America's Presidents - Zachary Taylor

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The Blue Hotel by Stephen Crane, Part Two

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Met Gala 2017

New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art opened its doors for the Met Gala this week. It is a yearly event to raise money for the museum's Costume Institute. The Met Gala is the most important event of the year for the fashion industry.

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Venezuelans Protest President's Decision to Rewrite Constitution

  Venezuelans blocked streets in Caracas Tuesday to protest the president’s call for a new constitution. Protesters filled streets with pieces of metal and building materials. Others set fire to small mountains of trash. On Monday, President Nicolas Maduro signed a decree to begin the process of rewriting the constitution. The declaration orders the formation of a constitutional assembly. In a speech, Maduro said some of the assembly's 500 members would be elected by "workers" to replace the document. The Venezuelan constitution was last changed in 1999, under the rule of then-president Hugo Chavez. “The day has come, brothers,” Maduro said. “Don't fail me now. Don't fail Chavez and don't fail your motherland." The Associated Press reported his comments. Fewer than half of the assembly’s members would be elected, Maduro said. He added that political parties would not be involved. Maduro's opponents and some observers say the measure is part of a plan to postpone elections set for later this year and presidential elections in 2018. Opposition leaders urged Venezuelans to ignore Maduro and to continue the protests that have lasted for more than a month. "We must continue fighting," said Julio Borges, president of the National Assembly. He said Maduro's move was "a scam to deceive the Venezuelan people." Borges urged Venezuelans to fill Caracas' streets for two hours on Tuesday. He called for larger demonstrations on Wednesday. Thousands of Maduro's supporters marched in Caracas on Monday in a show of support for the president. The current political tensions started last July, when Venezuela's Supreme Court announced a ruling to cancel the National Assembly's legislative powers. Years of political and economic problems have led to shortages of food, medicine, and other goods. Demonstrators are asking for the return of democratic ideas, including recognizing the National Assembly's decisions, releasing political prisoners and permitting humanitarian aid. I'm John Russell.   VOANews.com reported on this story. John Russell adapted the report for Learning English. Additional information came from the Associated Press. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   decree – n. an official order given by a person with power or by a government scam – n. a dishonest way to make money by deceiving people trash – n. something worth very little or nothing at all

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Why Can’t We Remember Our First Few Years of Life?

  Did you ever wonder why you have no memory of when you were a baby or very young child? Researchers in the United States are investigating this question. The researchers work at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The question of why adults do not remember how they learned to walk or talk has long been a mystery. Nora Newcombe is a psychology professor at the university. She joined Zoe Ngo, a Temple graduate student, in the memory research project. Newcombe says: “You know you learned how to walk and talk, but the funny thing is that you don’t remember when and how you learned this.” The Temple University study involved computer-based tests. The tests were designed to work like games. They were given to 32 four-year-olds, 32 six-year-olds and 50 young adults. The tests measured the memory process that helps people recognize differences between experiences. For example: A walk with your dog when you saw a friend, and a different walk without your dog or when you did not see your friend. “In order to remember those kind of autobiographical events, you need to relate one element to another,” Newcombe said. She notes that many people often take walks in a favorite park, but the experience might differ one day from another. Special memory skills are needed to remember when different events happen, like meeting a friend, she said. This differentiation is known as relational memory. This skill would also be important to remembering where you parked your car today, compared to where you left it yesterday or last week. The second test involved showing the test subjects a number of photographs. The children and young adults taking the test were asked to compare the first group of photos with a second set of pictures. Sometimes, the two sets of photos were the same. But other times, they were different. Remembering differences in objects, such as pictures, is known as pattern separation. The results showed that in both tests, six-year-olds demonstrated far better memory than 4-year olds. The six-year-olds performed about as well as the young adults on the two tests. The two tests suggest that memory skills are more advanced for six-year-olds than 4-year-olds. That might help explain why adults do not remember when they learned to walk or talk. But they do remember their third, fourth or fifth birthdays. “We don’t have any memories in the first two years of life, and all of a sudden we’re able to form these memories for specific past events,” said Temple graduate student Zoe Ngo. “So, there must be something going on in early childhood or middle childhood that’s very interesting.” Newcombe said memory research is important as doctors try to develop a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Persons with the disease suffer memory loss. For some people, memory loss is just for recent events. People may not remember what they did that morning, but remember experiences from 50 years ago. But memory loss research is not limited to helping Alzheimer’s patients. It could help with law enforcement officers trying to get more detailed descriptions from witnesses to crimes, Newcombe said. It could also help find ways to get better and more reliable information from young victims of crime, such as child abuse by family members or care givers. I'm Jonathan Evans.   Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   funny - adj. causing laughter autobiographical - adj. relating to your own experiences of life story park - n. a piece of public land in or near a city that is kept free of houses and other buildings and can be used for pleasure and exercise park - v. to leave a car in a particular place, often on the street or in a parking lot advanced - adj. further along in a course of progress or development specific - adj. special or particular reliable - adj. able to be trusted to do or provide what is

