December 7, 2017

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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Palestinians Rise Up to Protest Trump’s Decision on Jerusalem

  Palestinians took to the streets Thursday to protest U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Trump announced the action Wednesday at the White House. Hundreds of Palestinian protesters clashed with Israeli troops in several areas of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. News reports quoted Palestinian Red Crescent workers as saying that more than 30 people had been injured. The reports also said Israeli forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to control protesters. Demonstrators burned American and Israeli flags, as well as pictures of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The protests came after the leader of the Hamas militant group called for a major armed uprising over Trump’s decision. The Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, also urged the Palestinians -- and Muslims and Arabs around the world -- to hold protests on Friday, Dec. 8, to express anger against the U.S. decision. Haniyeh said in a speech the date should be considered “a day of rage and the beginning of a major effort to rise up.” An aide to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas also urged Palestinians to hold protests, but he called for them to be peaceful. Abbas has condemned the U.S. decision. He suggested it disqualifies the United States as a mediator in peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. U.S. negotiators have been involved for more than 20 years in peace efforts aimed at setting up a Palestinian state alongside Israel. The Palestinians seek to create a state that would include the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem – land captured by Israel in 1967 during the Six-Day War.    Israel has declared all of Jerusalem its capital. However, it is not recognized internationally. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu praised Trump for making the United States one of the first countries to recognize Jerusalem as the country’s capital. He said he believes the move will lead other nations to follow the U.S. decision. In his announcement Wednesday, Trump noted the move does not mean the U.S. is giving up on peace efforts. Instead, he said it “marks the beginning of a new approach to conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.” Trump added that he remains “deeply committed” to helping both sides reach an acceptable peace agreement. He said the U.S. would accept a possible “two-state solution” for Jerusalem if the Israelis and Palestinians agree to such a settlement. However, many political and religious leaders around the world warned that the decision could harm future peace efforts and lead to increased violence. The European Union’s chief of foreign policy said Trump’s decision “has the potential to send us backwards to even darker times than the ones we are already living in.” Officials from France, Britain and Germany have also criticized Trump’s action. Turkey strongly condemned the move, while China and Russia also expressed concerns. Diplomats said the United Nations Security Council is likely to meet Friday to discuss the U.S. decision. The Arab League - which represents states in the Middle East and North Africa – called an emergency meeting Saturday to discuss the issue. I’m Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from the Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   quote – v. write or say the exact words of someone uprising – n. an effort, usually violent, by people attempting to change a government, leader or policy rage – n. strong feeling of anger disqualify – v. stop someone from doing or being a part of something mediator – n. person or organization working with opposing sides in an argument in an effort to get agreement approach – n. way of dealing with something committed – adj. willing to give time, energy and effort to a cause potential – n. chance or possibility that something will happen or exist in the future  

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Contronyms Are 'Literally' The Best

