Lesson 4: Run Away With the Circus!

Summary Anna and Pete start their new show. They do not agree about the circus. Are the performers artists or athletes? Do they perform or compete? Find out in the first "He Said - She Said" show. Conversation Anna: Hello, I’m Anna … Pete: … and I’m Pete. Welcome to “He Said, Anna: … She Said”! Pete: Because there are always two sides …   Anna: to every story! Anna: Today’s show is about Circus Arts! Pete: Circus? That’s not an art form. Anna: Yes, it is. Pete: No, it isn't. Anna: Yes, it is. Pete: No, it isn't. Anna: Yes, it is! Pete: No, it isn't. Anna: Yes, it is! Pete: No, it isn't. Anna: Yes, it is! Professor Bot: Oh dear. Anna and Pete do not agree about Circus Arts. But that's okay. Today’s lesson is about agreeing and disagreeing. Let’s listen to how Anna and Pete disagree or agree. Let’s hope these two can agree on something. Anna: Today, let’s run away with the circus! Recently, I went to a circus festival. There was a huge circus tent. And many different circus performers. It was a celebration of circus arts! Pete: That looks fun, Anna. But I don’t think circus performers are artists. I think they’re athletes with interesting skills … and costumes. Anna: Hmm, that is a very interesting point of view, Pete. And I completely disagree. Pete: Anna, Michelangelo was an artist. Rembrandt was an artist. People who swing from ropes are not artists. I know it’s not easy to swing from a bar and catch someone by the hands. You have to be very athletic to do that. Anna: That’s a good point, Pete. They are athletic. But they are called trapeze artists. Trapeze … ARTISTS. Pete: I hear what you’re saying, Anna. I do. But where is the art? Look at these guys. They’re jugglers. Anna: Yes, they are skilled in the art of juggling. Pete: They have a special skill. But are they artists? Anna: Yes! Pete: No! Pete: They're just throwing things back and forth. Anna: Kind of like you and me, Pete. We’re going back and forth on this issue. Pete: I don’t think we’ll ever agree on this one. Anna: No, but we can agree that these young people are amazing. Pete: Okay, yeah. We can agree on that. But, still, they are very athletic – flipping and throwing each other around. Anna: Yes, I agree with you on that point. Professor. Bot: They did it! They agreed!! Anna says she agrees that the performers are athletic. "That’s a good point, Pete. They are athletic. I agree with you on that point. " Now look for other ways they agree. Pete: Anna? Anna!! Anna: Sorry! Sorry! But he’s an artist too. He is telling a story with his sticks and his costume. Pete: What story? What costume? Anna: I see your point, Pete. I really do. But circus performers do more than physical tricks. Look! Look at these amazing performers! Pete: I will admit -- I like their costumes. Anna: You know, Pete. Let’s let the performers speak for themselves. Anna: Kate and Piper tell stories while hanging upside down on a ring! Pete:  Was it hard to interview them upside down? Anna:  I interviewed them right side up, Pete. Kate says circus performing may be athletic but it’s not competitive. With most sports, you compete. Kate: It’s an art form because like, other sports are competing. This is simply performing and having fun. Pete: Okay, Kate made a really good point. In athletics, there is a lot of competition. But still … Anna: Here’s Piper, Pete. Please pay attention, Pete. Pete: But, I - Anna: Shh. Piper: Well, when you’re up in the air doing circus you have to perform. And so, we learn to embody characters, and to move fluidly and gracefully … in artistic ways. Anna: And that …is why they are artists! Pete: You’re right, Anna. Oh, you’re right. It’s just so beautiful.  Anna: I know. I know, Pete. Professor Bot: Good job you two! I'm so glad that Anna and Pete finally agree! Pete said, " You’re right, Anna."  I agree, too. Circus arts are beautiful. Remember the website!   New Words admit - v. to say usually in an unwilling way that you accept or do not deny the truth or existence of (something) athlete - n. a person who is trained in or good at sports, games, or exercises that require physical skill and strength athletic - adj. strong and muscular back and forth - adv. toward the back and then toward the front or backward and forward bar - n. a straight piece of metal or wood that is used as a tool circus - n. a traveling show that is often performed in a tent and that typically includes trained animals, clowns, and acrobats competitive - adj. of or relating to a situation in which people or groups are trying to win a contest or be more successful than others embody - v. to be a symbol or example of (something) form - n. a type or kind of something graceful - adj. moving in a smooth and attractive way hang - v. to hold one's body in the air Michelangelo - n. Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni was an Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, poet, and engineer. Along with Leonardo da Vinci, he is often called a "Renaissance man" which means that he had great talent in many areas. Rembrandt - n. Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn was a famous Dutch painter and artist. He is generally considered one of the greatest painters and printmakers in European art history, and the most important in Dutch history. right side up - adv. with the top of something, or the head of a person, facing upward ring - n. something that is shaped like a circle rope - n. a strong, thick string that is made by twisting many thin strings or fibers together run away with - phrasal verb. to secretly leave a place with a person or a group side - n. one of two or more opinions, positions, etc., that disagree with each other trapeze - n. a short bar that is hung high above the ground by two ropes and that is held by circus performers who perform athletic tricks on it twirl - v. to turn or spin around and around   Learning Strategy The learning strategy for this lesson is Apply a rule. When you use English, you often apply rules you have learned. If you are not sure about how to say something in English, you can look for a rule that will help you. In this lesson, Anna and Pete are talking about circus performers. Are they artists or athletes? Anna thinks of this rule: 'athletes compete in sports.' The performer Kate says circus performing may be athletic but it’s not competitive. Anna helps Pete to understand that circus performers are artists because, as Piper says, they move "in artistic ways." How about you? How do you apply rules while you are speaking English? Can you think of an example of a rule that you applied recently? Write to us in the Comments section or send us an email.    Listening Quiz See how well you understand this lesson by taking a listening quiz. Play each short video, then choose the best answer. ​ Free Materials Download the VOA Learning English Word Book for a dictionary of the words we use on this website. For Teachers Send us an email if you have comments on this course or questions. Topics: Expressing opinions; Expressing agreement and disagreement Learning Strategy: Apply a rule Comments Now it's your turn. Send us an email or write to us in the Comments section below or on our Facebook page to let us know what you think of this lesson. ​

