'The Cop and the Anthem,' by O. Henry

We present the short story "The Cop and the Anthem," by O. Henry. The story was originally adapted and recorded by the U.S. Department of State.   Soapy moved restlessly on his seat in Madison Square. There are certain signs to show that winter is coming. Birds begin to fly south. Women who want nice new warm coats become very kind to their husbands. And Soapy moves restlessly on his seat in the park. When you see these signs, you know that winter is near. A dead leaf fell at Soapy’s feet. That was a special sign for him that winter was coming. It was time for all who lived in Madison Square to prepare. Soapy’s mind now realized the fact. The time had come. He had to find some way to take care of himself during the cold weather. And therefore he moved restlessly on his seat. Soapy’s hopes for the winter were not very high. He was not thinking of sailing away on a ship. He was not thinking of southern skies, or of the Bay of Naples. Three months in the prison on Blackwell’s Island was what he wanted. Three months of food every day and a bed every night. Three months safe from the cold north wind and safe from cops. This seemed to Soapy the most desirable thing in the world. For years Blackwell’s Island had been his winter home. Richer New Yorkers made their large plans to go to Florida or to the shore of the Mediterranean Sea each winter. Soapy made his small plans for going to the Island. And now the time had come. Three big newspapers, some under his coat and some over his legs, had not kept him warm during the night in the park. So Soapy was thinking of the Island. There were places in the city where he could go and ask for food and a bed. These would be given to him. He could move from one building to another, and he would be taken care of through the winter. But he liked Blackwell’s Island better. Soapy’s spirit was proud. If he went to any of these places, there were certain things he had to do. In one way or another, he would have to pay for what they gave him. They would not ask him for money. But they would make him wash his whole body. They would make him answer questions; they would want to know everything about his life. No. Prison was better than that. The prison had rules that he would have to follow. But in prison a gentleman’s own life was still his own life. Soapy, having decided to go to the Island, at once began to move toward his desire. There were many easy ways of doing this. The most pleasant way was to go and have a good dinner at some fine restaurant. Then he would say that he had no money to pay. And then a cop would be called. It would all be done very quietly. The cop would arrest him. He would be taken to a judge. The judge would do the rest. Soapy left his seat and walked out of Madison Square to the place where the great street called Broadway and Fifth Avenue meet. He went across this wide space and started north on Broadway. He stopped at a large and brightly lighted restaurant. This was where the best food and the best people in the best clothes appeared every evening. Soapy believed that above his legs he looked all right. His face was clean. His coat was good enough. If he could get to a table, he believed that success would be his. The part of him that would be seen above the table would look all right. The waiter would bring him what he asked for. He began thinking of what he would like to eat. In his mind he could see the whole dinner. The cost would not be too high. He did not want the restaurant people to feel any real anger. But the dinner would leave him filled and happy for the journey to his winter home. But as Soapy put his foot inside the restaurant door, the head waiter saw his broken old shoes and torn clothes that covered his legs. Strong and ready hands turned Soapy around and moved him quietly and quickly outside again. Soapy turned off Broadway. It seemed that this easy, this most desirable way to the Island was not to be his. He must think of some other way of getting there. At a corner of Sixth Avenue was a shop with a wide glass window, bright with electric lights. Soapy picked up a big stone and threw it through the glass. People came running around the corner. A cop was the first among them. Soapy stood still and smiled when he saw the cop. “Where’s the man that did that?” asked the cop. “Don’t you think that I might have done it?” said Soapy. He was friendly and happy. What he wanted was coming toward him. But the cop’s mind would not consider Soapy. Men who break windows do not stop there to talk to cops. They run away as fast as they can. The cop saw a man further along the street, running. He ran after him. And Soapy, sick at heart, walked slowly away. He had failed two times. Across the street was another restaurant. It was not so fine as the one on Broadway. The people who went there were not so rich. Its food was not so good. Into this, Soapy took his old shoes and his torn clothes, and no one stopped him. He sat down at a table and was soon eating a big dinner. When he had finished, he said that he and money were strangers. “Get busy and call a cop,” said Soapy. “And don’t keep a gentleman waiting.” “No cop for you,” said the waiter. He called another    waiter. The two waiters threw Soapy upon his left ear on the hard street outside. He stood up slowly, one part at a time, and beat the dust from his clothes. Prison seemed only a happy dream. The Island seemed very far away. A cop who was standing near laughed and walked away. Soapy traveled almost half a mile before he tried again. This time he felt very certain that he would be successful. A nice-looking young woman was standing before a shop window, looking at the objects inside. Very near stood a large cop. Soapy’s plan