Erdogan: NATO Must Take Stance against US

Turkey’s president has called on the country’s defense allies to take a stance against an American plan for a Kurdish-led border security force in Syria. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, should oppose such a force. The United States and its partners want to establish the security force to control the border area between Syria, Iraq and Turkey. The move is part of the United States-led effort against the Islamic State group often called IS. Syrian Kurdish militia are to lead the new security force, which is expected to reach 30,000 members in the next few years. Turkey strongly opposes a Kurdish-led militia However, Turkey has been threatening to launch a military offensive in Syria against Kurdish militia there. Turkey considers them to be terrorists because of their ties to outlawed Kurdish rebels fighting Turkey. On Monday, Erdogan accused the United States of creating a “terror army” in Syria, along the border with Turkey. He said Turkey would destroy this army “before it’s even born.” Erdogan addressed members of his ruling party on Tuesday. During his speech, he said: “Hey NATO! You are obliged to make a stance against those who harass and violate the borders of your members.” Both Turkey and the U.S. are NATO members. NATO called Turkey “a highly valued ally” and said the alliance was committed to Turkey’s defense. However, it said that the matter was an issue for the anti-IS coalition led by the U.S. Ties between Turkey and the United States have worsened over U.S. support of the Kurdish militia. Turkey says the Kurdish People’s Defense Units, or YPG, is a major threat to its security. But the U.S. has relied on Kurdish militia with ties to the YPG to defeat the Islamic State terror group. The U.S. also has said the new Kurdish-led security force is important to prevent the return of the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. Russia, a major force in the area, opposed the U.S. plan for a border security force. It said the force could lead to the splitting up of Syria. The Syrian government called the U.S. plan an attack on Syrian sovereignty. It promised to win back control of the whole country and remove any form of US-backed Syrian Kurdish force. Erdogan said on Tuesday that Turkey is planning an attack on the Kurdish-controlled area of Afrin in northern Syria. Turkey has already moved more troops to its border and fired artillery at the city in recent weeks. The Turkish president added that Turkey would conduct the operation in Afrin with Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces. Erdogan was asked if he planned to discuss the Kurdish-led border force with U.S. President Donald Trump. But, he said he had no plans to call the U.S. leader. The state-operated Anadolu Agency reported Erdogan’s comments. He said, “We discussed the issue before. He said he would get back to me. I won’t call him as long as he does not get back to me.”  I’m Jonathan Evans.   Hai Do adapted this story for Learning English based on AP news and other reports. Mario Ritter was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   take a stance –idiom to state a position on some issue of importance obliged –adj. required to do something harass –v. to make repeated attacks against an enemy rely –v. to depend on, to need for support sovereignty –n. to be independent and have the right to govern oneself     

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Good, Bad of Cold-weather Workouts