  The American television series "Seinfeld" was famous for its unusual and often strange conversations. These conversations often took place in a diner - a kind of small, informal restaurant. In one program, the character George is sad about where he is in life. George feels that he has made poor choices. He wants to change his life around by doing the opposite of what he has done. He would like to eat different foods, be willing to talk to strangers, and so on. Let's listen to a few lines from the show. "Well, here's your chance to try the opposite. Instead of tuna salad and being intimidated by women... chicken salad and going right up to them.”  “Yeah, I should do the opposite, I should.” “If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right." Today, we will explore the idea of opposites. Namely, we will look at words that have at least two meanings: one meaning and an opposite meaning. We will also explore disputes around these words, like one involving the word "literally". Contronyms English has a number of words with opposite meanings. They are called contronyms. You will hear contronyms in the news, official speeches, and everyday conversation. You will even see them in writing. Consider the word "sanction." A sanction can be a kind of punishment for disobeying a law, especially an international law. Imagine you hear a news story about the United Nations Security Council. The story might begin with the words, "Security Council votes to impose sanctions."* If you follow the news, you are probably familiar with this expression. However, the word "sanction" can have an opposite meaning: an official approval for an action. For example, you might read a news story about a legal dispute. The story might say, "Critics say the policy lacked legal sanction." In this case, the critics are saying that the policy did not have official approval. Because "sanction" has a second, opposite meaning, it is a contronym. Here's another example of a contronym: the word “bill”. You can have a $50 bill, or you can receive a $50 bill for medical services. In the first example, "bill" means a piece of paper money. In the second case, "bill" suggests a document that tells you how much money you owe. ​Disputes over language Americans sometimes dispute the use of a contronym. Consider the word "literally." On the internet, many stories and videos are sharply critical of this word. "A lot of you out there who say 'literally' don't seem to understand what 'literally' means." Literally, in its traditional meaning, means "by the letter". It later took on the meaning "with the meaning of each word given exactly."** Americans often use it in a completely different way. Imagine you hear the following conversation: “Did you hear Tom's story?” “Yes, I was literally dying of laughter. It was so funny!” Here, the second speaker does not mean that she is dying. When she says "literally", she means "figuratively". The word "literally" is like the character George from Seinfeld. "Literally", like George, spent time doing one thing. Now it is looking for a change. Naturally, the word itself is not making this decision to change. English speakers are using the word in different ways. There is nothing new or strange about this change. Many words change over time – just like people and societies. Social uses of words John McWhorter is an expert on languages. He notes that English speakers use some words for what he calls common, social uses. He refers to these uses by the acronym “FACE”. Do not worry about all of the terms. The one we are interested in is the letter "F" in FACE. It means "factuality." McWhorter notes that English speakers use words to show how truthful or exact their statements are. In other words, they include words to show how "factual" their statements are. "Literally" has become a word that shows factuality. It shows that the speaker is using an overstatement or exaggerated language. So, when a person says "I was literally dying of laughter," they are using the word "literally" to show that they are using exaggerated language. If you compare this use of "literally" with the first definition of "literally," you will notice that "literally" has become a contronym. McWhorter notes that this is a natural progression for the word. There is nothing wrong or incorrect about this change, he adds. What can you do? The next time you are listening to an English speaker or reading a document in English, look for examples of contronyms. If you are having trouble understanding a sentence, it might be because the speaker or writer is using a less common meaning of a word. Try to think about the word's context. Sometimes you can understand a contronym's meaning by thinking about the other words that come in the sentence with it. Contronyms are a strange, fun part of language. They are literally the easiest thing about the English language. “I think you are you exaggerating…” I'm Jill Robbins. And I'm John Russell.   John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. * The beginning of a news story is often called a headline. ** McWhorter, John. Words on the Move. Henry Holt and Co. 2016. Pgs. 22-28 _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   conversation – n. an informal talk involving two people or a small group of people; the act of talking in an informal way character – n. a person in a play or story intimidated - adj. to be afraid instinct - n. a way of behaving, thinking, or feeling that is not learned; a natural desire or tendency that makes you want to act in a particular way impose – v. to establish; to bring about as if by force figuratively – adj. Expressing one thing normally while talking about another refer – v. to think of; to send for treatment factuality – n. The quality of being actual or factual: actuality, fact, factualness, reality, truth. exaggerated - adj. to think of or describe something as larger or greater than it really is context – n. the situation in which something happens

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Da Vinci Painting Heads to Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum

  This is What’s Trending Today… A Leonardo da Vinci painting of Jesus Christ that recently sold for a record $450 million is heading to the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The newly opened museum made the announcement this week. The 500-year-old painting is called “Salvator Mundi,” Latin for “Savior of the World.” It is one of fewer than 20 da Vinci paintings known to exist. The Louvre Abu Dhabi opened on November 11. The waterfront museum in the United Arab Emirates’ capital city includes Middle Eastern objects and paintings, as well as works by Western artists. Last month, Christie’s auction house in New York City sold the painting for the most money ever paid for a piece of art at auction. The auction house did not say who the buyer was; it does not comment on the identities of buyers or sellers without their permission.  But the New York Times newspaper has reported that the buyer may have been a Saudi prince. The 66-centimeter-tall painting dates to around 1500. It shows Jesus dressed in Renaissance-style clothing. His right hand is raised in blessing and his left hand is holding a crystal ball.   The painting was in a private collection of King Charles I of England. It disappeared from view until 1900, when a British collector bought it. At that time, it was thought to have been painted by a student of Leonardo rather than the master himself. In 2005, a group of art dealers paid less than $10,000 for the artwork. It was badly damaged and partly painted over. They restored the work and proved that the painting was done by Leonardo da Vinci himself. Before last month’s record-breaking sale, the highest known sale price for any artwork had been $300 million for Willem de Kooning’s painting “Interchange.”  And that’s What’s Trending Today. I'm Dorothy Gundy.   Ashley Thompson adapted this story for Learning English based on AP news reports. Hai Do was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   auction - n. a public sale at which things are sold to the people who offer to pay the most Rennaisance - n. the period of European history between the 14th and 17th centuries when there was a new interest in science and in ancient art and literature especially in Italy crystal - n. a clear hard mineral that is either colorless or very light in color and that is used in making jewelry