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Fake News Becoming the Norm in Poland

  Poland, like many European countries, has been targeted by Russian propagandists with disinformation campaigns. Experts say the effort is aimed at the country's political discussion. They say many false accounts were opened on Polish Facebook, and other sites, in 2014 during a period of protests in neighboring Ukraine. Russian propagandists are focusing on inciting Polish nationalist, anti-Western and anti-Ukrainian feelings. They often work with political organizations already on the extremes of liberal or conservative thinking. At the same time Polish political marketing companies are also at work in the country. They are creating fake news, troll factories and harassment campaigns.  Their methods are similar to those used by Russian propagandists. In addition, Poland’s ruling party, PiS, or Law and Justice, is slowly taking measures to restrict press freedom.  Soon after its election, the PiS government took control of Poland’s public broadcaster. PiS is now focusing on foreign-owned media companies. The party also is seeking to supervise use of money given to non-governmental organizations.  The European Union has condemned that effort. This year, the independent U.S.-based researcher Freedom House    rated Poland’s media only “partly free.” The group produces an annual report on press freedom around the world.  The Freedom House report said the Polish government showed "intolerance toward independent or critical reporting,” as well as a high level of political interference in public media. It said Poland was also restricting expression about Polish history and identity.  Critics have also raised objections to the ruling party’s own successful social media campaigns. The critics say the party uses paid trolls on social media and news sites. They also accuse PiS of using automated social media accounts that can spread memes rapidly. Robert Gorwa is a team researcher with Oxford University’s Internet Institute. He says its studies “found PiS to have developed an "extraordinarily effective online resurgence.” Gorwa said the research showed higher levels of so-called bots, or automated accounts, on Polish Twitter than expected. He said the examination also found there were more than twice as many suspicious PiS or nationalist accounts than extreme liberal ones.  The nationalist accounts also posted more often than those of the opposing side. Gorwa said liberal or moderate accounts appeared to repost information from more established media organizations, politicians and journalists. The PiS and nationalist-linked fake accounts, he said, supported extreme points of view and spread “political disinformation” from untrustworthy sources. Gorwa said they also broadcast xenophobic content. Media activists in neighboring Ukraine say they have found similar propaganda activity in their country.  Tetiana Popova is a former Ukrainian deputy minister for information policy. She said "We are seeing targeted social media hate and harassment campaigns by Ukrainian troll factories. Now the troll farms are being used against anti-corruption journalists and activists." I’m Phil Dierking.   This story was originally written by Jamie Dettmer for VOANews.com.  Phil Dierking adapted the story for VOA Learning English from an Associated Press report. Caty Weaver was the editor. How well do you trust the news and media of your country? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   bots - n. a software application that runs automated tasks (scripts) over the Internet.​ harass - n.  to annoy or bother (someone) in a constant or repeated way​ resurgence - n. a growth or increase that occurs after a period without growth or increase​ spectrum - n.  a complete range of different opinions, people, etc.​ troll - n. a person who tries to cause problems on an Internet message board by posting messages that cause other people to argue, become angry, etc.​ xenophobic - adj. someone who has a fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners​

