English @ the Movies: 'Crooked Cops'

Today our English @ the Movies saying is "crooked cops" from the movie "CHIPS." This movie is about police officers with the California Highway Patrol. They ride motorcyles. Does the saying "crooked cops" mean they do not drive straight? Check out our video and find out!

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2pfHx7q
via IFTTT

Explainer: MOAB Bomb

The US military targeted an Islamic State bunker complex in northeastern Afghanistan with a GBU-43 bomb known as MOAB - Massive Ordnance Air Blast. Described by military officials as the "mother of all bombs" here are some details on this powerful weapon used for the first time on April 13, 2017.

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2piscA3
via IFTTT

The Many Ways to Say 'Okay'

From VOA Learning English, this is Everyday Grammar. Imagine you are watching a film about love, such as “Before Sunrise.” A couple says goodbye at a train station. They want to meet in the same place six months later. Their sad farewell sounds like this: ​ "But I'm gonna be here." "Okay, me too." "All right." "And we're not gonna call, write or... No." "No, it's depressing." "Yeah, okay." 1:07 "All right. All right, your train's gonna leave. Say goodbye." "Bye." "Goodbye."1:15  "Au revoir." "Later." After you wipe the tear from your eye, some questions might come to your mind: What is the grammatical purpose of okay?* And why do Americans use the word so often? In today's Everyday Grammar, we are going to explore the different uses of the word okay. We will learn how its meaning can change depending on how it is used in a sentence. The word okay The word okay can act as a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb. Its meaning changes slightly when it is used in different ways. When speakers use okay as a noun, they usually mean "approval or permission.” For example, a coworker might tell you, "The boss gave her okay." This is an informal way of saying that the boss gave her permission. The verb form of okay has a similar meaning. It means to approve something. So, a coworker could tell you "The boss okay'ed this project." This means the boss approved the project. This use is informal but you will hear it often, even in professional settings. Finally, there is the adjective form of okay. It means fairly good, or not bad. So, you might hear an American say, "The new boss seems like an okay person." This statement does not praise the new boss. Rather, it means that there is nothing remarkable about the new boss. He or she is okay - not great and not bad. Now that we have covered some of the basic meanings of okay, we can turn to what it means when it acts as an adverb. Adverbs Adverbs are one of the most difficult subjects in English grammar. They are difficult because they represent a large group of words that have many uses. In general, the definition of an adverb is this: a word that describes a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a sentence. Adverbs are often used to show time, place or manner. They are also used as discourse markers – words that organize a conversation. These words show transitions, agreements, disagreements, and so on. Discourse markers A common discourse marker in American English is (you guessed it) okay. As a discourse marker, it has a few common uses. 1. Acknowledge what another person says The first use is to acknowledge what another person says. So, for example, consider this situation. Two friends are ordering dinner at a restaurant. Their conversation goes like this: A: Should we order the salad? B: Yeah! A: Okay! In this example, one speaker uses okay to show that she acknowledges what the other speaker says. She also uses okay to show agreement. However, Americans often use okay even when they do not necessarily agree with each other. Consider the same situation at a restaurant. A: Should we order the salad? B: No, it does not look very good. A: Okay, but I would like to eat some kind of vegetable. Once again, okay serves the purpose of acknowledging what another person says. The speakers may disagree about what to eat, but one speaker is using okay to show that she understands what the other speaker is saying. In that sense, okay helps organize a conversation. 2. Show the end of a conversation (or topic of conversation) A second common use of okay is to show a transition to the end of a conversation. It can also be used to show the end of a topic in a conversation. Here is an example. Imagine you are at a car rental business. The employee has just explained to the customer how to return the car: Employee: Okay, so you understand how to return the car? Customer: Yeah, I understand. Employee: Okay, I'll see you in a few days! The employee uses the word okay twice. In both cases, the employee uses it to show that the conversation will soon be ending. This use of okay helps make it clear to both speakers that the conversation is coming to a close. In this way, neither speaker is surprised when the conversation does end! What about the film? Now that you have learned about the different meanings of okay, think back to the ending of the film “Before Sunrise.” You heard the speakers use okay several times in the goodbye scene. How were they using the word okay? Did they use it as a noun, adjective, verb, or adverb? "But I'm gonna be here." "Okay, me too." "All right." "And we're not gonna call, write or... No." "No, it's depressing." "Yeah, okay." 1:07 "All right. All right, your train's gonna leave. Say goodbye." "Bye."   What did they mean when they said okay? Write to us in the comments section of our website or on our Facebook page. Okay, it has been great teaching this lesson, but we have to go now. Until next time! I'm John Russell. Okay, and I'm Jill Robbins.   John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. *This word is sometimes spelled as OK. For the sake of clarity and consistency, we have spelled it as "okay" throughout this story. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   adverb – n. a word that describes a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a sentence and that is often used to show time, manner, place, or degree coworker – n. a person who works at the place where you work : someone you work with discourse marker – n. a word or words that organize a conversation conversation – n. oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas acknowledge – v. to make known the receipt of; to make known that you have heard another person's statement  transition – n. a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2p1MFMP
via IFTTT