  From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. In winter, people might lessen their outdoor exercise. The days get dark earlier, and it can be very cold! These conditions can make it harder for some of us to get outdoors for exercise. However, cold days can be perfect for outdoor workouts! There are at least three important health benefits to cold-weather workouts. 1. The body works harder in cold weather. Health experts at the Medical University of South Carolina say the body must make extra energy to keep warm in low temperatures. This means the body is burning more calories and fat. Your lungs also may work better in cold weather. Researchers at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff found some interesting results in a study of goats. Yes, I said “goats.” But still, their results were pretty interesting. The scientists looked at how cold-weather activity affected goats. They found that “during the three coldest months, the sedentary but cold-exposed goats experienced a 34% increase in maximal oxygen uptake … and a 29% increase in running speed.” When temperatures increased in the spring both oxygen uptake and running speed of the goats decreased. 2. Regular cold-weather exercising may help the immune system. The winter season is also cold and flu season. Making outdoor exercise a usual part of your workout may help you avoid both colds and the flu. It may strengthen your body’s defense system. The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research found that winter workouts can cut your risk of getting the flu by 20 to 30 percent. 3. Exercising outdoors in cold weather may help your mental health. Some people who suffer from “winter blues” or Seasonal Affective Disorder, may benefit from going outside to exercise in the fresh air and sunshine. An outdoor workout increases exposure to sunlight. Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D. And vitamin D produces hormones that brighten your mood. Dangers of a cold-weather workout So, there are several health benefits of exercising outdoors in very cold weather. But there are also dangers. Frostbite is one of the most common. Edward Ward is a doctor at Rush University Medical Center. He explains how frostbite happens. "When the air temperature drops below zero especially factoring wind chill, things freeze. And that includes the fluids that's within your fingers or your toes, nose, ears, anything that's exposed to that wind chill can be affected by frostbite." Protecting your fingers, toes, ears and nose is very important. Cold winds affect these parts of the body more quickly than other parts. Christopher Sampson is a doctor with University of Missouri Health Care. He explains that frostbite can happen rapidly -- in less than 30 minutes. "With frostbite people can start experiencing symptoms pretty rapidly, on average with mild winds and cold temperatures it can occur in as less than 30 minutes, with extreme cases. When it's very, very cold and winds are very, very strong, sometimes frostbite can develop in as little as 5 minutes." The beginning of frostbite is called “frostnip.” Experts at the Mayo Clinic explain that “with this mild form of frostbite, your skin pales or turns red and feels very cold. Continued exposure leads to prickling and numbness in the affected area. As your skin warms, you may feel pain and tingling. Frostnip doesn't permanently damage the skin.” But, frostbite can. It can even lead to loss of tissue and limbs. Hypothermia The most serious danger is hypothermia. Hypothermia is when the body temperature has fallen below 35 degrees Celsius or about 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This happens when your body can not produce enough energy to keep the body warm enough. Hypothermia can kill you. There are several signs to watch for before it is too late. difficulty in movement difficulty in thinking slowed reactions unclear speech cold feet and hands shivering sleepiness Falling on ice However, Dr. Sampson says it is ice that creates the biggest risk for workouts outside when it is very cold. People don’t see the ice, step on it and fall. Dress properly But if you are dressed right, you can exercise safely in low temperatures. Experts on several health websites say it is important to dress in layers. The layer closest to the body should be made of a material that takes moisture away from the body. The next layer should be a material that traps heat, such as wool. And finally, the outer layer should be water resistant. Of course, don't forget gloves, hat, good socks and shoes. When it is really cold, a scarf or face mask will protect your skin and lungs. Check the weather forecast Temperature is not the only things that will affect your outdoor workout. It is also important to consider wind and water. Wind can go through your clothing and steal the layer of warm air that surrounds your body. If you get wet, you may not be able to keep your body temperature high enough. So, if you are a generally healthy person, do not think you must move your workouts indoors in winter. As long as you dress properly, drink enough water and exercise safely, you can get a lot out of a cold-weather workout. And that’s the Health & Lifestyle Report. I’m Anna Matteo.   Let us know your favorite type of exercise environment ... in the Comments Section! Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ QUIZ _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   benefit – n. a good or helpful result or effect sedentary – adj. doing or involving a lot of sitting : not doing or involving much physical activity maximal – adj. greatest or highest possible the blues – n. a feeling of sadness or depression mood the way someone feels : a person's emotional state factor something that helps produce or influence a result : one of the things that cause something to happen wind chill – n. the effect that wind has of making air feel colder than it actually is expose – v. to leave (something) without covering or protection rapidly – adv. happening in a short amount of time : happening quickly symptom – n. a change in the body or mind which indicates that a disease is present mild – adj. gentle in nature or behavior occur – v. somewhat formal : to happen prickle – v. to cause or experience an unpleasant feeling that is like the feeling of having many small, sharp points against your skin : prickling – n. numb – adj. unable to feel anything in a particular part of your body because of cold, injury, etc. : numbness – n. tingle – v. to have a feeling like the feeling of many small sharp points pressing into your skin shiver – v. to shake slightly because you are cold, afraid, etc.

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UN: Technology Threatens Whistled Language in Turkey

