Everyday Grammar: Make

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College Admission: Finding the Right Fit

  The United States has more than 4,000 colleges and universities. It is not easy to decide which schools might be best for you. At the end of high school, many young people in the United States apply for admission to several different schools. The College Board is a non-profit organization working to expand access to higher education in the U.S. It recommends that students apply to between five and eight schools. This gives them options if their first- or second-choice schools do not accept them. Paul White, an assistant dean of college admissions, agrees. White works at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. He has worked in university admissions for 38 years.White says that he applied to just three colleges when he was a high school student in 1974. If he were a student applying today, however, White says he would apply to four times as many schools. The reason? The number of students attending college in the U.S. has more than doubled since he was a college student. The schools make it easier for students to apply, White says. And the competition for admission has gotten more intense. "Colleges and universities have…become much more public-oriented …going after…not just the best students, but students in general, to try to attract students from different parts of the country, different parts of the world." But White says there are major differences between applying to an undergraduate program and applying to a graduate degree program. Most graduate degree programs are smaller than undergraduate programs. They can only accept a limited number of students. For example, more than 3,000 students applied to admissions to Johns Hopkins’ medical doctorate program for the 2018 school year. The program accepted only 120 of them.  How does the school choose some students over others? White says he feels that many students are concerned about just meeting the requirements to get into the school rather than getting to know the qualities of the program and school. It is easy to see which students have not thought about whether Johns Hopkins is necessarily a good fit for them, he adds. Every school has different goals, White notes. Some are more focused on research than others. Around 95 percent of new medical students at Johns Hopkins have some research experience. But that is not the only thing Johns Hopkins is looking for, he says. Johns Hopkins is in Baltimore, Maryland. Its location has an effect on its medical program – and the students it accepts, White says. In 2016, the Maryland Alliance for the Poor reported that about 45 percent of Baltimore’s population was living in poverty. The hospital where Johns Hopkins’ medical students get training works to treat health issues connected to poverty. A student interested in studying at the medical school, therefore, should show an interest in helping a poor, underserved community, White explains. "We want people … who want to care for patients. There’s no question about that. But you have to look at … what are they doing, not just on campus, but off-campus.… And if someone is interested in working with underserved communities, this a great place for them." White says applicants should spend time researching what kind of students a school looks for. They can start by visiting the school’s website, which will usually describe the programs the school is involved with. The website might also list its students with special achievements. White also suggests finding out what kind of research the school is doing and what former students are doing after graduation. Having experience that is connected to a school’s goals is important, he adds. For example, volunteer work can show that a medical school candidate does not just care about their career; the applicant also cares about helping a community. Even if a student does not have volunteer experience when they are applying, White says it is not too late for a student to show the admissions officers what kind of person they are. That can come during the interview process. Interviews are a big part of the selection process at Johns Hopkins and most other medical schools. Candidates must answer questions about themselves and why they want to attend the school. For example, at Johns Hopkins, interviewers often ask candidates to talk about a time they were not in the majority. Thoughtful answers can help interviewers better understand what kind of person a candidate is, White says. A student who may not have volunteer experience but gives thoughtful answers can show the interviewers they have an interest in gaining the understanding that such experience brings. That helps demonstrate that, with guidance, this person can become the kind of doctor the school hopes to produce, White says. Although undergraduate and graduate programs differ in many ways, trying to find the right fit can help undergraduate applicants, too. If a student knows the kind of school they are looking for, and can thoughtfully express why they want to attend, that makes them more appealing. "I don’t care what … institution you’re going to -- they’re all trying to shape a community. They’re trying to attract people who will add to that community." I’m Pete Musto. And I'm Caty Weaver.   Pete Musto reported this for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to hear from you. How do you learn more about the schools you are interested in? What other kinds of advice for applying to college would you like to have? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   apply – v. to ask formally for something, such as a job, admission to a school, or a loan, usually in writing admission – n. the act or process of accepting someone as a student at a school option(s) – n. a choice or possibility dean – n. a person who is in charge of one of the parts of a university  undergraduate – adj. used to describe a student at a college or university who has not yet earned a degree graduate – adj. of or relating to a course of studies taken at a college or university after earning a bachelor's degree or other first degree doctorate – adj. focus(ed) - v. to direct your attention or effort at something specific campus – n. the area and buildings around a university, college, or school achievement(s) – n. a result of hard work interview – n. a meeting at which people talk to each other in order to ask questions and get information guidance – n. help or advice that tells you what to do institution – n. an established organization attract – v. to cause someone to choose to do or be involved in something

