Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Monday, June 12, 2017

Algae May Help Feed a Hungry World

  From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. Nearly 790 million people around the world do not get enough to eat. Most of them live in developing countries. Many parts of the developing world do not have transportation systems in place that can bring food to people. It can be difficult to get food to those who need it without good roads and other necessary infrastructure. But there is a deeper problem. Growing or raising enough food to fight world hunger requires land. If we are talking about raising cattle for their meat – that means a lot of farmland and other resources. A group of researchers in California may have found a way to get protein to hungry people. Stephen Mayfield is a geneticist at the University of California, San Diego. He notes that many people are concerned about calories, the energy-producing value in food. Mayfield specializes in algae, the scientific term for simple, plant-like organisms. He says algae have two things that the world needs: protein and lipids, or fatty acids. "The world, in fact, is not short of calories. What they're short of is proteins and essential fatty acids. So, algae are naturally very high in proteins and in lipids and those are sort of the two things that the world really needs. So, Mayfield and his team have created a dried, powdered form of algae. They break down the organisms into extremely small particles, which can help simplify the problem of transportation. Not only is the algae rich in protein and easy to transport, it also tastes good. Again, here is Mayfield. "Here's one that we've just finished up and so what we do is we simply take this and dried it out. And as you can see, it makes a very nice green powder and that is perfectly edible. In fact, it tastes pretty good." And growing algae uses less land than other kinds of protein. Mayfield's big idea is that algae farms could one day replace the huge amounts of land used by farmers to produce protein, in beef from cattle or soybeans. "I'm actually really encouraged by these new companies that had started up to make these synthetic plant-based protein substitutes that look just like meat, right? Because now, 'oh that looks like something I'm familiar with. I want to eat that.'  But if I could make that with algae protein instead of with beef protein, an enormous environmental benefit and probably an enormous cost benefit as well." The United States government provided money for Mayfield’s research. His team just successfully finished a test in which they grew algae in an outdoor environment. Mayfield adds that algae food products are not yet available for sale. But in the future algae may be one way to help feed the world’s hungry people. And that’s the Health & Lifestyle report. I’m Anna Matteo.   Kevin Enochs reported this story for VOANews.com. Anna Matteo adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Now, test your understanding with this short quiz. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   resources – n. a usable stock or supply, such as money, land or water fatty acids – n. an acid that is naturally in fats and various oils lipids – n. any one of various substances that contain fat and that are important parts of living cells powder – n. a dry substance made up of very tiny pieces of something edible – adj. suitable or safe to eat synthetic – adj. made by combining different substances : not natural substitute – n. a person or thing that takes the place of someone or something else

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Tony Award Winner Tells Young People to Be Themselves

  Actor Ben Platt plays a lonely teenager who has trouble “fitting in.” So, when he won the Tony Award Sunday night for best actor in a musical, he urged young people not to give up the qualities that make them special. “To all young people watching at home, don’t waste any time trying to be like anybody but yourself, because the things that make you strange are the things that make you powerful.” The Tony Awards honor the best plays and musicals on Broadway. They were given out at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The American television network CBS broadcast the awards show across the country. Platt plays Evan Hansen, the lead character in the Broadway musical, “Dear Evan Hansen.”  He plays a lonely boy who writes letters to himself that say “today is going to be a good day.” The letters make him feel better about going to school. Sunday was a really good day for “Dear Evan Hansen.” The show won the Tony Award for “best musical,” and its writers -- Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Steven Levenson -- all won Tony Awards. Winner thanks her grandmother So did actress Rachel Bay Jones, who plays Evan Hansen’s mother.  In her speech, Jones thanked her “Nana” for selling her engagement ring. That helped Jones pay for her move to New York to follow her dream of becoming an actress. A “Nana” is a common nickname for a grandmother. Musicals are an American invention. They tell stories through many art forms: spoken words, song, acting and dance. Music can add an important emotional element, making an interesting story even more powerful. Platt, now 23, said he dreamed of singing in a Broadway musical since he was six years old. As a young boy, Platt said he performed in musicals with other family members in his family’s backyard in California. “It’s where I found everything I've ever loved and where I belong, and I’ve dreamed every day since of being on this stage and being part of this community of artists.” ‘No stopping” Bette Midler “Hello Dolly” won the award for best revival of a musical. Its star, Bette Midler, 71, won the Tony for best actress in a musical. She gave a long speech and thanked many people for her success. People cheered when she continued her speech even after the orchestra began playing music. The music signals to a speaker that their time is up. “Hello Dolly” tells the story of Dolly Levi, who tries to find a wife for the unmarried businessman, Horace Vandergelder. “This thing (musical) has the ability to lift your spirits in these terrible, terrible times,” Midler said. More Tony winners Also winning a big Tony honor Sunday was “Oslo,” a play about the 1993 Middle East peace agreement. It won the award for best new play. The musical “Come From Away” won three Tony Awards, among them the award for best director of a musical, Christopher Ashley. “Come From Away” is set in Gander, Newfoundland. The small town became the temporary home for nearly 7,000 people after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In the days after the attacks, the United States closed its air space.  International flights heading to the United States landed in Newfoundland and other Canadian airports instead. Ashley thanked the people of Newfoundland as he accepted his award. He said they were “generous and kind at the very worst moments.” I'm Bruce Alpert.   Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English, based, in part, on reports by The Associated Press. Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. Have you ever seen a play or a musical? If so, did you like it? ___________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   character - n. a person who appears in a story, book, play, movie, or television show engagement ring - n. a ring given someone when he or she is being asked to get married backyard - n. an area in back of a house stage - n. a raised platform in a theater, auditorium, etc., where the performers stand revival - n. a production of a show that was performed at an earlier time orchestra - n. a group of musicians who play usually classical music together and who are led by a conductor generous - adj. showing kindness and concern for others