  The United Nations is calling for urgent action to protect a whistled language used in a mountainous area of Turkey. The UN’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, has identified the “bird language” as an endangered cultural heritage. UNESCO noted that technological developments, as well as social and economic changes, have led to a drop in the number of people who communicate in this way. It also noted a drop in the number of areas where the language is spoken. The UN agency placed much of the blame on the use of mobile phones. A whistled language is a highly-developed method of communication. People use whistling sounds in place of words. The language was created as a way to communicate across great distances in difficult mountain conditions.  Most whistling sounds are created by blowing air through the lips and teeth. Sometimes fingers and the tongue are also used to make different or louder sounds. To communicate, people use whistling to simulate, or create, the sound of some words. They also use sound patterns, repeating certain sounds, to represent other common words and expressions. New words and terms can be added to keep up with changes in spoken language and cultural life. UNESCO estimates the whistled language is spoken or understood by about 10,000 people in the Eastern Black Sea area of northern Turkey. However, only a small number of villagers still use the language. Currently, officials estimate it is mostly only spoken in a small community in Giresun province. UN officials say members of the community consider the practice a major part of their cultural identity. They believe using the language helps strengthen interpersonal communication and solidarity. UNESCO called whistled language “an environmentally friendly form of communication.” It added the language can make life easier and “reinforce social bonds for the people living in the region.” With the new generation’s lack of interest in whistled language, there is the risk it will eventually be “torn from its natural environment, becoming an artificial practice,” UNESCO said. In Turkey, at least one group has been formed to find ways to keep the whistled language strong. The group is working to create a plan for passing the language on to future generations. It will also seek to raise international recognition of the issue. In addition, UNESCO said scientific research will be carried out to support efforts to continue the whistled language.     Other areas also have used whistled languages. In 2009, UNESCO expressed concerns about one such language disappearing from Spain’s Canary Islands. The language, called Silbo Gomero, was based on Castilian Spanish. It was handed down from one generation to the next over many centuries. UNESCO said it was the only whistled language in the world to be fully developed and practiced in a community of more than 22,000 people. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Would you be willing to learn a whistled language? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   whistle – v. to make a high sound by blowing air through your lips or teeth heritage – n. the traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc., that are part of the history of a group or nation pattern – n. a repeated form; something that happens in a repeated way practice – n. something that is done often; a custom or tradition solidarity – n. feeling of unity between people who have the same interests, goals, etc. bond – n. something shared between people or groups that forms a connection between them artificial – adj. not natural, but instead made by people  

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China’s Silk Road Plan Facing Problems

  China’s plan for a modern Silk Road linking Asia and Europe hit a pothole recently in Pakistan. Pakistan and China have good relations; some Pakistani officials even call China their “Iron Brother.” China has played an even bigger role in the country since U.S. President Donald Trump decided last week to suspend security assistance to Pakistan. Yet, plans for the countries to build a $14-billion dam on the Indus River were put in doubt, after Pakistan’s water authority announced China wanted to own part of the project. China has denied making the demand. However, the water authority rejected China’s reported demand as against Pakistani interests, and withdrew Pakistan from the dam project. Belt and Road Initiative From Pakistan to Hungary to Tanzania, projects under Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “Belt and Road Initiative” are being canceled, renegotiated or delayed. Host countries have disputed costs and benefits that they would receive.  The “Belt and Road Initiative” is a plan to build projects across 65 countries, from the South Pacific through Asia to Africa and Europe. Such projects include oil drilling in Siberia, new ports in Southeast Asia, railways in Eastern Europe and power plants in the Middle East. The United States, Russia and India view the Belt and Road initiative as a way for China to expand its influence. Many countries have welcomed plans to build infrastructure that would keep their economies growing. Nations such as Japan have given or lent billions of dollars for development through the Asian Development Bank. China, however, remains the largest or only source of money for many projects.​ Many projects cancelled or delayed In November, Nepal canceled plans for Chinese companies to build a $2.5-billion dam. Officials said building contracts for the Budhi Gandaki Hydro Electric Project violated rules that require offers from numerous bidders. The European Union is also looking into whether Hungary awarded contracts to Chinese builders for a high-speed railway to Serbia without competing bids. In Myanmar, plans for a Chinese oil company to build a $3-billion refinery were canceled in November because of financing problems. In Thailand, work on a $15-billion high-speed railway was delayed in 2016 following complaints that not enough business went to Thai companies. In Tanzania, the government has reopened negotiations with China and the gulf state of Oman over ownership of a planned $11-billion port in the city of Bagamoyo. Tanzania wants to make sure its people get more than just taxes collected from the port. Even Pakistan, one of China’s friendliest neighbors, has failed to agree on key projects. Among them are a $10-billion railway in Karachi and a $260-million airport for Gwadar. Limited success There is no official list of all Belt and Road projects. However, BMI Research has created a list of $1.8 trillion worth infrastructure investments across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Christian Zhang is with BMI Research. He said, “it’s probably too early to say at this point how much of the overall initiative will actually be implemented.” Kerry Brown is a Chinese politics professor at King’s College London. He said China has faced and may continue to face “a lot of disagreements and misunderstandings.” Brown added, “It’s hard to think of a big, successful project the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ has led to at the moment.” Despite the setbacks, Chinese officials say most Belt and Road projects are moving ahead with few problems. The state-run China Development Bank announced in 2015 it had set aside $890 billion for more than 900 projects across 60 countries in gas, minerals, power, telecommunications, infrastructure and farming. The Export-Import Bank of China said it would support 1,000 projects in 49 countries. And last November, deputy commerce minister Li Chenggang said that work on pipelines to deliver oil and gas from Russia and Central Asia is making “steady progress.” I'm Ashley Thompson. And I'm Caty Weaver.   Hai Do adapted this story for Learning English based on an Associated Press report. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   hit a pothole - idiom. to face unexpected challenge (pothole: a deep, round hole in a road or some other surface (such as the bottom of a river) initiative - n. a plan or program host - n. a person who entertain guests or country that receive visitors bidder - n. a person who offer to pay a certain price refinery - n. a place where something like oil is refined implement - v. to begin to work on a plan despite - preposition, used to say that something happens or is true steady - adj. lasting or continuing

