English in a Minute: Two Left Feet

You know the difference between a left foot and a right foot. But what does it mean if you say someone has "two left feet?" Watch this EIM episode to find out.

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New Coin Shows 'Lady Liberty' as African-American Woman

This is What’s Trending Today… Images of Lady Liberty have appeared on American money over the years. Coins have shown her standing tall with a crown on head. She is usually holding a lamp in one hand. And, one thing has remained the same: Lady Liberty has always been white. That will change in April. The United States Mint has released the design for a new $100 gold coin that shows Lady Liberty as a black woman. The special coin is being released to mark the 225th anniversary of the Mint’s coin production. It will be made of 24-karat gold and go on sale April 6. But the $100 coin will not be available to the public; it is meant for coin collectors. ​The U.S. Mint says this will be the first in a series of gold coins that show Lady Liberty as a non-white woman. Future coins will show her as Asian-American, Hispanic-American and Indian-American. The Mint will release a new coin in the series every two years. Officials say the goal is to represent the “cultural and ethnic diversity of the United States.” Lady Liberty is one of the most powerful and enduring signs of America. Her image represents hope and freedom. The Treasury Department said of the new Lady Liberty coins, “We boldly look to the future by casting Liberty in a new light, as an African-American woman wearing a crown of stars, looking forward to ever brighter chapters in our Nation’s history book.” People reacted to the announcement on social media. “Lady Liberty” became a trending topic. Chirlane McCray, a speechwriter and poet, wrote on Twitter: “Now, this? This is liberty.” ​ McCray is married to New York City’s Mayor, Bill de Blasio. And that’s What’s Trending Today.   I’m Ashley Thompson.  _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   crown - n. a decorative object that is shaped like a circle and worn on the head  lamp - n. a device that produces light enduring - adj. continuing or long-lasting

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January 13, 2017

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

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Alaskan Police Launch Kindness Campaign

  After a year of clashes between American citizens and police officers, police in Alaska are trying something different: Making 2017 a “Year of Kindness.” The police department in Juneau, Alaska launched the campaign to urge residents to perform at least one act of kindness every day. The department says it hopes to “build bridges” between people to overcome racial, religious or socioeconomic differences. Fighting hate with kindness The idea for the campaign came from police Lieutenant Kris Sell. She told VOA that her concern was not just for police, but also for safety of citizens. “I had this idea in about late August that we needed to do something, and that maybe, all of these attacks, if they have at their roots hate, we can go after their hate. And how we can go after their hate is with kindness.” Sell said the Juneau police are doing several different things to support the campaign. For example, officers are giving away donated socks the first Saturday of each month for anyone who needs them. She also said the police department has developed a 'kindness surge' calendar. Juneau residents and community groups can sign up for weekly activities on the planner. Sell said the goal is to measure the effect of kindness on crime, suicides and emergency calls by the end of 2017. She adds that the campaign has received a lot of support. “What I did is went out to the community, to say ‘how about we as an entire town push back against hatred and violence and just negativity?’ And I got a tremendous amount of support. The town was very excited about it. I’m not sure why this particular effort resonates so much with people, but I think it has to do with a position across the country that people don’t like what they are seeing happening around them, and they want to do something to try and change their environment.” Making better communities Sell said it makes sense for police officers to take the lead on a kindness campaign because they are the people who react when people don't treat others well. She hopes the campaign will spread across the country so other communities become nicer places to live. “I can change what I do every day and I can change the area six feet (two meters) around me, but if I get thousands of people in the community on board with doing that, I think you can change an entire community. And that’s what we are hoping to prove with this initiative, in that we can change what it feels like to live in a particular city...” She noted that the kindness campaign does not extend to law enforcement activities. Tickets for speed or other traffic violations are not being forgiven. I’m Phil Dierking.   Victor Beattie wrote this story for VOANews.com. Phil Dierking adapted his report for Learning English, and included information from other media sources. George Grow was the editor. Do you think a campaign of kindness by the police is a good idea? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   resident – n. someone who lives in a particular place sock – n. a piece of clothing that is worn on your foot and that covers your ankle and sometimes the lower part of your leg socioeconomic – adj. of, relating to, or involving a combination of social and economic factors surge – v. to suddenly increase to an unusually high level tremendous – adj. very large or great

