Fake TIME Magazine Covers Hang at Trump Golf Courses

  This is What’s Trending Today. Washington Post reporter David Fahrenthold followed Donald Trump throughout the 2016 presidential election campaign. He wrote about then-candidate Trump’s promises to give money to charity. He reported that Trump’s own organization donated very little money over the years. He also reported on an old recording in which Trump is heard talking about touching women without their permission. Fahrenthold won a Pulitzer Prize this year for his reporting on Trump. The yearly prize honors journalists who do great work. This week, Fahrenthold reported on another Trump-related issue for the Post. He wrote about a framed TIME magazine cover that hangs on the walls at some of Trump’s golf courses in the United States, Ireland and Scotland. The cover features a photo of Donald Trump himself. It is dated March 1, 2009. The cover says Trump’s television show, “The Apprentice,” is a big success. But, there is one problem. TIME was not published on that date. The real TIME magazine cover closest to that date came out on March 2, 2009. It has a picture of British actress Kate Winslet. Traditionally, TIME magazine covers have a red border with a thin white line surrounding the cover photo.  The version hanging at Trump’s golf courses is different. Staff members who work for the president at the White House and those who run the golf courses did not respond to the Washington Post’s questions about the fake magazine cover. TIME said it has asked Trump’s business, known as the Trump Organization, to take down the fake magazine covers. TIME named Trump its 2016 Person of the Year. He was on the magazine’s cover at the end of last year. Many people on social media reacted to the story. They used photo-editing software and made their own versions of magazine covers featuring themselves -- and even their cats. One politician made up his own TIME cover. Some also remembered a scene from the 1998 movie, “The Big Lebowski.” In the film, the main character looks into a mirror that looks like a TIME magazine cover.  Trump tweeted about the Washington Post’s story on Wednesday, calling the newspaper “fake news.” And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Kelly Jean Kelly.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Do you think President Trump should take down the magazine covers? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   charity – n. an organization that helps people who are poor, sick, etc. frame – v. to put (something) inside an open structure that holds it feature – v. to have or include (someone or something) as an important part border – n. a decorative design along the edge of something (such as a rug or wallpaper) edit – v. to change, move, or remove parts of (a film, recording, photo, etc.) software – n. the programs that run on a computer and perform certain functions character– n. a person who appears in a story, book, play, movie, or television show​

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Protesters Arrested Days Before Hong Kong Marks 20 Years Under China

  Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of Britain handing over Hong Kong to China. The city plans a major celebration of the change that took place on July 1, 1997. The Chinese military will hold a huge fireworks show, and Chinese President Xi Jinping is making a state visit starting Thursday. But, as the city prepares, not everyone is welcoming the events. Concerns over ‘one country, two systems’ Twenty-three-year-old Nathan Law is Hong Kong’s youngest-ever lawmaker. He is a member of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council. “People are not celebrating but worrying about Hong Kong’s future and its current situation,” he told the Associated Press. Law was a student leader in the huge pro-democracy demonstrations that took place in 2014. Those demonstrations failed to change the election process for Hong Kong’s chief executive. Carrie Lam will be sworn-in as Chief Executive of the Special Administrative Region on July 1. She, like current executive C.Y. Leung, has been criticized as being too close to the government in Beijing. Law said there are growing concerns that the policy known as “one country, two systems” for Hong Kong is changing. Under the policy, Hong Kong has kept its government and capitalist economic system. It also kept a “high degree of autonomy” not enjoyed on the mainland. But Law told AP that the Chinese government appears to be reducing freedoms in the territory. “There are lots of people describing the current system as ‘one country, 1.5 systems,’” he said. Incidents that have caused people in Hong Kong concern include the disappearance of five booksellers in late 2015. They were detained by the government for reportedly publishing books critical of Chinese politicians. One man, Gui Minhai, is still being held. In another case, a Chinese-born businessman who held a Canadian passport disappeared from his hotel room earlier this year. News reports have said he may have been detained by Chinese security, which would be a violation of Hong Kong’s laws. Some Hong Kongers have started to show their displeasure. About 30 pro-democracy protesters were arrested on Wednesday, one day before Xi’s visit. The protesters gathered around the “Forever Blooming Golden Bauhinia” statue. The monument marks where the handover on July 1 took place. The activists were demanding full democracy and the unconditional release of Liu Xiaobo, the activist and Nobel Prize winner. The 61-year-old writer was recently diagnosed with liver cancer and was released for health reasons. During the protest, democracy supporters shouted, “Democracy now. Free Liu Xiaobo,” as they placed a black cloth over the Golden Bauhinia statue. Britain first took control of Hong Kong in the 1840s.   I’m Mario Ritter. Mario Ritter adapted this story from VOA and AP materials for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.​ ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   Degree –n. a level or amount Autonomy –n. the ability to self-rule with some restrictions Diagnose –v. to identify, usually a disease or problem  