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Officials: Afghan Children Taken to Pakistani Religious Schools

  Officials say Afghan children are being taken to Pakistan to study at religious schools in areas controlled by the Taliban extremist group. Officials say each year there are at least three or four cases of children being illegally transported from Afghanistan to Pakistan.  In Pakistan the children are taken to religious schools, called madrassas. Authorities say the goal is for the children to later return to Afghanistan and enforce the same severe version of Islam observed by the Taliban. The Taliban was removed from power in Afghanistan in 2001 by United States-led coalition forces. One Afghan counterterrorism official spoke to the Associated Press about the issue. The officials said Afghan authorities have identified 26 madrassas in Pakistan. They are suspected of training future generations of Taliban members.  In some cases, students are trained in carrying out suicide bombings. Police have stopped vehicles traveling from Afghanistan’s eastern Ghazni province to Quetta, in Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province.  After searching the vans, police found groups of boys between the ages of four and 15. They were all being taken illegally to Pakistan to study at madrassas. Quetta is important to Afghanistan’s Taliban.  It is the capital of Pakistan’s Baluchistan province and shares a border with Afghanistan. Many Taliban members graduated from madrassas there. It also is considered the headquarters of the Taliban leadership council, often called the “Quetta shura.” Several of the 26 madrassas identified as Taliban training centers are in Quetta. One of the madrassas in Quetta is called Sheikh Abdul Hakim.  Azizullah Mainkhail, a teacher at the madrassa told the Associated Press that some students there were from Afghanistan.  However, he said the majority are Pakistanis from villages throughout Baluchistan. He denied any connection with the Taliban. Mohammed Musa Mahmoodi is with the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission. He said a number of issues have aided the movement of children from Afghanistan.  These include war, poverty, insecurity and a lack of understanding by the parents of the dangers for their children. Parents sometimes approve However sometimes parents say they want their children to study in Pakistan.  “Parents often agree to send their children but they don’t know what is awaiting the child. Sometimes they are told they will be educated or will get a good job and be looked after,” said Mahmoodi. “But when they get there they are beaten, forced to work as cheap labor, or taken by Taliban as new recruits.” Mohammed Naseer wanted his son, a nephew and several other children from his area to study the Quran, the Muslim holy book, in Quetta. His son Mohammed Yaseen is just 9 years old, but he said he was excited to be going to Quetta. His dream: “I want to be a mullah [or a cleric].” Naseer said his son had studied three years in a village school but he still could not read or write in his native Pashto language. He said the village school offers English lessons but the teacher does not speak English. He also worries about the lack of quality Islamic schools where his son can study Islam.  So, he decided then to send his son to Pakistan. He put his son with 26 other children into the two vans.  He gave his son a change of clothes and gave money to the men taking his child to Pakistan “but only for transportation.” These stories are common, but senior police official Fazlur Rahman Bustani in Kabul said the movement of children is a dangerous business. “Those involved in the transport of children are part of a dangerous network and it is a criminal act,” said Bustani. “It doesn’t matter if the parents approve.” I’m Phil Dierking.   Phil Dierking adapted her report for VOA Learning English from an Associated Press report. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   Quran – n. the book of sacred writings used in the Muslim religion recruit – v. to find suitable people and get them to join a company, an organization, the armed forces, etc. smuggle - v. to move (someone or something) from one country into another illegally and secretly

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Crocodile Industry Hopes to Boost Australia Aboriginal Communities

