer grammar mistakes you make, the better. Which brings us to another common grammar mistake: the use and misuse of fewer and less. Fewer is used with countable nouns; Less, with non-countable. This mistake is found at food stores throughout the U.S. where signs at checkout lines sometimes read “15 items or less.” These lines are for people who are not buying very much. But the phrase uses the adjective less to describe items, a countable noun. So less is wrong; the correct adjective is fewer. The word fewer must be used with count nouns, like items, animals, cars, or dresses. Less is used with non-count nouns, such as money, sand, love, or water. (See our Everyday Grammar episode on Understanding Non-count Nouns) So how can you remember whether to use less or fewer? One easy way to remember is to ask yourself, "Can I count this thing on a few fingers?" If the answer is "yes," use the word fewer. We will be back next week with another Everyday Grammar. And remember: if you understand how to use the words discussed today, you are different from many English speakers! I’m John Russell. And I’m Jill Robbins.   Alice Bryant wrote this story for Everyday Grammar. Caty Weaver was the editor. Have you struggled with the commonly misused words we discussed today? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the comments section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   native English speaker  - a person whose first language is English contrast - n. something that is different from another thing standard - adj. accepted and used by most of the educated speakers and writers of a language checkout line - n. the place or area where goods are paid for in a store item - n. an individual thing

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News Words: Inequality

This week in News Words, we learn why it is important to fight against inequality in the world.

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Trump Says He Now Believes Russia Was Behind Election Hacking

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump now says he believes Russia was involved in cyberattacks during the presidential election. It was the first time Trump has admitted Russian involvement in hacking computers of the Democratic National Committee. In the past, he refused to publicly accept U.S. intelligence community findings that Russia was involved in election hacking. Trump’s comments came Wednesday during his first press conference since the election.   “As far as hacking, I think it was Russia,” Trump said. Top U.S. intelligence officials have said they believe Russian President Vladimir Putin knew about and approved the cyberattacks. Trump was asked in the press conference if he had any message for the Russian leader in response to the hacking. “He shouldn’t be doing it. He won’t be doing it. Russia will have much greater respect for our country when I’m leading it, than when other people have led it. You will see that.” U.S. intelligence agencies have suggested that Putin might have engaged in hacking as a way to help Trump win the election. Much of the information released by the hacks turned out to be embarrassing to the Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton. But Trump said the Republican National Committee also became aware of attempts to hack into its organization. He said possible attacks were stopped by putting security measures in place. Speaking about future relations with Russia, Trump told reporters he does not think it is a bad thing if Putin actually likes him. “If Putin likes Donald Trump, guess what folks, that’s called an asset, not a liability.” Trump added that cyberattacks from outside the United States were not only coming from Russia. He said China is also involved, along with other nations. Trump said he has asked his top national security officials to complete within 90 days a major report on ways the government can prevent hacking. Trump denounced news reports that Russia is holding onto secret personal and financial information that could embarrass him. The reports also alleged that his campaign had made contact with Russian intelligence officials. “I think it's a disgrace,” Trump said. “It’s all fake news.” The unproven information in the news reports was reportedly included in a secret U.S. intelligence report on Russian influence in the election. Copies of that report were given last week to Trump, President Barack Obama and leaders of Congress. Trump’s business interests During the press conference, Trump also announced how he planned to deal with his business interests during his presidency. The president-elect has promised that his business activities would not pose a conflict of interest while he serves as president. One of his lawyers explained that Trump had decided to give up control of his company to his two sons and another executive. His business assets will be put into a trust and Trump will take other steps to keep separate from his businesses, the lawyer said. Trump was asked whether he is backing away from his pledge to have Mexico pay for a wall along the southern U.S. border. He said, “Mexico will pay for the wall” by reimbursing the United States. On his pledge to get rid of the Affordable Care Act signed into law by President Obama, Trump promised to quickly replace it. He said his goal was to have a new, better health care law in place when the current law, often called “Obamacare,” is ended. When asked about the Supreme Court, Trump said he will likely name his choice to replace Justice Antonin Scalia within two weeks of the inauguration. I’m Ashley Thompson.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, with additional material from VOA News, the Associated Press. Hai Do was the editor. What did you think of Donald Trump's first press conference since the American election? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   hacking – n. secretly getting access to files on a computer or network in order to get information, cause damage or change results embarrass – v. make someone feel ashamed or shy asset – n. something of value that a person or company owns liability – n. the state of being legally responsible for something financial – adj. pertaining to money or finances disgrace – n. condition of feeling ashamed or losing respect for fake – adj. not real, but made to look or seem real trust – n. arrangement where someone’s money or property is legally held and managed by another person or organization reimburse – v. pay back money, especially after the money was already spent to do work