was to speak to the young woman. She seemed to be a very nice young lady, who would not want a strange man to speak to her. She would ask the cop for help. And then Soapy would be happy to feel the cop’s hand on his arm. He would be on his way to the Island. He went near her. He could see that the cop was already watching him. The young woman moved away a few steps. Soapy followed. Standing beside her he said: “Good evening, Bedelia! Don’t you want to come and play with me?” The cop was still looking. The young woman had only to move her hand, and Soapy would be on his way to the place where he wanted to go. He was already thinking how warm he would be. The young woman turned to him. Putting out her hand, she took his arm. “Sure, Mike,” she said joyfully, “if you’ll buy me something to drink. I would have spoken to you sooner, but the cop was watching.” With the young woman holding his arm, Soapy walked past the cop. He was filled with sadness. He was still free. Was he going to remain free forever? At the next corner he pulled his arm away, and ran. When he stopped, he was near several theaters. In this part of the city, streets are brighter and hearts are more joyful than in other parts. Women and men in rich, warm coats moved happily in the winter air. A sudden fear caught Soapy. No cop was going to arrest him. Then he came to another cop standing in front of a big theater. He thought of something else to try. He began to shout as if he’d had too much to drink. His voice was as loud as he could make it. He danced, he cried out. And the cop turned his back to Soapy, and said to a man standing near him, “It’s one of those college boys. He won’t hurt anything. We had orders to let them shout.” Soapy was quiet. Was no cop going to touch him? He began to think of the Island as if it were as far away as heaven. He pulled his thin coat around him. The wind was very cold. Then he saw a man in the shop buying a newspaper. The man’s umbrella stood beside the door. Soapy stepped inside the shop, took the umbrella, and walked slowly away. The man followed him quickly. “My umbrella,” he said. “Oh, is it?” said Soapy. “Why don’t you call a cop? I took it. Your umbrella! Why don’t you call a cop? There’s one standing at the corner.”The man walked more slowly. Soapy did the same. But he had a feeling that he was going to fail again. The cop looked at the two men. “I — ” said the umbrella man — “that is — you know how these things happen — I — if that’s your umbrella I’m very sorry — I — I found it this morning in a restaurant — if you say it’s yours — I hope you’ll — ” “It’s mine!” cried Soapy with anger in his voice. The umbrella man hurried away. The cop helped a lady across the street. Soapy walked east. He threw the umbrella as far as he could throw it. He talked to himself about cops and what he thought of them. Because he wished to be arrested, they seemed to believe he was like a king, who could do no wrong. At last Soapy came to one of the quiet streets on the east side of the city. He turned here and began to walk south toward Madison Square. He was going home, although home was only a seat in the park. But on a very quiet corner Soapy stopped. There was an old, old church. Through one of the colored-glass window came a soft light. Sweet music came to Soapy’s ears and seemed to hold him there. The moon was above, peaceful and bright. There were few people passing. He could hear birds high above him. And the anthem that came from the church held Soapy there, for he had known it well long ago. In those days his life contained such things as mothers and flowers and high hopes and friends and clean thoughts and clean clothes. Soapy’s mind was ready for something like this. He had come to the old church at the right time. There was a sudden and wonderful change in his soul. He saw with sick fear how he had fallen. He saw his worthless days, his wrong desires, his dead hopes, the lost power of his mind. And also in a moment his heart answered this change in his soul. He would fight to change his life. He would pull himself up, out of the mud. He would make a man of himself again. There was time. He was young enough. He would find his old purpose in life, and follow it. That sweet music had changed him. Tomorrow he would find work. A man had once offered him a job. He would find that man tomorrow. He would be somebody in the world. He would— Soapy felt a hand on his arm. He looked quickly around into the broad face of a cop. “What are you doing hanging around here?” asked the cop. “Nothing,” said Soapy. “You think I believe that?” said the cop. Full of his new strength, Soapy began to argue. And it is not wise to argue with a New York cop. “Come along,” said the cop. “Three months on the Island,” said the Judge to Soapy the next morning.   Download activities to help you understand this story here. Now it's your turn to use the words in this story. Do you understand why Soapy wanted to be arrested? Is it good or bad to avoid hard work? Let us know in the comments section or on our Facebook page.   ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   restlessly – adv. done while feeling nervous or bored and tending to move around a lot coat(s) – n. an outer piece of clothing that can be long or short and that is worn to keep warm or dry park – n. a piece of public land in or near a city that is kept free of houses and other buildings and can be used for pleasure and exercise cop(s) – n. a person whose job is to enforce laws, investigate crimes, and make arrests avenue – n. a wide street waiter – n. a man who serves food or drinks to people in a restaurant umbrella – n. a device that is used for protection from the rain and sun anthem – n. a formal song of loyalty, praise, or happiness