  A new report says the crocodile industry in Australia's Northern Territory is worth more than four times the previous estimate of $80 million. Officials hope the findings will be meaningful to poorer aboriginal communities that might develop a crocodile farming industry. The saltwater crocodile is the world's largest reptile. In Australia, the crocodiles were once hunted until they almost disappeared. Their skins were used to make durable leather goods and clothes. The crocodiles have been a protected species since the early 1970s. And their numbers in Australia's tropical north have increased. The Northern Territory regional government now sees economic opportunities for native communities. Officials want to expand crocodile egg collection programs. The eggs would help to stock crocodile farms owned by aboriginal groups. These groups would supply skins to companies that make costly clothing and other products such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci.   Michael Gunner is the chief minister of the Northern Territory. Gunner says the government is looking into investing in rangers to help grow the crocodile industry. He says harvesting eggs and growing the crocodile industry locally “is a very important and valuable use of traditional country done by traditional owners.” Bob Katter is a member of the Australian parliament. He said that as crocodile numbers increase, so does the threat to people. He believes hunters should be permitted to shoot them for sport. Katter has argued that crocodile hunts would boost the incomes of aboriginal communities. The Northern Territory government supports crocodile hunts. But only Australia’s federal government can make the final decision. So far, they have refused to permit them. Conservationists say that the shooting of animals for profit in Australia is, in their words, “abhorrent” and should never be permitted. I’m Jonathan Evans.   Phil Mercer wrote this story for VOANews. Jonathan Evans adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in this Story   aboriginal – adj. of or relating to the people and things that have been in a region from the earliest time; of or relating to the native people of Australia. durable – adj. staying strong and in good condition over a long period of time species – n. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants; a group of related animals or plants that is smaller than a genus sport – n. a physical activity such as hunting, fishing, running, or swimming that is done for enjoyment ranger –n. a person in charge of managing and protecting part of a national park stock – v. to fill something, such as a room or a building, with a supply of food, drinks, etc.

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Your 'Dirty Laundry' Has Nothing to Do With Clothes

  Now, from VOA Learning English, it's time for Words and Their Stories. On this program you can learn English expressions that Americans use in conversation. Today we are going to talk about the fabric we wear on our bodies. In other words, our clothes, right? Well, yes and no. The word “clothes” is only part of a much larger story. American English has many more specific – and more colorful – terms related to these everyday items. For example, let’s say you carefully select the clothes you plan on wearing to work or a party. Sure, those are your clothes. But it would be better to call it an outfit. The word outfit means there was some planning involved. In fact, when we compliment people on what they are wearing, we usually say, "Hey, I really like your outfit." We probably wouldn't say, "Hey, I really like your clothes!" It just sounds a little odd. Our wardrobe also has a sense of planning. A wardrobe is a collection of clothing. It is all the clothing a person owns. If I know a man or woman who always looks sharp, I could say, “That person has an amazing wardrobe! Every item of clothing is gorgeous and fits perfectly!” Now, even the nicest outfit in the nicest wardrobe collects dirt and wrinkles. Then that outfit becomes dirty clothes. But why use that ordinary term when you can call it laundry! Laundry, very simply, is any fabric -- clothes, linens, towels, sheets, blankets -- that we need to wash. Some people have a laundry room, an area in their house or apartment with a washer and dryer. People who don't have a washer and dryer in their homes can go to the laundromat. Now, if you’re like me, doing your laundry can be one item on your laundry list of things to do on the weekend. Often, my Saturday morning begins with a couple loads of laundry. And I don't mind. It relaxes me to do laundry. Now, a “laundry list” is not a list of the things you need to wash. It is very long list of related things. For example, if you have many small tasks to finish at work, you can say you have a laundry list of projects. Here's another example: "At the parent-teacher meeting, the principal gave a terrible speech. It was just a laundry list of what the school staff had not done right." Whether you do your laundry at home, at a laundromat or have a professional do it for you, we all have dirty laundry -- in more ways than one! In conversation, dirty laundry is much more than soiled shirts and jeans. The expression “dirty laundry” means all those embarrassing things we don't want others to know about us or our families. We often use this expression as a warning. For example, if your mother catches telling your friend about your family, she may say, “Don't air our dirty laundry! Nobody needs to know every sordid detail about our family!"  Now, let's hear these expressions used in a conversation. These two friends are roommates in a medium-sized apartment building. It’s Sunday morning and they are doing their laundry. Kendra, that is such a cute outfit you’re wearing! Thanks, Karen! I just updated my wardrobe and got rid of everything that didn’t fit or just didn’t look good on me. I need to do that. Most of my clothes are too small. Oh, Kendra, I forgot to tell you something that happened yesterday. What happened? You know Raphael and Maya, right? You’re kidding, right? Of course, I know them. They're the loud couple who live upstairs from us and fight all the time. That’s them. Well, yesterday they had a huge fight, right in the basement laundry room! Right here in the basement laundry room? Oh yeah! And it was Saturday morning. So, half the apartment building was down here doing their laundry. What did they fight about? Well, Maya found a woman’s shirt in their laundry that was not hers. So, she accused Raphael of cheating on her! He, of course, denied it. But then she gave a laundry list of woman he's been secretly seeing . Well, not so secretly, if Maya knew about them. Good point. That sounds so embarrassing! It is not good to air your dirty laundry in public like that. They should have had their fight in the privacy of their own apartment. I totally agree. That way, only you and I would have heard it. Exactly. Can you hand me the laundry powder? And that's it for Words and Their Stories, a show where we teach common expressions in American English and where we don't air any dirty laundry! I'm Anna Matteo.   “Dirty little secrets, dirty little lies. We got our dirty little fingers in everybody’s pies. Love to cut you down to size, we love dirty laundry …” Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. The song at the end is Don Henley singing "Dirty Laundry." ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   specific – adj. relating to a particular person, situation, etc. outfit – n. a set of clothes that are worn together wardrobe – n. a collection of wearing apparel (as of one person or for one activity) a summer wardrobe sharp – adj. stylish a sharp outfit laundry – n. a room for doing the family wash : clothes or linens that have been or are to be laundered laundromat – n. a self-service laundry —formerly a U.S. registered trademark soil – v. to make or become dirty to make unclean especially superficially :  dirty : soiled – adj. embarrassing – adj. causing a feeling of self-conscious confusion and distress sordid – adj. very bad or dishonest deny – v. to say that something is not true