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Melania Trump, Son Barron Move to White House

  President Donald Trump’s wife Melania and their 11-year-old son Barron have officially moved into the White House.  She and the boy had been living at the family’s home at Trump Tower in New York so Barron could finish out the year at his current school.  In keeping with American tradition, President Trump moved to Washington, DC immediately after he took office in January. Since then, he has lived in the White House -- one of the most famous buildings in the world.   Melania Trump announced the move Sunday on Twitter. She wrote, "Looking forward to the memories we'll make in our new home! #Movingday.” Her announcement included a picture of the Washington Monument as seen from a room inside the White House.   The president spent last weekend away from the White House. He went to one of his golf properties in the state of New Jersey. Melania Trump has not been as visible as other presidents’ wives since choosing to stay with Barron in New York. But she has slowly begun taking on more official White House duties. She also recently joined the president on his first major overseas trip. Her move to Washington was expected. Trump had repeatedly said his wife and son would be joining him in the White House after the current school year. Barron has been attending Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in New York City.    Melania Trump announced last month that Barron would begin attending a private school just outside of Washington, in the state of Maryland, later this year. The school, Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School, is about 30 kilometers from the White House. In a statement at the time, the first lady said the family chose St. Andrew’s because of its commitment “to know and inspire each child in an inclusive community.” She added that the school’s program combines teaching, learning and service, “all of which appealed to our family.” The cost for Barron to attend the school is reported to be about $44,000 a year, about the same cost as his former school in New York.  Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama chose to send their daughters to Sidwell Friends School, a private school in Washington, DC.  Chelsea Clinton also attended Sidwell Friends while living in the White House during the presidency of Bill Clinton.  I’m Ashley Thompson.   Bryan Lynn adapted this story for VOA Learning English. His story was based on reports from the Associated Press and Reuters. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   visible – adj. able to be seen commitment – n. promise or pledge to do something inspire – v. make someone want to do something first lady – n. the unofficial name used for the wife of a president

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Puerto Ricans Vote to Become 51st US State