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African Art Museum Opens in Cape Town

  The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa officially opened its doors on Friday. The new museum itself is a work of art. It is a century old grain silo on the historic waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa. British architect Thomas Heatherwick redesigned the building for the African continent’s largest collection of contemporary art. All the art works were made after the year 2000. The nine floor museum attempts to show that often ignored African contemporary art is worthy of attention. Museum officials hope to create excitement with its many exhibits. Some works are inventive, while others suggest a clash of ideas. Some seem to be playful, while others leave visitors wondering what they saw. Mark Coetzee works at the museum. He says it has several goals. One is to represent the people of Africa whose stories have often been told by other people, by outsiders. “Let’s create an institution where people from Africa, whether we were born here thousands of years ago or whether we immigrated yesterday, can contribute to the writing of our history,” he told VOA. “Let us also define how we want to be presented to the world.” Coetzee says contemporary art gives rise to many pressing issues in the modern world. He adds that modern art museums give people the tools to negotiate the times we are living in. Artists, he says, ask very difficult questions, such as ‘Why is there separation of wealth and power?’ and ‘How do we negotiate difference in society when we have different religious, or different genders, or different orientations?’ Coetzee says a museum is “a very safe space to discuss very difficult issues,” which affect people in the 21st century.” The new museum holds the private art collection of Jochen Zeitz, a German collector and former head of sportswear manufacturer Puma. On entering the museum, visitors see a large dragon with a 100 meter long tail. The creature is made of bicycle inner tubes. It is the work of South African artist Nicholas Hlobo. Visitors can also see the bright photographs of zebras, balloons and human-like figures in costumes. Those images are from South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga. Visitors can also see the nine screen video exhibit “Ten Thousand Waves” by British artist Isaac Julien. They can touch – and take home – prints of images by Angolan photographer Edson Chagas. They can walk through room after room of creatures made from cow skin by Nandipha Mntambo of Swaziland. When the museum offered 24,000 free passes for two hour visits during its opening weekend, they were all given away in just 9 minutes. In the last few years, African contemporary art has started to be respected. That is the opinion of Hannah O’Leary, head of modern and contemporary African art for Sotheby’s auction house. She admits that the market is new, and African artists often do not earn high prices. But Sotheby’s first auction of African art this year brought in $3.8 million. The event broke the record for the highest sales of African art at a single event. While South Africa has always had a strong tradition in the arts, O’Leary says, other countries are becoming more interested in making art and buying it. “From the results of our first sale, we have buyers from 29 different countries, on six different continents,” she told VOA from London. “We’re not talking about just selling South African art to South African buyers. We are taking the greatest art from across the continent and we know that that has the greatest appeal, so we are selling to collectors in Africa, but also in North America and Europe.” Mark Coetzee says visitors should not be concerned about the museum’s $38 million design, its millions of dollars of art, or its elegant appearance. Nor, he said, should they all pay $13 for a single, one day admission. Children enter for free, and citizens of African nations get free admission every Wednesday. I’m Susan Shand.   VOA’s Anita Powell reported this story from South Africa. Susan Shand adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. __________________________________________________________ Words in This Story museum – n. ​a building in which interesting and valuable things (such as paintings and sculptures or scientific or historical objects) are collected and shown to the public​ silo – n. a tower that is used to store food (such as grain or grass) for farm animals architect – n. a person who designs buildings contemporary – adj. happening or beginning now or in recent times exhibit – n.  a collection of object that have been put in one place for people to see or inspect institution – n. an organization contribute – v. to supply or provide balloon – n. ​a thin usually rubber bag that becomes larger when it is filled with air or gas​ costume – n. ​the clothes that are worn by someone (such as an actor) who is trying to look like a different person or thing​ gender – n. the behavioral or cultural qualities normally linked to one sex auction – n. a public sale where things are gold to the person who offers to pay the most elegant – adj. high grade or quality  