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'A Princess of Mars,' by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Part Three

Editor's note: This is the third in our series of programs called “A Princess of Mars.” The story is from a series of books by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Last week we told how John Carter was captured by a group of warriors on the planet Mars. Later, he became one of them by defeating a huge warrior in a fight. He is still a captive, but he is treated with honor because he is a skilled fighter. We left John Carter at the beginning of a fierce battle between the green warriors and their main enemy. The enemy came close to the green Martians in huge air ships. The green Martians attacked.  John Carter continutes to tell about what happens to him in Edgar Rice Burroughs’s story, “A Princess of Mars.” JOHN CARTER: Another of the large air ships exploded high in the air. Members of the crew fell to the ground. The huge ship lost control and began turning again and again. Soon it was close to the ground. The warriors climbed aboard the ship and began fighting the members of the crew who were still alive. Soon the fighting stopped. The warriors began taking everything from the ship. At last, they brought a captive from deep within the ship. Two of the warriors had their captive by each arm.  I wanted to see what new and strange form of life this creature would be. As they came near, I saw that it was a woman. She looked like a woman from Earth. She was young. Her skin was a light red, almost a copper color. I saw at once that she was extremely beautiful. She had a fine face with large dark eyes and long, black hair.  As her guards led her away, she saw me for a moment. She seemed very surprised. Her face looked hopeful. But when I made no attempt to speak to her, her face grew sad and she looked very small and frightened. As I watched her disappear into a building, I realized that Sola was near me. SOLA: John Carter, that woman will be saved for the great games that are held by our people. The games are long and cruel and end in death for those captured in battle. Her death will be slow and painful.  She will die for the enjoyment of all. JOHN CARTER: Sola’s face seemed sad when she said this. I could tell by the way she spoke that she did not like the games and did not want to see the young woman die. She was very different from the rest of her people. Sola, do you not like the games? SOLA: No, John Carter. My mother died in the games. That is a secret you must not tell anyone. The wall where Tars Tarkas found you held eggs that produce our young. All the children belong to the tribe. A mother never knows which child is hers when they come out of the egg. My mother hid the egg that carried me. It was not placed within the walled area.  She kept her secret until after I was born.  But others discovered her secret and she was condemned to die in the games. She hid me among other children before she was captured. If this secret were learned, I too would die in the games. Before she left me, my mother told me the name of my father. I alone keep that secret. It would mean death for him as well as me. My people are violent and cruel. JOHN CARTER: The next day I entered the great room where the green Martians held meetings. The red woman prisoner was there too. Soon, the leader of the green Martians came into the room. His name was Lorquas Ptomel. He began speaking to the prisoner. LORQUAS PTOMEL: Who are you and what is your name? DEJAH THORIS: I am the Princess Dejah Thoris, daughter of Mors Kajak, the ruler of Helium.  Our air ship was on a scientific flight. We were to study the air and atmosphere.  Without our work the air on our planet would grow thin and we would all die.  Why would you attack us? JOHN CARTER: As she talked, a warrior ran to her and hit her in the face, knocking her to the ground. He placed a foot on her small body and began laughing. I reached for the small sword I carried and rushed to attack the huge warrior. He was a strong opponent. But again, because of the low gravity on Mars, my strength was far greater than his. In a few short minutes, the green warrior was dead. I helped the young woman to her feet. DEJAH THORIS: Who are you? Why did you risk your life to help me? You look almost the same as my people, but you wear the weapons of a green warrior.  