Many Americans Regret Their College Choices

  A majority of Americans say they would change their choice of college, degree or field of study, if they could do it over again. Gallup, an American research-based company, and the Strada Education Network reported in June that 51 percent of Americans regret one of their college education choices. The study also found that 36 percent of Americans said they would change their major if they could. Twenty-eight percent of Americans said they would choose a different college or university. And 12 percent said they would choose a different degree program. Precious A. Smith is the Deputy Director for the Center for Academic Excellence at Howard University. Smith does not want people to think that 51 percent of American college graduates are unhappy with what they are currently doing. She says the students “might have just made different choices if they had different information at the time they were picking a major or picking an institution to graduate from.” Students often end up choosing between a career that will make them happy and a career that will make a lot of money, she says. Many students therefore end up picking a major that they are not very satisfied with. Beth Davis is a graduate of the University of Maryland. She says, “I went to college because everybody else was going to college.” Davis says her degree in history and English has nothing to do with her current job. She never took a business class in college but she now runs a successful construction business. She believes that on the job training may be a better option for many people. “The things that I am interested in, I always would have learned about anyway. I didn’t need a college degree to do that,” she says. STEM and technical students have fewer regrets The poll found that there were two groups of students that were more satisfied with their educational decisions. One included students who completed trade, technical or work-related study programs. And the other included students who specialized in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, an area known in American education as STEM. The poll also found that individuals with higher student loan debt are more likely to say they would change at least one educational decision. Smith of Howard University says that some former students “probably didn’t realize how much that loan debt was going to affect their current lifestyle.” She advises students to be flexible with their career goals. She says students need to understand that “your career goal at the end of high school and your career goal at the end of college are going to look a little bit different.” Ashley Riley is a developmental specialist at Early Intervention, a service that works with children who have developmental delays. Riley wishes that she had more information about other majors and career options when she attended college. Riley said it was her current job at Early Intervention that, in her words, “opened my eyes up to all of these other majors that I have never really been exposed to in my college career.” If she could go back to college again, Riley said she would have majored in occupational therapy or speech therapy instead of education and psychology. The poll also showed that a person’s desire to change their educational decisions is related to the kind of college or university they attended. About half of students at public or state universities, which receive government money, would change at least one of their educational decisions. The number is higher for private and for-profit schools. The research was part of a three-year study to help colleges and students complete education with a purpose. The researchers collected information from June 29, 2016 through March 26, 2017. They spoke by telephone with over 89,000 people throughout the United States, including the District of Columbia. I’m Mario Ritter. And I’m Olivia Liu.   Olivia Liu reported this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. Do you regret any of your education decisions? Let us know in the comments section. ____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   major – n. a subject chosen as a field of specialization degree – n. an honor given to a student after his or her completion of a study program technical – adj. related to a job specific skill flexible – adj. willing or able to change occupational therapy – n. a type of treatment for those recovering from illness  

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Turkey Bans the Teaching of Evolution in Public Schools

