Everyday Grammar: Okay

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English in a Minute: Drop the Ball

Dropping the ball in a team sport is not a good thing. But what does this mean in other situations? Let's hear from Ashley, Jonathan and Anna!

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Preparing Students for Professions with Few Jobs

College teachers are finding new ways to help students find jobs in occupations where there are few openings. Some help their students reach out to people who can help them find hard-to-get jobs. This person-to-person method is known as “networking.” They are also offering classes that can help students learn skills outside their chosen professions. It will help them find jobs if jobs are not available in their first choices for work. Helping to create tomorrow’s playwrights Paula Vogel teaches theater students at Brown University in Rhode Island. Vogel is a prize-winning playwright. She received a Pulitzer Prize for excellence in writing. There are many more plays written than get produced. Vogel supports her students by helping them connect to a group of people who can help them reach their dreams. That includes literary agents who represent playwrights her students respect. And that also includes people working in theater productions with Brown University connections. Vogel employed two former Brown students in her show, “Indecent,." It closed on August 6 after 143 performances on New York's Broadway. Vogel is also big on helping talented students believe in themselves. Steven Levenson had two shows performed in New York this year. One is the hit Broadway musical, “Dear Evan Hansen.” Levenson is a former student of Vogel's. He remembers how she took him and other students out for coffee. “She said if this is something that you want to do -- this writing thing -- I believe that you can do it.” “That kept me going for several years, just that one conversation -- you know through sort of the darker moments of being in New York and trying to figure it all out. So, I give her all the credit for that.”   Journalism jobs decline Lorraine Branham heads the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University in New York. It prepares students to work in the news media, which has been cutting jobs in recent years. Branham said the Newhouse school is offering more classes on how students can present news through the Internet. Students are also learning how to produce videos and get their stories out on social media. It is a difficult job market, but Branham noted, “Our students are finding jobs after graduation.” She said some wish they could get more time to do longer stories and explain important issues. But Branham said she sees reason for hope. Two major newspapers -- The New York Times and The Washington Post -- are both gaining readership, partly because of stories about the Trump administration, Branham said. “I like to joke about the president making journalism great again,” she added. ​ ‘Jokes’ about English majors For years, there have been jokes about English majors graduating from college with great knowledge of Shakespeare’s plays, but no job offers. Michael Kuczynski heads the English department at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He said the school’s English majors are finding work, although not always directly connected to their studies. He said businesses are employing English majors because of their ability to communicate clearly. So are public relations companies and non-profit groups. Kuczynski said English majors also continue to teach at both the college and high school levels. For many students, it was a high school English teacher who helped them write creatively and begin to understand great literature.  “Teaching for me is brand new every day and it’s so exciting to watch kids becoming passionate and committed to the kind of things that you find important.” It’s not easy to star in a movie or play Acting is another difficult occupation. It is not uncommon for 300 people or more to “try out” for New York theater productions, with fewer than 20 being chosen. Some actors work in Los Angeles for most of their adult lives without ever getting more than a small part in a major movie or television show. J. Ed Araiza works at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is head of graduate acting at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. Felicia Ruff is a professor and chair of the Department of Theatre and Speech at Wagner College in New York. Both she and Araiza said there is some luck needed to succeed as an actor. But more often, they agree, it is all about hard work and good training. “Dreaming big is important, Ruff said. “But hard work, resilience, stick-to-itiveness are all extremely important.” Araiza agrees. He said many UCLA acting graduates have gone on to successful careers in movies, theater and television. But others have found success doing something they probably did not expect when they started at UCLA. For example, some are earning a good living reading books for audio recordings, Araiza said. Others are teaching new theater students. UCLA’s acting program tries to prepare students for a number of occupations -- so they can get jobs even if they do not get parts in popular movies, Araiza said. He and Ruff said that people put too much importance on making a lot of money or becoming famous. Araiza said he tells students seeking to attend UCLA’s acting program that “nothing is guaranteed in art” and that succeeding is difficult. Ruff tells them that they will face rejection -- even at school as they try to get parts in college shows. She said, “But that is only telling someone that one door isn't opening for them -- that doesn't mean there aren't other doors for them to walk through."   I'm Alice Bryant. And I'm Bruce Alpert   Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. What is your dream job? And how do you think you can get it? ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   playwright - n. a person who writes plays talented - adj. having a special ability to do something well conversation - n. an informal talk involving two people or a small group of people moment - n. a short period of time brand new - adj. fresh, like it just happened passionate - adj. full of emotion and feelings commit - v. to say that someone will definitely do something resilience - n. the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens stick-to-itiveness -- n. strong determination to keep doing something even when it is difficult graduation – n. the act of completing a study program at a school, college or university