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President Obama's Farewell Address

Barack Obama spoke to the nation as president for the last time on Tuesday. He reflects on some of the successes and frustrations of his presidency. And he says the work of democracy has always been hard. Here are the highlights.

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January 11, 2017

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

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Easy Ways to Unsubscribe from Email Lists

  If one of your goals in 2017 is an emptier email inbox, we know a way to help. There is a simple way to end subscriptions to email lists that can send multiple messages every day. Unwanted emails from these sources can fill your inbox quickly and waste your time. But there are tools available to block such mail forever. Unsubscribing Using the Unsubscribe Link You can simply unsubscribe from emails by clicking the “unsubscribe” link. Many emails come with this link at the bottom of the message. Often it is difficult to find. It might be hidden in small print or a light color.   Unroll.me Unroll.me is a free website that lets users unsubscribe from email lists easily. Sign up for an account and link your email address. You will need to give Unroll.me permission to view and manage your emails and your contacts. Unroll.me works with Outlook.com (including Hotmail, MSN, & Windows Live), Gmail, Google Apps, Yahoo! Mail, AOL Mail, and iCloud. Unroll.me will find subscription emails in your inbox and list them at their website. You can click which ones you no longer wish to receive and unsubscribe from them.     Unroll.me Digest If you want an emptier inbox but still want to receive some subscription emails, Unroll.me can help. Subscriptions can be added to an Unroll.me digest called a “rollup.” It will be emailed to you daily. This digest arrives in your email inbox once a day and is filled with the subscription notices you have received within the past day. For example, instead of receiving 29 email messages in a day, you could receive one, the rollup from Unroll.me with 29 notices in the message.               Click on any of the notices to read the full subscription email message. Daily rollup digests are also available at the Unroll.me website, where they can be organized by subject like shopping, travel, news, etc. Unroll.me App Unroll.me also has an app for iPhone and iPad to unsubscribe and view and manage your Rollup.  Unroll.me app for iPhone and iPad   Gmail Unsubscribe Google has added a feature to Gmail to make unsubscribing easier. Now, instead of having to hunt for the Unsubscribe link, you can find it at the top of Gmail messages.         When Gmail finds an Unsubscribe link in an email message, it adds the link to the top of the message so you can find it more easily. Click on Unsubscribe and a confirmation message will appear.       Confirm that you want to unsubscribe.You will then be taken to the Unsubscribe page of the sender or receive a notice from Gmail that you should be unsubscribed.     Mail App on iPhone and iPad The operating system for iPhone and iPad, iOS 10, has added a feature to the Mail app that makes unsubscribing from email lists easier. When the Mail app finds an email message is from a subscription service, the message will show a notice that says, "This message is from a mailing list." An unsubscribe link will be added to the top of the email message.             Tap unsubscribe to remove your email address from the subscription list. You can also tap the “X” on the right side of the notification to remove it. I’m Caty Weaver.   Carolyn Nicander Mohr wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. Is one of your New Year goals to have an emptier inbox? Have you used any of these ways to unsubscribe from emails? Share your thoughts in the Comments Section below or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   subscription - n. an agreement that you make with a company to get a publication or service regularly multiple - adj. more than one​ account ​- n. an arrangement in which a person uses the Internet or e-mail services of a particular company manage - v. to control the movements or actions of something digest - n. information or a piece of writing that has been made shorter feature ​- n. an interesting or important part, quality, ability, etc.

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