  Turkey has historically prided itself on being a secular state. Amendments to the constitution during the 1920s and 1930s separated religion and government policy. Since that time, debates about the role of religion in public life have continued in the Muslim-majority country. Evolution in Turkish schools In a recent decision, the government banned the teaching of evolution in high school. This action means that Turkish students entering high school will no longer learn about the theory of evolution. The theory comes from the work of Charles Darwin, the famed British naturalist. His ideas are considered to be the basis for the scientific study of life on Earth. The government said its decision was not about teaching Islam. Instead, officials said high school students "don't have the necessary scientific background and information-based context” to understand the theory of evolution. Alpaslan Durmus is the head of the education ministry's curriculum board. Durmus said members of the board thought the theory should be taught to higher-level students. "We tried to leave out some of the controversial issues from our students' agenda," Durmus added. Critics of the decision Critics of the decision say that Turkish children will not get the education they need. Scholar Alaattin Dincer told VOA "The Turkish education system is very weak concerning the fundamental sciences. Both in domestic and international exams; be it math, physics, chemistry and biology, our students have very low passing grade percentages. It is actually terribly low." Dincer added that the next generation of Turkish students should learn about evolution and Darwin. "If you raise them [students] without learning those subjects, how can you argue that we are a scientifically enlightened country that can produce the scientists of the future?" Dincer asked. This week, Turkey's main teachers' union, Egitim Sen, said it was taking the issue to court. Mehmet Balik is the chairperson of Egitim Sen. He criticized the decision to ban the teaching of evolution and a new policy that requires schools to have a prayer room. These actions "destroy the principle of secularism and the scientific principles of education," he said. Other critics say the government's ban on teaching evolution is part of a plan by President Erdogan to push an Islamic identity onto Turkish society. International perspectives on the teaching of evolution Similar debates about the teaching of evolution have taken place in other countries, including the United States. In the late 1990s, the state of Kansas famously banned the teaching of evolution in public schools. The School Board reversed its decision in early 2001 amid public criticism. In the mid-2000s, at least 16 U.S. states were considering changes to the teaching of evolution in schools. Religion and science Although critics say religion and science are at odds, some Islamic theologians say evolution and Islam can exist together quite easily. Ihsan Eliacik is a Muslim theologian. He told VOA, "If evolution is scientific truth that exists in nature, nobody can stand against it…Besides, by my religious faith, scientific truth means religious truth. The two are not contradictory." I'm Jonathan Evans. Kevin Enochs reported on this story for VOA News. John Russell adapted the story with additional materials for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story secular – adj. not overtly or specifically religious evolution – n. the process by which changes in plants and animals happen over time naturalist – n. a person who studies plants and animals as they live in nature curriculum -- n. the courses that are taught by a school, college, etc. fundamental – adj. forming or relating to the most important part of something controversial – adj. relating to or causing much discussion, disagreement, or argument: likely to produce controversy theologian -- n. a person who is an expert on theology

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People Worry About Being Alone with Co-workers of Opposite Sex

  Long before he became vice president, Mike Pence told a reporter that he does not eat alone with any woman who is not his wife. A new poll shows that many men, and women, share the same concerns as Pence about private meetings or meals with members of the opposite sex. The poll was done for the New York Times by the research group, Morning Consult. It found that nearly two thirds of people believe extra care should be taken with members of the opposite sex at work. It also found a majority of women and nearly half of men believe it is unacceptable to have dinner or drinks with anyone of the opposite sex who is not their spouse. But it also found that majorities of people believe it is acceptable to have a private meeting at work with a member of the opposite sex. Women who are concerned about having dinner or other meetings with employees of the opposite sex worry about sexual harassment, The New York Times reported. Male supervisors worry that people might see private meetings with women employees as sexual harassment. Pence was a member of Congress when he told The Hill newspaper in 2002 that he did not go out to meals with a woman, unless his wife was present. He went on to serve as governor of Indiana before being elected vice president with fellow Republican Donald Trump in last November’s election. Women at a disadvantage Terri Boyer is executive director of the Center for Women and Work at the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations. She said concerns about private meetings with members of the opposite sex work to the disadvantage of women. That is because a majority of management positions are held by men, meaning women employees would seem to have fewer chances to meet with “the boss” than male employees. Boyer also said the fact that male bosses are worried about having private meetings with female employees shows they may think of them first as women, ahead of their individual qualities. That in itself can limit opportunities for women employees, she said. Boyer said the findings of the new poll are “somewhat surprising and somewhat not surprising.” “There should be more of an understanding by now that workplace equality is important,” Boyer said. On the other hand, she said it should not come as a total surprise because experts have been discussing how many people are uncomfortable meeting with members of the opposite sex for some time. She notes that a Glass Ceiling study in the 1990s found that a lack of meetings between male bosses and female employees limits opportunities for women. A glass ceiling means fewer chances to rise to top positions within a company or government by women and minorities. A 2016 report by the U.S. Labor Department found that women hold about 40 percent of the 17 million management positions in the United States. I'm Bruce Alpert. Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do  was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. Do you feel you have been held back at work or school because of your sex? ___________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   poll - n. an activity in which several or many people are asked a question or a series of questions in order to get information about what most people think about something spouse - n. the person to whom you are married to, a husband or a wife boss - n. the person in charge of a workplace sexual harassment - n. harassment, usually of women, in a workplace or other professional setting that involves unwanted sexual advances management - n. the act or skill of controlling and making decisions about a business, department, sports team opportunity - n. a chance to do something like move up at a company or government agency