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National Food Days: An American Tradition

  If you look on the Internet, you will see that almost every day of the year celebrates some kind of food. These “holidays” have become very popular across the United States. They often are trending stories on Twitter, and described in the U.S. media. They give people a chance to enjoy something they might not eat normally, like National Onion Ring Day, for example. Food holidays also give restaurants and other businesses a chance to promote their products. But where did these distinctly American “holidays” come from? Many are the invention of an Alabama man, John-Bryan Hopkins. He writes about food for his Foodimentary.com website. Hopkins told Time magazine that when he began his site in 2006, there were only 175 “holidays.” “I filled in the rest,” he said. Some of his favorites are National Oreo Cookie Day on March 6 and National Tater Tot Day on February 2. The National Day Calendar has a list of all the different food and non-food related “holidays.” In the past, the website used to let anyone create their own day -- for a price. But now, the site only accepts requests from businesses and other organizations. While some food “holidays” are indeed made-up, many have historical roots. For example, National Beer Day on April 7 marks the end of a U.S. ban on the production, transport, import and sale of alcoholic drinks. The ban lasted from 1920 until 1933. The Salvation Army, a Christian group, launched U.S. National Doughnut Day on June 1, 1938. It was meant to honor women who served soldiers doughnuts during World War I. But not everyone likes food holidays. Bethany Jean Clement is a food writer for the Seattle Times newspaper. She wrote, “I get that some people might be excited by, say, National Doughnut Day. But you really can have a doughnut any day you want!” Tavi Juarez, also of Foodimentary.com, thinks national food holidays are here to stay. She told the Seattle Times, “In my humble opinion, I believe that food holidays will continue to grow in popularity online because there’s a lot of negativity out there. Why not choose to celebrate food instead?” I’m Jonathan Evans.   Matt Hilburn wrote this story for VOANews. Jonathan Evans adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in this Story   distinctly – adv. different in a way that you can see, hear, smell or feel; noticeably different made–up - adj. created from the imagination; not true or real promote – v. to make people recognize something, such as a new product through advertising; to make something more popular or well-known online – adj. of or relating to a computer or computer systems negatively – adj. in a way that is not desirable

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A Woman Police Chief Breaks Barriers in Pakistan

  Pakistani Rizwana Hameed made history last month when she became the first woman chief of a male police station in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa province. The area is known for its conservative cultural and religious traditions. Women are rarely even permitted outside their homes in the area. Hameed has been a member of the provincial police force for 15 years. She has taken part in many crime investigations. She also has carried out raids on suspected terrorist bases. She says being the first woman officer to supervise a male police station in the area carries a lot of pressure. “It’s a difficult job for me,” she says. However, Hameed says she is enjoying the job and she says women can do everything men can do and more. “If men are asked to take on household responsibilities and babysitting, for the whole day, I don’t think they can handle them. Whereas women can easily handle professional responsibilities outside of the home also,” she said. Women in the surrounding area have not been willing to enter the police station with complaints. They do not want to discuss them openly with male police officers, says Hameed. She says the provincial capital city, Peshawar, is a “closed society” where women mainly stay at home. “Even if they are subjected to domestic violence they endure it and avoid publicly talking about it,” she says. But Hameed says her presence is “encouraging them to bring problems to the police station and their number is growing by the day.” This success has increased the willingness of local women to go to the police. Hameed says, “When their problems are solved they take back a message of satisfaction to their communities, which is emboldening other women to visit the police station.” Pashtun families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have traditionally not supported women joining the police force. About 10 percent of police are women. But officials say examples of women police in the media are changing the way people think. Hameed says her new job makes family life a little difficult, but she has the support of her husband and other family members. The provincial police department also is working to get women from women’s schools to join the force. Hameed says she believes more women on the force will reduce domestic violence and other crimes against women. I’m Caty Weaver.   Ayaz Gul reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   handle – v. deal with complaint – n. making a statement of dissatisfaction domestic – adj. related to matters of the home endure – v. to deal with or accept something (difficult) for a long time emboldening – v. to make someone more likely to do something or take action encouraging – adj. to be supportive of personnel – n. people who work for a company, organization or government We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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Scientists Discover Fossil of Strange Sea Worm