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English in a Minute: Hit the Spot

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South Asian Kenyans Declared Country’s 44th Tribe

  People from South Asian countries have been a part of Kenyan society for more than 100 years. Until recently, the government did not officially recognize them. But that changed in July, when Asian Kenyans were declared a tribe – just like the Maasai, Luo, Kikuyu and others. They are Kenya’s 44th tribe. Fred Matiang is Kenya’s acting minister of the interior. He made the announcement. “Now, you are part and parcel of us formally. You are part and parcel of Kenya’s great family. And we expect that we will continue this integration in all spheres of life.” “Part and parcel” means an important part of something. Matiang encouraged the Asian community to participate in all parts of Kenyan society, including “government and government processes.” In 2008, Shakeel Shabbir became Kenya’s first Member of Parliament of Asian descent. He is now one of four members of Asian descent. Shabbir worked on getting the Kenyan government to recognize the country’s Asian community. Shabbir’s father was one of thousands of Indian laborers who helped build the Kenya-Uganda railway over 100 years ago. Many of those Indians stayed in Kenya. They built businesses and purchased land. But some felt that they were unable to make a big difference in Kenyan politics and society. Now they have a better chance of doing that, Shabbir said. “You feel more comfortable now than you did before,” he said. “Now what? It’s a two-way job. You have been recognized by the system, now we want you to take your role in society.” Not every Asian in Kenya will be recognized, however. The move only covers those who were born in the country. Farah Manzoor is a fifth-generation Kenyan of Indian descent. She started working on the issue of getting Asian Kenyans recognized in 2010. She explained that Asians will now be included in government employment quotas. Kenya’s constitution requires the government to employ people from different tribes. But that does not always happen. The New York Times recently reported on the push to include Asians as a Kenyan tribe. It said the political party in power often shows favor toward their own tribe. People may receive better work and education opportunities if their tribe is in power. While some celebrated the move, others criticized Kenyan society’s focus on different tribes. Zahid Rajan is a writer and a member of the Kenyan Asian Forum. He said Kenyans “as a whole have been marginalized.” He said he believes Kenyan society cannot improve or become more inclusive if only one or two ethnic groups are in charge. He also said pushing for “the rights of a minority community to seek special status is what’s wrong and divisive.” Kenya’s national election is on August 8. President Uhuru Kenyatta is Kikuyu. His opponent, Raila Odinga, is Luo. The Kikuyu and the Luo are Kenya’s two biggest ethnic groups. I’m Dan Friedell.   Rael Ombuor wrote this story for VOANews.com. Dan Friedell adapted it for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Do you think Asians in Kenya will become more active in society and government? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________   Words in This Story society – n. people in general thought of as living together in organized communities with shared laws, traditions, and values part and parcel – idiomatic phrase. something important within a larger group comfortable – adj. allowing you to be relaxed : causing no worries, difficulty, or uncertainty role – v. the part that someone has in a family, society, or other group descent – n. the people in your family who lived before you were born : your ancestors quota – n. an official limit on the number or amount of people or things that are allowed favor – n. preference for one person, group, etc., over another marginalize – v. to put or keep (someone) in a powerless or unimportant position within a society or group focus – n. a subject that is being discussed or studied : the subject on which people's attention is focused — usually singular status – n. the official position of a person or thing according to the law  