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Arts Program in Poor Performing Schools Helping Students

  An arts program is helping students at some of the lowest performing schools in the United States. The program, called Turnaround Arts, aims to help improve low performing schools by adding music and the arts to the usual study program. Turnaround Arts was launched by Michelle Obama, the wife of former U.S. President Barack Obama. Some money for the program comes from the federal government. For the students at participating schools, the program offers a kind of safe haven from city neighborhoods. Many of the children come from areas with high crime rates.  The Turnaround Arts program is part of the curriculum at the Florence Griffith Joyner Elementary School in Los Angeles, California. Test results showed the school performed in the lowest five percent in the state. Florence Griffith Joyner serves families from Watts, an area known for gang violence. Akida Kissane Long, the head of the school, says Watts is a difficult neighborhood for students.  “High crime, high poverty, very multi-generational families in public housing. There’s gun violence,” she explained. “We see a lot of helicopters and we have lockdowns regularly and so, the thing is, all associated with poverty – that really traumatized students, so many of our students come to school with symptoms of post-traumatic stress.” Long noted how when she started working at the school five years ago, there was “willful disobedience … fighting (and) destruction of school property.” She said there were “267 suspensions on record, as well as 1,167 classroom suspensions.” Putting what students love into the class Turnaround Arts is a partnership between the federal government and private businesses. Florence Griffith Joyner Elementary is one of 68 schools in the U.S. participating in the program. Teachers receive special training and look for ways to add music and the arts into all the classes. Turnaround Arts schools partner with musicians and actors who work with the students. Performers have included Yo-Yo Ma, Sarah Jessica Parker, Elton John and Cameron Diaz.   School principal Long noted “The children were so excited and have been so excited because it’s not just about – ‘Go to the board. Do the problem. Turn the page. Read the book.' It’s about acting and impersonating artists and historic figures.” She noted how some students got the chance to act out the process of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. The program has been popular with students, too. “I like to act and I like to sing and I like to dance,” said 10-year-old Kayla Driakare. Seeing results Long said that Turnaround Arts is only in its first year at the school, and already teachers are already seeing results. “We’ve probably suspended one kid this year. That’s amazing,” she said. “Parents are getting phone calls to come to… family arts night, and it’s not just the naughty calls home. It’s for them to come and learn more about what their children are learning. So our parent engagement goes up.” Around the country, participating schools are reporting fewer disciplinary actions, better attendance and improved performance in testing. A three-year long study found that Turnaround Arts schools performed better than other schools that received special grants for school improvement. The findings come at a time when President Donald Trump is proposing to cut government spending on the arts. Some policy makers are pushing for more attention to subjects like mathematics and science in U.S. education. “Art speaks to everyone,” Akida Kissane Long said. “It is part of what makes the curriculum rich and exciting and motivating.” At the end of the three-year program, she wants Los Angeles school officials to make Florence Griffith Joyner Elementary into a magnet school for visual and performing arts. That way the school could get financing to support its arts programs.  I’m Phil Dierking.   ­­­­­­­­­­­­VOA’s Elizabeth Lee reported on this story from Los Angeles. Phil Dierking adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Do you think it is important to have arts education in schools?  We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   curriculum – n. the courses that are taught by a school, college, etc.​ discipline – n. control that is gained by requiring that rules or orders be obeyed and punishing bad behavior​ engage – v.  to get and keep someone's attention or interest gang – n. a group of people who do illegal things together and who often fight against other gangs grant – n. an amount of money that is given to someone by a government, a company, etc., to be used for a particular purpose ​ ​impersonate – v.  to pretend to be another person naughty – adj.  behaving badly​ magnet schools – n. a public school offering special instruction and programs not available elsewhere, designed to attract a more diverse student body from throughout a school district.​ participate – v. to take part in an activity or event with others​ post-traumatic stress – n. a mental condition that can affect a person who has had a very shocking or difficult experience, such as fighting in a war, and that is usually characterized by depression, anxiety, etc. ​ proficiency – n. someone's ability to be good at doing something ​ traumatize – v. to cause someone to become very upset in a way that often leads to serious emotional problems ​