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Latest North Korean Missile Launch Adds to Pressure on China

  North Korea said it successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM, on Tuesday. The North Korean government considers the launch an important step in developing its nuclear weapons and missile programs. The government continues to test missiles although there have been repeated warnings from other countries. The North Korean military launched the missile from an airport near its border with China. It landed in the sea in an area claimed by Japan as its special economic zone. The launch shocked the Japanese government. It raised questions about China’s ability to influence North Korea. North Korea claims the missile can “hit anywhere in the world.” Pressure on China increases The launch puts pressure on the Chinese government to put stronger sanctions on North Korea. But how China will answer is still unclear. China’s Foreign Ministry representative Geng Shuang spoke at a press conference Tuesday. He said China has made many efforts to solve the problems on the Korean Peninsula. He added that China plays an important part in the relations between North Korea and other Asian nations. He also asked all parties involved to use restraint to solve the dispute quickly. Geng said China urges North Korea not to violate U.N. Security Council resolutions. He asks the country to “create necessary conditions for resuming dialogue and negotiations.” United States President Donald Trump has been trying to get China to do more to end North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. But late last month, Trump said that while he “greatly appreciated” China’s help, “It has not worked out.” He added, “At least I know China tried!” On Tuesday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the latest missile test shows that the threat from North Korea has increased. Later this week, the U.S., South Korea and Japan will hold a meeting, while the leaders of those countries attend the Group of 20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. After the missile launch on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would work with Chinese President Xi Jinping to halt North Korea’s weapons program. Putin proposed a plan in which North Korea freezes its nuclear program while the United States and South Korea freeze their large joint military exercises. Cheng Xiaohe is a political science professor at Beijing's Renmin University. He said it is unclear whether the United Nations will answer by only condemning the launch or by starting new sanctions. Cheng said if new sanctions are put in place, it could include a ban on tourism to North Korea and North Korean produced petrochemical products.   “All of these are possible [actions] the Security Council could discuss,” he said. Cheng noted that more research about the launch is needed. During the test, the missile climbed 2,800 kilometers before crashing into the sea. David Wright is a physicist and co-director of the Union of Concerned Scientists. He wrote on a website that if reports are correct, the same missile could fly as far as about 6,700 kilometers on a normal flight path. He said the missile could not “reach the lower 48 states or the large islands of Hawaii.” However, he said it could reach Alaska. I’m Pete Musto.   Bill Ide, Saibal Dasgupta and Joyce Huang first reported this story for VOA News. Pete Musto adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. What actions should China take when responding to North Korea? How should the U.S., South Korea and Japan respond? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   intercontinental – adj. capable of traveling from one continent to another ballistic missile – n. a weapon that is shot through the sky over a great distance and then falls to the ground and explodes sanction(s) – n. an action that is taken or an order that is given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country, or by not allowing economic aid for that country resuming – v. beginning again after stopping dialogue – n. a discussion or series of discussions that two groups or countries have in order to end a disagreement negotiation(s) – n. a formal discussion between people who are trying to reach an agreement appreciated – v. to understand the worth or importance of something or someone summit – n. a meeting or series of meetings between the leaders of two or more governments tourism – n. the activity of traveling to a place for pleasure petrochemical  - n. a chemical that is made from petroleum or natural gas

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Trying to Make High-Tech, Low-Cost Farming a Reality