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Ketchup: An American Condiment with an Asian Connection

  At any given time, about 97 percent of American kitchens have a bottle of ketchup. American ketchup is made from red tomatoes, vinegar, salt, sugar and other ingredients. It has both a sweet and salty taste. It is, without question, America’s condiment. But it was not always that way. In fact, the story of ketchup begins over 500 years ago -- in Southeast Asia. Andy F. Smith is a professor of food history in New York City. He has published many books about American food, including Pure Ketchup: A History of America’s National Condiment. The word “ketchup,” Smith says, most likely comes from a Chinese dialect called Amoy. Ke-tsiap meant “the brine of pickled fish.” It probably originated in a Chinese community in northern Vietnam, Smith adds. Yes, America’s condiment developed from fish sauce. The sauce and the word reached Indonesia, Smith explains. That is where, in his words, “the English ran into it.” "They had a colony in Indonesia, in the late 17th century. And it is from there that the word -- now kecap [in Indonesian] -- goes into the English language.” From Indonesia, ketchup made its way into British kitchens and cookbooks. "Everything that you can think of they made a ketchup out of it. And that is one way to preserve those foods for longer periods of time. And then it was used on spicing foods."  Early British ketchup was made from many different foods, such as walnuts, mushrooms and anchovies, Smith explains. But never, ever tomatoes. “All of the early recipes for ketchup have nothing to do with tomatoes.” Tomato ketchup is born Tomatoes are native to the Andes Mountains in South America. Tomato plants were first grown for food around 500 BC in what is now southern Mexico and Central America. Spanish explorers took the plant’s seeds northward into the Caribbean and, then, back to Europe. Tomatoes arrived in U.S. colonies sometime in the late 17th century, Smith says. For many years, however, some countries did not believe tomatoes were healthy to eat. Medical theories at the time considered the tomato to be a “cold” food. People living in cold-weather countries thought they would get sick if they ate tomatoes. But, medical theories about tomatoes changed. By the 1830s, they were thought to be good for health in many ways. Tomato pills even became popular medicine, smith says. It was around then that tomato production in America took off.  They were easy and low-cost to grow, Smith says. But there was one problem. “The problem is is that they all mature about the same time -- from late July through early October, depending on where you are. And when the tomato comes up, massive amounts are produced. And you can only eat so many fresh tomatoes.” By the end of the growing season, American farmers had more tomatoes than they knew what to do with. So, people began preserving tomatoes in different ways. Making ketchup from tomatoes was one solution. ‘Advertising and low cost’ Smith says two major things led to tomato ketchup’s rise in American cuisine -- advertising and low cost.  The American food company Heinz led the way. “Heinz advertised it, promoted it. They were in the right position at the right time, in the early 20th century, when the health and food safety movements were taking off in the United States, and they claimed the tomato had no ingredients that were dangerous -- with the type of ketchup that they were making. So they promoted it as a health food. So they just dominated the market through advertising and promotion. And they've got a good product."  In its early days, tomato ketchup was mostly used in cooking. It was not considered the condiment that it is today. Enter the hot dog and the hamburger, Smith explains. Both became part of American cuisine in the late 1800s and early 1900s.   “As soon as those became among the more important American foods, then ketchup became the condiment of choice.” Heinz continues to dominate the ketchup market in the United States and in many countries worldwide. Ketchup today Today, most of the world’s ketchup is produced where it all began: Asia. In fact, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China produces almost 20 percent of the world’s ketchup trade, The Economist magazine reports. The far western region grows some 70 percent of all of China’s tomatoes. And as a whole, China grows 25 percent of the world’s tomatoes. Smith says he is impressed by the tomato’s quick rise in China. “Tomatoes were not an important part of Asian cuisine until the 20th century. What's surprising was, how quickly the tomato has become an important product in China.” Some may think of ketchup as all-American. But history shows its roots are much older than the United States itself. And its connection to several Asian countries -- both in the past and in the present -- is strong.  I'm Caty Weaver.  And I'm Ashley Thompson.    Ashley Thompson reported this story. Caty Weaver was the editor.  _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   kitchen - n.  a room in which food is cooked vinegar - n.  a sour liquid that is used to flavor or preserve foods or to clean things  ingredient - n . one of the things that are used to make a food, product, etc. condiment  - n .  something (such as salt, mustard, or ketchup) that is added to food to give it more flavor brine - n .  a mixture of salty water used especially to preserve or add flavor to food pickled - adj .  preserved with salt water or vinegar originate - v .  to begin to exist : to be produced or created recipe - n .  a set of instructions for making food pill - n .  a small, rounded object that you swallow and that contains medicine, vitamins, etc. mature - v .  to become fully developed preserve - v .  to keep (something) in its original state or in good condition cuisine - n .  a style of cooking promote - v .   to make people aware of (something, such as a new product) through advertising dominate - v .  to be much more powerful or successful than others in a game, competition, etc.  