  Scientists found a prehistoric ancestor of an arrow worm among a group of fossils at two national parks in Canada. The fossils were found in what is now British Columbia, but was once an ocean. The sea worm was 10 centimeters long and had 50 spines on its head. The spines could close suddenly to capture smaller sea creatures, like shrimp. The scientists reported their discovery in the journal Current Biology in early August. They are calling the creature Capinatator praetermissus. They say it lived 500 million years ago and is very different from anything alive now.  Capinatator means “grasping swimmer.” Derek Briggs is a scientist from Yale University. He led the expedition. He said the creature was larger than today’s similar worms. The arrow worms of today have teeth instead of spines. Briggs said the worm was probably a good predator because it had so many spines. The scientists said it is difficult to find evidence of these prehistoric worms because their bodies decayed so quickly. But this discovery was in such good shape, they were able to make a good guess about how the worm looked. Researchers were able to make a detailed drawing and an animation of how they think the worm moved in the ocean. Doug Erwin works for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. He was not involved in the research. He said the discovery will help scientists better understand the worms and other life from this ancient period. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on reporting by the Associated Press. Caty Weaver was the editor. What do you think about these worms? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   fossil – n. something (such as a leaf, skeleton, or footprint) that is from a plant or animal which lived in ancient times and that you can see in some rocks grasp – v. to take and hold (something) with your fingers, hands, etc. spine – n. a sharp, pointed part on an animal or plant predator – n. an animal that lives by killing and eating other animals: an animal that preys on other animals decay – v. to be slowly destroyed by natural processes: to be slowly broken down by the natural processes that destroy a dead plant or body animation– n.  a way of making a movie by using a series of drawings, computer graphics, or photographs of objects (such as puppets or models) that are slightly different from one another and that when viewed quickly one after another create the appearance of movement  

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When Do We 'Eat Crow?'

Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories. On this show, we explore the origins and usage of expressions we use in every day American English Okay, nobody likes to be wrong. But when it turns out that we are, in fact, wrong, the best thing to do is admit it. For some reason, in American English when we need to admit that we are wrong, we usually eat something. For example, admitting a mistake often requires that we swallow our pride. The expression means that we must forget ourselves in order to repair the damage our mistake has done. That's right. Or, let’s say you are bragging about something you can do. But it turns out you can't. If you claim that something is true when it isn't, you may have to eat your own words. Now, normally eating is a good thing and eating pie is even better. Blackberry, apple and pumpkin pie are all quite delicious. However, one pie that tastes awful is humble pie. When you eat humble pie you have to admit you are wrong. You, in a way, have to eat humility, which according to this expression does not taste very good. Sometimes when we offer a challenge, we make a bet. We may use the phrase, "If I'm wrong, I'll eat my hat." This is a way of saying, "There's no way I'm wrong." In many old American films and television shows, this phrase is used as a joke. And the joke is always the same: someone, proven wrong, shakes salt on his hat as he pretends to eat it. Okay, so swallowing pride, eating words and humble pie, or even eating one’s hat are all fairly easy to understand -- kind of. But what about eating crow? Why is eating crow a way of admitting you're wrong? Some language experts say this expression comes from English writer Rudyard Kipling. Kipling uses an image of eating crow in his 1885 short story "The Strange Ride of Morrowbie Jukes." Morrowbie Jukes was a European colonist in India. While traveling one day, he falls into a sand pit and cannot escape. Another man, a native Indian, is also trapped in the same sand pit. The Indian man stays alive by catching wild crows and eating them. Morrowbie is full of pride as he yells, "I shall never eat crow!" However, days pass and he has eaten nothing. Hungry and  facing certain death, he finally does what he swore loudly he wouldn't do -- eat crow. Often people have to eat crow when they make very bold, repeated public statements that turn out to be false. Not just individuals – the media sometimes has to do it, too. That's right. In 1948, then-president Harry Truman was campaigning against Thomas Dewey. The Washington Post newspaper predicted over and over that Dewey would win. The newspaper was wrong. After the election, they sent this telegram to the winner, President Truman: "You Are Hereby Invited To A ‘Crow Banquet’ To Which This Newspaper Proposes To Invite Newspaper Editorial Writers, Political Reporters And Editors, Including Our Own, Along With Pollsters, Radio Commentators And Columnists ... Main Course Will Consist Of Breast Of Tough Old Crow En Glace. (You Will Eat Turkey.)" Now, let's hear some of these expressions in a short story. Four friends live in a small town. Their favorite thing to do together is to play basketball together. One of them, Lane, is new to town. He's really good at basketball and lets everyone know. His friends warn him that if he keeps bragging, he will soon have to eat his words. But he doesn't listen. "If anyone in this small town beats me on the court, I'll eat my hat!" Lane was always betting like that. He really thought no one could beat him at basketball. One night after shooting hoops all day, the four friends find themselves in a mom-and-pop restaurant for dinner. As Lane brags about how great he had played that day, the owner of the restaurant comes over with their food. He's very tall, but walks slowly and his back is stooped. His strong hands are spotted with age.  Hearing their conversation, the old man smiles. "I used to shoot a lot when I was younger,” he remembers fondly. “It's quite a game!" The friends agree with him. They have a great conversation with the old man about how basketball has changed over the years. Lane, however, is upset. No one is talking about his victory on the court that day. But then he lets his pride get the better of him. "Well, old man, it's nice that you played once. But basketball is a game for young people like me!" "That's the truth," the old man laughs. "My tired old legs could never go up and down the court the way they used to." "Yeah, restaurant work is more suited to an older person." Lane says "older person" as if it were a bad word. Lane's friends sink down in their seats, embarrassed at his behavior. The old man just smiles. He stands up straighter and clears his throat loudly to get everyone's attention. "Well, there is one thing that I can still do quite well. I can shoot a mean free-throw!" He points at Lane and adds, "In fact, I might even beat you, young man." Lane laughs at this. His friends, who know the old man better than Lane, say nothing. They simply sit there, smiling, as Lane invites the old man to a friendly free-throw competition the next day.  "If you beat me at free throws, I'll ..." Lane pauses, not knowing what to bet. The owner thinks of it for him. "If you lose, you must wait tables in my restaurant for a week." Lane agrees to the bet and they shake on it. They arrange to meet at the basketball court the next day at noon. Word about the challenge gets around quickly. The town is that small. At the appointed time, spectators fill the seats around the basketball court. The rules of the competition are simple. The one to make the most free-throw shots in a row wins. Lane goes first. He makes 24 excellent free-throw shots. But he misses his 25th throw. "Beat that!" he yells, throwing the basketball at the old man.  The old man picks up the ball and walks slowly over to the free throw line. The restaurant owner sinks shot after shot, all of them perfect. The old man is still shooting to the roar of the crowd when Lane leaves the court with his tail between his legs. In the end, the old man made a total of 63 perfect free-throws – a new court record! At first Lane is too embarrassed to go into the restaurant. But finally, he swallows his pride and apologizes to the old man. The old man graciously gives Lane an apron, then watches as the young man waits on his first customer. As most of the people eating at the restaurant knew about the bet, Lane has to eat crow every time he takes an order. And then he eats massive crow when his friends come into the restaurant. They give him a really hard time! Soon, though, Lane is having fun talking about basketball with the old man. When Lane tells his friends how much the old man knows about basketball, they aren't surprised at all. "Yeah, we tried to tell you that. But you wouldn't listen. That old man was a college basketball star and even played for a professional team." "Well, you could've told me that before I challenged him!" Lane throws a towel at his friends. "You needed to eat some humble pie. Your bragging was really getting on our nerves! Speaking of pie, waiter," one friend says, "I'll take the peach pie for dessert." After the third day, Lane and the old man decide to meet every evening after work to shoot hoops together.  "On one condition," says the old man. "You name it," answers Lane. "Please stop waiting tables in my restaurant. You're really bad and I'm losing customers." And that's the end of this Words and Their Stories. How do you admit you're wrong in your language? Do you eat crow? Or just your hat? Let us know or simply practice these expressions in the Comments Section! I'm Bryan Lynn and I'm Anna Matteo.   Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   admit – v. to say usually in an unwilling way that you accept or do not deny the truth or existence of (something) brag – v. to talk about yourself, your achievements, your family, etc., in a way that shows too much pride colonist – n. a person who helps to create a colony shoot hoops - slang : playing basketball mom-and-pop – adj. owned and run by a married couple or by a small number of people stooped – adj. (of a person) having the head and shoulders habitually bent forward. fondly – adv. in a loving way mean – adj. chiefly US, informal : excellent or impressive spectator – n. a person who watches an event, show, game, activity, etc., often as part of an audience roar – n. a loud continuous confused sound graciously – adv. to do something with kindness and courtesy massive – adj. large in amount or degree to get on someone's nerves - slang : to annoy someone a lot with his tail between his legs – informal phrase : with a feeling of being embarrassed or ashamed especially because one has been defeated

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Uyghur Food: 'A Combination of Everything'