Researchers are hoping to bring technology to small farms in developing countries. Ranveer Chandra works for Microsoft Corporation, the American technology company. Chandra grew up in India. He remembers spending four months a year on his family's farm. "There was no water,” he said. “No electricity. No toilets.” Animals pulled plowing equipment through fields, as they have for centuries. Now, Chandra – like many other researchers - wants to bring technology to small farms. Their goal is this: to feed the world without destroying the planet. What is precision farming? Precision agriculture is a method of growing crops. Farmers use technology to collect very precise or exact measurements about their land. It tells farmers how they planted seeds, used fertilizers and chemical pesticides, and so on. The main idea of precision farming, notes the Crop Society of America (CSA), is that there are natural differences in the soil – even in the same field. Farmers who understand these differences are better able to produce crops. Precision farming is fairly new in the United States, says the CSA. It began in the 1990s. At that time, Global Positioning System (GPS) technology became available to the public. GPS technology is able to show your exact positions on earth. GPS information can tell farmers where they planted seeds, used fertilizers, chemical pesticides, and so on. Large scale and small scale farming In many areas, farmers do not use high-tech equipment. Often in those places, crop production levels are low. Now, high-tech tools are bringing a new level of precision to large-scale agriculture. Farm equipment can plant different amounts of seeds and leave different amounts of fertilizer in different parts of a field. Water measuring equipment can tell farmers how much water their plants are getting. Some of this technology is too costly for small farmers, especially in developing countries. Artificial intelligence on the farm Ranveer Chandra, the Microsoft researcher from India, is working to develop low-cost, high-tech tools for farmers. Chandra developed a system that connects soil sensors to other sensing equipment through unused television (TV) channels. These unused TV signals, known as "white space" frequencies, can provide broadband internet connection over long distances. Some hospitals and schools in rural areas are already online with white-space connections, Chandra noted. Each soil sensor provides information about conditions on the farm. To connect all the areas into a big picture, a drone aircraft takes photographs from high in the air. Artificial intelligence (AI) compares these aerial photos to the sensor data. AI then can create maps of where the soil is too acidic or needs more water. Similar technology can also help farmers watch their animals. Webcams can help farmers identify sick cattle, for example. Fertile business Chandra hopes to bring the cost of a simple system under $100. He notes the existence of low-cost replacements for the drones. A balloon tied to a mobile phone can serve the same purpose. He added that Microsoft is considering different business models. Farmers could share a system, or a local farm business could rent systems to farmers. Microsoft is just one company that sees agriculture as an area of growth for technology. Google invested in a small company that gathers farmers' data on how different crops perform from farm to farm and year to year. Many other companies are trying to enter the high-tech farm business, notes John Fulton of Ohio State University. Fulton himself has helped develop a free phone app for farmers. The software program helps them compare different field management techniques. "Everyone's trying to figure out how they play in agriculture," he said. "We're really at an early stage of this digital agriculture revolution." Uncertain future Demands on agriculture are increasing. As the world’s population grows, farmers will need to make more food without cutting down more forests or polluting the land and water. To do that, existing farms need to produce more crops. Chandra says that what farmers need is more information, so they can give the land what it needs. "Like, apply water only where it is needed,” he said. Apply fertilizer only where it is needed. Apply pesticide only where it's needed.” However, the level and speed at which new farming techniques and technologies will spread remains unclear. Bruce Erickson is a precision farming expert at Purdue University in Indiana. He told the CSA that one problem faced by any new farming technology is getting people to use it with their existing methods. Different countries have different farming methods and different ways of doing business. "It takes people to implement new farming practices," Erickson said. I'm John Russell. And I'm Caty Weaver.   Steve Baragona wrote this story for VOA News. John Russell adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   precision – n. exactness; the quality of being exact toilet – n. a device for removing waste fluids and body waste from the home large-scale – adj. of or related to a large area; involving many people or things pesticide – n. a chemical that is used to kill harmful insects or animals channel – n. frequencies used by a single radio or television station to broadcast broadband – adj. of or related to a high speed communications network acidic – adj. containing acid; having a sharp taste drone – n. a small aircraft that flies without a pilot implement – v. to begin to do or use (something, such as a plan); to make (something) active or effective

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Explainer: CarbonDioxide and Climate Change

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Lesson 28: I Passed It!