Who… or what.. are you? JOHN CARTER: My name is John Carter. I am from the planet Earth. How I got here is a long story. I attacked that warrior because, where I come from, men do not attack women. I will offer you my protection as long as I can. However, I must tell you that I, too, am a captive. SOLA: Come, John Carter, and bring the red woman with you. Let us leave this room quickly before some warrior attempts to stops us. JOHN CARTER: The three of us quickly returned to the building where I had spent the last several days. Sola then left to prepare food. Woola sat in the corner and looked at the both of us. The young woman was afraid of poor, ugly Woola. I told her not to fear him. Woola is not only my guard. He is my friend. I have treated him with kindness that he has never known. As each day passes, he trusts me more. I now think he would follow any command I give. Sola has told me that all captives are held until they can die in the great games held by the green Martians. Our only chance to survive is to escape. But we must have Sola’s help for our plan to succeed. DEJAH THORIS: Yes. If we stay with the green warriors, we will both die. If we are to escape, we will need several of the animals to ride. It would be our only chance. JOHN CARTER: I have several of the animals. They were given to me when I became a warrior. Sola came back later with food for the two of us. Dejah Thoris and I asked for her help. The three of us talked long into the night. At last Sola gave us her answer. SOLA: Your best chance for escape will be in the next two days. We will leave this city tomorrow and begin a long trip to the home of our tribe. I will help you escape. But I must come with you. I will be killed if you escape. DEJAH THORIS: Sola, of course you must come with us! You are not cruel or violent as many of your people are. Help us and I can promise you a much better life. You will be treated with respect as an honored guest. JOHN CARTER: The next morning we rode away from the city on our animals. More than a thousand animals were carrying the huge tribe of green Martians. Also in the group were one American, one Princess of the Royal House of Helium, our guard, Sola, and poor ugly Woola. Late that night we left the camp. One animal carried me. Another Sola and Princess Dejah Thoris. Woola followed close behind. We rode quickly through the Martian night. I looked into the sky and saw Earth across the great distance of space. Since I had met the Princess Dejah Thoris, I had not thought once of Earth or home. I knew then that I would never willingly leave her. The next morning, I could see that we were being followed by several hundred of the green warriors. Our animals were very tired. I knew we must stop. I told Sola and the Princess to take the stronger of the two animals and ride away. I will hold back the green warriors as long as I can.  Woola! Go with them and guard them with your life. DEJAH THORIS: We can’t leave you alone. It would be certain death if you are captured again. You must come with us! JOHN CARTER: Sola took the princess by the arm and lifted her on top of the animal she had chosen. Quickly she began riding away.  For a moment, Woola looked at me, then turned and ran after them. I took out my rifle from its case. I began firing to slow the green warriors. I was able to slow them for more than an hour. But then I had no more ammunition. Soon I was surrounded. A green warrior got off his animal and came toward me. He pulled out his long, thin sword. I reached for mine. As we neared each other I saw it was Tars Tarkas. He stopped and spoke to me very slowly. TARS TARKAS: You will die here… today… John Carter. It is I who must kill you. Know that I will take no pleasure in your death. Paul Thompson wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Paul Thompson and Mario Ritter produced it. Shep O’Neal was the voice of John Carter. Steve Ember was Tars Tarkas. Barbara Klein was Sola. Gwen Outen was the voice of Princess Dejah Thoris. Join us again next week as we continue “A Princess of Mars.”  ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   captive - n. someone who is captured and kept as a prisoner capture - v.  to take and hold (someone) as a prisoner especially by using force condemn -  v. to give (someone) a usually severe punishment — usually + to survive - v. to remain alive : to continue to live ammunition - n. the objects (such as bullets and shells) that are shot from weapon