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Children of Terror Left Behind in Iraq

  “Maya” is a plump, smiling child less than two years old. Her parents are dead and she might never learn about them. Maya is not her real name. Her mother and father were suicide bombers for the Islamic State group. Her four siblings were among their victims. Maya now lives at an orphanage in the Iraqi city of Mosul. "She was skin and bones when we got her," says Sukaina Mohammed, director of the Department of Women and Children in the Nineveh province. Mohammed points to another child. "That baby had six broken ribs when she arrived," she says. As Iraqi officials deal with the children IS left behind — orphans, children of sex slaves and children of foreign fighters — aid workers say they want to protect the youngest ones from their painful beginnings. None of the small children born of or raised by IS supporters are considered a threat to society. However, officials say many people will denounce them anyway. Sukaina Mohammed says Maya's best chance for happiness is if she and those who might adopt her know nothing about her parents. "I don't tell people which babies' parents were IS militants," Mohammed explains, "because if someone wants revenge on IS, they might hate the children." The less lucky ones The Haj Ali refugee camp in northern Iraq is home to many of the wives and children of IS fighters who are now dead or in jail. Dalal Tariq is an aid worker with the International Organization for Migration. She says the children were terrified when they arrived at the camp. "They were afraid of the soldiers," she explains. "IS militants told them the soldiers would beat them up." Other children had watched their fathers die in battle and, in Tariq’s words, "they come here nearly destroyed." The IS war is now officially over in Iraq, and families living in the camp are not accused of any crimes. However, they cannot leave, says Hoda, the mother of three children. Her husband was an IS fighter before he was killed in an airstrike.  In her village, the children of IS are considered suspect, and local leaders ordered her not to return. "Even if my family comes here to visit me, they could be in danger."   Before they were found At the orphanage in Mosul, many children wait for the chance to be adopted.   "All the children we found were in a terrible state," explains Mohammed.  "I remember one time, we found a baby who was so thirsty, she died in the hospital after only a few days. She had no energy left to live." Some babies were rescued from the streets after being left in the sun as bait to bring Iraqi soldiers into the line of fire. Others were found in destroyed homes after their parents died fighting for IS.  There are also the children of rescued sex slaves, whose families will not accept them. Many children were just found alone in the wreckage left by airstrikes and battles in Mosul. One boy survived for seven days alone under a collapsed house. "Some we don't know about exactly," Mohammed later says, pointing to a girl about six years old. "She speaks only Turkish. We think she was kidnapped by Turkish militants in 2014." Foreign children Some countries are trying to get back the orphans of foreign IS fighters in Iraq and Syria. Last month, three children were sent to live temporarily with a family in France. Their mother and youngest sibling remain among the foreign wives and children of IS fighters held in Iraq. The non-profit group Human Rights Watch says there are 1,400 such detainees. Officials from Germany, Russia and other countries have requested the return of the children of their nationals. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says children are increasingly targets of fighting around the world. It says the young are also used as human shields, and forced to fight in battles.   "Children are being targeted and exposed to attacks and brutal violence in their homes, schools and playgrounds," noted Manuel Fontaine, UNICEF’s director of emergency programs. “Such brutality cannot be the new normal." I’m Caty Weaver.   VOA’s Heather Murdock wrote this story. Caty Weaver adapted her story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   plump – adj. having a full, rounded shape​ sibling – n. a brother or sister​ crib – n. a small bed with high sides for a baby​ revenge – n.  the act of doing something to hurt someone because that person did something that hurt you​ grenade – n. a small bomb that is designed to be thrown by someone or shot from a rifle​ adopt – v. to take a child of other parents legally as your own child​ thirsty – adj.  having an uncomfortable feeling because you need something to drink : feeling thirst​ bait – n. something (such as a piece of food) that is used to attract fish or animals so they can be caught​ expose – v. to cause (someone) to experience something or to be influenced or affected by something​ brutal – adj. extremely cruel or harsh​