Summary Anna tells her roommate, Marsha, about the problems she had in her driving test. Then Anna says she wants to drive to a special place in Washington, D.C. Where will she drive? Speaking Learn to pronounce the new words for this lesson. You can also learn about the imperative verb form. ​ Pronunciation Use this video to learn about how people say "well" to give bad news, or an answer someone does not expect. Conversation   Anna: Hello! Guess what this is? This is my driver’s license! I passed my driving test! Today, I rented a car so I can drive around Washington, D.C. You can see more of the city this way. Marsha! Marsha: Anna, did you get your driver’s license? Anna: I did! But it was not easy. Marsha: Why? What happened? Anna: Well, you know, I can drive farm equipment really well. But I was really nervous driving in Washington, D.C. traffic! Marsha: Did you pass the test the first time? Anna: Well…no. But I did pass the second time. Marsha: What happened during the first test? Anna: It started fine. John: Okay … Anna. Is your seatbelt buckled? Anna: Yes, sir! John: Great. Please start the car. Anna: (to herself) Okay, Anna, start the car.Started the car. Good job, Anna. John: Why are you talking to yourself? Anna: I am a little nervous. When I’m nervous, I talk to myself. John: You don't need to be nervous. Anna: Listen to that engine! John: Please, stop pushing the gas pedal! Anna: Sorry. John: Okay, when you are ready, turn. Anna: Great! John: Not now! You almost hit that car! Anna: You said “turn!” John: Look first! There were cars in the street. Anna: Please don’t yell at me! John: I’m sorry! I was afraid. Anna: You were yelling. John: Look out for that car! Brake! Brake!! Anna and John: Ahhh! Anna: Why is everyone honking at us? John: You were driving too slow! Anna, stay on the street! John: Hands on the wheel, Anna. Anna: What’s that sound? John: That, Anna, is the police. Marsha: That sounds awful. Anna: Yes, it did not go well. But, I practiced and passed the second time! Marsha: Do you know where you want to take your first drive in Washington, D.C.? Anna: Yes! Let’s go! Anna: There it is … the White House! Marsha: Anna, you do know you can’t drive up to the White House, don’t you? Anna: Yes. No. I didn’t know. I guess we walk from here! Anna: Sometimes you can see more of Washington, D.C. in a car. If you want to see the White House, you need to walk. Until next time … ! Writing Do you know how to drive a car? Were you nervous when you first learned? Write to us by email or in the Comments section. Click on the image below to download the Activity Sheet and practice using imperative verbs 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 Self-Talk . When we need to be more confident, we can use Self-Talk. In this lesson, Anna uses Self-Talk. Notice that John asks her about it. John: Why are you talking to yourself? Anna: I am a little nervous. When I’m nervous, I talk to myself. John: You don't need to be nervous. Talking to yourself in English can have two benefits. It may help you relax and do better. It can also give you more chance to practice using English. How about you? Do you sometimes talk to yourself?  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 afraid - adj. feeling fear brake - v. to use the brake on a vehicle - n. a device for slowing or stopping something (such as a wheel or vehicle) buckle - v. to fasten (something, such as a belt) with a buckle equipment - n. supplies or tools needed for a special purpose gas pedal - n. a pedal in a vehicle that is pressed down to make the vehicle go faster Guess what? - expression. a phrase used to build anticipation pass / passed - v. to complete a test or a class successfully police - n. the people or the department of people who enforce laws, investigate crimes, and make arrests seat belt - n. a strap on a vehicle's seat that holds a person in the seat if there is an accident tractor - n. a short, heavy truck that is designed to pull a large trailer traffic - n. all the vehicles driving along a certain road or in a certain area turn - v. to move in a particular direction and especially toward the left or right turn signal - n. one of the lights on a vehicle that flash to indicate that the vehicle is turning left or right White House - n. the place in Washington, D.C., where the U.S. President lives yell - v. to say (something) very loudly especially because you are angry, surprised, or are trying to get someone's attention ______________________________________________________________ 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 using the imperative verb form. 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:  Imperative verb forms, Past tense of BE Topics: Giving a reason or excuse,  Apologizing  Learning Strategy: Self Talk Speaking & Pronunciation Focus: Imperative verbs, Extending the word "well" ______________________________________________________________ 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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Can Better Clothes Make You More Money?