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2u6oPNE
via IFTTT

Weak Rules, Little Punishment for Fighting in Taiwan's Parliament

  Taiwan's legislature received world attention this month. It was not, however, the result of laws the parliament passed. Instead, the world watched lawmakers fighting. Weak rules and unspoken agreements in Taiwan’s parliament prevent the violence from being stopped. Over two years, aggressive actions such as pushing, throwing chairs and physically seizing others have not been reported to the parliament's Discipline Committee. Its executive secretary recently said that the committee has the power to suspend lawmakers who take part in such behavior. Liu Yih-jiun is a public issues professor at Fo Guang University in Taiwan. He told VOA, "A dogfight between the members of the house in Taiwan is legal." Liu said the committee never orders any physical or legal actions to try to control the behavior of lawmakers. He said this is true even when people are badly hurt. Taiwan is known for its physical legislative fights. They often start with opposition party members blocking the path of majority party members as they try to reach a podium. When the majority party pushes back, some lawmakers hit, grab, pull neckties and throw objects. Last December, three people were sent to the hospital after a parliamentary fight. Experts say fighting continues in Taiwan partly because political parties are unwilling to share power or accept that they lack power. Also, voters in Taiwan also expect their lawmakers to stand strong on sensitive issues such as Taiwan's relations with China. And, some lawmakers have said the fights are not always real. They say some are planned to get attention. ​Taiwan's legislature in central Taipei lacks a security official, called a sergeant at arms. This official supervises behavior at meetings and can remove people when necessary. In Britain, the parliament's sergeant at arms carries a sword. Liu said the past two legislative leaders, called speakers, have been, in his words, "kind of weak" and lacking in "political wisdom" needed to settle disputes peacefully. This month, opposition lawmakers pushed people and seized the podium to block the finance committee chairman from reaching it. The chairman called a recess. The Discipline Committee official said that neither the speaker nor parliament has honored lawmaker requests to send cases of violence to the Discipline Committee.  Raymond Wu is a director of e-telligence, a research business based in Taiwan that advises companies. He said lawmakers hope to avoid dividing parliament further by punishing individual members. Over five meetings that started on July 13, legislators threw chairs and water balloons, sometimes screaming as they fought. The opposition Nationalist Party had protested the budget for including the first part of a government plan for new infrastructure. The budget item received approval Wednesday. Opposition legislator Lin Wei-chou spoke after the fight Monday. "We will do our utmost to explain to people why we're so intensely blocking this meeting," he said. I'm Caty Weaver.   Ralph Jennings reported this story for VOA News. Caty Weaver adapted it for Learning English. ­­­­­­­­­Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   discipline - n. control that is gained by requiring that rules or orders be obeyed and punishing bad behavior​ podium - n. a raised platform for a speaker, performer, or the leader of an orchestra​ grab - v. to quickly take and hold (someone or something) with your hand or arms​ necktie - n.  a long piece of cloth that is worn by men around the neck and under a collar and that is tied in front with a knot at the top​ recess - n. a usually brief period of time during which regular activity in a court of law or in a government stops​ scream - v. to say (something) in a loud and high voice because you are angry, afraid, etc​ infrastructure - n. the basic equipment and structures (such as roads and bridges) that are needed for a country, region, or organization to function properly​ item - n. an individual thing: a separate part or thing​  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2tQRSK5
via IFTTT