China Warns North Korea, Tries to Ease Korea Tensions

As an American Navy aircraft carrier group heads toward Korea, China said Thursday that military force alone cannot end tensions on the Korean Peninsula. At the same time, an influential Chinese newspaper urged North Korea to stop its nuclear program in exchange for Chinese protection. Experts are worried that the North could soon conduct its sixth nuclear test or launch more missiles in defiance of United Nations resolutions and sanctions. The United States has also strongly warned that it will no longer be patient with the North. China cautions North Korea China is the North’s only major ally. It also gives a lot of aid to the country. But it wants the North to end its nuclear weapons program. China has called for negotiations to ease tensions. It also wants nuclear weapons removed from the peninsula. The Global Times newspaper, which is published by the Communist party’s People’s Daily, called on North Korea and its leader Kim Jong Un to stop developing nuclear weapons. “As soon as North Korea complies with China’s declared advice and suspends nuclear activities, China will actively work to protect the security of a denuclearized North Korean nation and regime,” it wrote recently. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump told The Wall Street Journal “you cannot allow a country like [North Korea] to have nuclear power, nuclear weapons. That’s mass destruction.” A day earlier, the president told Fox Business Network that the United States is “sending an armada. Very powerful. We have submarines. Very powerful. Far more powerful than the aircraft carrier.” Sources told VOA that the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group includes the USS Ohio submarine, which is armed with 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Just last week, the U.S. fired 59 missiles at a Syrian airfield in response to a deadly gas attack.       From Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, “military force cannot resolve the issue. Amid challenge there is opportunity. Amid tensions we will also find a kind of opportunity to return to talks.” Wang warned that “whoever provokes the situation, whoever continues to make trouble in this place, they will have to assume historical responsibility.” Trump warns North Korea U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will not accept any military aggression from North Korea. But American officials say the administration wants to use stronger economic sanctions against the North, not weapons. U.S. officials said the president was considering an oil embargo, banning North Korea’s airline, intercepting cargo ships and punishing Chinese banks that work with North Korean companies and the government. “There’s a whole host of things that are possible, all the way up to what’s essentially a trade quarantine on North Korea,” an official told Reuters. Concerns in Japan and South Korea From Seoul, South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se told parliament that he believes the US will tell his country before it attacks the North. On Thursday morning, a spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff said South Korea has no evidence that military aggression from the North will happen soon. The United States has about 28,500 troops in South Korea. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also said on Thursday that North Korea may be able to fire missiles that have sarin nerve gas. A senior Japanese diplomat said the United States was putting “maximum pressure” on North Korea to ease tensions while also pressuring China to influence its ally. South Korean officials said there were no new signs showing a nuclear test by the North was likely. But they said the North appeared ready to conduct a test at any time. Pictures taken by satellites show a North Korean nuclear site is being prepared for what would be the country’s sixth nuclear test. North Korea marks the “Day of the Sun” on Saturday, April 15th. It is the 105th birth anniversary of its founder, Kim Il Sung. The North often makes large displays of its military strength on this day. U.S. government sources said that North Korea appears to have a placed a device in a tunnel at the site that could be detonated Saturday or even sooner. “We have no comment but we will be watching closely,” an official at the National Security Council told VOA.   The Reuters news agency and VOA Correspondent Steve Herman reported this story. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the reports for Learning English. Hai Do 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   group – n. a number of people or things that are together or in the same place conduct – v. to plan and do (something, such as an activity) defiance – n. a refusal to obey something or someone; the act of defying someone or something comply – v. to do what you have been asked or ordered to do   regime – n. a form of government armada – n. a large group of ships, boats, etc. provoke – v. to cause (a person or animal) to become angry, violent, etc. aggression – n. hostile action against another country, government, etc. embargo – n. a government order that limits trade in some way intercept – v. to stop and take someone or something that is going from one place to another place before that person or thing gets there host – n. a great amount or number essentially – adv. in effect; in actuality; in reality quarantine – n. in economics, a blocking of trade with a country by isolating them from the world economy tunnel – n. a passage that goes under the ground, through a hill, etc. detonate – v. to explode or to cause (something, such as a bomb) to explode  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2orOAH7
via IFTTT