  From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. American English has many expressions related to clothes. Two of the more common ones are: “Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have”; and, simply, “Dress for success.” A professional stylist takes these ideas a bit farther. She says that our clothes can influence how we feel, our confidence, even our ability to do a job. And new research supports her claim. Dress to impress Tara Luizzi is a personal stylist in Washington, D.C. Through her company, Tara Styles DC, she teaches her clients to find the clothing styles that work best for their bodies, careers and lifestyles. Luizzi says that, like it or not, other people size us up by the way we look. In other words, they make a judgment about us before we even speak. And part of what they are considering is what we choose to wear. “My feeling is you don’t have a second chance to make a great first impression. So, I think it is very important to have a look that’s pulled-together and conveys who you are and your status of life, I guess.” Here, “pulled-together” means that someone’s appearance is well-thought out. Luizi says she feels this is very important. She notes that clothes are especially important in creating the professional image you want to convey. “No matter what, you should try to always walk out the door looking pulled-together – if it be on the weekend or if it be during the work week. People take you more seriously when you are pulled-together and dress to a certain level.” Do nice clothes make you work better? But choosing the right clothes is not just about impressing others. A recent study suggests that people who are dressed more formally perform better at some work tasks. The co-authors of the study are psychologists Michael Kraus of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and Wendy Berry Mendes of the University of California, San Francisco. Kraus and Mendes compared more than 100 men from diverse economic and racial backgrounds. They asked some to dress in business suits. They asked others to wear sweatpants, t-shirts and flip-flops. Then the researchers asked the participants to do several work tasks. One task involved making a business deal. Those wearing suits demanded more in their business deal. The participants dressed more casually were more willing to concede, or give up. The other task was to use big picture thinking to solve a problem. The men in suits were more able to think about the big picture, the way a boss would. Those in casual clothes focused more on smaller details of the problem. This type of thinking is what you would expect from someone in a lower position. Kraus and Mendes published their findings in the Journal of Experimental Psychology. Clothes and feelings Stylist Tara Luizzi says, to her, the study makes sense. She compares clothing to armor, what a warrior puts on for protection in battle. ”When you feel confident in yourself, I think you have a better day. So, I use clothing as the armor to the world. So, let’s say you’re having a horrible day or you’re nervous about your presentation or maybe the big meeting, If you dress in something you love or you feel great in, you’re going to walk in with more confidence.” In her job, Luizzi sees how the right outfit can change the way a person feels. When she chooses clothing for her clients that good great on them, their backs straighten. They stand taller. And they start smiling. “They just feel so much better about themselves. So, my goal with every client is to try to get that out of a person. I don’t want anything in your wardrobe that makes you not happy. It should be happiness.” Luizzi says that, in general, people have a powerful emotional connection to their clothes. The intensity of people’s feelings about clothes and their appearance has surprised Luizzi. “Many people have an emotional connection to their clothing. You know, for a lot of my clients, there's an emotional level to it in that maybe they had a bad experience when they were younger shopping. Maybe they were overweight and they’ve lost weight. Or maybe when they were young they couldn’t afford the clothes they can afford now. I’ve been in dressing rooms and closets and tears have been shed because it does bring up an emotional thing. And it was something I wasn’t  expecting when I first started this business.” Tips from Tara For people going back to work or preparing for a job interview, Luizzi has some advice for them. Research the environment of the job. Is it a casual working environment or formal? Is it creative or conservative? For a man, wearing a suit is not always the right choice. If the job is creative and casual, a suit might look out of place, or strange. When going on a job interview, wear something new or at least newer. Make sure your shoes are clean and polished. For women, don’t wear too much make up, perfume or jewelry. And for your general, everyday wardrobe, Luizzi advises to keep it simple. She helps her clients create what she calls a "capsule wardrobe." This is a small collection of well-made pieces of clothing that the client loves. Luizzi says a couple of expressions really represent her attitude toward creating a wardrobe: “less is more," “quality not quantity,” and "go-to." “Less is more. And I'm more about quality than quantity. So, I would rather have people have a smaller wardrobe made up of the things they love, that fit them correctly and that, you know, are higher quality. And that’s their go-to … the capsule wardrobe.”  And that’s the Health & Lifestyle report. I’m Anna Matteo.   Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. Do you or disagree that our clothing matters? Describe your favorite go-to outfit, the one that always makes you feel great when you wear it. You can do both of these things in the Comments Section. ________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   stylist – n. a person whose job is to make something or someone look attractive style – n. a particular form or design of something size us up – informal phrase  to examine something or someone carefully and decide what you think about it, him, or her convey – v. to make (something) known to someone status – n. the position or rank of someone or something when compared to others in a society, organization, group, etc. impress – v. to affect strongly or deeply and especially favorably : impression – n. : impressive – adj. formal – adj. requiring or using serious and proper clothes and manners : formally – adv. diverse – adj. different from each other casually – adv. designed for or permitting ordinary dress, behavior, etc. : not formal : casual – adj. armor – n. a hard covering that protects something wardrobe – n. a collection of clothes that a person owns or wears quantity – n. an amount or number of something go-to – adj. always helpful : producing desired results or information when needed