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High Patient Death Rates after Operations in African Hospitals

  A new study shows that patients in African hospitals are two times as likely to die after doctors operate as the average death rate worldwide. More than 30 African researchers worked on the study. They examined records for all operations performed during a one-week period at 247 hospitals in 25 African countries. The researchers noted that while African patients were usually younger and at lower risk than average, 1 percent died of problems after elective surgery. The death rate worldwide is 0.5 percent. Bruce Biccard of the University of Cape Town was the lead writer of the study. He said, "It's really concerning when you see how high the mortality is, considering that the patients are generally fit and they're having a lot more minor surgeries." Biccard and the other researchers wrote that workforce and resource shortages across Africa are likely to affect patient deaths. Their findings were published in the journal The Lancet. The study found a severe shortage of African surgeons, obstetricians and anesthesiologists. Earlier research showed that fewer patients die after surgery when there are 20 to 40 specialists per 100,000 people. The new study found that Africa has an average of less than one specialist per 100,000 people. In addition to the high death rate, the report said, "the most alarming finding was how few people actually received surgery." Experts have estimated that 5 percent of the population needs surgery in a year. African hospitals on average performed less than one-twentieth of that number. The report noted that patients were receiving surgery later in the course of their diseases. Nearly 60 percent of the operations were urgent or emergency treatments. In industrial countries, the rate is about 25 percent. Most of the patients who died did so in the days after their surgery, not during the operation. Biccard said, "We're actually failing to recognize patients who are having complications in the post-op period. So a minor complication becomes a major complication." Biccard noted that increasing the number of doctors is an unlikely short-term solution. His group is working on a method "that will tell us before surgery which patients we think are going to get into trouble." The group is planning another study in 2019. I’m Jonathan Evans.   Steve Baragona reported this story for VOANews.com. Jonathan Evans adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _________________________________________________________________ Words in this Story   anesthesiologist – n. a doctor who specializes in administering drugs that cause a person to lose feeling and to feel no pain in part or all of the body complication – n. disease or condition that happens in addition to another disease or condition; a problem that makes a disease or condition more dangerous or harder to treat obstetrician – n. a doctor who specializes in a branch of medicine that deals with the birth of children and with the care of women before, during, and after they give birth to children urgent – adj. very important and needing immediate attention surgery – n. a medical operation performed by a doctor or team of doctors mortality – n. the number of deaths in a given time or place fit – adj. being physically or mentally able resource – n. a supply of something; the ability to meet and deal with something course – n. movement from one point to another; an orderly series of actions

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Scientists Aim to Give AI to Robot Cat That Helps the Elderly