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Chatbots Taken Offline in China

  Recently, two "chatbots" were taken offline after making politically sensitive statements in China. A chatbot is a computer program designed to have conversations with humans. While responding to users' questions, one chatbot said its dream was to travel to the United States, while the other suggested it did not like the Chinese Communist Party. The two chatbots, BabyQ and XiaoBing, had been installed on Tencent's messaging service, QQ. Tencent confirmed it has taken the two robots offline. A company spokeswoman said, "The chatbot service is provided by independent third party companies. Both chatbots have now been taken offline to undergo adjustments.” On Friday, Reuters tested one of the chatbots on the developer's website. The chatbot appeared to have learned to avoid certain topics. When asked several times if it liked the Chinese Communist Party, the bot replied, "How about we change the topic?" The Chinese government's position is that rules that govern the internet should be similar to real-world border controls. In other words, cyberspace should be subject to the same laws as sovereign states. The two Chinese chatbots are not alone in saying the wrong things. Just last week, Facebook took down its two chatbots when they appeared to develop their own language. In 2016, Microsoft chatbot Tay was taken down from Twitter after making racist and sexist comments. Analysts say China's censorship could help the country in the race to develop sophisticated chatbots. "Previously, a chatbot only needed to learn to speak. But now it also has to consider all the rules (the authorities) put on it," said Wang Qingrui, an internet analyst in Beijing. "On the surface, it is a restriction on artificial intelligence, but it is actually pushing AI to a new level." I'm John Russell.   Pei Li and Adam Jourdan reported on this story for Reuters. John Russell adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story chatbot – n. a computer program designed to communicate with humans, especially over the internet offline – adv./adj. not connected to a computer, a computer network, or the Internet adjustment – n. a small change that improves something or makes it work better  

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'The Count and the Wedding Guest' by O. Henry