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Text Messages Connect Farmers in Kenya

WeFarm was launched in Kenya in 2014; the service recently expanded to Uganda and Peru. Its operators hope to reach one million farmers in the next year.

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Everyday Grammar: Take

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Lesson 4: What Is It?

Summary Anna is new to Washington, DC. She meets her friends to go out for coffee. Anna has many things in her bag. Speaking Pronunciation Often English speakers do not say the word "and" carefully. Watch the video to learn about this reduced form in American English. Conversation        Anna: Pete, hi! Hi, we are here! Pete: Hi, Anna! Hi, Marsha! Anna: Hi! Pete: How are you two? Marsha: I am great! Anna: You know, Pete, I am new to D.C. The city is big. Pete: Yeah. But you learn a little more every day. How's the new apartment? Anna: The new apartment is great! Let's get coffee! Marsha: Anna, do you have a pen? Anna: Yes. I have a pen in my bag. Anna: I have a … Pete: It is not a pen. It is a book. It is a big book. Anna: Yes. Yes it is, Pete. I know I have a pen, though… Anna: I have a .... Marsha: It is not a pen, Anna ... a toy? Anna: I have a .... Pete: And it is a pillow! Anna: Pete, Marsha, I know I have a pen.  Marsha: Anna, it is a map.  Pete: Why do you have a map of the world? Anna: Pete, Marsha. Now I know I have a pen. Pete: And now you have a lamp. Marsha: Anna. Anna: I have a pen! Let’s get coffee! Writing Download the worksheet. Practice writing the names of common objects. Learning Strategy Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. This lesson's learning strategy is focus. Use this learning strategy when you need to get information from listening or reading. Decide what you need to learn and pay close attention when you listen or read.  Here is an example of how to use focus: In the video, Anna has some strange things in her bag. Watch the video for this lesson and focus on the name of each thing she takes out of her bag. After you watch the video, try to say or write all the things in Anna's bag. If you cannot say five things, play the video again. Write a comment in the Comments section about how using this strategy worked for you. At the end of the video, can you write or say all the things in Anna's bag? Focus is an important learning strategy because it helps you learn new information more quickly. See the Lesson Plan for this lesson for more details on using this strategy. Listening Quiz See how well you understand the lesson by taking this quiz. Each question has a video. Play the video and choose the correct answer. _______________________________________________________________ New Words bag - n. a soft container used to hold money and other small things big - adj. large in size book - n. a set of printed sheets of paper that are held together inside a cover or a long written work coffee - n. a dark brown drink made from ground coffee beans and boiled water lamp - n. a device that produces light little - adj. small in size  map - n. a picture or chart that shows the rivers, mountains, streets, etc., in a particular area pen - n. a writing instrument that uses ink pillow - n. a bag filled with soft material that is used as a cushion usually for the head of a person who is lying down  toy - n. something a child plays with world - n. the earth and all the people and things on it   Free Materials Download the VOA Learning English Word Book for a dictionary of the words we use on this website. Each Let's Learn English lesson has an Activity Sheet for extra practice on your own or in the classroom. For Teachers   ​See the Lesson Plan for this lesson for ideas and more teaching resources. Send us an email if you have comments on this course or questions. Grammar Focus: BE + Noun; Be + Adjective + Noun; BE + Not + Noun; HAVE + Noun Topics:  Greetings; Names of common objects; Negation Learning Strategy: Focus Speaking and Pronunciation:  Pronouncing reduced "and​;" BE + noun _______________________________________________________________   Now it's your turn. Send us an email or write to us in the Comments section below or on our Facebook page to let us know what you think of this lesson.