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Islamic State Losing Information War after Losses in Battlefield

The self-declared Islamic State (IS) group is close to defeat in Syria and Iraq. Now, some observers say the group’s hope of winning the information war is also failing. They say IS propagandists are unable to say their side is winning. So the propagandists are redirecting their attention and calling on IS supporters to carry out attacks in other areas. The group released a video showing the change in its media strategy. Gone are the images of hundreds of victorious IS fighters and their many weapons. In the past, the militants also would describe the large areas of territory under their control. The new video has no claims of people living happily in an IS-ruled caliphate. Instead, the video shows just a small group of fighters on an armored truck. “It looks like this is Raqqa,” said Charlie Winter, an expert on terrorist propaganda. He works at the International Center for the Study of Radicalization at Kings College London. He said the militant group wants to prove it is still a strong fighting force. Yet the video shows only three men in a truck in a largely empty city. Winter noted that the most important change took place during the past few weeks. He said it was as if someone had told the IS propagandists to stop talking. He believes one or more media centers around Raqqa (in Syria) have been destroyed. Because of the group’s shrinking territory, it is difficult for IS to get source material for its propaganda. United States-supported coalition forces fighting IS militants have also learned the importance of propaganda. Coalition forces are targeting the media operations. Winter said the militants are changing their message to lower expectations – from hope for a caliphate to simple survival. “It (Islamic State) still has the true believers killing themselves in its name,” he said, explaining that IS still exists even if it does not control land. In past years, IS propaganda tried to appeal to foreigners with the dream of an Islamic utopia. “No longer is it calling for people to travel to Syria and Iraq,” Winter said, adding that it is pushing for believers to carry out attacks in their own countries. That is where Islamic State propaganda is trying to claim success. The group says it has influenced recent vehicle attacks in European capitals and in New York City. Yet there is little evidence to support those claims. Winter said the international media helps the militants when it reports their claims. It makes them look powerful when, in fact, they are very weak. The most recent propaganda video from Islamic State said that the group will soon be in control of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Gunmen claiming to represent IS attacked an Islamic religious center there, killing more than 300 people. I'm Susan Shand.   Henry Ridgwell reported this story for VOANews.com. Susan Shand adapted his 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   strategy – n. a careful plan or method for achieving a particular goal usually over a long period of time armored – adj. covered with flat pieces of metal source – n. someone or something that provided what is needed; the cause of something utopia – n. an imaginary place in which the government, laws, and social conditions are perfect caliphate – n. the rule of a major

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Study: Oil Spills Double Risk of Baby Deaths in Nigeria

  A new study has found that babies have a higher chance of dying in their first few weeks of life if their mothers live close to an oil spill. Researchers studied information about babies dying and oil spills in the Niger Delta area of southern Nigeria. The researchers described their results as ‘shocking.’ The study comes from scientists from the University of Saint Gallen in Switzerland. They found that babies born in the Niger Delta were two times as likely to die in the first month of life if their mothers lived close to an oil spill before they became pregnant. Nigeria is one of the largest oil producers in Africa. And, oil spills are common there. An estimated 240,000 barrels of unprocessed -- or crude -- petroleum oil are spilled into the Niger Delta every year. The environmental effects are clear to see: waterways covered with black liquid; animals that cannot breathe; dying trees and plants along the coast. Now, the effects on human health are becoming evident. Roland Hodler was the lead researcher in the study. “We looked at the birth histories of more than two-and-a-half thousand Nigerian mothers. And we compared siblings, some conceived before and some conceived after a nearby oil spill.” The researchers compared information on 6,600 recent oil spills with results from Nigeria’s 2013 Demographic and Health Survey. The study showed that even spills taking place five years before the women became pregnant doubled the chances of their babies dying after birth. However, spills that happened during pregnancy appeared to have little effect. Hodler explains. “We think the main reason is that some of the negative health effects are just building up over time. So, if you think about these negative health effects, these are due to skin contact with crude oil, or to drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated fish or crops. And also inhaling smoke from fires.” Unborn and newborn babies are thought to be at a greater risk as their bodies have yet to build up natural defenses. But the researchers say more studies are needed to show how crude oil affects health. Crude oil is a mix of complex hydrocarbons – substances found in oil, coal and gas. Some are harmful to human health. So, Holder says, a second line of research would be to examine what parts of crude oil are the most harmful for both adults and newborns.   The new study suggests that the effects of oil spills will continue for many years after they happen. In 2015, oil company Royal Dutch Shell agreed to share the costs of cleaning up its oil spills in the Niger Delta. The United Nations says the clean-up work will likely take 30 years. Critics say the company has paid just a very small amount of the money it promised for the effort. Shell blames oil thieves for causing many of the spills. The Nigerian government is the majority owner of the Shell Petroleum Development Company, which directs most of Royal Dutch Shell’s operations in Nigeria. The Nigerian government did not respond to requests for comment. I'm Alice Bryant.   Henry Ridgwell reported this story for VOA News. Alice Bryant adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   barrel – n. a large, round container often used to hold liquid sibling – n. a brother or sister conceive – v. to become pregnant survey – n. an activity in which many people are asked a question or a series of questions in order to gather information about what most people do or think about something contaminate – v. to make something dangerous, dirty, or impure by adding something harmful to it inhale – v. to breathe in thief – n. a person who steals something respond – v. to say or write something as an answer to a question or request