US Sanctions Bill Goes to Trump, Russia Responds

  The United States Congress has approved a bill placing new sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea. The measure passed both houses of Congress this week. The vote in the House was 419-3, while the Senate approved it 98-2. If President Donald Trump signs the bill, it becomes law. If he vetoes it, Congress is likely to override the veto to allow it to become law. White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci left open the possibility that Trump could reject the new sanctions. He told CNN on Thursday the president might decide to veto, then try to “negotiate an even tougher deal against the Russians.” Top lawmakers from both parties criticized a possible presidential veto. “I think that would be a very bad mistake,” Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, told VOA. “What would be better is if they [White House officials] worked with us on the legislation.” Democratic Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland said the bill gives Trump a better negotiating position with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “If he vetoes it, it means he doesn’t want a stronger hand in dealing with Mr. Putin,” Cardin said. The bill places economic restrictions on many Russian industries. Russia’s economy has already felt the effects from 2014 sanctions placed in response to Moscow’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. The new sanctions are meant to punish Russia for that action. They are also a response to U.S. intelligence findings that Russia took steps to interfere in the U.S. presidential election. President Putin has repeatedly denied his government had any involvement in trying to influence the American election.  In addition to Russia, the bill places sanctions on North Korea for its continued nuclear program. The measure bars North Korean ships from operating in American waters or docking at U.S. ports. The ban extends to ships from nations not following United Nations resolutions against North Korea. The bill bans goods produced by North Korea’s forced labor from entering the U.S. Also, the legislation punishes people involved in Iran's ballistic missile program and anyone doing business with them. It also places restrictions on Iran's Revolutionary Guards. Russia was quick to criticize passage of the bill and answered with its own diplomatic measures. The Russian foreign ministry said the sanctions were evidence of “extreme aggression of the U.S. in international affairs.” Russian officials called in outgoing U.S. ambassador John Tefft in Moscow to inform him of its own countermeasures. Russia ordered the U.S. to cut hundreds of diplomatic positions in the country to match the number of Russian diplomatic workers in the United States. In addition, Russia said it would block entry to two diplomatic properties in Moscow. The European Union expressed its concerns, saying the new sanctions could harm Europe’s energy industry. Several nations – including Germany and France – said the sanctions might harm businesses that carry Russian natural gas through pipelines. Senior Republicans said they had responded by making changes to the bill to deal with some of the European concerns. I’m Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from VOA News, the Associated Press and Reuters. Mario Ritter 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   sanction – n. measure taken against a country to cause it to obey international laws or requirements override – v. make something no longer valid annexation – n. the taking over of another country’s territory retaliate – v. respond with action against something countermeasure – n. action intended to stop or prevent something bad or unwanted  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2u65GLZ
via IFTTT

Trump Chooses Kansas Governor to Lead Religious Freedom Efforts

  President Donald Trump chose the Republican governor of Kansas to lead American government support of religious freedom across the world. If approved by the Senate, Governor Sam Brownback’s new position would be “ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.” Brownback, like Trump, is a Republican. Brownback, who is 60, talked about being selected for the religious freedom job at a news conference on Thursday. "International religious freedom is going the wrong way," Brownback said. "There's more persecution, not less, that's taken place over the last 20 years." On Twitter, he said, “Religious freedom is the first freedom. The choice of what you do with your own soul. I am honored to serve such an important cause.” Brownback was a U.S. senator in 1998 when he was a lead sponsor of the International Religious Freedom Act. The bill was signed into law by then President Bill Clinton, a Democrat. The legislation called on the U.S. government to help people persecuted in foreign countries because of their religious beliefs. The law created the ambassador-at-large position for which Brownback has been nominated. It also requires yearly reports on the state of religious freedom across the world. In 2016, the State Department reported a decrease in religious freedom from the year before. The report blamed a growing refugee crisis, political divisions and economic problems for the drop in religious freedom. It reported barriers to religious freedom in Pakistan, Mauritania, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Angola, Bahrain and the Central African Republican. When the Senate will take up the Brownback nomination has not yet been announced. If he is approved, Brownback will give up his job as Kansas governor. He would be replaced by the lieutenant governor, Jeff Colyer. Colyer is a doctor and, like Brownback, a Republican. Brownback was elected governor in 2010, and later won passage of big cuts in Kansas taxes. But the tax cuts led to cuts in services. The state’s education system was hard hit. In June, the Legislature brought back most of the taxes that were cut. Susan Wagle is president of the Kansas Senate. She has disagreed with Brownback on budget and tax issues. She commented on Brownback’s decision to resign as governor and take a new job in Washington. “This position will be a good fit for Governor Brownback, a staunch defender of religious freedom. I’m sure he will do a great job,” Wagle said. Wagle called on the U.S. Senate to approve Brownback’s nomination quickly -- “so that we can get Kansas back on track with new leadership.” I’m Bruce Alpert.   Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English based on reports by the Associated Press, Reuters and other sources.  Mario  Ritter 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   persecute - v. to treat someone cruelly or unfairly especially because of race or religious or political beliefs soul - n. the spiritual part of a person that is believed to give life to the body and in many religions is believed to live forever challenge - n. issues that test the ability or strength needed to solve problems staunch - adj. very devoted or loyal to a person, belief, or cause on track - phrase. on the way to getting something done  