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Farming Takes Hold in Undeveloped Areas of Los Angeles

  For years, farming on empty land was a big issue in one of America’s biggest cities -- Los Angeles, California. The city government refused to permit planting of crops in vacant, undeveloped areas. But Los Angeles residents pressured local leaders to let them grow food in open spaces, including strips of land between the street and sidewalks. Two years ago, city officials gave residents permission to plant crops in such spaces. Ron Finley is now growing food on a small piece of land near his home. He spends most of his mornings there. “This is a food forest. There’s fruit trees, there’s also weeds that are edible in here. I want to educate people to the fact that there’s food all around you.” The Los Angeles man often speaks to groups. He urges them to start community gardens much like his. Finley has been growing crops in the city for many years -- even before the government gave its permission. Until recently, he had been told by city officials not to do so. He had even been ordered to go to court.   Tomatoes, edible flowers, fruits and vegetables are not often seen in the inner city. It is easier to buy unhealthy food and alcoholic drinks. Tamiko Nakamoto helps 22 people grow crops in their community garden in South Los Angeles. He says they are growing both fruits and vegetables. “Collard greens, sugar cane, banana, tomato trees, cabbage.” This month, the Los Angeles city council agreed to lower property taxes for people who let their vacant land be used as community gardens. Finley says urban gardening is good for everyone. Because of the gardens, more families in the city are eating fresh fruits and vegetables. “And it’s making you healthy all over, not just your body, your mind-set, everything because looking at this, smelling this affects every sense in your body.” I’m Dorothy Gundy.    VOA Correspondent Mike O’Sullivan reported this story from Los Angeles. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow 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   vacant – adj. not filled, used or lived in resident – n. someone who lives in a particular place strip – n. a long, narrow piece of land weeds – n. a plant that grows very quickly where it is not wanted and covers or kills more desirable plants edible – adj. suitable or safe to eat mind-set – n. a particular way of thinking; a person’s attitude or set of opinions about something

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June 28, 2017

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

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Houston: Most Diverse Large City in US

America’s population is becoming older and more diverse. VOA visited Houston, Texas, the most diverse large city in the United States.

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America's Presidents - Ulysses S. Grant

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Lesson 26: This Game Is Fun!

Summary Anna plays the game "Catch Americana" and learns more about U.S. Presidents. She also learns to watch where she walks! Speaking Learn to pronounce the new words for this lesson. Find out more about the U.S. Presidents and the symbols in the game Anna and Dan play in the video. You can also learn another way to warn someone of danger. ​ Pronunciation Use this video to learn about how people say "ought to" in fast speech. Conversation   Anna: This is the Roosevelt Memorial. Where is the symbol? Anna remembers that Dan said: You have to find things that aren't really there. ... When you find an American symbol, you win points and a Fun Fact about a U.S. President. Anna: Yay! I found Uncle Sam and I won another 40 points! What is the Fun Fact? Voice: Franklin Roosevelt was the first to fly in a plane as president! Anna: I didn't know that. This is a really beautiful memorial. Anna: This is the Lincoln Memorial! Where is the symbol? Anna: I found it! The Statue of Liberty! Please give me my Fun Fact. Voice: Abraham Lincoln was a great wrestler! Anna: I didn't know that. Lincoln wanted freedom for all people. So, the Statue of Liberty works well. Anna: And I won 20 points! Time to find the next symbol. Dan: Hey! Look out! Anna: Sorry. Hey, it's you! Now, I should be more careful. Dan: That’s okay. Anna: This game is a lot of fun. Hey, what’s your name? Dan: Dan. What’s yours? Anna: Anna. Dan: Like Americana! Anna: Yeah, I guess so. Dan: Did you find any symbols? Anna: Yes, I found three and won 120 points! Dan: Me too. But, did you find the bald eagle? Anna: No. Did you? Dan: No. Anna: First one to find it wins? Dan: Anna, look out for that tree! Anna: I learned a lot about presidents with this game. But I ought to be more careful. Until next time …! Writing Are there any memorials to famous leaders in your town or in your country? Tell us about them. Do you admire the leader? Write to us by email or in the Comments section. Click on the image below to download the Activity Sheet and practice talking about sports with a friend. Learning Strategy Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. The learning strategy for this lesson is Make Associations. When we think of connections between things we are making associations.  In this lesson, Dan makes an association to help himself remember Anna's name. After Anna tells him her name, he says, "Like Americana!" The name "Anna" sounds like the end of the word "Americana" to Dan.  Can you find another example of making associations in the conversation? 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 ​Listen to short videos and test your listening skills with this quiz. ______________________________________________________________ New Words (air)plane - n. a vehicle that has wings and an engine and can carry people or things in the air fly - v. to travel in an aircraft or spacecraft freedom - n. the power to do what you want to do or the ability to move or act freely Look out - phrasal verb. used to tell someone to be aware of something dangerous wrestler - n. someone who competes in the sport of wrestling yay - interjection.used to express joy, approval, or excitement   American Presidents and Symbols (Part Two) Abraham Lincoln: America's 16th President, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. It said the 3 million enslaved people in the South were free. They could enjoy some kinds of freedom after the end of the American Civil War. Franklin Delano Roosevelt America's 32nd president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was president from March 4, 1933 – April 12, 1945. He was the only President elected to four terms, and the only paralyzed President. FDR led the United States through World War Two. (President Roosevelt's symbol in the Catch Americana game is Uncle Sam. The Uncle Sam symbol called many American men to join the U.S. Army to fight in the World Wars.  George Washington ______________________________________________________________ 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 talking about associations with sports and warnings using "look out." 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: modal "ought to;" irregular past tense verbs Topics: U.S. Presidents; Americana symbols Learning Strategy: Make Associations Speaking & Pronunciation Focus: Pronouncing "ought to" in fast speech; Giving warnings with the expression "look out;" Symbols associated with American Presidents ______________________________________________________________ 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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US Tech Companies Face Big Legal Problems in Europe