  Imagine a cat that does not need someone to clean up after it, keeps an older person company and helps them remember to take their medicine. That is the shared dream of the toy maker Hasbro and scientists at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. The researchers received a $3-million-dollar award from the National Science Foundation for a special project. The goal of the project is to find ways to add artificial intelligence, or A.I., to Hasbro’s “Joy for All” robotic cat. The cat has already been for sale for two years. It is aimed at older people and meant to act as a “companion” for them. It makes the same noises as a real cat and even appears to seek attention from its owners. The Brown-Hasbro project is aimed at developing additional abilities for the cat. The team includes researchers from Brown’s medical school, local hospitals and a designer at the University of Cincinnati. Researchers at Brown’s Humanity-Centered Robotics Initiative are working to decide which activities older adults may need the most help with. Such activities include finding lost objects and reminding the person to take medicine or visit their doctor. Bertram Malle is a professor of cognitive, linguistic and psychological sciences at Brown. He said that the researchers do not want to make unrealistic promises of what the cat can do. He said he and his partner Michael Littman, a computer science professor, hope to make the cat perform a small number of activities very well. They also want to keep the cost down to just a few hundred dollars. Hasbro’s current “Joy for All” cat costs $100. They have given the project a name that follows that idea: Affordable Robotic Intelligence for Elderly Support, or ARIES. It is an idea that has appeal to Jeanne Elliott. Her 93-year-old mother Mary Derr lives with her in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Derr has dementia. The Joy for All cat that Elliott bought this year has become a true companion for Derr. The robot cat stays with Derr and keeps her calm while Elliot is at work. Derr treats it like a real cat, even though she knows it is electronic. Elliot told the Associated Press her mother often forgets things. She added that a cat that helps her mother to remember to take her medicine and be careful when she walks would be great. Diane Feeney Mahoney is a professor at the Massachusetts General Hospital’s Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing. She has studied technology for older people. She said the project shows promise because of the team of researchers. She called the cat a tool that could make things easier for someone caring for a person with middle-stage dementia. It could also be useful in elder care homes that do not permit people bring in real animals, she said. But she hopes the researchers involve people from the Alzheimer’s community. “We just don’t want to push technology for technology’s sake,” she said. The scientists are studying how people feel about the robot cats, as well as the everyday lives of elderly people. They are also trying to learn how the improved cats would complete helpful activities and how they would communicate that information. Littman said they do not want a talking cat, however. “Cats don’t generally talk to you,” he said. Instead they are looking at whether the cat could move its head in a special way to successfully communicate its message, for example. In the end, they hope to create an exchange between the human and the cat in which the human feels the cat needs them. By doing so, the researchers hope they can even help prevent feelings of loneliness and sadness among elderly people. “The cat doesn’t do things on its own. It needs the human, and the human gets something back,” Malle said. “That … is a huge step up. Loneliness and uselessness feelings are hugely problematic.” I’m Lucija Milonig. And I’m Pete Musto.   Michelle R. Smith reported this story for the Associated Press. Pete Musto adapted it for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. What other kinds of technology do you think might help with mental and physical illnesses? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ QUIZ _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   keep(s) (an older person) company – p.v. to spend time with someone who would be alone if you were not there toy – n. something a child plays with artificial intelligence – n. the power of a machine to copy intelligent human behavior companion – n. a person or animal you spend time with or enjoy being with remind(ing) – v. to cause someone to remember something cognitive – adj. of, relating to, or involving conscious mental activities (such as thinking, understanding, learning, and remembering linguistic – adj. of or relating to language or linguistics affordable – adj. able to be paid for at a low cost elderly – adj. old or rather old dementia – n. a mental illness that causes someone to be unable to think clearly or to understand what is real and what is not real Alzheimer’s (disease) – n. a disease of the brain that causes people to slowly lose their memory and mental abilities as they grow old sake – n. used in phrases with for to say that something is done for a particular purpose or to achieve a particular goal or result

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Venezuelans Seek Treasure in Polluted River

  Venezuela was once one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America. Today, images of poor Venezuelans eating from food waste in Caracas are evidence of the country’s deepening economic crisis. Young men and boys often search the dirty waters of the Guaire River for small pieces of metal that might help feed their families. One of those young men is 26-year-old Angel Villanueva. He searches the dirty, brown water for lost rings or other objects he may be able to trade for money.   “Working in the Guaire isn’t easy,” he told the Associated Press. “When it provides, it provides. When it takes, it takes your life.” The waters of the Guaire are known for being filthy. The river acts as a drain. It carries away rainwater from the streets and sewers, as well as industrial waste. Alejandro Velasco is a native of Caracas and teaches Latin American history at New York University. He says ,“As long as I can remember, the Guaire was this open sewage. It certainly seems to reflect the depth and extent of the desperation that this particular crisis has spawned.” Venezuelans have lived under socialist rule for nearly 20 years. During that period, food and oil production have dropped sharply. Poor organization of state resources and a drop in world oil prices have made many Venezuelans desperate. Each morning, people go to the Guaire River from nearby neighborhoods to search for treasure. Some cover their fingertips in tape to protect from cuts and infections. They largely ignore any possible long-term health effects from standing in dirty water for hours each day. Calls to clean up the river and the large amount of money already spent have had no result. In 2005, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez recognized the river’s filthy condition and promised a full cleanup. Seven years later, the Inter-American Development Bank provided a $300 million loan to build wastewater centers and treat waste that goes into the river. Nearly six years later, the water remains filthy. Bank officials refused to comment on the project. Venezuelan government leaders have also been silent on when the Guaire might be cleaned. Some parts of the river smell of sewage. Other parts produce a toxic, harmful smell. Most days, the treasure hunters go unnoticed by other people as they drive vehicles over the river on a major road. Angel Villanueva lives with his father in one of the poorest and most dangerous parts of Caracas. The son wanted to earn money, but he could only get low-paying jobs, such as cleaning the streets. The lowest legal wage for public employees in Venezuela is less than $7 a month. Food has become increasingly hard to find or very costly. One recent study estimated that 75 percent of Venezuelans lost an average of 8.7 kilograms last year. Angel Villanueva first started searching in the river six months ago. His first day’s work resulted in finding $20 worth of materials. People back in his neighborhood often tell him to keep away because he smells like the Guaire. Villanueva dreams of leaving Venezuela to find a better job. But for now he is taking his chances searching for treasure in the river. I'm Jonathan Evans.   Scott Smith reported this story for the Associated Press. Jonathan Evans adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _________________________________________________________________ Words in this Story   desperation – n. a strong feeling of sadness, fear, and loss of hope filthy – adj. very dirty Latin America – n. South America and North America south of the U.S. resources – n. supplies of something such as money that someone has and can use when it is needed spawn – v. to cause something to develop or begin; to produce or create something