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American Community Colleges May Help More People Find Work

  Now more than ever, higher education is one of the most important tools many people have as they seek a bright economic future. The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce studies the relationship between education and employment. In 2014, the center released a report on the future of the United States job market. It found that by the year 2020, 65 percent of all U.S. jobs will require workers to have some kind of education or training after they finish high school. But the Department of Education reports that younger Americans often have difficulty meeting that requirement. It reported that in 2015, only about 42 percent of people between 18 and 24 years of age were in a postsecondary degree study program. Also, only about 60 percent of college students who started a four-year degree program in 2008 completed its requirements within six years. So how might the United States better educate its population? Some experts believe community college is the answer. Community colleges have long been the way for Americans facing economic or other barriers to get a college education. In 1947, the U.S. government called on states to each create their own system of public, two-year institutions to serve communities in need. These schools offer classes costing less than other colleges or universities. And they often have no academic requirements for students who attend. Mike Krause is the executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. His group supports the expansion of higher education across the state. Krause says that many Tennesseans see any college program as something that is not doable for them. Talk Poverty, a research group, reports that about 16 percent of Tennessee’s population lives below the poverty line – the amount of money needed to pay for life’s necessities. Krause argues that with college costs reaching record levels, many people have seen low-skilled jobs in fields like manufacturing as their best path forward. “The old way of thinking was, ‘Not everybody needs to go to college,’” he told VOA. “And also, a lot of students probably counted themselves out because they said something like, ‘Well, I’m not college material because my family can’t afford it.’ The reality is, not being able to afford college is a lot different than not being able to succeed in college.” Krause notes that many American businesses have taken their manufacturing jobs to other countries where workers are paid less. Also, machines have replaced human laborers in some positions. So people still working in manufacturing must possess more high-level training. A working knowledge of technology is helpful now in many jobs that may not have required a four-year college degree in the past. Krause says these changes in the American labor market began to worry Tennessee’s leadership. So in 2014, they created the Tennessee Promise program. It provides recent high school graduates two years of free classes at any of the state’s community or technical colleges. The goal is to make sure 55 percent of Tennesseans have earned some form of postsecondary certification by 2025. And earlier this year, the state began offering free community college to older adults as well to help reach this goal. Two other states, Rhode Island and Oregon, have also started offering free community college to their citizens. And a growing number of other experts say community college could be the next best way to make more Americans competitive in the modern workforce. Jeff Strohl is the director of research at the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. He says during the economic recession 10 years ago, many people began to question the value of a traditional four-year degree. Families were paying more and more money for their children’s education. But many recent graduates found there were fewer jobs available, especially ones that would pay well enough to cover the costs of student debt. Economic conditions across the country have improved in recent years. But Strohl says the return on investment has never been equal for four-year degrees from every field. An engineering student, for example, will likely make far more money than a student with a degree in social work. And Strohl says many employers have raised the issue that many four-year degree holders still lack necessary skills to join the workforce. Their degrees do not show exactly what they can do. Community colleges, on the other hand, have a history of teaching specific skills or technical training to students for a specific job, he says. "Community colleges … align their programs with workforce readiness, meaning their programs are purposely focused on helping somebody get ready for a job. … They craft their programs to meet the needs of the local employers, and thereby doing, create employable graduates." In July, the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce released another report on the job market. It defined a good job as one that payed, on average, $55,000 a year. The report found that since 1991, the United States had lost about 2.8 million good jobs that did not require a four-year degree, especially in manufacturing. However, the number of skilled service jobs, which only require the kind of two-year degree one can get at community college, increased by about 4 million. These jobs are in fields like healthcare, education and financial services. And with a two-year degree or other certification, a person can enter these fields with the training necessary to start working immediately. Strohl notes that a four-year degree program is still the best way for students to improve their lives in the long-term. But for people who are unable to spend the time and money necessary to earn one, this is a different source for a high quality education. Also, many young people start their higher education at a community college only to move on to a traditional college once they are ready to do so. In addition, labor lawyer Mark Hudson suggests major changes may be coming to the world of higher education. He says that as more people choose less traditional paths to education, the way schools offer their programs may change. "Do you need a four year degree to be a computer coder? I think there’s a real interesting question there, and that’s why you’re seeing a lot of the code schools pop up that are 14 weeks … If you do that in 14 weeks, do you need to go for four years? You might not need to, and you still might be making just as much or more than anybody else." I’m Pete Musto. And I’m Dorothy Gundy.   Pete Musto reported this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. How common is it for a person to choose a community college over a four-year degree program? How do you think a community college education compares to the education one receives at a four-year university? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   postsecondary – adj. used to describe any education beyond high school degree – n. an official document and title that is given to someone who has successfully completed a series of classes at a college or university institution(s) – n. an established organization academic – adj. of or relating to schools and education afford – v. to be able to pay for something graduate(s) – n. a person who has earned a degree or diploma from a school, college, or university certification – n. official approval to do something professionally or legally specific – adj. special or particular align – v. to change something so that it agrees with or matches something else coder – n. a computer programmer