American Grace Clegg loves to try new food. She recently ate at Dolan Uyghur Restaurant in Washington, D.C., with a group of friends and coworkers. There, they had what Clegg described as a “delightful spread” of common Uyghur food dishes: hand-pulled noodles, kebabs, nan, steamed rice with meat, and more. Before her visit to the restaurant, she knew little about Uyghur food, she said. “I had heard of Uyghurs, yes, but it was always in an academic context, or a political context, never in terms of the culture or the cuisine – the stuff that makes up the core of the people. And I think that food is a great way to learn culture.” Clegg says it is “rare” that she tastes something completely new, or different from anything she has tried before. Eating Uyghur food, however, was one of those rare experiences, she said. “You feel echoes of other cuisines, but it all comes together in something new.” Who are the Uyghurs? Uyghurs are an ethnic group in Central Asia. About 10 million of them live in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, a huge area in the northwestern part of the country. They speak Uyghur, a Turkic language that is similar to Uzbek, and use an Arabic-based alphabet. Most practice Islam. Xinjiang sits between China and Central Asia. It borders eight countries, including Russia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. It was an important area along the ancient Silk Road trading path. Uyghur language and culture reflect Xinjiang’s history at the crossroads. So does Uyghur food.  The rise of Uyghur food in America Just five years ago, New York City was about the only place in America to find Uyghur food. But more recently, restaurants serving Uyghur food have opened all across the country. Last year, Houston, Texas, got its second Uyghur restaurant. And the city of Boston, Massachusetts, just got its first Uyghur restaurant. In Washington, D.C, two Uyghur restaurants have opened in the past 18 months. The growing presence of Uyghur food in the area led the Washington Post newspaper to ask, will Uyghur cuisine be the “next big thing” in the United States?  Uyghurs in the American restaurant industry hope that the answer is yes. Bakir Osman is one of them. He is the manager of Dolan Uyghur Restaurant. It opened last November.  “We’re more present than ever. I believe we’re going to be more present moving forward. And yes, I’m sure that it’s just a matter of time before a lot more Uyghur restaurants...start spreading or opening all over the place.”  “A combination of everything” Uyghur cuisine combines the rich and hearty ingredients common across Central Asia with complex and spicy tastes favored in China. Bakir calls it a “combination of everything.” “We have a lot of elements from the Central Asian ethnic groups, like Uyghurs, Uzbeks, Kyrgyz and Kazakh, even Russian. And of course, there are elements from the Chinese food culture...   "It’s a combination of everything: Middle Eastern, Turkish, Central Asian, Chinese, you name it.” Most Uyghur food dishes include mutton or lamb. Uyghurs are known across China for their lamb kawap -- or kebabs. The meat is cooked on a grill and covered with cumin and other spices. Another traditional Uyghur food is laghman -- fresh hand-pulled noodles, served with lamb, vegetables and a spicy sauce. The name of this dish is related to the Chinese lā miàn -- or stretched noodles. But no dish is more central to Uyghur food and culture than polo. Bakir calls it the “life blood of man.” Polo is a rice pilaf -- a dish made of seasoned rice and meat and vegetables. Many Central Asian countries have their own version of pilaf. Uzbeks call it plov; Afghans call it palau. How to make Uyghur polo The main ingredients in Uyghur polo are rice, carrots, onions, lamb and oil. Other ingredients are salt, sugar, cumin and water. Ekber Kayser owns Dolan with his wife. He is also its head chef. On most days, Ebker prepares the polo at the restaurant. That means he must expertly cut huge amounts of carrots, onions and meat at the start of each day, Bakir explains. “Carrots need to be sliced into the correct shapes and sizes. And then onion needs to be sliced in its own way…”  Polo is cooked  in a large, round pot. After the ingredients are prepared, Ekber heats the pot on the stove. Once the pot is hot, he adds in a large amount of cooking oil. Then, he adds the onions and meat, followed by the carrots. The chef then waits a few minutes before adding salt, sugar and then the water to the pot.    