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

ASEAN, China Expected to Approve Agreement on South China Sea

  China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, are set to approve a framework for a code of conduct in the South China Sea. ASEAN foreign ministers are expected to approve the document next week during a meeting in the Philippines. China’s foreign minister also will attend. The conference begins August 2 in Manila. The Philippines currently holds the chairmanship of ASEAN. In 2002, China and ASEAN committed to begin work on a framework on nations’ behavior in the South China Sea. Previous negotiations over the years have failed to produce agreement. But in May, China announced it had reached agreement with ASEAN on a framework. Officials have not provided many details about the document. According to VOA’s Khmer Service, the framework is a non-binding code of conduct. That means it is not considered the basis for a law. It reportedly calls for closer cooperation to avoid disputes in the South China Sea. An official from the area who did not want to be named provided VOA Khmer with a copy of the document. The goal of the document is to "establish a rules-based framework containing a set of norms" to guide the conduct of parties in the South China Sea. China claims most of the South China Sea as part of its territory. Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei and Vietnam also claim parts of the sea. This has led to disputes between China and some of its neighbors. In some areas, China has created artificial islands and built military bases. The framework calls on ASEAN members to “promote mutual trust, cooperation and confidence, prevent incidents and manage incidents should they occur.” It also urges creation of “a favorable environment for the peaceful settlement of the disputes; to ensure maritime security and safety and freedom of navigation and overflight.” During a recent visit to the Philippines, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised the framework code of conduct. He said it shows that China and ASEAN “have full capability and wisdom to solve disputes and safeguard the stability of the South China Sea.” He added: "If there are still forces outside the region, who don't want to see stability in the South China Sea, and still want to stir up trouble in the South China Sea, we need to stand together and we need to say no to them together." The framework document states that it is "not an instrument to settle territorial disputes or maritime delimitation issues." This language, along with the fact that the framework is non-binding, has led some experts to question its effectiveness. Tang Siew Mun is head of the ASEAN Studies Center at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. He says the framework suggests ASEAN and China can work together on a "sensitive issue,” but it is just the first of many steps in the process. "The COC would only have meaning if it were legally binding. But it is unsure if the negotiating parties would be agreeable to a fair and just structure of managing relations in the South China Sea," Tang said. However, some experts suggest the agreement might ease tensions. Shihoko Goto is a northeast Asia expert at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington D.C. She told VOA Khmer the latest framework can be useful. This is because it identifies possible sources of conflict and commits to finding common ground to avoid confrontations, Goto said. "That is progress, as worries about territorial claims continue," she added. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Sok Khemara reported this story for VOA’s Khmer Service. Bryan Lynn adapted it for Learning English, with additional material coming from Reuters and Xinhua news services. Mario Ritter 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   framework – n. basic structure of something code of conduct  – n. set of laws or regulations governing behavior for a group or organization non-binding – adj. having no legal force confrontation – n. argument or clash over something confidence – n. feeling or belief that something is true or will happen maritime – adj. of or relating to the sea wisdom – n. knowledge of what is proper or reasonable stir – v. to cause something delimitation – n. the marking of limits or boundaries  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2tKOT1K
via IFTTT

English @ the Movies: 'You Will Soon Pay'

Our English @ the Movies saying today is "you will soon pay." It comes from the film “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” In it, pirate Jack Sparrow is in trouble again. Watch the video, then take the quiz. See if you know what "you will soon pay" means!