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Indonesians Explore Plans to Move Capital

  For many years, Indonesians have talked and dreamed of moving their capital. Jakarta, on the island of Java, became the capital when Indonesia declared its independence from the Netherlands in the 1940s. The city, formerly called Batavia, was once an important Dutch colonial port. So nationalist leaders had an easy time agreeing on its home to the new Indonesian government. But since then, Indonesia’s capital has been an unending nightmare for city planners. Jakarta is the world’s second-largest metropolitan area. But it is sinking -- up to 18 centimeters every year. The design of the city and its road system has created a near-permanent traffic jam. The Jakarta Transportation Agency estimates those delays cost the government, businesses and the city’s residents $11 billion a year. Yet Jakarta remains Indonesia’s economic center. It is easily the largest city and provides more jobs than anywhere else in the country. The slow improvement of roads, public transportation and other infrastructure has led most Indonesians to wonder whether it is possible to move the capital. In 2017, after years of flooding, Indonesian President Joko Widodo asked for the National Development Planning Agency, or BAPPENAS, to study land on the island of Borneo. The main candidate for a new capital is Palangkaraya, a city in Central Kalimantan province. Years ago, even former president Sukarno imagined the city as Indonesians' capital. Widodo has said little about the project. Yet he admitted on Twitter last year that discussions have begun. “We are still carrying out the study on what it would take to relocate the capital,” said BAPPENAS Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro last year. “But it would be outside Java for sure.” The island of Java is the economic and population center of Indonesia, which has over 15,000 islands in all. “Preferably the new capital is in a central location within Indonesia, not too far East or West,” said Brodjonegoro. His comments would rule out Sumatra, the largest island. Sumatra is west of Java and home to several important cities and natural resources. Indonesia lies on what is known as the “Ring of Fire,” an area with many volcanoes, and where earthquakes are common. However, Borneo is farther away from the tectonic plates that cause most of the earthquakes and volcanic explosions. Last week, the governor of Central Kalimantan said that his province is preparing 500 hectares of land if the government decides to move the capital. Many countries have moved their capitals throughout modern history. One example is the United States. In 1800, the U.S. capital city was moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. In Southeast Asia, Myanmar, also known as Burma, moved its capital from Yangon to Naypyidaw in 2005. In North Africa, Egyptians are building a new capital in the desert outside Cairo. Some critics think the dream of moving Indonesia’s capital is part of a desire by some people to revisit the Sukarno era. Writer Johannes Nugroho believes Indonesians are experiencing a longing for Sukarno and his leadership. It was a “time when Indonesia was a major player on the international stage,” he says. “I think the desire to revisit Palangkaraya as a new capital city stems from the same nostalgia, to finish what Sukarno started.” The writer added that Sukarno thought Indonesians needed to break with the past and have a fresh start. There would be great economic and geopolitical costs to moving the capital from Java to Kalimantan. Most importantly, Indonesia shares Borneo with Malaysia and Brunei, and the political balance is delicate. Central Kalimantan has very low sea access for a nation of islands. “Political parties would have to move out,” noted Indonesian Vice President Yusuf Kalla last year. “Courts and Supreme Courts would also have to move, aside from the president. Military bases would also have to move. There would be hundreds of thousands who would need housing and offices,” he added. And finally, developing Palangkaraya or a nearby area would cause  environmental damage on Borneo. Palm oil and other industries have already cleared land, destroying forests where many animals lived. The island is home to many endangered species, such as the Borneo orangutan. Some Indonesians wonder if relocating the capital may mean simply moving problems from one island to another. I'm Susan Shand and I'm Dorothy Gundy.   Krithika Varagur reported this story for VOA. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning Engloish. Mario Ritter was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   Infrastructure – n. the roads, structures and public services that are needed for a city of area to operate properly Delicate – adj. easily broken or damaged Tectonic plates - n. structures in the Earth’s surface that move, float, and break, causing earthquakes, volcanoes, Nightmare – n. a frightening dream Traffic jam – n. a situation where a long line of vehicles have stopped moving or are moving very slowly Location – n. a position or place Resource – n. something that can be used to increase one’s wealth Era – n. a time or period Nostalgia – n. a desire or longing for something from the past Access – n. permission or ability to en