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China’s Xi Warns Trump about ‘Negative’ Parts of Relationship

  American and Chinese officials agree that the two country’s presidents spoke Sunday over the phone. But exactly what was discussed in the phone call remains unclear. According to official Chinese media, President Xi Jinping warned President Donald Trump about some “negative factors” hurting U.S.-China relations. During the call, Xi said China-U.S. relations had made “important outcomes” since his meeting with Trump in April in Florida, state broadcaster China Central Television reported.   But at the same time, the broadcaster said relations had also been affected “by some negative factors.” It added that China had “expressed its position” to the U.S. about those factors. The broadcaster did not identify specific issues discussed in the call.   A White House statement, however, said Trump discussed the growing threat of North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs with Xi. It said both leaders had repeated their commitment to working toward a “denuclearized Korean Peninsula.” The statement said Trump also expressed his desire “to seek more balanced trade relations” with America’s trading partners. It added that the two leaders were looking forward to meeting at this week’s G20 meeting in Hamburg, Germany.   Complications in U.S.-China relations Last week, China's foreign ministry protested to the U.S. over a planned sale of $1.42 billion in military weapons to Taiwan. The ministry called on U.S. officials to cancel the deal, saying it would be harmful to China’s sovereignty. Other U.S. decisions have recently drawn criticism from China. These include putting U.S. sanctions on a Chinese bank for dealings with North Korea, and accusing China of being one of the world’s worst offenders of human trafficking and forced labor. Another issue causing tension between Washington and Beijing is Chinese expansion in the South China Sea. The U.S. Navy has conducted two freedom-of-navigation operations, or FONOPs, in the South China Sea since Trump took office. The operations are meant to challenge Chinese territorial claims in the area. The latest FONOP took place Sunday when a U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Stethem, sailed within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island. Triton – which is claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam – is part of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. The Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement the U.S. move was "a serious political and military provocation." It added that such operations "violate China's sovereignty and threaten China's security." China deployed military vessels and fighter jets to the area. U.S. officials said the Stethem was carrying out a regular "right of innocent passage" exercise. The operation within 12 nautical miles of the island was meant to show that the U.S. does not recognize territorial claims to the island. Twelve nautical miles marks territorial limits recognized internationally. Trump also spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday. The White House said the two leaders shared a commitment to dealing with North Korea. And the president also looked forward to meeting the prime minister at the upcoming G-20 summit in Hamburg. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English based on reports from VOA News, the Associated Press, Reuters and other sources. 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   negative – adj. thinking about the bad qualities of someone or something factor – v. something that helps influence or cause something to happen outcome – n. something that happens as a result of an activity or process sovereignty – n. a country's independent authority sanction – n. an action taken by one or more nations to make another country obey a rule provocation – n. action causing someone to become angry or take action  

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Things You (Probably) Don't Know About the Fourth of July