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2v7ufMC
via IFTTT

Iran Launches Rocket; Trump Seeks to Test Nuke Deal

  Iran announced Thursday that it had successfully launched a rocket carrying a satellite into space. State television in Iran claimed the “Simorgh” rocket can carry a 250- kilogram satellite as far as 500 kilometers above Earth. The report did not say what the rocket was carrying into space. In the Farsi language, “Simorgh” means “phoenix.” The rocket launch comes after the United States moved earlier this month to increase economic sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile program. Thursday’s launch did not violate the 2015 nuclear agreement signed by Iran, the U.S., China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain and the European Union. In the agreement, Iran agreed to pull back its nuclear program in exchange for billions of dollars in sanctions relief. The United States has expressed concern, however, that the rocket technology Iran is developing could possibly be changed and used as long-range missiles. Earlier this week, Iran announced it would open a new facility to produce missiles able to target aircraft as well as cruise missiles. Meanwhile, the Associated Press (AP) reported Thursday that President Donald Trump’s administration is pushing for inspections of Iranian military areas. Senior U.S. officials said the inspections of the suspicious military areas will test the nuclear deal. Trump has long criticized the current nuclear deal. Trump aides have said there are serious problems with the deal. If the problems are not fixed quickly, it is likely that Trump will pull out. Officials said the U.S. is talking with European leaders to work on a follow-up agreement that would stop Iran from re-starting nuclear development once the deal expires in about 10 years. The officials were not named because they did not have approval to speak publically. The deal has a complex process for inspecting Iran’s military areas. There are many chances for Iran to delay the process. It is likely that Iran would resist the Trump administration’s inspection requests. If Iran says no to the inspections, then Trump may say that Iran is breaking the deal. That would then place the blame on Iran if the deal collapses. If Iran agrees to the inspections, it would help those in the administration who support staying with the deal. Earlier this month Trump wanted to declare that Iran was in violation of the agreement. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) checked for violations. It found there were only small problems. The U.S. agreed to wait for another three months before acting. In three months there will be another deadline to check if Iran is violating the deal. This week, Trump told The Wall Street Journal he expects to say Iran is not complying. “If it was up to me, I would have had them noncompliant 180 days ago,” Trump said. American businesses hope the deal survives so they can follow economic opportunities in Iran. The aviation industry, for example, recently signed billions of dollars of contracts to sell passenger planes to Iranian airlines. I’m Anne Ball.  Anne Ball adapted this story for Learning English from VOA News and Associated Press stories. Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and visit us on our Facebook page. ____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story ballistic missile – n. a weapon that is shot through the sky over a great distance and then falls to the ground and explodes facility – n. something (such as a building or large piece of equipment) that is built for a specific purpose cruise missile – n. a large military weapon that flies close to the ground and is directed to a specific place to explode inspection – n. the act of looking at something closely in order to learn more about it, to find problems, etc. : the act of inspecting something suspicious – adj. causing a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is behaving wrongly : causing suspicion comply – v. to do what you have been asked or ordered to do sanction – 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, by not allowing economic aid for that country, etc. — usually plural  

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

Starting Sentences With Conjunctions

  The film Finding Forrester tells a story of a high school student who becomes friends with a famous writer named William Forrester. Forrester published a single book, then withdrew from public life. Forrester teaches the student about writing. In one scene, he gives this piece of advice: "You should never start a sentence with a conjunction… It's a firm rule." In today's program, we are going to explore that “rule.” Should writers not use conjunctions such as but and and at the beginning of a sentence? What are coordinating conjunctions? Many writing students are confused about conjunctions. Perhaps their teacher told them they should never write sentences that begin with conjunctions. Yet, they have seen sentences beginning with conjunctions in newspapers and books. So, should you or shouldn’t you? Before we answer the question, here are some important definitions. But and and come from a group of words called coordinating conjunctions. These words connect two or more structures.   Consider this example: I disapproved of his study habits, and I told him so. This example sentence has two independent clauses. An independent clause is a group of words that could make a complete sentence. Let's study the sentence closely. The sentence has a subject, I, and a predicate, disapproved of his study habits. The second part of the sentence, I told him so, also has a subject, I, and a predicate, told him so. What about but? Here is an example: She claimed to be the best student in her class, but I suspect she's joking. Once again, this sentence has two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.  The important point, writes English grammar expert Martha Kolln, is that coordinating conjunctions connect structures as equals. They show that structures or ideas have an equal weight or importance in the sentence. There is a difference, however. And shows that the structures go together; but shows that the structures contrast. Conjunctions can be used with a variety of punctuations, notes Max Morenberg, an English grammar expert. They can even connect two or more sentences. Using conjunctions to connect sentences can show how ideas relate to one another across sentences. The use of conjunctions can also give a certain flow - or abruptness - to a writer's sentences. Conjunctions and Style Let's look at famous examples from literature. Novelist Vladimir Nabokov is famous for the beautiful way he uses language. Most critics say his 1955 book, Lolita, is a classic. If you read the book, you will notice that Nabokov sometimes starts sentences with conjunctions. In one of the first lines of Lolita, Nabokov uses but to start a sentence: "She was Dolly at school. She was Dolores on the dotted line. But in my arms she was always Lolita.”      ​In this example, Nabokov creates a pattern in the first two sentences. Then, he breaks the pattern by using a different sentence structure. The word but helps to show a contrast between ideas, and it also helps to create a mix of sentence styles. Nabokov's use of but at the beginning of the sentence lends a poetic quality. The word adds interest and drama. Nabokov also uses "and" to begin a sentence Nabokov used and at the beginning of a sentence, too. At the end of Lolita, the lead character Humbert Humbert is writing a goodbye to Lolita that he knows she will never read. In the last paragraph, and begins several sentences. The usage gives the reader the idea that each sentence holds equal importance. It also gives the reader the feeling that Humbert is writing the thoughts as quickly as they enter his mind. Consider the last two sentences of Lolita: "I am thinking of aurochs and angels, the secret of durable pigments, prophetic sonnets, the refuge of art. And this is the only immortality you and I may share, my Lolita. Should you use conjunctions at the beginning of a sentence? You might think that you should begin writing sentences that begin with conjunctions. Nabokov did it! So did other famous writers, such as Jane Austen and Mark Twain. We suggest that you be careful about using conjunctions at the beginning of sentences. Teachers have good reasons for repeating this rule. First, students often use conjunctions incorrectly. This can confuse the reader. Second, many students use conjunctions too often. This creates a repetitive writing style. Remember: you should use many different sentence structures when you are writing. Think of Nabokov's writing – he used conjunctions to give style to his writing. He did not begin every sentence in the same way! What can you do? We started this report with a question: can you begin a sentence with a conjunction? The answer is yes. Should you begin a sentence or a paragraph with a conjunction? That answer depends on your writing ability.   The next time you are reading the news or a book, try to look for examples of but or and at the beginning of a sentence. Ask yourself why the writer formed the sentence that way. Does the choice make stylistic sense? The process of mastering conjunctions can be difficult and lengthy. But you will make progress -- with time. And we will be here to help! I'm John Russell. And I'm Pete Musto.   John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.  We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   conjunction – n. grammar a word that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words coordinating conjunction – n.  a conjunction (such as and, or, or but) that joins together words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance clause – n. grammar a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb controversial – adj. relating to or causing much discussion, disagreement, or argument contrast – n. something that is different from another thing — + to aurochs – n. large, black European wild ox, extinct since 1627. pigment – n.  a substance that gives color to something else immortality – n. the quality or state of someone or something that will never die or be forgotten repetitive – n.  happening again and again: repeated many times