This is when, in Bakir’s words, “it gets tricky.” After the mixture comes to a boil, Ekber tastes the mixture over and over. He then adds a little salt, and then sugar. Then, he tastes it again and again, until the flavor is just right. Uyghurs do not use exact measurements in their cooking. To prepare polo, the cook must taste dish every few minutes to make sure the flavor is correct. “When he or she feels right about it, then that’s where it’s right. So, it has to be tasted and confirmed by the person who cooks it. There’s no way to measure.” Bakir says polo should be “strong” in flavor.   Once the taste is just right, Ekber adds the uncooked rice and spreads it around. Then, he covers the pot. The mixture steams for five or 10 minutes. After this, Ekber removes the lid from the pot and mixes the rice around to make sure all of the flavors of the ingredients are spread evenly. Then, he uses a chopstick to make holes in the mixture. This releases air and helps make the dish more flavorful. After mixing the rice and making the holes, Ekber lets the rice mixture continue to steam for another 30 minutes. Then, the polo is served. It is often topped with cumin and a generous amount of meat. Some Uyghurs eat polo with a side of yogurt and a small salad made of cucumbers, onions and other cold vegetables. “You can eat it any time you like” In Xinjiang, there are many different kinds of polo. Some Uyghur cooks add raisins or apricots to polo. Xinjiang grows a lot of both fruits. Others may add chickpeas, walnuts, or even hard-boiled eggs. Bakir says he can eat polo in whatever way, at any time of day. “Well, honestly speaking, I would eat polo all day long. And I will never get bored from eating polo. Back home...I used to eat polo...early in the morning, like 6 or 7 o'clock. So it's not really a dish that you eat at a certain time, for lunch or dinner, so to speak. But you can eat it any time you like."  Along with being a popular food all day long, polo is also commonly served at big gatherings, Bakir says. “Polo is traditionally served at parties and weddings -- gatherings -- as a way of showing respect to your guests and to your friends or family. And it’s also a way of celebrating or enjoying the rich cultural elements, I mean in this  case, Uyghur culture.”  In his native language, Bakir says that he hopes Uyghur food continues to spread across America.  "Uyghur food is strong in both taste and smell. It gives people nourishment and strength. Therefore, we hope the American people like Uyghur food. We hope Uyghur food becomes an important part of American culture. We will strive to make it happen.” I’m Ashley Thompson. And I’m John Russell.   Ashley Thompson wrote this article for VOA Learning English. Olivia Liu filmed and produced the video. Caty Weaver was the editor.   What is the most significant or important food in your culture? Tell us about it in the comments section!  _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   delightful - adj. very pleasant : giving or causing delight very pleasant : giving or causing delight academic - adj.  of or relating to schools and education context - n. the words that are used with a certain word or phrase and that help to explain its meaning cuisine  - n . a style of cooking core - n . the central part of something echo - n . something (such as a feature or quality) that repeats or resembles something else Turkic - adj. relating to a group of similar languages of western and central Asia practice - v.  to do (something) regularly or constantly as an ordinary part of your life ingredient - n . one of the things that are used to make a food, product, etc. spicy - adj.  flavored with or containing strong spices and especially ones that cause a burning feeling in your mouth chef - n . a professional cook who usually is in charge of a kitchen in a restaurant significant - adj.  very important slice - v.  to cut something with a sharp object (such as a knife) tricky - adj.  requiring skill or caution flavor - n . the quality of something that you can taste steam - v.  to cook, heat, or treat (something) with steam generous - adj.  providing more than the amount that is needed or normal nourishment - n .  food and other things that are needed for health, growth, etc. strive - v. to try very hard to do or achieve something