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Kick Up Your Heels!

  Now, it is time for Words and Their Stories from VOA Learning English. On this program we explain the meaning and usage of common expressions in American English. Today we will talk about expressions with the word “heel.” Now, heel has several meanings, many of which relate to the end or back of things. For example, we call the two ends of a loaf of bread the heels. This can be  good to know, especially if you like dipping a bread heel into a simmering pot of tomato sauce or soup. Another meaning of heel is the end of your foot. In an earlier Words and Their Stories, we explained the story of Achilles’ heel in detail. So, we won’t repeat that expression in this program. Why should we when they are so many others to choose from? Just as the heel is the back of your foot, the heel of your shoe is also the back part. Many women like to wear high-heeled shoes. They may look nice but high-heels can cause pain and are not good for your feet. Sometimes we call the really  high-heeled shoes that women wear "killer heels." Speaking of shoes, wealthy people usually have many. To be well-heeled means to be wealthy and well-to-do. Perhaps wearing nice shoes is where “well-heeled” comes from. Let’s move from shoes to pets! You may hear dog owners who are training their dogs say something like, “Heel, boy! Heel!” Here the verb “heel” means to follow or stop at a person’s heels. Now, you would not to leave your beloved pet with a heel. This is a person you cannot trust. “Heel” used in this way comes from an early 20th century American expression meaning an "incompetent or worthless criminal." Language experts say this definition may come from a "person in the lowest position" being compared to the heel of the foot. Let’s talk more about this body part. Have you ever wanted to describe a situation where you were unwilling to change your mind about something? You could say you dug your heels in. Someone digging their heels in the ground would be difficult to move. Stubborn is a good word to describe people who have dug their heels in. You could even use them together. For example, I stubbornly dug my heels in when my friend suggested we go to the mountains instead of the seashore. I really wanted to go to the beach! If someone (or something) is at your heels, they are following closely behind you. Let’s say you have a little brother who really wants to hang around you all the time. He is always at your heels – which could become annoying. However, being on the heels of something is a little different. This expression means that something happens soon after something else. For example, Sonia and Timothy announced their plans to get married on the heels of another big announcement – Sonia’s divorce from her last husband. Good timing, Sonia! As a body part, our heels find themselves in two other common expressions. To kick up your heels means to have fun. Some word experts think this expression may have come from the world of horses. Others say it comes from the way you might use your feet when you are waiting for something. Regardless of its origin, Americans often use this expression after they have been very busy, as in this example: “After studying all month, the students were happy to finish their exams, kick up their heels and relax!” The saying to cool your heels means you are forced to wait for something to happen. For example, you may have to cool your heels at a doctor’s office or in a long line at the store. We often use this expression as a command. If your friend really wants to go to a party, but you need to make a quick stop first, you could say, “Hey, cool your heels! The party will still be there!” “To cool your heels” is also casual. If I were talking in a more serious and official situation, I might say that I waited patiently. This expression dates back to the 16th century. After horses ran a long race, their feet were hot. So the animals stood in water to cool their feet. By the next century, people were using the saying cooling his heels to describe someone who was in a hurry but had to wait for something. And that’s all for this Words and Their Stories. We will be back next week. Until then, you’ll just have to cool your heels. I’m Anna Matteo.   "Kick up your heels and swing with me. Oh my, Baby. Kick up your heels and swing with me. Gonna dance with me tonight. Kick up your heels and swing with me. Oh my, Baby. Swing it like you mean it!" Anna Matteo wrote this Words and Their Stories for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. The song at the end is Jessica Mauboy singing "Kick Up Your Heels." _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   simmer – v. to stew gently below or just at the boiling point stubborn – adj. refusing to change your ideas or to stop doing something annoying – adj. to cause (someone) to feel slightly angry patient – adj. able to remain calm and not become annoyed when waiting for a long time or when dealing with problems or difficult people : patiently – adv.