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

American Football Player Leaves NFL to Study Math

  This is What’s Trending Today. John Urschel was living a life many athletes only dreamed of. He was a player in the National Football League (NFL). Until Thursday, the 26-year-old Urschel played for the Baltimore Ravens football team. But not anymore. He announced he was giving up football to study math at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Urschel played in the NFL for three years. He came to the Ravens after playing in college at Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania. Urschel was known among American sports fans for being both a good football  player and also a mathematician. Urschel studies complex math, like advanced algebra and machine learning. He wrote about his studies in a 2015 article in The Player’s Tribune. It was called “Why I Still Play Football.” He wrote that he loves math, but also loved to play football.   “There’s a rush you get when you go out on the field, lay everything on the line and physically dominate the player across from you.” Urschel was an offensive lineman. That means he used his large body – over 1.9 meters tall and 136 kilograms – to keep the opposing team’s players from tackling his teammates. But it also means that he ran into other players over and over again. Earlier this week, a study was released about the brains of American-style football players. Researchers examined the brains of 111 former NFL players who had died. All but one of them showed signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. That is the brain disease known as CTE. It is linked to hits to the head that are common in football. The brains were donated by families of the former football players. The Baltimore football team posted the news on Twitter. The team just started practicing for the new season this week. Baltimore’s coach is John Harbaugh. He said: “we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.” Urschel has not yet talked about his retirement. But the announcement came after the new study was released on Tuesday Urschel is not the only [football] player to announce his retirement this week. Andrew Hawkins was a wide receiver for the New England Patriots. He retired on Tuesday at the age of 31, announcing his plans to study business and economics. Hawkins earned a master’s degree from Columbia University earlier this year. Many people reacted to Urschel’s news on Twitter, calling him a “genius” and praising his decision.    And that’s What’s Trending Today.   I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for VOA Learning English based on reports by the Baltimore Sun and Washington Post. Mario Ritter was the editor. What do you think about Urschel's choice? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.   ____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story rush – n. a strong feeling or emotion caused by a drug or by something exciting dominate – v. to have control of or power over (someone or something) tackle – v. to forcefully seize (someone) and cause that person to fall to the ground chronic traumatic encephalopathy – n. a brain disease caused by regular impacts to the head practice – n. the activity of doing something again and again in order to become better at it endeavor – n. a serious effort or attempt genius – n. a very smart or talented person : a person who has a level of talent or intelligence that is very rare or remarkable