US Drops Largest Non-nuclear Bomb on IS in Afghanistan

The U.S. Defense Department says its military plane dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb ever used in combat, a 10,000-kilogram bomb, on an Islamic State target in Afghanistan. The bomb is called the Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB). Based on its acronym, the U.S. Air Force has nicknamed it the "Mother of All Bombs." Defense Department spokesman Adam Stump said it was the first-ever combat use of the bomb. Also known as the GBU-43, the bomb was developed more than ten years ago. The bomb was dropped in response to IS' increasing use of bunkers and underground passages to "thicken their defense," General John Nicholson, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan said. The Pentagon did not indicate how much damage was done to the IS stronghold or whether there were any injuries. Besides the MOAB, the U.S. Air Force has an even larger bomb known as the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, or MOP. Despite its size, the MOP carries less explosive than the MOAB. It is designed to take out deeply buried targets like reinforced bunkers. The MOP has never been used in combat. I’m Dorothy Gundy.   Dorothy Gundy adapted this story for Learning English based on VOA and AP news reports. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   acronym – n. a word formed from the first letters of each one of the words in a phrase bunkers  - n. strong buildings that are mostly below ground and used to keep soldiers, weapons, etc., safe from attacks stronghold - n. a protected place where the members of a military group stay and can defend themselves against attacks​        

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

Uganda Welcomes Refugees with 'Progressive Policies'

If you are a refugee, Uganda may be one of the better places to live. The country’s refugee policy is considered one of the most progressive in the world. Newcomers are permitted freedom of movement. They can operate their own businesses. And for the most part, Ugandans are welcoming. For years, Uganda has helped people from across Africa. Currently, there are more than 1.1 million refugees and asylum seekers in the country. Many have fled violence at home. They are from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. Solomon Osakan is a settlement officer in the office of Uganda’s prime minister. He works with the United Nations humanitarian agency to direct refugee operations in the country. He says his country's refugee policy comes from wanting to help Africans in trouble. "So, I think this policy emanates from our leaders. Previously, many of our leaders were displaced as refugees, they sought asylum in neighboring countries, and went as far as Europe. In that time, this changed their perception in thinking that when you are a refugee, you need to be supported to survive; otherwise, hostility only worsens." The Ugandan system is opposite of the model followed in many other areas, where refugees are kept separate from the rest of the population and unable to leave. Uganda has refugee “settlements,” not camps.  Host communities have donated much of the land for these settlements. Refugees receive a 50-meter by 50-meter piece of land for shelter and growing crops. The refugees are free to move around in the country. They also receive employment waivers for jobs, free healthcare and education. Many refugees benefit from Uganda’s open door policy. Joyce Alua is a refugee from South Sudan. "It is good, because here, in Uganda here, we are feeling good. There is no fighting like South Sudan. And other things, also, they are good." But not everyone is pleased. Near the recently-opened Imvepi settlement, some local people, said that "outsiders" are getting the jobs, not them. Charles Acema was one of the protesters. "But the bad thing here is we are lacking of jobs. Those who are here, they do not give the jobs for us." U.N. officials and Uganda's government say many of the jobs in the settlements require skills that are not always found in the local communities. While concerned about the lack of jobs, Acema says he is happy Uganda is helping refugees. "Yes,Yes, we know that Uganda is a God-loving country.  That is why they welcome refugees here. Yes." Yet many refugees at the settlement noted food shortages. U.N. officials say a lack of money for buying food is the main problem. Last year, food supplies were cut by 50 percent for refugees who arrived before July 2015, except for those considered particularly vulnerable. The United Nations says it needs about $500 million for its 2017 Uganda operations. As of the middle of March, it had only received about $35 million, seven percent of the total.    I’m Marsha James.   Jill Craig reported on this story for VOANews.com. Marsha James adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   asylum – n. protection from arrest or expulsion from a country benefit – v. to be useful to; to receive help waiver – n. the cancellation of an existing right or claim emanate – v. to come out from perception – n. a mental image; an understanding or recognition grievance – n. a feeling of being treated unfairly; a criticism particularly vulnerable – adj. very needy   We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