The European Commission (EC) has fined Google $2.7 billion for unfairly influencing online search results for its own businesses. It was the largest fine ever ordered by the EC against a single company in an antitrust case. Antitrust laws are designed to protect trade from unlawful restrictions and unfair business activities. European Union (EU) investigators said that in online searches with Google, the company listed links to its own online shopping services above those of competitors. “What Google has done is illegal under EU antitrust rules,” said European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager. “It denied other companies the chance to compete on the merits and to innovate,” she added. Google, which operates under parent company Alphabet, denied any wrongdoing. "We respectfully disagree with the conclusions announced today,” chief lawyer Kent Walker said in a statement. Google said research shows users of its website like when they link directly to products they are looking for. “When you shop online, you want to find the products you are looking for quickly and easily,” Walker said. “And advertisers want to promote those same products. That is why Google shows shopping ads, connecting our users with thousands of advertisers, large and small, in ways that are useful for both.” The EC investigation lasted about seven years. It was launched after consumer websites accused Google of unfair business practices. In addition to the fine, the company is required to develop a plan to give competing shopping services equal treatment. Google has 90 days to stop suggesting its own links over those of competitors. If it does not make changes, it faces fines of up to 5 percent of Alphabet’s average daily worldwide earnings. The EU consumer group BEUC praised the fine. “This decision is a game-changer,” said director general Monique Goyens. “The Commission confirmed that consumers do not see what is most relevant for them on the world’s most used search engine, but rather what is best for Google.” In the past, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigated Google for possible antitrust practices. Part of that case also involved accusations that the company used its search engine to support its other businesses. The company ended up reaching a settlement with the FTC in 2013. At that time, the FTC said Google had “agreed to change some of its business practices to resolve (FTC) concerns that those practices could stifle competition.” Some of the changes related to Google’s online search advertising. American tech companies face legal problems Other American technology companies have also faced legal troubles in Europe. Facebook was recently fined $122 million for giving misleading information to officials during its purchase of messaging service WhatsApp in 2014. In 2016, the European Commission demanded that Apple pay about $14 billion in back taxes. The EC said Apple owed the money because it had received unfair tax assistance from Ireland that amounted to a form of “illegal state aid.” Apple, one of the world’s biggest companies, denied any wrongdoing and appealed the case. It said the EC findings were based on “fundamental errors” made during the investigation. The company criticized the commission for not explaining exactly how it reached its ruling.  The EC said Ireland gave too many tax breaks to Apple. It said this resulted in an effective tax rate on Apple’s European profits of just 0.005 percent in 2014. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from AP 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 merit – n. a good quality innovate – v. do something in a new or different way promote – v. help or develop something consumer – n. someone who buys or uses goods or services relevant – adj. how something relates to something else stifle – v. stop something fundamental – adj. relating to the main part of something shopping – adj. of or related to buying goods or products  