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Doubly Difficult: To Be Homeless and an Immigrant in NYC

  Millions of people have immigrated to America with the dream of a new and better life. That dream becomes reality for some. But for others, it does not. Mental health problems, language difficulties, family issues, and the high cost of living can prevent immigrants from finding their place. In New York City, thousands of immigrants are homeless. Philip Malebranche used to be one of them. He is Haitian-American. For 17 years, Malebranche was homeless. He moved between shelters and the streets. Today, he finally has a place to sleep each night. But finding that was not easy. All across New York City, officials struggle to meet the demands of its shelter-seeking homeless population. More than 60,000 people in America’s largest city are homeless. That number is 82 percent higher than it was 10 years ago. Malebranche says homeless immigrants and minorities, especially, face great difficulties. "If an immigrant happens to be homeless, he or she has the double problem of suffering from the stereotype involved in both groups,” he said. They may also be more vulnerable, says Jeff Foreman. He is with Care for the Homeless, a not-for-profit social services and health care organization in New York. "We constantly hear of our clients who have worked hard, but not gotten paychecks," he told VOA. "When a person doesn't speak English as their first language, and is not familiar with all the cultural customs of society, it is much easier to take advantage of them." The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says the number of homeless people in America has dropped by 14 percent since 2010. But Foreman said that the rates of homelessness differ greatly across the country. He said any long-term solution to the problem must include housing. "There's a real need for subsidized housing, for supportive housing, and for more public housing, if we are going to solve the homeless crisis in New York City," Foreman said. A bit of luck Daje Singh was born in the island nation of Trinidad. Her family is from India. She once almost became homeless while living in Queens, an area of New York City. "I was living in my apartment in Queens. I lived there for seven years, and then the landlord sold the building. They said everybody had to go," she said. That same week, Singh also lost her job. Suddenly, she had no place to stay. "I didn't know what to do, because my family, none of them lives here," she said. But, Singh had some good luck. She soon found a job as a nurse’s assistant. She had a place to stay, too. "I call it saved by the bell,'" Singh said, with tears in her eyes. "I got a job, and the person wanted me to stay with them. So I was staying with them in Manhattan and working, too." In Singh's case, realizing her American dream remains possible. She will soon become a U.S. citizen. And one day, she hopes to visit India, her ancestral home. She said her opinions of the homeless community around her will remain forever changed. "Homelessness could happen to anybody at any time," Singh said. "Homeless people are nice people; they just have had bad luck sometimes." I’m Caty Weaver.   Ramon Taylor wrote this report for VOA from New York City. Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   stereotype – n. an often unfair and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristic vulnerable – adj. open to attack, harm, or damage saved by the bell – exp. saved by the timely intervention of someone or something constantly – adv. happening all the time or very often over a period of time client – n. a person who pays a professional person or organization for services familiar – adj. frequently seen, heard, or experienced take advantage of – exp. to use (something) unfairly for personal gain subsidize – v.  to help someone or something pay for the costs of (something) landlord – n.  a person who owns a house, apartment, etc., and rents it to other people

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English @ the Movies: 'Get Yourself Lawyered Up'

Today on English @ the Movies we teach you about the saying "get yourself lawyered up." It comes from the movie "Denial," which is based on a true story. A woman calls a man a liar and ends up in court. Watch here to find out what "get yourself lawyered up means."

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In Emotional Goodbye, Obama Awards Biden America’s Highest Honor