  People living in the American territory of Puerto Rico have voted to become a U.S. state. However, the vote does not have the force of law. Only 23 percent of Puerto Rican voters took part in the referendum. Of those who did vote, about 500,000 chose statehood. About 7,500 chose independence and 6,700 voted to remain a territory. People who live on the Caribbean island are U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote in presidential elections. They have one congressional representative to the United States Congress who has limited voting rights.   The island also has its own legislature with a Senate and a House of Representatives. The territory’s governor Ricardo Rossello said of the vote, “In any democracy, the expressed will of the majority that participates in the electoral process always prevails.” Sunday’s vote on the issue of statehood was the fifth of its kind. People on the island also voted in 2012 to seek statehood. Puerto Rico struggles with its financial problems The vote took place as Puerto Rico seeks protection from its creditors who hold its large public debt. Peter Hakim is a former president of the Inter-American Dialogue, a policy research group on the Americas. He said the vote is not too meaningful because of low participation. He says competing political parties on the island have called for something other than statehood. The Popular Democratic Party wants Puerto Rico to remain a territory while the Puerto Rican Independence Party wants the island to become a separate country. Hakim says the vote takes place as the island faces a serious crisis. “Puerto Rico’s in the midst of a severe economic and, in many respects, social crisis with large-scale emigration toward the United States.” He says poor supervision of the Puerto Rican economy and government is partly to blame for its economic situation. He says the island’s current status is in, what he calls, the “undefined zone” in which it is neither a state nor a country. “My guess in the end (is) that Puerto Rico would probably be better off if it did become a state.” Puerto Ricans do not pay federal income tax so the territory does not receive as much federal money as states do. But, the people do pay Social Security and some other U.S. taxes. This causes some people to believe that the island would be better off as a state. However, Puerto Rico’s debt crisis continues to harm its economic growth and ties to the U.S. The economy has been in recession for more than 10 years. Puerto Rico says it cannot pay back its more than $70 billion debt. The territory also owes its retirement payment plan, or pension, about $50 billion dollars. Last month, Governor Rosello refused to agree to measures demanded by creditors to make payments on the island’s bonds. That started a process for Puerto Rico to seek legal protection from its creditors through a form of bankruptcy. However, the territory is barred from the kind of legal bankruptcy that U.S. cities and towns can seek. It is unclear how long Puerto Rico’s debt negotiations will take. I’m Mario Ritter. Victor Beattie reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver 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   referendum – n. an event in which the people of a county, state, etc., vote for or against a law that deals with a specific issue : a public vote on a particular issue emigration – n. to leave a country to live somewhere else participate – v. to be involved with others in doing something: to take part in an activity or event with others prevail – v. to defeat an opponent especially in a long or difficult contest midst – n. the period of time when something is happening or being done status – n. the official position of a person or thing according to the law zone – n. an area that is different from other areas in a particular way bonds – n. debt securities in which creditors agree to provide money to a company or government in exchange for regular interest payments and full repayment after a set amount of time  

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33 Charged with Stealing Chocolate, Other Crimes

  United States officials have accused 33 people of criminal activity, including stealing 4,500 kilograms of chocolate and a “murder for hire" plot. Murder for hire is when someone offers to pay an individual to kill another person. Federal law enforcement officials in New York City announced the charges last week. All those charged have ties to a Russian-organized crime group that operated throughout the United States, said Joon Kim. He is the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. William Sweeney Jr. is with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. He said that the 33 people charged in the case tried “to make as much money as possible, all allegedly organized and run by a man who promised to protect them.” “But that protection didn’t include escaping justice,” Sweeney added. Kim said the 33 defendants are accused of what he called a “dizzying” number of crimes. He said the Russian criminal group is known as Shulaya Enterprises. The charges include stealing a shipment of 4,500 kilograms of chocolate. That is equal to over 80,000 candy bars. Another reported crime involved a female member of Shulaya Enterprises. She would “seduce” men, suggesting a love interest, and then use a gas to put them to sleep -- before stealing their money. The “murder for hire” effort, the government said, involved an offer to kill someone in exchange for money. Other crimes were transportation and sale of untaxed cigarettes, plans to pay bribes to law enforcement officials and efforts to cheat casinos in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The casino fraud case involved the use of electronics and computers to predict when and which electronic slot machines would pay off prize money, the government said. Shulaya Enterprises members used code words to communicate to each other -- to make it more difficult for the government to listen to their discussions, the government said. The defendants were mostly born in the former Soviet Union and had strong ties to Ukraine, Georgia and Russia, the government said. Acting U.S. Attorney Kim said the crimes were carried out throughout the United States. In the American justice system, a judge or jury of people decide if a defendant charged with a crime is guilty or not guilty. If the person is found guilty, a judge will decide what the punishment will be, including time in prison and financial fines. I’m Phil Dierking.   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   chocolate - n. a food that is made from cacao beans and that is eaten as candy or used as a flavoring ingredient in other sweet foods dizzying - adj. such a large number as to be difficult to understand seduce - v. to persuade someone to have sex with you bribes - n. payments to convince someone in law enforcement or government to do a favor defraud - v. to trick or cheat someone or something in order to get money slot machines - n. machine used for gambling that starts when you put coins into it and pull a handle or press a button code - n. a system of signs used to represent words or numbers bar – n. a solid piece or block of something  

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Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” May Be the Song of the Summer