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Los Angeles Police Departments Explore Use of Drones

  A growing number of police departments in the United States now have drones and are exploring different ways to use them. A recent study found that drone ownership by local police and public safety agencies across the U.S. has greatly increased since 2014. The Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College in New York published the study results in April. The study found that at least 347 state and local police, fire and emergency agencies now have drones. But there is debate in some cities about whether local police should be using drones, also known as unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS. The Los Angeles Police Department, or LAPD, is considering a pilot program to experiment with drones in different situations. Some groups have protested its use of drones.  Hamid Khan is with the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition. He says the use of drones is another example of how some local security agencies have moved to militarize police forces. An immigrant from Pakistan, Khan said he believes one of the true values of the United States is its culture of resistance. He has organized a campaign against drone use by local law enforcement. Drones are currently being tested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Captain Jack Ewell is with the department's Special Enforcement Bureau. He says UAS can act as a second pair of eyes for officers. “It allows us to get a view of a particular situation that’s too dangerous to immediately put a human into. We could send this device up to the car and look right in and see, ok, yes he does have a gun. So we're not going to approach."  The LAPD is seeking to begin a test program for drones. Horace Frank is deputy chief of the LAPD’s Counter-Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau. He says drone use would be limited. “I can tell you that this department has absolutely no intention of weaponizing the UAS. In fact, the ones that we’re going to get, we’re going to make sure that it doesn’t have the capability of being weaponized.” Some people in Los Angeles say they think it is a good idea for police to use drones to fight crime. “There’s a lot of bad guys out there. So you’ve got to keep the good guys safe,” said Eddie Lopez. Damien Walker agrees. “I think in certain situations, they do need the drones,” he said. Others, like Toriano Weatherspoon, distrust how police would use drones and fear their privacy could be violated. “I think the drone would just be a new way of seeing what me, and people like me are doing, that are not doing anything.” But both the LAPD and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department say they do not plan to use UAS for observation purposes. Hamid Khan is concerned that policies ruling how and when police use drones will expand over time. But Ewell says his department has taken steps to make its police drone activities very public. "We’re not going to go beyond the guidelines that we’ve set," he said. "We’re very transparent in our use of the unmanned aircraft. We alert the public every time we use it and where we’re using it." The LAPD is expected to hold public hearings in coming months to discuss its plans for a one-year pilot drone program. Police officials would also have to receive approval from the Federal Aviation Administration before carrying out the program.   I’m Bryan Lynn.   Elizabeth Lee reported this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. Do you think police departments should use drones as part of their work? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   drones – n. small, pilotless aircraft allow – v. permit particular – adj. a certain kind approach – v. walk up to  absolutely – adj. fully, completely intention – n. a plan to do something capability – n. ability to do something certain – adj. for sure transparent – adj. easy to notice or understand alert – v. notify people of something in an urgent manner  