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News Words: Bureaucracy

In a bureaucracy, one can expect a lot of paperwork and wait times.

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American Senator to Resign After Accusations of Sexual Wrongdoing

Senator Al Franken of Minnesota said he will resign from Congress in coming weeks. The Democrat announced his decision Thursday. Over several weeks, eight women have accused him of sexual wrongdoing. Democratic lawmakers pressured Franken to resign because of the reports. “I may be resigning my seat, but I am not giving up my voice,” Franken said in the Senate chamber. Before he became a senator, Franken was a comedian and cast member of the television show, “Saturday Night Live.” He had gained respect as a serious lawmaker in recent years. Some people were considering Franken as a possible candidate for president in 2020. On Wednesday morning, one woman said Franken used force to try to kiss her in 2006. Franken strongly denied the report. Hours later, another woman said Franken held part of her body inappropriately while taking a photograph with her in 2009. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said Wednesday, “Enough is enough,” in reaction to the latest accusations. Gillibrand is also a Democrat. She said “We need to draw a line in the sand and say none of it is OK, none of it is acceptable.” She also said the behavior of elected leaders should be held to a higher standard. Several Democrats quickly followed Gillibrand’s call for Franken to resign, including Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Senate Democrats. Franken has admitted to and apologized for some of the accusations of sexual wrongdoing. But he strongly denies the latest accusations. “I know in my heart that nothing I have done as a senator — nothing — has brought dishonor on this institution,” Franken said Thursday. Franken noted that he was being forced out while President Donald Trump remains in office. Several women have accused Trump of sexual offenses. The president was also recorded years ago talking about grabbing women’s private parts. “I, of all people, am aware that there is some irony in the fact that I am leaving while a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault sits in the Oval Office and a man who has repeatedly preyed on young girls, campaigns for the Senate with the full support of his party,” Franken said. Trump has given his support to that campaign, in which Republican Roy Moore is seeking to represent the state of Alabama. Several women have reported that Moore sexually harassed them when they were teenagers and he was a state official. The pressure on Franken to leave the Senate increased this week after the resignation of Representative John Conyers. The House lawmaker, A Democrat from Michigan, resigned following several reports of sexual wrongdoing. The accusations against Franken began in mid-November. Leeann Tweeden, now a Los Angeles radio anchor, accused him of forcibly kissing and touching her in 2006. I'm Caty Weaver.   Hai Do adapted this story for Learning English based on AP news reports. Caty Weaver was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   chamber - n. a large room where members of a legislature meet a line in the sand - idiom, a limit to what one will accept or a point beyond which one will not go standard - n. a level of quality or achievement that is considered desirable institution - n. an established organization irony - n. a situation that is strange because things happen in the opposite of what you expect brag - v. to talk about yourself in a way that show too much pride prey - v. to hurt someone      

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December 6, 2017

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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New Wildfire Starts Near Los Angeles