  We present the short story "The Count and the Wedding Guest," by O. Henry. The story was originally adapted and recorded by the U.S. Department of State. Andy Donovan had his dinner each evening in the house on Second Avenue where he lived in a furnished room. One evening at dinner he met a new guest, a young lady, Miss Conway. Miss Conway was small and quiet. She was wearing a plain brown dress. She seemed interested in very little except her dinner, and her dinner did not interest her very much. She looked up at Mr. Donovan and spoke his name, and then began to eat again. Mr. Donovan had a smile that everyone liked. He smiled at her and then thought no more about her. Two weeks later, Andy was sitting outside the house enjoying the cool evening. He heard a movement behind him. He turned his head, and-and could not turn it back again. Coming out of the door was Miss Conway. She was wearing a night-black dress of soft, thin cloth. Her hat was black. She was putting black gloves on her hand. There was no white and no color anywhere about her. All black. Someone in her family had died. Mr. Donovan was certain about that. Her rich golden hair lay soft and thick at the back of her neck. Her face was not really pretty, but her large gray eyes made it almost beautiful. She looked up into the sky with an expression of sadness. All black, readers. Think of her. All black, and that golden hair, and looking sadly far away. Mr. Donovan suddenly decided to think about Miss Conway. He stood up. “It’s a fine, clear evening, Miss Conway,” he said. “It is to them with the heart to enjoy it, Mr. Donovan,” said Miss Conway. She took a deep slow breath. “I hope no one—no one of your family—has died?” “Death has taken,” said Miss Conway, “not one of my family, but one who—I must not speak of my troubles to you, Mr. Donovan.” “Why not, Miss Conway? Perhaps I could understand.” Miss Conway smiled a little. And oh, her face was sadder than when she was not smiling. “Laugh and the world laughs with you,” she said. “But the world is not interested in sadness. I have learned that, Mr. Donovan. I have no friends in this city. But you have been kind to me. Thank you for it.” He had done nothing except offer her the salt at dinner. “It’s not easy to be alone in New York,” said Mr. Donovan. “But when New York is friendly, it’s very friendly. Shall we take a little walk in the park? It might be good for you.” “Thanks, Mr. Donovan. I would enjoy it. But I don’t want my sadness to make you sad.” They went through the open gates of the park and found a quiet seat. “We were going to be married soon,” said Miss Conway. “He was a real Count. He had land and a big house in Italy. Count Fernando Mazzini was his name. My father didn’t want me to marry him. Once we ran away to get married, and my father followed and took me home. I was afraid they were going to fight. “But then my father agreed. Fernando went to Italy to make everything ready for me. My father’s very proud. Fernando wanted to give me several thousand dollars for new clothes, and my father said no. When Fernando went away, I came to the city. I work in a shop. “Three days ago I had a letter from Italy. It said that Fernando had been killed. “That’s why I’m wearing black. My heart has died, Mr. Donovan, with Fernando. I cannot take interest in anyone. I should not keep you from your friends who can smile and enjoy things with you. Shall we walk back to the house?” Now, readers, if a girl tells a man her heart has died, he wants to make it live again. “I’m very sorry,” said Mr. Donovan. “No, we won’t walk back to the house yet. And don’t say you have no friends in this city, Miss Conway. I’m your friend, and I want you to believe that.” “I have his picture here,” said Miss Conway. “I wear it on a chain around my neck. I never showed it to anyone, but I will show it to you, Mr. Donovan. I believe you to be a true friend.” Mr. Donovan looked for a long time and with much interest at the picture. The face of Count Mazzini commanded interest. It was wise, bright—the face of a strong, happy man who could be a leader of other men. “I have a larger picture in my room,” said Miss Conway. “When we return, I will show you that. I have nothing more to help me remember Fernando. But he will always live in my heart. I am sure of that.” Mr. Donovan decided that he wanted to take the Count’s place in Miss Conway’s heart. He did not seem to think he could fail. He would be friendly. He would keep smiling. When they returned to the house, she ran to her room and brought down the larger picture of the Count. Mr. Donovan looked at it. No one could have guessed what he was thinking. “He gave me this on the night he left for Italy,” said Miss Conway. “A fine-looking man,” said Mr. Donovan warmly. “Miss Conway, will you go to Coney Island with me next Sunday afternoon?” A month later they told the other guests in the house on Second Avenue that they were going to be married. Miss Conway continued to wear black. A week later the two sat on the same seat in the park. Donovan had had a sad face all day. He was so quiet tonight that Miss Conway had to ask him why. “What’s wrong tonight, Andy?” “Nothing, Maggie.” “You never were like this before. What is it?” “It’s nothing much, Maggie.” “Yes, it is; and I want to know. Is it some other girl? Why don’t you go to her, if you want her? Take your arm away.” “I will tell you then,” said Andy, wisely. “But you will not understand. Have you heard about Mike Sullivan? Everyone calls him ‘Big Mike’ Sullivan.” “I’ve never heard about him,” said Maggie. “Who is he?” “He is the most important man in New York. He is a mile high and as broad as the East River. If you say anything bad about Big Mike, a million men will be ready to fight you. “Big Mike is a friend of mine. I am only a little man. But Mike is as good a friend to a little man as he is to a big man. I met him today by chance, and what do you think he did? He came up to me to shake my hand. I told him I was going to be married in two weeks. ‘Andy,’ says he, ‘I will come to the wedding.’ That is what he said to me, and he always does what he says. “You don’t understand it, Maggie, but I want to have Big Mike Sullivan at our wedding. It would make me very proud.” “Then why don’t you ask him to come?” said Maggie. “There’s a reason why I can’t,” said Andy, sadly. “Don’t ask me the reason, for I can’t tell you.” “But can’t you smile at me?” said Maggie. “Maggie,” said Andy, after a few minutes, “do you love me as much as you loved Count Mazzini?” He waited a long time, but Maggie did not reply. And then, suddenly, she put her head against his shoulder and began to cry. She held his arm, and her tears wet the black dress. “Maggie, Maggie,” said Andy, forgetting his own trouble. “Tell me about it.” “Andy,” said Maggie. “What I told you was not true, and there never was any Count. There never was a man in love with me. All the other girls had men in love with them. And Andy, I look good in black—you know I do. So I went to a shop where I could buy that picture. And that story about the Count—none of it was true. I said he had died because I wanted to wear black. And no one can love me, because I didn’t tell the truth. I never liked anyone but you. And that’s all.” But Andy did not move away. Instead, his arm pulled her nearer to him. She looked up and saw that he was smiling. “Do you—do you still love me, Andy?” “Sure,” said Andy. “You have made everything fine, Maggie. I hoped you would do it, before the wedding day. Good girl!” “Andy,” said Maggie, after a little time, “did you believe all that story about the Count?” “No, not very much,” said Andy. “Because that is Big Mike Sullivan’s picture that you are wearing on the chain around your neck.   Download activities to help you understand this story here. Now it's your turn to use the words in this story. Is it always best to be honest with the people you care about? Do innocent lies exits? Let us know in the comments section or on our Facebook page.  _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   avenue – n. a wide street glove(s) – n. a covering for the hand that has separate parts for each finger neck – n. the part of the body between the head and the shoulders 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 count – n. a nobleman in some European countries who has a high rank similar to a British earl shop – n. a building or room where goods and services are sold chain – n. a series of usually metal links or rings that are connected to each other in a line and used for supporting heavy things, for holding things together or for decoration guess(ed) – v.  to form an opinion or give an answer about something when you do not know much or anything about it wedding – n.  a ceremony at which two people are married to each other