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Russia Celebrates Rifle-Maker Kalashnikov With Statue

  Russia has unveiled a monument to Mikhail Kalashnikov, creator of one of the most famous firearms in the world. The 7.5-meter tall statue features Kalashnikov holding his famous rifle.  Mikhail Kalashnikov was born in a rural area of Russia in 1919. As a boy, Mikhail was interested in making farm equipment. He was born into a farming family, after all. But, later he became a soldier and was injured in World War Two. Kalashnikov and some other soldiers decided that the Russian army needed better rifles than those used by the Germans. So Kalashnikov started designing his own. His first weapons were not very good. But in 1947 he designed the weapon that came to be known as the AK-47. It got its name because it was an automatic rifle designed in 1947. An automatic rifle does not have to be loaded by hand after each shot. The weapon gained popularity because it worked equally well in hot, wet jungles and cold, dry mountains. It was also easy to operate and take care of.  Some users can take an AK-47 apart in just 30 seconds. Russia sent the guns to its allies and sold the design to other countries so they could produce their own versions. Some experts think 70 million Kalashnikov rifles have been made. They say the AK-47 and its more modern versions represent 20 percent of the world’s firearms. Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and his minister of culture see the AK-47 as important to the identity of Russia. Putin said: “The Kalashnikov rifle is a symbol of the creative genius of our people.” While Russian leaders celebrated Kalashnikov’s memory with the statue, some activists demonstrated at the event. The protesters said a person who created an instrument of death should not be considered a hero. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported one protester calling the statue “loathsome” and “trash.” For many years, Kalashnikov stood up for his weapon as a way to defend Russia. He blamed politicians for failing to find peaceful solutions to disputes. “I sleep well,” he once said. But, a few months before his death in 2013, Kalashnikov expressed second thoughts. He wrote a letter to the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church. In the letter, he asked whether, as the creator of a weapon, he was responsible for the deaths that came from its use. He called his worry “unbearable.” The church leader said the deaths were not Kalashnikov’s fault, but the fault of those who used the rifle with “evil intentions.” I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a reports by VOANews.com, Reuters and Radio Free Europe. Caty Weaver was the editor. Do you think Kalashnikov should be considered a hero? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   rifle– n. a gun that has a long barrel and that is held against your shoulder when you shoot it automatic– adj. shooting many bullets very quickly when the trigger is pulled loathsome– adj. causing feelings of hatred or disgust : very bad trash– n. things that are no longer useful or wanted and that have been thrown away unbearable– adj. too bad, harsh, or extreme to be accepted or endured : not bearable intention– n. the thing that you plan to do or achieve : an aim or purpose

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Robot Leads Orchestra in Performance

  Earlier this month, the Italian city of Pisa held the First International Festival of Robotics. During the festival, a robot did something incredible at Pisa's Verdi Theater. It lifted a baton and conducted the Lucca Philharmonic orchestra. The orchestra featured the famous Italian singer Andrea Bocelli. The robot is named YuMi – from the phrase "You and me." It learned all of the movements necessary from Andrea Colombini, the orchestra's usual conductor. Colombini held the robot's arms while the orchestra practiced so that the computer could memorize the correct movements. "We basically had to find time to understand his movements. When we found the way, everything was pretty easy," said Colombini. Colombini added that the robot's technicians were very good. They made "everything perfect, especially in the length and the speed of the gesture [movement of the body], which is very important," he said. YuMi is not able to act in unexpected ways. He would have been unable to answer a sudden change in tempo by the musicians. YuMi successfully conducted three of the 18 musical works performed that night, including one famous song from Verdi's opera Rigoletto. I'm John Russell.   Eleanor Biles reported on this story for Reuters.  John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   incredible –adj. difficult or impossible to believe baton – n. a thin stick that is used by a music conductor to lead a band or orchestra conduct – v. to direct the performance of (musicians or singers) memorize – v. to learn (something) so well that you are able to remember it perfectly technician – n. a person whose job relates to the practical use of machines or science in industry, medicine, etc. tempo -- n.  the speed at which a musical piece is played or sung​

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