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

US Investigates Trade Imbalances with Southeast Asian Countries

The United States Commerce Department has begun a 90-day study of trade imbalances between the U.S. and some Asian nations. Experts say the review could produce a major change in Asia’s trading relationship with the United States. The review follows President Donald Trump’s call for action against “foreign importers that cheat.” Among the Asian economies Trump criticized are China, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, India, Taiwan, Indonesia and Vietnam.  Trump has said that he will make  an  “historic reversal” in U.S. trade policy after the review. Currency manipulation? A possible U.S. trade policy change is making many government officials in Southeast Asia worried. After World War II, many developing economies in East and Southeast Asia exported their products to the United States. The relationship helped end poverty for millions of people. But during th e 2016 presidential campaign, Trump charged that some trade policies, especially those of China, had harmed the American economy. He accused some countries of unfairly keeping the value of their currency low compared to the value of the U.S. dollar. This makes their exported products less costly than similar products made in the United States. Krystal Tan is an economist at Capital Economics in Singapore. She said two countries that are most worried about being named currency manipulators are South Korea and Taiwan. Countries that are officially identified as currency manipulators can face economic punishments such as fines or import taxes. Tan says if countries want to avoid economic restrictions, they will need to open their markets to more American products. Taiwan Officials in Taiwan say the trading relationship with the U.S. is not a hostile one. They note that more than 80 percent of the exports Taiwan sends are not completed products. Instead, they are put together in the United States. David Hsu is the deputy director general of the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) in Taiwan. He told reporters that the trading relationship with the U.S. is “mutually beneficial.” Malaysia Government and business officials in Malaysia are also worried about the U.S. trade review. In late 2016, an increase in exports increased economic growth in Malaysia to 4.5 percent. Ong Ka Chuan is the Malaysian minister of international trade and industry. Ong told reporters that Malaysia was not responsible for the large U.S. trade deficit. Ong said, Malaysia was dealing with the U.S. fairly. Ong added that any restrictions that may result from a review could harm American manufacturers in Malaysia, such as Intel and Western Digital. “If Trump were to punish us…the American firms will be (the) ones (that are) dealt a severe blow,” he said.    Thailand and Vietnam The U.S. is Thailand’s third-largest trading partner after China and Japan. Trade between the U.S. and Thailand was $36.5 billion in 2016. More than $24 billion was from Thai exports. Among the top exports to the U.S. were machinery, electrical appliances, electronics and parts, rubber products and gems and jewelry. Vietnam also has a trade surplus with the U.S. – in other words, it sells far more goods to the U.S. than it buys. Last week, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc criticized Trump’s decision. He said it would have a “huge impact” on Vietnam’s economy, which depends on exports. Trans Pacific Partnership President Trump has already changed U.S. trade policy. Soon after he took office in January, Trump withdrew from the Trans Pacific Partnership – or, TPP – agreement. The agreement was an important part of former U.S. president Barack Obama’s “pivot to Asia” policy. It was designed to limit China’s growing political and economic influence in the area. Carl Thayer, a political scientist at the University of New South Wales, explains one of the effects of Trump withdrawing from the TPP. He says North Vietnam now wants to increase trade with China under the Chinese Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). “Vietnam had its heart and soul on the TPP," Thayer said. "They have a massive surplus with the U.S. It almost equals their massive deficit with China. But there’s not very much they can do. They’re being pragmatic and looking at the RCEP." Thayer said Vietnam hoped for a strong American presence in Asia to balance China’s influence, especially in the South China Sea. Now, he said, Vietnam will have to balance its relationships more equally among the U.S. and India, Russia, Japan and China. And, Thayer added, without strong U.S. action in the region, Vietnam will have to work harder to balance Chinese influence. He says relations between the U.S. and Vietnam, which have been built up over the past 20 years, may be hurt because of a possible change in trade policy. I’m Kelly Jean Kelly.   Correspondent Ron Corben reported this story from Bangkok. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the report for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly 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   imbalance – n. a state or condition in which different things do not occur in equal or proper amounts reversal – n. a change to an opposite state, condition, decision, etc. manipulator – n. a person who uses or controls other people in a clever and often unfair or selfish way : a manipulative person beneficial – adj. producing good or helpful results or effects blow – n. a sudden event that causes trouble, damage, sorrow, etc appliances – n. a machine (such as a stove, microwave, or dishwasher) that is powered by electricity and that is used in people's houses to perform a particular job impact – n. a powerful or major influence or effect pivot – n. the action of turning around a point : the action of pivoting massive – adj. large in amount or degree pragmatic – adj. dealing with the problems that exist in a specific situation in a reasonable and logical way instead of depending on ideas and theories