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Build Muscle Memory to Improve Your Pronunciation

  What is your first memory of riding a bicycle? Was it easy, difficult, or somewhere in between? In the beginning, you may have wondered if you would ever be able to ride a bicycle at all. Then suddenly one day, you could ride without help from anyone. Doing a physical activity easily, without thinking, uses an ability we call "muscle memory." When you repeat a physical action many times, your brain develops permanent memory for how to do it. There are many examples, such as walking, swimming, dancing, driving a car, playing a musical instrument and speaking your native language. Elizabeth Marner-Brooks says your muscles can help you remember how to pronounce words. For nearly 30 years, she has taught English language classes at The New School and other universities in New York City. Pronunciation is one of her areas of expertise. At the start of her pronunciation courses, Marner-Brooks asks her students how often they practice their pronunciation skills. The usual answer is "once or twice a week." Then, she asks how long they think it would take a baby to learn to walk if they only tried that often. She hopes this discussion helps them see the connection between speaking and the memory we build into our muscles. Marner-Brooks recently spoke to VOA Learning English on Skype. "It's using the muscles. You have to give yourself permission because human nature dictates that we're going to be spurred on to doing things once we find results. But, we get the results by doing it. And, you can get results very quickly - very quickly - if you just do it." Right now, the muscles in your mouth, lips and tongue may feel strange as they try to make the shapes to produce the sounds of English words. This can require a lot of effort. But, Marner-Brooks notes that the muscles will soon remember how to produce the correct sounds with little or no effort. She works with her students to make consonant and vowel sounds. She also teaches them the use of stress and pitch, two other important elements of English pronunciation. Many English learners have told Marner-Brooks that other teachers only asked them to repeat English words. They did not teach how to produce the sounds. "One person said, 'Well, nobody ever showed me that my tongue goes up for a d and presses. Nobody ever showed me that. They would just do it and I had to copy it.'"    Unlike many languages, English has 16 different vowel sounds. So building memory for the correct tongue position is especially important, she notes. For vowels, she explains that the sounds have a natural progression, from the highest position of the tongue to the flattest position. So, for example, for a long "e" sound, the tongue is high up in the mouth "like a camel's back," she says. For a shorter vowel sound, the tongue is in the middle of the mouth. And, for the shortest, the tongue is flat. Try the sounds that Marner-Brooks pronounces to feel it for yourself. "So, /hi/ as in he, she, we and /hI/ as in him, women and /hɛ/ as in help, bread, head'." She adds that speaking is a creative action – we are creating sounds as we speak. A common misunderstanding people have about learning language is that it is only an intellectual action. "And when we're dealing with speech – with making the sounds – we're dealing with the creative side of the brain, not the intelligent, thinking side." To help build your muscle memory, Marner-Brooks says you can use pronunciation videos on the Internet. She suggests English learners avoid using the Internet to simply repeat words they hear. Instead, find short American English pronunciation guides on web sites like YouTube. Specifically, look for videos that demonstrate things like vowel and consonant muscle training. Marner-Brooks suggests students do vowel and consonant pronunciation exercises for 3-5 minutes four times each day. And, use a mirror to observe yourself as you practice the sounds. If these exercises feel foolish or strange, she has these final thoughts: "What I suggest is for you to be comfortable, take the risks, and enjoy speaking the language. That's the goal." I'm Alice Bryant. Alice Bryant wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   pronounce – v. to use the mouth and other organs of speech to say words correctly practice – v. to do something again and again in order to become better at it spur – v. to motivate someone to do something consonant – n. a speech sound (such as /p/, /d/, or /s/) that is made by partly or completely stopping the flow of air breathed out from the mouth vowel – n. a speech sound made with your mouth open and your tongue in the middle of your mouth, not touching one’s teeth or lips stress – n. greater loudness or force given to part of a word when speaking or to a beat in music pitch – n. the rise and fall of your voice when you speak camel – n. a large animal of Africa and Asia that has a long neck and one or two large humps on its back

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Charges Brought Against Brazil’s President