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Jimmy Kimmel Describes Newborn Son’s Heart Surgery

  This is What’s Trending Today. Jimmy Kimmel tells jokes for a living. He has a popular late-night television show called “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” He is known for his jokes, silly interviews and a friendly rivalry with actor Matt Damon. Kimmel was also the host of this year’s Academy Awards show, or Oscars. Kimmel usually begins his late-night show by joking about celebrities, current events and politics. But on Monday night, Kimmel started his show with a story about his newborn son, Billy. Kimmel had not been on TV since his son was born last month. He wanted to tell the audience why. Billy was born with a serious heart problem. The problem prevented his blood from receiving enough oxygen. The baby needed a medical operation to repair a part of his heart. He spent many days in the hospital. But eventually, he came home. Kimmel explained that his son will need another operation on his heart when he gets older. But for now, he is OK. Kimmel almost started crying more than once as he talked about seeing his son in the hospital surrounded by medical equipment, doctors and nurses. “It’s a terrifying thing,” Kimmel said, his voice cracking. “I’m standing in the middle of a lot of very worried-looking people who are trying to figure out what the problem is.” Kimmel also brought up the debate in the United States about health care. He said the fact that some politicians proposed major cuts to health care funding -- especially funding that goes to research hospitals -- “is so unbelievably sad.” During his campaign last year, President Donald Trump promised to replace the Affordable Care Act. That is the health care law put in place by the administration of former President Barack Obama. Kimmel also said he saw a lot of worried parents at the children’s hospital where his son was treated. “No parent should ever have to decide if they can afford to save their child’s life. It just shouldn’t happen.” He asked the politicians who are meeting to discuss health care in Washington, D.C., to “stop with the nonsense” and “take care of each other.” The crowd in the studio cheered. People around the world reacted to the emotional video. It became the top-ranked trending video on YouTube. More than 2 million people have watched it so far. Many people wrote comments on YouTube, thanking Kimmel for telling his story. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   rivalry – v. a state or situation in which people or groups are competing with each other celebrity – n. a person who is famous terrify – v. to cause (someone) to be extremely afraid : to frighten (someone) very much afford – v. to be able to pay for (something) host – n. a person who talks to guests on a television or radio show eventually – adv. at some time later nonsense – n. words or ideas that are foolish or untrue

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Lesson 2: Hello, I'm Anna!