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2pez2Xq
via IFTTT

Brazilians Dislike Tax Paid to Royal Descendants

The Brazilian city of Petropolis is known for its 19th century buildings and its Imperial Museum. The museum includes the summer home of Brazil's last ruler, Dom Pedro II. But many people who live in Petropolis are upset about having to pay a special property tax linked to the country’s former rulers. The tax is known as laudemio. It takes 2.5 percent of the value of real estate deals. The money from the tax goes directly to the descendants of Dom Pedro II, more than one hundred years after he was ousted. The property tax is an example of social injustice to many of the 300,000 people living in the city. Brazil is one of the world's most unequal places for property distribution. Almost half of the land is owned by one percent of the population. Experts say laws that were written before Brazil’s independence from Portugal worsen the problem. The tax was established in Brazil by the rulers of Portugal to ensure that land was passed from European settlers to their descendants. In colonial times, Brazil's land was the property of Portugal. Brazil became a republic in 1889. But the special tax was never cancelled. Many criticize the tax because it continues to earn money for only a few privileged families. Marco Antonio de Melo Breves is an official with Brazil's federal tax department. He says he does not know how much money is paid each year under the royal property tax or how much it costs the average homeowner. Breves says payments are generally made through private lawyers who make documents official. He adds that the government does not have information on how many royal descendants are receiving money from people paying the property tax. Government officials say unclear property ownership and complex land registration policies are problems in Brazil. The Ministry of Cities says half the population cannot prove full legal ownership of their homes. Ana Paula Bueno is a lawyer with the Land Governance Group at the State University of Campinas. She says removing the special property tax would require many changes to current laws. Isabela Verleun works at the Imperial Museum of Petropolis. She says that when Brazil created a new constitution in 1988, some people wanted to end the tax. Their efforts, however, were unsuccessful. I’m Jonathan Evans.   VOA News reported this story based on Reuters reports. Jonathan Evans adapted this story for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in this Story   real estate – n.  property consisting of buildings and land descendant – n. someone who is related to a person or group of people who lived in the past distribution – n. the way that something is divided or spread out

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

‘Charging Bull’ Sculptor Fights Back against ‘Fearless Girl’