  U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom – America’s highest civilian honor. U.S. President Barack Obama surprised Biden with the award Thursday during an emotional ceremony at the White House. Obama announced the award after praising Biden for his years of service, calling him “the finest vice president we have ever seen.” Biden appeared shocked at the announcement, which he said Obama and others inside the White House had kept secret. After hearing the award was about to be presented, Biden briefly turned away from the cameras to clear some tears. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is America’s highest award for civilians. Obama has awarded the medal to others during his presidency. But he explained that Biden’s award carried an additional level of distinction that he has never given out before. Obama said this highest-level award was only given to three individuals by the three presidents that served before him. Those individuals were Pope John Paul II, former President Ronald Reagan and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.  In his tribute to Biden, Obama said that from the very start, he never regretted choosing him as his right-hand man. “He was the best possible choice, not just for me, but for the American people.” Obama said Biden’s advice on many issues had made him a better president. He called the vice president “a lion of American history.” “To know Joe Biden is to know love without pretense, service without self-regard and to live life fully.” Both men said that during Obama’s eight-year term, the two had developed a relationship that went far beyond their work. Many extended members of the Obama and Biden families also became close personal friends.   ​   After Obama placed the medal around his neck, Biden thanked him and then reflected on his term as vice president. He said he greatly valued being trusted by Obama in “every single thing you've asked me to do.” He said he always found it easy working for and with Obama, for whom he said he had the highest level of respect. “I’ve never known a president - and few people I’ve ever met - who have had the integrity and the decency and the sense of other people’s needs like you do.” Biden said he hopes to always be able to look back and say, “I was part of the journey of a remarkable man who did remarkable things for this country.”  He noted that even though he felt he may not deserve the medal, he knew “it came from the President’s heart.”   “Mr. President, you know as long as there’s a breath in me, I’ll be there for you, my whole family will be. And I know, I know it is reciprocal." Obama gave his farewell speech as president on Tuesday in his hometown of Chicago. He will leave the White House on January 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in.   I’m Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, with additional material from the Associated Press. Hai Do was the editor. What are your thoughts on President Obama and Vice President Biden as they prepare to leave office? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   distinction – n. quality that makes someone or something special or different tribute – n. something said or done to show respect or affection for someone right-hand man - expression. an important assistant or helper pretense – n. false reason or explanation used to hide the real meaning of something integrity – n. honesty and knowing what is morally right or wrong decency – n. honest and moral behavior remarkable – adj. unusual or noticeable, usually in a good way deserve – v. to be worthy of reciprocal – adj. way people agree to do things for each other  

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US Senate Makes First Move to Cancel 'Obamacare'

  The United States Senate has taken the first step toward ending President Barack Obama's healthcare program. Cancelling the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is one of the top goals of the Republican Party and President-elect Donald Trump. Early Thursday, the Senate voted 51-48 to approve rules that permit a repeal of the act to go forward with only a simple majority vote. The Republicans control 52 of the Senate’s 100 seats. The Democratic Party controls 46 seats, with two independents holding two others. Under the rules, Senate Democrats are no longer able to block or delay future votes on Obamacare by making a long speech or series of speeches. This technique, called a filibuster, has often been used over the years in American politics. Reactions Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is the Senate Majority Leader. He praised the passage of the measure Thursday. He said it would help "repeal this failed law [Obamacare] while we move ahead with smarter healthcare policies." Georgia Senator David Purdue, another Republican, said Obamacare is "collapsing" and that his party has ideas to make it better. Senate Democrats criticized the vote, noting the lack of a clear replacement for the healthcare program. "It's official, Senate Republicans have taken the first step to take away your healthcare without a replacement. Shameful," wrote Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey. What replaces Obamacare? Republican leaders plan to have the actual measure for canceling the legislation ready by the end of January. The big question is this: what would happen if the Republicans are successful in repealing the Affordable Care Act? Congressional Republicans have yet to present a consensus plan on how to replace the law. Obamacare has brought insurance to some 20 million Americans who formerly had no health care plan. President-elect Trump said Wednesday that he wants both the repeal and replace efforts to take place at the same time. In 2010, Democratic lawmakers passed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) when they controlled both houses of Congress. The Democrats argue the law has helped slow the growth in healthcare spending and brought health care coverage to the poor. They also say it protects those with health problems who had been denied insurance under the old system. Republicans have opposed the ACA since its passage. They argue that it costs too much and that individual states should have more control over healthcare spending. In his speech on Tuesday, Obama said that he would publicly support any plan that covers the same number of people at a lower cost. I’m Anne Ball.   Chris Hannas wrote this story for VOANews.com. John Russell adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   priorities – n. plural  the things that someone cares about and thinks are important filibuster – v. an effort to prevent action in a legislature (such as the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives) by making a long speech or series of speeches consensus – n.  a general agreement about something; an idea or opinion that is shared by all the people in a group coverage – n. the financial protection that is provided by an insurance policy insurance – n. the business of protecting people or property; a way of guaranteeing protection of safety  

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A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Part Three

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January 12, 2017

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

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