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'The Romance of a Busy Broker' by O. Henry

We present the short story "The Romance of a Busy Broker," by O. Henry. The story was originally adapted and recorded by the U.S. Department of State. Pitcher, who worked in the office of Harvey Maxwell, broker, usually allowed his face to show no feeling. This morning he allowed his face to show interest and surprise when Mr. Maxwell entered. It was half past nine, and Mr. Maxwell was with his young lady secretary. “Good morning, Pitcher,” said Maxwell. He rushed to his table as if he were going to jump over it, then began to look at the many, many letters and other papers waiting there for him. The young lady had been Maxwell’s secretary for a year. She was very beautiful, and very different from most other secretaries. Her hair always looked plain and simple. She did not wear chains or jewels. Her dress was gray and plain, but it fitted her very well. On her small black- hat was the gold-green wing of a bird. On this morning she seemed to shine softly. Her eyes were dreaming but bright. Her face was warmly colored, and her expression was happy. Pitcher watched her. There was a question about her in his mind. She was different this morning. Instead of going straight to the room where she worked, she waited. She seemed not to know what to do. Once she went over to Maxwell’s table, near enough for him to see that she was there. The machine sitting at that table was no longer a man. It was a busy New York broker. “What is it? Anything?” asked Maxwell shortly. Papers lay like snow covering his table. His gray eyes looked at her as if she were another machine. “Nothing,” answered the secretary, moving away with a little smile. “Mr. Pitcher,” she said, “did Mr. Maxwell talk to you yesterday about getting another secretary?” “He did,” Pitcher answered. “He told me to get another one. Several are coming to talk to us this morning. But it’s now after nine and not one has appeared.” “I will do the work as usual,” said the young lady, “until someone comes to fill the place.” And she went to her table. She took off the black hat with the gold-green bird wing and put it away as usual. If you have never seen a busy New York broker on a busy day, you know little about men at work. Every minute of a broker’s hour is crowded. And this day was Harvey Maxwell’s busy day. Beside his table stood a machine. From this came a long, narrow, endless piece of paper, bringing him business news as soon as it happened. Men began to come into the office and speak to him. Some were happy, some were not, some were in a hurry, some were full of anger. Boys ran in and out with letters for him to read and answer at once. Pitcher’s face now showed that he was alive. The other men who worked in the office jumped around like sailors during a storm. And there were storms in the business world, fearful storms. Every storm was felt in the broker’s office. Maxwell moved his chair against the wall. Now he was like a dancer. He jumped from the machine to his table to the door and back again. In the middle of all this, he slowly realized that something had come near him. There was golden hair; there was a very large amount of it, high on a head. On top of the hair was a big hat covered with birds’ wings. There was a long silver chain, hanging from a neck until it nearly touched the floor. And among all these things there was a young lady. Pitcher was beside her to explain. “Lady for that job as secretary,” said Pitcher. Maxwell turned half around, with his hands full of letters and paper from the machine. “What job?” he asked. “Job of secretary,” Pitcher said again. “You told me yesterday to have someone sent here this morning.” “You are losing your mind, Pitcher,” said Maxwell. “Why should I tell you anything like that? Miss Leslie is a perfect secretary. She can keep the job as long as she wants it.” To the young lady he said, “There is no job here.” And to Pitcher he added this order: “Tell them not to send any more. And don’t bring any more in here to see me.” The silver chain left the office, hitting against chairs and tables with anger, as it went. Pitcher said to another man in the office that Maxwell was more forgetful every day. The rush of business grew wilder and faster. Maxwell was working like some fine, strong machine. He was working as fast as he could. He never had to stop to think. He was never wrong. He was always ready to decide and to act. He worked as a clock works. This was the world of business. It was not a human world, or the world of nature. When the dinner hour was near, things grew   quieter. Maxwell stood by his table with his hands full of papers and his hair hanging over his face. His window was open, for it was the time of year when the weather was beginning to turn warm. And through the window came a soft sweet smell of flowers. For a moment the broker was held there, without moving. For this smell of flowers belonged to Miss Leslie. It was hers and hers only. The smell seemed almost to make her stand there before him. The world of business grew smaller and smaller. And she was in the next room—twenty steps away. “I’ll do it now,” said Maxwell, half aloud. “I’ll ask her now. I won- der why I didn’t do it long ago.” He rushed into the other room. He stopped beside the secretary. She looked up at him with a smile. Warm color came into her face, and her eyes were soft and kind. Maxwell’s hands were still full of papers. “Miss Leslie,” he began quickly, “I have only a moment. I want to say something in that moment. Will you be my wife? I haven’t had time to make love to you in the usual way. But I really do love you. Talk quick, please. I have to get back to my work.” “Oh, what are you talking about?” cried the young lady. She rose to her feet and looked at him, round-eyed. “Don’t you understand?” said Maxwell. “I want you to marry me. I love you, Miss Leslie. I wanted to tell you. So I took this moment when I wasn’t too busy. But they’re calling me now. Tell them to wait a minute, Pitcher. Won’t you, Miss Leslie?” The secretary acted very strangely. At first she seemed lost in surprise. Then tears began to run from her wondering eyes. And then she smiled through her tears, and one of her arms went around the broker’s neck. “I know now,” she said, softly. “It’s this business. It has put every-thing else out of your head. I was afraid at first. Don’t you remember, Harvey? We were married last evening at eight, in the Little Church around the Corner.”   Download activities to help you understand this story here. Now it's your turn to use the words in this story. How do you organize your time? Is work the most important thing to spend your time on? Let us know in the comments section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   broker – n. a person who helps other people to reach agreements, to make deals, or to buy and sell property such as stocks or houses secretary - n. a person whose job is to handle records or letters for another person in an office rush(ed) – v. to move or do something very quickly or in a way that shows you are in a hurry chain(s) – 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 rush – n. a situation in which a large number of people move to or toward one place at the same time usually to do a specific thing or to search for something

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Can a US President Be Charged With a Crime?