Let's Learn English is a course for English learners. Certified American English teachers designed the course for beginners. There are 52 lessons. Every fifth lesson, there is a review of the previous lessons. Each week, there is a new lesson with video showing the lives of young Americans. The lesson includes instruction in speaking, vocabulary and writing. There are also printable worksheets, assessments and lesson plans for individual learners and English teachers. We encourage you to follow the weekly lessons and share your progress with us through comments and email. Summary Anna moves to Washington, DC. She goes to her new apartment and meets a new friend. Speaking Listen to the speaker in the video. Use your computer or phone to record yourself saying the words. Listen to yourself, then listen to the video again. Can you say the words the same way? If not, listen carefully and try again. Pronunciation Watch the video to learn about linked sounds, or how speakers say "you're" for "you are."  Conversation   Jonathan: Hey, Pete! Who’s your friend? Pete: She is Anna. She is new to D.C. Jonathan: Where are you from? Anna: I am from a small town. Jonathan: Well, welcome to D.C. Anna: Thank you. Jonathan: I am Jonathan. I am in apartment B4. Anna: I am in apartment C2. Marsha is my roommate. Jonathan: I know Marsha. She is nice. Pete: And I am in Apartment D7. I have to go now. Anna: Oh! Pete: Remember to call  Marsha at work. Tell her you’re here. Anna: Right, thanks, Pete. Nice to meet you! Jonathan: You too, Bye. Anna: Apartment C2, here I come! Writing We often write our name and address on forms. Americans write and say an address this way: name, number, street city, state, zip code, country. How do people in your country address an envelope? Anna sends a letter to her family. Look at how she writes the address: Now download the worksheet and practice filling in a form and addressing an envelope. Learning Strategies  Learning strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. This lesson's learning strategy is preview. To preview is to look over what you will study in advance. During the preview, remember what you already know about the topic and the language, and think of what you need to learn. Here is an example: Mari previews the video for Lesson 2 of Let's Learn English. She sees the title is "Hello, I'm Anna." She thinks, "This lesson is about meeting people. What words do I know in English for when I meet people? What do people usually say and do?" She knows, "Nice to meet you" from Lesson 1. She remembers hearing "Where are you from?" in class. She wants to know if the new friends ask other questions. Mari keeps this in mind as she watches the video. When she hears Jonathan ask, "Where are you from?" she smiles and thinks, "I know what that means already!" She watches carefully to see how Anna answers the question. Preview is an important learning strategy because it helps you prepare for what you will learn. Do you use this strategy when you are learning? Send us an email or write to us in the comments section. See the Lesson Plan for more details. Listening Quiz See how well you understand the lesson by taking this quiz. Each question has a video. Play the video and choose the correct answer. _____________________________________________________________ New Words know - v. to have met and talked to (someone) meet - v.  to see and speak to (someone) for the first time. Anna meets Pete near her apartment.  call - v.  to make a telephone call. I call once a week to talk to my parents. friend - n. a person who you like and enjoy being with. Meet my friend, Anna. number - n.  a number or a set of numbers and other symbols that is used to identify a person or thing or a telephone number. I am in apartment number D7. remember - v. to have or keep an image or idea in your mind of (something or someone from the past) or to think of (something or someone from the past) again. Do you remember me?  roommate - n. a person who shares a room, apartment, or house with someone else. Anna and Marsha both live in apartment C2 because they are roommates. work - n.  the place where you do your job. She is not at work today. Free Materials Download the VOA Learning English Word Book for a dictionary of the words we use on this website. Each Let's Learn English lesson has an Activity Sheet for extra practice on your own or in the classroom. In this lesson you can use it to practice writing addresses in English. For Teachers Click on the Lesson Plan to learn how to teach this lesson in your classroom. The Activity Sheet and script of the video are included in the Lesson Plan. Grammar Focus: BE + noun; BE + location ; Subject pronouns: I, you, he, she, we, they Topics: Welcoming & Leave-taking, Spelling names aloud Pronunciation: Contractions with BE Speaking Focus: Vocabulary; saying your address _______________________________________________________________ Now it's your turn. Send us an email or write to us in the Comments section below or on our Facebook page to let us know what you think of this lesson.  

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New Water 'Bottles' Could Help Fight Plastic Pollution

  Scientists and designers in London have found a possible solution to the problem of plastic bottle waste. The group at Skipping Rocks Lab has made a water bottle you can eat. The product is called Ooho. Unlike plastic bottles, Oohos are not tall and hard. They look more like bubbles, or small, round, clear balls. They can hold liquid inside.  People who drink Oohos can be surprised: the outside bursts in the mouth.  Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez is with Skipping Rocks Lab. He explains that the outside, or the membrane, of Ooho is made of seaweed, a plant that grows in the ocean. "It's a membrane made of seaweed that can contain water or any kind of liquid. It's made from an extract of the brown seaweed.” The Ooho membrane is tasteless, and you can eat it. But the company says even if you throw away the membrane, it will degrade in about four weeks. Gonzales says the membrane is strong, and good for the environment. Every year, billions of plastic water bottles are thrown away, polluting land and waterways around the world. The typical water bottle made of plastic can take hundreds of years to degrade. Lise Honsinger is also with Skipping Rocks Lab. "Most people just grab a bottle of water, hold it for five minutes, drink it, throw it away. How can that then exist for 700 years? So, yeah,  this is absolutely a solution to that. We are very purist; we don't want to see this packaged in plastic. No, this will be served as-is, as a packaging." There are limits to the Ooho. It cannot be refilled. Each bottle is small. And Oohos do not store for more than a few days. The Skipping Rocks Lab is working on those issues. "We're still working on things like extending the shelf life, looking at different options in terms of thickness, if we want to make one that stands up more, or more flexible for marathons where people just want to eat it whole." Right now, Skipping Rocks Lab can make only a few thousand Oohos a day. But it is developing new technology that could increase that number to hundreds of thousands. I'm Caty Weaver. Kevin Enochs wrote this story for VOA News. Anne Ball adapted it for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and visit us on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   bubble – n. a tiny, round ball of air or gas inside a liquid membrane – n. a thin sheet or layer extract – n. a substance that you get from something by using a machine or chemicals sphere – n. a round object flexible – adj. capable of bending or being bent

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May 2, 2017

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

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Explainer: Checks and Balances

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