  This is What’s Trending Today. Summer does not officially begin in the United States and other countries in Earth’s Northern Hemisphere for more than a week. Yet you have probably heard the song of the summer of 2017. That is Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito.” Fonsi is from the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. He wrote “Despacito” in Spanish, one of the two official languages on the island. The other is English. “Despacito” is one of the top songs in the world right now. In fact, some music critics think it might be the song of the summer. The website Billboard.com publishes lists of hit songs. One of the lists is called “Songs of the Summer.” Right now, a version of “Despacito,” with Justin Bieber singing along with Fonsi, is at the top of the list. Daddy Yankee, a Spanish-language rap artist, also contributes lyrics to both versions of the song. Bieber learned how to pronounce Spanish words for the song. “Despacito” means “slowly” in Spanish. Fonsi says the song is about letting romance take its time. If “Despacito” is the song of the summer, it will be in good company. It will join songs like Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” (from 2014), Prince’s “When Doves Cry” (from 1984), Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl” (from 1981) and Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” (from 1973).   But Fonsi’s song may have more in common with another song of the summer: the 1996 hit “Macarena” by Los Del Rio. That is because “Despacito” is the first song performed mostly in Spanish to reach number one on Billboard’s “Hot 100” list since then. The only other mostly Spanish song to reach the number one position was the Los Lobos version of Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba” in 1987. The version of “Despacito” with Bieber is the top song on the “Hot 100” list in each of the past four weeks. The original version of “Despacito” was released in January. Its music video on YouTube has been played over 1.9 billion times since then. The version with Bieber has been played almost 300 million times more. Combined, it is one of the most-streamed songs ever. Chris Molanphy is a music critic for Slate.com. He wrote recently that Bieber’s English verse seems like an unnecessary addition to an already successful song. But he says it was something else – what he called the “X-Factor” -- that moved the song to the top of the chart. As a result, he wrote, the song “shows no signs of slowing down.” And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. What do you think of “Despacito?” We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   lyric – n. the words of a song romance – n. an exciting and usually short relationship between lovers fancy – adj. not plain or ordinary stream – v. to play continuously as data is sent to a computer over the Internet X-Factor – n. something special that helps influence a result hemisphere – n. a half of the Earth

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Scientists Find Out How Mosquitoes Fly

  The mosquito is a troublesome and sometimes dangerous insect. Their bites itch and can carry dangerous diseases, like malaria, Zika virus and yellow fever. Recently, researchers from Britain and Japan discovered how mosquitoes fly. This knowledge, they say, help find ways to stop mosquitoes from spreading diseases in the future. Mosquito wings are small and have an uncommon shape. Because of this, it is hard to believe that they are able to fly. So, how is their flight possible? The team of scientists from Britain and Japan solved the mystery. They used high-speed cameras and computer images to understand the mechanics of how the insect moves its wings to stay in the air.  Researchers at the University of Oxford took images of mosquito wing movements. They set up eight super-high speed cameras that take 10,000 images each second. Simon Walker is a researcher at the University of Oxford. "So normally to record an insect you need at least two cameras, ideally more, so you've got enough views of an insect because with two camera views you can then take any point on an insect and calculate its 3-D coordinates." The insect has two antennae, or tall, thin organs on its head that it uses to feel things. But its antennae and six legs make it difficult to take clear images of the wing movements. So, the team needed to use eight cameras to view the wings from many directions. The extra cameras let the researchers see that the mosquito's wings move eight hundred times each second. That is four times faster than many insects of a similar size. Mosquitoes fly by moving their wings in several different directions. The thin top edges of their wings move forward first and then they reverse direction and move down. The movement looks almost as if the wings are drawing the number eight. The research team believes the mosquitoes’ wing movements could help inventors design new flying devices. Walker says that existing unmanned flying devices – or drones – do not work very well outside because wind can affect their flight. "Insects, on the other hand, deal really, really well with even quite windy conditions. So understanding how they can do this is going to be advantageous to us in the future." These researchers say that, more importantly, understanding how mosquitoes fly might help find ways to stop them from spreading diseases.  I'm Alice Bryant. Deborah Block reported this story for VOA News. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.  _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   itch - v. to have or produce an unpleasant feeling on your skin or inside your mouth, nose, etc. that makes you want to scratch wing - n. a part of an animal's body that is used for flying or gliding calculate - v. to find a number or answer by using mathematical processes 3D - adj. made in a way that causes an image to appear to be three-dimensional coordinate - n. one of a set of numbers that is used to locate a point on a map or graph reverse - v. to change to an opposite direction or state unmanned - adj. not carrying a person drone - n. a kind of aircraft that does not carry a pilot or passengers advantageous - adj. helpful or favorable

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June 12, 2017

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

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Sunday, June 11, 2017

Lesson 19: When Do I Start?