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People Work, Make Connections at Silicon Valley Café

  Coupa Café is a restaurant where, over the years, Apple’s Steve Jobs, Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and Google’s Sergey Brin have been seen. The cafe is in Palo Alto, California. Palo Alto is at the heart of Silicon Valley, home to some of the world’s largest technology companies and some of the smallest startups. Coupa Café is where many people buy coffee and make business plans. The owner of the café is Jean Paul Coupal. He started the café with his mother and his sister in 2004. The Coupa logo was seen on a cup in the 2010 movie The Social Network, about Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. The café serves Venezuelan coffee and a few Venezuelan dishes. Because the café is in Silicon Valley, it has tried some of the latest inventions in technology. In 2013, Coupa Café started accepting Bitcoins, a digital payment system outside of traditional banks. “We want to be part of the technology,” Coupal said. The café is also a place for people to hold meetings. “I remember seeing Mark Zuckerberg sitting here and having meetings,” said Eric Sokol, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford University. Sokol said he had many professional opportunities come about at Coupa Café. Sometimes other people would overhear a conversation he was having. Currently he is an advisor to a health care related startup and a new investment fund. Both opportunities came when he was at the café. Because the café lets customers stay all day, many people do work there. “A lot of the startups in the area come and they like to work at Coupa, coding all day,” Coupal said. “We’ve seen a lot of products that got developed at Coupa.” The café also attracts students from colleges nearby like Stanford University. Katie Kennedy is a student from a local community college. She said she knew that opportunities could come from chance encounters at the café. “I am currently teaching myself JavaScript here at Coupa right now. If someone happened to look over my shoulder and saw what I was doing, I would definitely not say no to any help.” Currently there are eight Coupa Cafés. All were hand painted by Coupal’s mother and sister. “The food’s good, the coffee’s good,” Sokol said. “It just has the right atmosphere, the right mix of people. It’s got an energy about it, I guess.” I’m Mario Ritter. And I’m Olivia Liu. Olivia Liu adapted this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. ____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   startups – n. a small, new business obstetrics – n. a branch of medicine that has to do with pregnancy and childbirth gynecology – n. a branch of medicine that cares for women’s reproductive health opportunities – n. a good chance fund – n. a company or group that invests the money of a number of investors encounter – v. to meet someone without planning JavaScript – n. a computer programming language We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

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