“The day will be the most memorable in the history of America,” wrote John Adams in 1776. People will honor it with parades, fireworks and celebrations, he added. Adams was talking about the second of July. That is the day the Continental Congress voted in support of independence from the British. But the date written on the Declaration of Independence is July 4. So, since 1776, Americans have celebrated July 4 as the country’s Independence Day. And July 2? Not so much. Patriotic to the end Several early presidents of the United States died on July 4. They include John Adams, who became the second president. Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the country’s third president, both died on the country’s 50th anniversary of Independence Day. James Monroe, the fifth U.S. president, died on July 4, 1831. And the 30th president, Calvin Coolidge, was born on July 4. Amazing? Or disgusting? Most Americans celebrate Independence Day with barbecues, parades and, yes, fireworks. But a few celebrate by eating all the hot dogs they can. Since the early 1970s, a restaurant called Nathan’s Famous has organized a competition to see who can eat the most hot dogs in a short time. The event is now shown on sports broadcaster ESPN. It includes a women’s competition and a men’s event. Both are held in New York City, in an area called Coney Island. In 10 years, Joey Chestnut has won the men’s contest nine times. In 2016, he set a record at the competition by eating 70 hot dogs in 10 minutes. The 2016 women’s winner, Miki Sudo, has won in each of the past three years. In 2016, she ate 38 (and a half) hot dogs. Sudo and Chestnut each won a $10,000 prize. Where do those fireworks come from? Let’s go back to those fireworks, probably the most common image related to Independence Day. Americans really, really love fireworks. The American Pyrotechnic Association – “pyrotechnic” is another word for “fireworks” – reported that Americans spent $825 million on fireworks last year. Where do many of our fireworks come from? China. By the way, we also import most of our American flags from China, too. Happy Independence Day! I’m Kelly Jean Kelly.   Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   disgusting – adj. so unpleasant that you feel slightly sick barbecues – n. outdoor meals or parties at which food is cooked on a barbecue hot dog – n. a small cooked sausage

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Houston, Texas: An Example of America's Changing Population

  America's population is becoming older and increasingly diverse - made up of people who are different from each other.  Nowhere are those differences more apparent than in Houston, Texas. The city has seen an increase in the number of minority communities and is being called an example of future demographic changes across the country. Houston Houston was once a city with large numbers of whites and Hispanic Americans. Many of the Hispanics have family ties to nearby Mexico or Central American countries. In 1980, around 52% of the total population was white or Caucasian. By 2010, whites represented about 25% of the total population – which grew from 1.6 million to 2 million in the same time period. People from around the world came to Houston for one reason, a long time Houston resident told VOA: the chance to make money. Today, the city claims to be the most diverse in the United States. For many locals, this has created a sense of pride. They feel good about themselves and their hometown. Nikkie Vasquez lives in Houston. "I'm Caucasian and my husband is Hispanic, and we have my beautiful mixed babies, and I think here it's welcome, and it's appreciated." Lee Hsia is a religious leader at Houston's First Baptist Church. He moved to Houston from China when he was seven years old. The First Baptist Church welcomes people, including non-Christians, from over 35 countries. "We have 'welcome' plastered through the front doors of our church," Hsia said. Demographic changes Stephen Klineberg is a founding director at the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University in Houston. He notes that many whites living in Harris County, which includes Houston, are age 63 or older. "63-year old Anglos are not going to be making a whole lot more babies. So you can go to the bank on this: no force in the world is going to stop Houston or Texas or America from becoming more African-American, more Asian, more Latino, and less Anglo as the 21st-century unfolds. Nothing in the world can stop that." The United States Census Bureau gathers detailed information about the nation’s population every 10 years. It also releases population estimates every few years. The last census, in 2010, showed that whites* made up 63.7% of the population nationwide. 2016 estimates show the same group now represents 61.3% of the population. The Pew Research Center notes the percentage is likely to continue falling in the years to come. Demographic changes are happening in other areas, too. For example, the European Commission noted in a 2010 report that European Union countries also are experiencing changes. "Growth is fueled mainly by immigration, whereas the population is becoming older and more diverse,” it said. Implications of Demographic Changes Stephen Klineberg says the changes in Houston’s population are likely to continue. He wonders how the city – and the country – will react to future demographic changes. "There is a law of human nature that says what I am familiar with feels right and natural; what I am unfamiliar with feels unnatural, somehow not quite right," he said. While recent arrivals are working toward the middle class, Klineberg notes a growing underclass of white people with low levels of education. Jobs in industries like coal and steel have disappeared. "Every community is seeing a growing middle class and a growing underclass, simultaneously," he said. "And that underclass is the great question for the sustainability of Houston and America in the 21st century." I'm John Russell.   Ramon Taylor wrote this story for VOA News. John Russell adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. *Whites, not Hispanic or Latino _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   demographic – adj. of or related to the study of changes in large groups of people plaster – v. to place on something; to cover over Anglo – n. short for Anglo-American; a white person resident – n. someone who lives in a place underclass – n. a social class made up of people who are poor and have little chance to improve their lives; the lowest social class sustainability – n. the act of lasting or continuing for a long time  

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