  This is What’s Trending Today. Arturo Di Modica is an Italian-American artist. In 1989, he created a bronze sculpture known as “Charging Bull.” That year, just before Christmas, he placed it in front of the New York Stock Exchange in the middle of the night. He did not have permission to do so. New York City Police removed the bull. But many people protested its removal. City officials eventually permitted it to remain in a nearby area.  It has been there ever since. The huge bull sculpture looks as though it is running forward, ready to fight an unknown opponent. Di Modica said he decided to make the sculpture after the stock market lost over 20 percent of its value in one day in 1987. He said his bull statue showed the “strength and power of the American people.” The bull has become a popular tourist attraction in New York City. Then, last month, the bull statue got some unexpected company. An investment group in New York City celebrated International Women’s Day by putting up another statue -- right in front of the bull. It is called “The Fearless Girl.” The group State Street Global Advisors put up the statue. It stands less than 1.3 meters tall. The small girl is standing in a defiant way, with her hands on her hips. Anne McNally is with the investment group. She told the Reuters news agency that “The Fearless Girl” is meant to bring attention to the small number of women in high positions on Wall Street. It is also meant to remind people of the lower wages that women working in finance receive. The group wants that to change, she says. The statue has gotten a lot of attention. New York City officials have decided to permit the statue to remain in place for a year. But Di Modica is not happy with that decision. He says the statue of the girl changes the meaning of his work. He also says it has violated his legal rights. Norman Siegel is Di Modica’s lawyer. He said his client wants the “Fearless Girl” statue moved. He said Di Modica also wants to be awarded financial damages. Siegel said the investment company should have talked with Di Modica before placing the statue of the girl in front of the bull. And he accused State Street Global Advisors of putting up the sculpture as a way to promote their investment services, whereas Di Modica’s sculpture had no commercial purpose. Many people are using social media to express their opinions about the situation. Some say Di Modica is complaining for no good reason. But others agree that “The Fearless Girl” statue has changed the original meaning of the “Charging Bull” statue. One person said the situation is like “letting someone add a different chorus to a song.” A writer for Slate.com supports Di Modica. Christina Cauterucci writes that the girl “derives its meaning from its interaction with Di Modica’s piece.” Di Modica, however, “meant his bull to stand alone.” Bill de Blasio is New York City’s mayor. He tweeted about the situation twice on Wednesday. He wrote: “Men who don’t like women taking up space are exactly why we need Fearless Girl,” and “We wouldn’t move the Charging Bull statue if it offended someone. The Fearless Girl is staying put.” And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a story from the Associated Press. Ashley Thompson was the editor. What do you think of the debate about the statues? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   sculpture – n. a piece of art that is made by carving or molding clay, stone, metal, etc. charge – v. to rush toward damages – n. an amount of money that a court requires you to pay to someone you have treated unfairly or hurt in some way intent – n. the thing that you plan to do or achieve : an aim or purpose chorus – n. a part of a song that is repeated between verses derive – v. to take or get (something) from (something else) defiant – adj. refusing to obey something or someone : full of defiance commercial – adj. concerned with earning money original – adj. happening or existing first or at the beginning

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2pc470z
via IFTTT

News Words: Coding

What kind of language is coding? Find out with Anne Ball and Jonathan Evans in News Words.

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

GATEway Driverless Vehicle Now Being Tested in London

Meet Harry. Harry is a vehicle called a pod – in other words, something like a car. But Harry has no steering wheel or brake pedal. Harry does not even have a driver. Yet Harry is carrying passengers around London for the next few weeks. Harry is part of an experiment called GATEway that is testing how people react to driverless vehicles. The name GATEway is short for Greenwich Automated Transport Environment. The experiment aims to help cities prepare for the future of transportation. The GATEway experiment does not test new technology. Instead, it tests the way existing technology can work in society. The pod operates in an area of London called Greenwich, home of time and navigation museums. Other places where pods will be tested are Coventry, Milton, Keynes and Bristol.  The pods navigate using sensors and a 3D map of the area. A safety operator rides along to take control in case of an emergency. GATEway is intended to see how pedestrians and cyclists may adapt to driverless vehicles. Harry holds up to four people (three passengers and a safety operator) and can travel at speeds up to 16kmh. It is being tested in Greenwich on pedestrian paths, but not on roads with other vehicles. Other planned trials include pods delivering packages and pods being used on roads with other vehicles. This video shows the pod being tested in Greenwich: If you are in Greenwich during the next few weeks you may see Harry, but you cannot ride in it during the trial. Over 5000 people applied to be a passenger in Harry but only about 100 were chosen. You can, however, ride in a similar pod at Heathrow Airport in London. The Heathrow pods run on tracks so are not being tested with pedestrians, cyclists or other drivers. If the trials are successful, the first pods could be operational on the roads of the UK in 2019. Learn more and get involved You can learn more about the experiment at the GATEway website. There you can add your views about where you would like to see the pod travel and share your thoughts about driverless public transportation. ​ You can also read comments to see what others think of driverless pods.   I’m Kelly Jean Kelly.   Carolyn Nicander Mohr wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. Would you like to ride in a driverless pod? Would you like to see these where you live? Do you think the public will accept these pods as a new form of transportation? Share your thoughts in the Comments Section below or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   vehicle - n. a machine that is used to carry people or goods from one place to another pod - n. a long, narrow object that is used to hold something  driverless - adj. without a driver navigation - n. the act, activity, or process of finding the way to get to a place when you are traveling sensor - n. a device that detects or senses heat, light, sound, motion, etc., and then reacts to it in a particular way pedestrian - n. a person who is walking in a city, along a road, etc. cyclist - n. a person who is riding a bicycle

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2oAnnE6
via IFTTT