Summary Anna has to walk to work because the Metro is closed. She calls to tell her boss she is late. Ms. Weaver wants her to come and talk about a new assignment. What will Anna do?   Speaking Learn to pronounce the new words for this lesson and the months of the year. Learn about using which for offering choices and every or next with time words. Pronunciation In this video, learn how English speakers say the second month of the year. Conversation   Anna: Hi there! Summer in Washington, D.C. is hot and sunny. I always ride the Metro to work. Riding the Metro is cool and fast. But today it’s closed. So, I am walking to work.  (On the phone) Ms. Weaver, I am late this morning. The Metro is closed. So, I am walking to work.  Caty: That’s too bad. It’s really hot today. Anna: Yes it is. Caty: When you arrive, please come to my office. I have important news to tell you. Anna: Of course. Good-bye. My boss has news for me. The question is: Is it good news or bad news? (At work) Anna: Hello, Ms. Weaver. Caty: Anna, I have good news and I have bad news. Which do you want to hear first? Anna: The good news. No … okay, the bad news. Caty: The bad news is you are not good at reading the news. Anna: Oh. I am very sorry to hear that. Caty: So, starting next month you will not read the news. Anna: Next month is July. You are firing me in July. Caty: No. I am not firing you in July … or in August or in September. That is the good news. Anna: Okay. You are not firing me. I am not reading the news. What will I be doing? Caty: Well, you are good at asking questions. You are good at talking to people. You are good at showing your feelings. And you are great at being silly. Anna: Thank you, Ms. Weaver. But what does all that mean? Caty: I have a new assignment for you! Your skills are perfect for a new show … a children’s show. Anna: A children’s show ... That is awesome! When do I start? Caty: You start next month. Start thinking of ideas for the show. Anna: I have tons of ideas! I can show children what it’s like in outer space ... Caty: Great … Anna: … or in the deep, dark ocean … Caty: Those are great ideas, Anna. Please go think of more … at your desk. Anna: Yes. What other things can I show them? Mt. Everest!  Everyone has different skills. You have skills. I have skills. The important thing is to know what you are good at. Until next time!   Writing What are your skills? Do you use them at work or at school? Tell us about a couple of skills you have. Write to us by email or in the Comments section. Click on the image below to download the Activity Sheet and practice talking with a friend about what you do at different times of the year.   Learning Strategy Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. The learning strategy for this lesson is Summarize. In this week's video, you hear Ms. Weaver tell Anna, "Well, you are good at asking questions. You are good at talking to people. You are good at showing your feelings. And you are great at being silly." Anna does not understand why Ms. Weaver is telling her about her skills. She asks, "But what does all that mean?" In answering the question, Ms. Weaver summarizes, "I have a new assignment for you! Your skills are perfect for a new show … a children’s show." When we summarize we tell a story or report on information in fewer words. We tell the most important information and do not include many details. Summarizing helps us remember new information and practice using new words.    How do you summarize when learning English? Write to us in the Comments section or send us an email. Teachers, see the Lesson Plan for more details on teaching this strategy.   Quiz ​Test your understanding by taking the listening quiz. Listen to the short video, then choose the best answer. ______________________________________________________________ New Words arrive - v. to come to or reach a place after traveling assignment - n. a job or duty that is given to someone  child - n. a young person (plural: children) closed - adj. not operating or open to the public deep - adj. having a large distance to the bottom from the surface or highest point everyone - pron. every person; everybody fire - v.  to dismiss (someone) from a job idea - n. a thought, plan, or suggestion about what to do mean - v.  to cause or result in (something) month - n. any one of the 12 parts into which the year is divided Mt. Everest - n. a mountain in Asia; it is the highest mountain in the world ocean - n. the salt water that covers much of the Earth's surface other - adj. used to refer to the one person or thing that remains or that has not been mentioned outer space - n. the region beyond the Earth's atmosphere in which there are stars and planets perfect - adj. having all the qualities you want in that kind of person or situation silly - adj. playful or funny skill - n. an ability to do something that comes from training, experience, or practice ton n. informal: a large amount; in the US, a ton is a unit for measuring weight that equals 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms) ______________________________________________________________ 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 practice talking with a friend about what you do at different times of the year.     For Teachers See the Lesson Plan for this lesson for ideas and more teaching resources. Send us an email if you have comments on this course or questions. Grammar focus: Which as an adjective alone and with pronouns; Adjectives next and every Topics: Saying the months of the year; Talking about seasons and activities​ Learning Strategy: Summarize Speaking & Pronunciation Focus: Using which and which one to offer a choice; using every and next with time expressions; Pronunciation of February ______________________________________________________________ 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. Special request to teachers and English learners: As you see in this lesson's video, Anna is going to have a new children's program. What should she call the program? Let us know in the Comments section or by email. We'll send a special thank you to the person who suggests the best name.

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