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2tO25XK
via IFTTT

Google Giving Money to Groups That Help People Find Jobs

  Google is offering financial assistance to groups that can help people get the skills and connections they need to find jobs. Jacquelline Fuller is president of Google.org. On Wednesday, she said that “the way we work is changing.” She noted new jobs require and depend on technology. Fuller said, “We want to make sure that as many people as possible can make the most of the new jobs, industries and opportunities that are emerging.” She said Google is providing $50 million over two years to provide financial help for groups working on finding people jobs. Google’s money will first go to non-profit groups in the United States and Europe. Later, Fuller said, groups in other parts of the world will get money. Fuller said Google is looking for groups that can do one of three things: Help connect job seekers with jobs; do research to find what kind of job training works best at putting people into jobs; or provide help for low-wage workers who work in the service industry, such as restaurant employees, cleaners and store clerks. “Service jobs are the fastest growing category of jobs in the U.S., Europe and many other developed economies,” Fuller said. But she said many low-income workers find it difficult to get help when they run into trouble, such as sickness or injury. Low-income workers often do not get paid when they are unable to work. Fuller talked about the National Domestic Workers Alliance, which she said is already getting financial help from Google. The alliance collects money from domestic workers through a small monthly payment. Domestic workers often work in people’s homes, providing services such as cleaning. That money collected from the workers is used to help workers who need to take time off their jobs deal with an emergencies. Pew found divide on technology effects In 2014, Pew questioned over 1,000 experts in technology, the economy and job creation about the effects of new technology. The experts were divided, Pew said. About half expected robots and other technology to take jobs away from large numbers of people. For example, car companies are increasingly using robots, instead of people, to build cars. But about half the experts expect just as many new jobs to replace the old ones lost to technology, Pew said. The Pew report said these experts believe people “will create new jobs, industries, and ways to make a living,” just as people have been doing since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. I’m Caty Weaver.   Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do  was the editor. We want to hear from you. What do you think it will take for you to get a good job? What kind of help would you like to receive as move toward the job market? Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   opportunity - n. an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done emerge - v. to become known or apparent clerk - n. a person who works in a story and helps sell products category - n. a group of people or things that are similar in some way alliance - n. a relationship in which people agree to work together robot - n. a machine that controlled by a computer that does work, often done in the past by people

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2h77d35
via IFTTT

Kenyan Girls Develop App to End FGM

  Five Kenyan schoolgirls have developed an app to help women and girls end female genital mutilation (FGM). The girls will soon take part in the yearly international “Technovation” competition in California. Technovation is supported by Google, Verizon -- a mobile telephone company -- and the United Nations. The competition supports girls as they learn the skills they need to become technology entrepreneurs and leaders. Girls who develop apps to end problems in their communities can win money. The Kenyan girls hope to win a $15,000 prize for creating “I-cut,” an app that they hope will help end FGM. I-cut connects girls who may soon be forced to undergo FGM with rescue centers. It also gives legal and medical help to those who are suffering from the effects of FGM. The app has five sections: help, rescue, report, information on FGM and donate and feedback. The girls are all between 15 and 17 years old. They are the only Africans chosen to take part in this year's competition. Their East African nation is one of the most technologically advanced countries on the continent. Stacy Owino is one of the girls who developed the app. She says “FGM is a big problem affecting girls worldwide and it is a problem we want to solve.” She and the four other developers will fly to California on August 6th for the competition at Google headquarters. They recently visited the computer company’s offices in Nairobi. Owino said, “This whole experience will change our lives. Whether we win or not, our perspective of the world and the possibilities it has will change for the better.” Ivy Akinyi plans to become a computer programmer. She says she and the other girls “just have to use this opportunity as a stepping stone to the next level.” The girls are from the western city of Kisumu. One of them, Synthia Otieno, says they call themselves the “Restorers” because they want to “restore hope to hopeless girls.” FGM is illegal in Kenya. But one in four Kenyan women and girls have had their external genitalia either partially or completely removed. The girls are from the Luo tribe, which does not practice FGM. But the girls say they have friends who have been “cut.” Purity Achieng is one of the developers. She says a close friend in school “was cut (and) never came back to school. She was among the smartest girls I knew.” I’m Ashley Thompson.   Daniel Wesangula reported this story from Nairobi for the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the report for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   female genital mutilation – n. the cutting and partial or total removal of external female genital organs for non-medical reasons. entrepreneur – n. a person who starts a business and is willing to risk loss in order to make money app – n. a computer program designed for use on mobile phones or tablets undergo – v. to experience or endure (something) feedback – n. helpful information or criticism that is given to someone to say what can be done to improve a performance, product, etc. perspective – n. a way of thinking about and understanding something (such as a particular issue or life in general) programmer – n. a person who creates computer programs stepping stone – n. something that helps you get or achieve something level – n. a position or rank in a scale; a position that is high or low when compared to others practice – n. the action of doing or using something cut – v. to use a sharp tool (such as a knife) to remove or slice something  

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