  A dangerous wildfire has started in the Bel Air area of Los Angeles, California, as firefighters battle three other fires across Southern California. The latest wildfire reached the side of the busy Interstate 405 through the Santa Monica Mountains. It stopped car traffic. Hundreds of firefighters fought the fire on the ground and planes dropped water and retardant from above. Firefighters told Bel Air local Maurice Kaboud to leave his home Wednesday. But, he chose to stay and protect his house. The 59-year-old stood in the backyard of his multi-million-dollar home as fires raged nearby. “God willing, this will slow down so the firefighters can do their job,” Kaboud said. Southern California’s Santa Ana winds have long contributed to some of the area’s most disastrous wildfires. The winds blow from inland toward the Pacific Ocean. They gain speed through mountain passes and valleys. The biggest and most destructive of Southern California’s wildfires is in Ventura County, northwest of Los Angeles. It now covers over 262 square kilometers and stretches across a major highway. The fire had already destroyed at least 150 structures. But many more homes may have already been lost. Lisa Kermode and her children returned to their home Tuesday to find it destroyed. Kermode said, “We lost everything, everything, all our clothes, anything that was important to us. All our family heirlooms — it’s not sort of gone, it’s completely gone.” Another 12,000 structures were under threat. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said the strong winds had created a dangerous situation. The city urged 150,000 people living near the fire to leave their homes before it was too late. Two months ago, a wildfire in northern California killed 44 people. “We have lost structures, we have not lost lives,” Garcetti said. “Do not wait. Leave your homes.” The latest fire has stopped production of several television shows because of safety concerns. The Los Angeles Rams football team also canceled its practice. Wildfires are not normal in Southern California this time of year. But they can start suddenly when there is too little rain, combined with the Santa Ana winds. Almost no measurable rain has fallen in the area over the past six months.   Hai Do adapted this story for Learning English based on AP news reports. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   retardant - adj. able to slow down the progress of something rage - v. to happen or continue in a destructive way contribute - v. to help to cause something to happen heirloom - n. a valuable object that is owned by a family for many years and passed from one generation to another

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Trump Declares Jerusalem Israel’s Capital, Faces International Warnings

United States President Donald Trump has declared that the U.S. recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.   Trump made the announcement Wednesday at the White House. He said the U.S. will begin steps to move the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. That process is expected to take years to complete however. The move had been expected after Trump informed Palestinian and Jordanian leaders of the U.S. decision Tuesday. Trump had promised to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital during his presidential campaign. The action is seen as an effort to complete a promise to political supporters, U.S. Jewish groups and American evangelical Christians. However, many political and religious leaders around the world voiced serious concerns about the move. Palestinian and Jordanian leaders condemned the U.S. plans. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned the move could have “dangerous consequences” to peace efforts in the Middle East. In a statement Wednesday, he said Trump's decision was “a declaration of withdrawal from the role (the U.S.) has played in the peace process.” Jordan’s King Abdullah also expressed deep concerns. He said that “ignoring the Palestinian Muslim and Christian rights in Jerusalem will only fuel further extremism and undermine the war against terrorism.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem represented a “red line” for Muslims. He also warned that Turkey may decide to cut ties with Israel. Jerusalem is home to important holy places for three major world religions: Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Israel captured the Arab area in east Jerusalem during the Six-Day War in 1967. Israel then declared the whole city its capital. However, the move is not recognized internationally. Palestinians want Jerusalem as the capital of a future state. The international community does not recognize Israel’s control over the whole city but says negotiations should decide Jerusalem’s status. Officials in Saudi Arabia, Iran and Egypt also warned that Trump’s decision could harm peace efforts and increase tensions in the region. In Gaza, hundreds of Palestinian demonstrators burned U.S. and Israeli flags in protest. Several major European leaders – including those of Britain, France and Germany - expressed strong concerns. They said any change to Jerusalem’s current status should be decided by the Israelis and Palestinians themselves. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump's decision, calling it "historic" for his country. In his announcement, Trump said the decision was long overdue and one he believed was in the best interest of the United States. He added that the current course had failed for many years to move forward the peace process. Trump said the decision “marks the beginning of a new approach to conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.” He said the U.S. “remains deeply committed” to helping both sides reach an acceptable peace agreement. Trump said he would accept a possible “two-state solution” for Jerusalem if the Israelis and Palestinians are willing to negotiate such a settlement. “We are not taking a position of any final status issues, including the specific boundaries of the Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem, or the resolution of contested borders,” Trump said. “Those questions are up to the parties involved.” I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from the Associated Press and Reuters. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   consequence – n. something that happens as a result of a particular action undermine – v. make something weaker or less effective status – n. official position of something course – n. a direction of certain action approach – n. way of dealing with something boundary – n. marker setting the division of one area from another contest – v. to not agree with or accept something  

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