  It is a constitutional question without a clear answer: Can a sitting American president be charged with a crime? The question has new importance as special counsel Robert Mueller investigates the Trump 2016 presidential campaign. He is looking into possible connections between the campaign and Russians who reportedly interfered in the 2016 election. Last week, it was reported that Mueller is using a grand jury as part of his investigation. Grand juries decide if government investigators may legally demand private records and information from witnesses. There was no information about when—or whether—Mueller would bring criminal charges in the case. On Wednesday, the Washington Post reported that federal investigators searched and gathered evidence from the house of Paul Manafort, a Trump campaign manager. Mueller can prosecute any federal crimes linked to the investigation.  In theory, that could include legal action against the president. Mueller is reportedly investigating if Trump obstructed justice when he dismissed James Comey as director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If Mueller's team decides to bring charges against Trump, it could create a legal battle -- one that could likely end at the Supreme Court. The Constitution lists conditions under which a president can be impeached and removed from office. But the Constitution does not directly say whether the president can be prosecuted, or tried for a crime. Also, federal law does not say whether a president can be prosecuted. Courts have never ruled on the issue. Eric Freedman teaches constitutional law at Hofstra University in New York. He says legal opinion is divided as to whether a sitting president can be charged with a crime. "It's an important and unsettled question," says Freedman. He says the possibility of legal charges is another way to keep presidents answerable for their actions. Those who believe a sitting president is protected from criminal charges say it comes down to governing the country. A criminal charge, they say, could prevent presidents from carrying out their duties. That would damage the ability of the government to work. They say this is an understood constitutional principle. Others argue that the Constitution would include clear terms of such legal protection for the president if that is what its creators had wanted. These experts also argue that the Constitution clearly states no person is above the law. Kenneth Starr agrees with this view. He was the independent counsel who investigated former President Bill Clinton.  In a Starr office memo recently uncovered by The New York Times, Starr said it is right, constitutional, and legal for a president to be charged for serious crimes that are not part of the president’s official duties. "In this country,” he wrote, “no one, even President Clinton, is above the law." Impeachment Impeachment is the process by which Congress brings charges against the president. It means Congress is the court that tries the president. Impeachment is a political, not legal, process, according to James Pfiffner, a public policy professor at George Mason University. He believes impeachment is the best way constitutionally to hold a president accountable. The Constitution says reasons to impeach a president include "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors." Congress alone has the power to decide what that means. What does it take to impeach a president? A majority of lawmakers in the House of Representatives must agree on impeachment for it to happen. The Senate then holds a trial. And a president could be removed from office if two-thirds of the Senate agree the president is guilty. Only two American presidents have been impeached by the House of Representatives - Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson. The Senate ruled not guilty in both cases. President Richard Nixon was facing possible impeachment when he resigned. The next president, Gerald Ford, pardoned Nixon after he left office.  As a result, the former president could not face criminal charges. Pardons Now, some are questioning if a sitting president could pardon him or herself. Last month, The Washington Post reported that President Trump had asked his lawyers about such a possibility, although his lawyer denied the newspaper story. It appears the Constitution would permit a sitting president to pardon anyone for any crime at any time. I’m Caty Weaver. And I’m Anne Ball. William Gallo wrote this story for VOA news. Anne Ball adapted this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver 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   counsel – n. a lawyer who represents a person or group in a court of law prosecute – v. to hold a trial against a person who is accused of a crime to see if that person is guilty obstruct – v. to block something so that things cannot move easily impeach – v. to charge (a public official) with a crime done while in office  

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Afghan Boy Called 'Little Picasso' Shows Works in Serbia

  A 10-year-old refugee known for his artistic ability has held his first art show and donated all the money raised to a sick Serbian boy. Farhad Nouri has been called “the little Picasso” for his pictures and photographs. The Associated Press reported that examples of his work were shown in Belgrade. The boy has lived at a crowded migrant camp in the Serbian capital with his parents and two younger brothers for the past eight months. His family was forced to flee conflict and poverty in their home country of Afghanistan two years ago. They traveled through Greece and Turkey before arriving in Serbia. The boy's gift for art was recognized when he was taking language and painting training programs in Belgrade. Local aid groups organized the classes for refugees and migrants. "We quickly realized how talented he (Nouri) was and sent him to a painting school as well as a three-month photography workshop,” said Edin Sinanovic. “So this is a retrospective of what he learned there." Sinanovic is with the Refugees Foundation, a non-government organization (NGO). Among Nouri's works shown on the grounds of a Belgrade cafe were his drawings of Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Harry Potter. His photos mostly include images from around the city. In addition to holding his first art show, "Farhad wanted to help someone,” Sinanovic said. So he chose to give any money raised to a six-year-old Serbian boy who needs money for his treatment after brain cancer. Nouri said he wanted to help someone else as well to show how important it is to be good to other people. "We all need kindness," he said. The boy dreams of one day moving to Switzerland to become a painter and a photographer. I’m Jonathan Evans.   The Associated Press news agency first reported on this story. George Grow adapted the report for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   migrant – n. a person who moves from place to place in an effort to find work workshop – n. a brief educational program for a relatively small group of people retrospective – n. a show or performance of works of an artist over a period of time drawing – n. a picture or image made with a pencil, pen or other writing instrument We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.  

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