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China-led Group Wants More Development on Mekong River

  China and five Southeast Asian countries have set goals for developing the Mekong River area, but experts wonder if the group can succeed. Leaders of the five countries met with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in early January in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. This was the second leaders’ meeting of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperative. Lancang is the Chinese name for the Mekong. The China-led cooperative was formed in 2015. All six countries on the Mekong River are part of the group. Other members are Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The Chinese premier said that his country would supply benefits to all the group’s members. “We talked about important principles in the meeting,” Li said. “We have to respect each other, and consider each other with equality for common development.” Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen told reporters about plans to create centers for improving water supply and environmental cooperation. He did not provide additional details of the five-year development plan, however. On Thursday, China and Cambodia signed agreements to improve Cambodia’s infrastructure, including a $2 billion deal to build a new expressway. Radio Free Asia noted that, in exchange, Cambodia promised to support China’s goals, including its territorial claims in the South China Sea. Chinese state media say China plans to loan countries billions of dollars for projects on the Mekong. Yet the Lancang-Mekong Cooperative is not the first group to deal with Mekong River issues. The Mekong River Commission (MRC) was formed to guide development on the river. The older group describes itself as an “inter-governmental organization” that works directly with Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam “to jointly manage the shared water resources and the sustainable development of the Mekong River.” China is not a full member and not required to offer its proposals for dam projects to the group. The MRC has been criticized for not doing enough to stop harmful projects on the river. But it is unclear if the Lancang-Mekong Cooperative, or LMC, will do better. Some observers say the LMC is another plan to expand China’s influence in Southeast Asia. China has pushed its Belt and Road initiative, a development plan for Asia, Europe and even Africa. Officials say their aim is to support cooperation and development in many of China’s trading partners. However, the six members of the LMC find it difficult to agree on their individual development projects. Countries downstream -- where the Mekong is widest -- are concerned that too many dams will hurt fisheries and reduce water flow. In 2016, water levels in the Mekong Delta area were extremely low. The lack of water threatened Vietnam’s rice crops. China agreed to increase the flow of water from dams in its territory, causing water levels to rise. An important resource for Southeast Asia The Mekong is Southeast Asia’s longest river. It flows more than 4,000 kilometers from its beginnings in Tibet to its mouth in Vietnam. The Mekong is home to important fisheries. At least 60 million people depend on it for food. It also is important for transportation and energy. China has reportedly built eight dams on the Mekong. The government has plans for at least 20 more. Laos is building two dams and preparing a third, although MRC members have protested. Maureen Harris is Southeast Asia director for International Rivers, an environmental group. She said communities in Thailand and Laos have reported problems linked to the dams for years, but nothing was done. Harris said that, over the past 20 years, dams upstream have changed the natural flood-drought cycle of the river. She said they block dirt and other materials from flowing downstream and hurt ecosystems and fisheries. A 2009 study warned about overdeveloping the river and its tributaries. The study was prepared for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Researchers found that fish on the Mekong would decrease by half if all the proposed projects were built. These include 11 mainstream dams and 78 tributary dams. Ian Baird is an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin. He studies river fisheries on the Mekong. He said LMC’s members would like access to China’s money, but gaining respect and cooperation in the area is more difficult. “Are they willing to give up enough power and say (influence) to the other countries that will make them really want to support this initiative?” he asks. He says it will take time to see how well the cooperative works. I’m Mario Ritter.   David Boyle and Sun Narin reported this story for VOANews.com. Mario Ritter adapted their report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   benefit – n. a good outcome of some plan or activity principles – n. guiding beliefs about right and wrong or behavior manage – v. to direct someone or something sustainable - adj. using methods that do not completely use up resources initiative – n. an action, plan or program upstream – adj. or adj. in the direction opposite to the flow of water cycle – n. a process that repeats itself sediment – n. soil that is carried away by water ecosystems – n. environments and the life that depends on them tributaries – n. rivers and streams that flow into larger rivers We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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Everyday Grammar: Check in, Check up

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