  Brazil’s President Michel Temer calls the corruption charges against him a “soap opera” and accuses the country’s top lawyer of seeking “revenge.” On Monday, Attorney General Rodrigo Janot charged Temer with accepting at least $150,000 dollars in payments. The payments are said to have come from the head of Brazil’s huge meat producing company JBS earlier this year. Temer took office last year after former president Dilma Rousseff was removed from office for breaking laws related to reporting the nation’s budget. More charges possible Reports say there is an audio recording of Temer reportedly plotting to pay money to a former house speaker and a Temer associate who was jailed for corruption. And Janot is considering other charges against Temer including obstruction of justice. After the attorney general’s charges, a complex process involving the nation’s highest court and congress could lead to a vote by the full lower house. The lower house of Brazil’s Congress called the Chamber of Deputies could decide whether to suspend Temer or try him on charges of bribery. Two-thirds of the 513-member group must agree to do so. If Temer is found guilty, he faces a $3 million fine and two to 12 years in prison. But observers think Congress will not force him out. Sonia Fleury is a political science professor at the Fundacao Getulio Vargas University in Rio de Janeiro. She says, "Several senators and deputies are in the same boat as he is, being accused in the same way.” Fleury adds they are protecting each other “to avoid prosecution.” The Brazil’s president has denied the charges and says that he will not step down. Public opinion studies show Temer has a very low rate of approval of seven percent. Charges make reforms more difficult South America’s largest economy is recovering from a deep recession. Unemployment and inflation remain high while economic growth has not been strong. The government has proposed unpopular reforms to the country’s finances including cutting payments to retired workers and labor reforms. Peter Hakim is the former president of the Inter-American Dialogue, a research group based in Washington. He says the charges against Temer make it difficult for lawmakers to vote on financial reforms and cuts to public spending. “There may have been enough votes for him to secure the economic reforms necessary but now people have to vote for unpopular reforms and for a unpopular defense of Temer.” I’m Mario Ritter.   Kenneth Schwartz, Victor Beattie reported this story for VOA News with additional materials from AP and Reuters. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   soap opera –n. a kind of dramatic television or radio program of continuing stories of the daily lives of a group of people revenge –n. the act of hurting someone because they hurt you first bribery –n. to receive an illegal payment in return for supporting a public law or policy obstruction –n. to block something from going forward in the same boat –idiom in the same situation prosecution –n. the process of facing charges in a legal court We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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US: China Among Worst Offenders of Human Trafficking

  The United States says China is among the worst offenders of human trafficking and forced labor in the world. The finding is part of the State Department’s latest ‘Trafficking in Persons,’ or TIP, report. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson released the report on Tuesday. The TIP measures governments’ efforts in “prosecuting traffickers, protecting victims, and preventing the crime.” It rates countries and puts them in one of three groups. The 2017 TIP report lists China as a Tier 3 country. Tier 3 is the group of countries judged to do the least to fight human trafficking. Human trafficking has been described as organized criminal activity in which people are treated as possessions. The report said China has not met minimum standards for the removal of trafficking and is not making great efforts to do so. Secretary of State Tillerson spoke about the decision. He said China was rated a Tier 3 country because “it has not taken serious steps to end its own complicity in trafficking...including forced laborers from North Korea that are located in China." China was listed as Tier 2 for the past three years. It was last in Tier 3 in 2013. Chinese Foreign Ministry official Lu Kang said Tuesday that China strongly opposes the United States using its own laws to attack another country’s record. Lu also said that China’s anti-human trafficking efforts are “obvious for everyone to see.” The report is the first major critique of China’s human rights record since Donald Trump was sworn-in as president. His administration has generally played down rights issues in its foreign policy. Tier 3 countries may be barred from taking part in U.S. cultural exchange programs. Other Tier 3 countries include Iran, North Korea, Syria and Zimbabwe. Several countries were removed this year from the Tier 3 list. They include Afghanistan, Malaysia, Myanmar and Qatar. All are now listed as Tier 2 countries. Countries listed as Tier 1 are said to meet the minimum standards of fighting human trafficking. The 2017 TIP report said that worldwide, there were fewer than 10,000 human trafficking convictions in the past year. Yet it noted “estimates of the numbers of victims of human trafficking remain in the tens of millions.”   This article was based on reporting from the Associated Press, Reuters and VOA, and adapted by Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________​ Words in This Story    prosecute - v.  to hold a trial against a person who is accused of a crime to see if that person is guilty minimum  - n.  the lowest number or amount that is possible or allowed — usually singular standard   - n. ​a level of quality, achievement, etc., that is considered acceptable or desirable complicity   - n. ​the act of helping to commit a crime or do wrong in some way obvious - adj. easy to see or notice conviction    - n. ​the act of proving that a person is guilty of a crime in a court of law

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