Norway's Olympic Cooks Gets 15,000 Eggs Instead of 1,500

This is What’s Trending Today… More than 100 athletes from Norway will compete in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, which open Friday, February 9. They and the other world-class competitors, of course, need plenty of good food to help them perform to the best of their abilities. Norwegian cooks in South Korea must keep their nation’s hungry athletes well fed. They have been placing orders for things like eggs, vegetables and meat at local supermarkets. They must use Google Translate to make sure Koreans understand their requests. Ahead of the Games, the Norwegian cooks placed an order for 1,500 eggs. When the order arrived in a large vehicle, they received 1,500 eggs….plus another 13,500...for a total of 15,000 eggs. “There was literally no end to the delivery,” Norwegian cook Stale Johansen told Norway’s Aftenposten. The story of Team Norway’s “scrambled” egg order was trending on social media this week. Some blamed the problem on Google Translate. But there may have simply been a typing mistake in the original order. The Korean language uses a different counting system, so Norwegians probably would not have noticed their error once it was translated.   Luckily, the Norwegian athletes will not have to eat huge amounts of eggs for every meal during the Olympics. The cooks were able to return the extra eggs to the supermarket. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I'm Lucija Millonig.    Ashley Thompson adapted this report based on several sources. Hai Do was the editor.  ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story athlete - n. a person who is trained in or good at sports, games, or exercises that require physical skill and strength plenty - n. ​a large number or amount​ scramble - v. to put (parts of something) in the wrong order (play on words: scramble also means: to prepare (eggs) by mixing the white and yellow parts together and then stirring the mixture in a hot pan​ original - adj. happening or existing first or at the beginning error  - n. mistake

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2nMGrhj
via IFTTT

February 8, 2018

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

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2C5sxv1
via IFTTT

February 7, 2018

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

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2EbhEOo
via IFTTT

Quiz - Huge Collection of Ancient Maya Structures Found in Guatemalan Jungle

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2GVWykH
via IFTTT

Taiwan Earthquake: Several Buildings Leaning Near Collapse

  A powerful earthquake struck Taiwan late Tuesday, killing at least seven people and leaving several buildings leaning, near total collapse. The U.S. Geological Survey said the 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit around the middle of the night local time near the coastal city of Hualien. Search and rescue operations continued in an effort to save dozens of people missing. Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen visited the damaged areas. She promised that every effort would be made to rescue survivors. At least 260 people were reported injured and more than 80 are missing. The earthquake split some roads in half and left about 40,000 homes without water. Nearly 2,000 others did not have electricity. Some of the most powerful pictures and video of the disaster showed high-rise buildings tilting heavily after the earthquake. Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operation Center said rescue efforts in one area were briefly halted over safety concerns. One residential building continued to lean towards collapse causing rescuers to stop their efforts. Rescue workers put up steel beams against the building in an effort to prevent it from completely collapsing. Large concrete blocks were also placed against the beams for added support. The building was among at least four in the area that sank and shifted because of the earthquake. Experts say the shifts were likely caused by soil liquefaction. This process can cause the ground underneath a building to lose its solidity under great physical stress. Shifting destroyed the lower floors of several buildings, forcing rescue workers to enter windows to reach people trapped inside. Hualien prosecutors said they had launched an investigation. They want to know about possible negligence in construction of buildings that collapsed or tilted from the earthquake, the Taipei Times reported. Government officials are seeking building records and said they would question companies in the buildings’ planning and construction. The investigation will look into whether shortcuts were taken, if poor building materials were used and whether all government rules were followed. Taiwan sits in a very seismically active area known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. Earthquakes regularly strike the area. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse and other sources. 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   lean – v. to bend or move from a straight position tilt – v. to move into a position where one end or side is higher than the other residential – adj. of or relating to the places where people live beam – n. long and heavy piece of wood or metal used to support parts of a building, ship, etc. concrete – n. a hard substance used in construction shift – v. to move to a different place, position, etc. negligence – n. failure to take the care that a responsible person usually takes shortcut – n. a faster or easier way to do something seismically – adv. relating to or caused by an earthquake  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2nRW1az
via IFTTT

Judges Now Using Artificial Intelligence to Rule on Prisoners

  Machines powered by artificial intelligence, or AI, are increasingly used to help people perform many different jobs. One area where AI is currently being used is in the American court system. In U.S. courts, defendants appear before a judge shortly after they are arrested. The judge then sets a trial date for the defendant, which could be weeks or months in the future. The judge must decide whether the defendant should remain in jail while awaiting trial or can be safely released until the court date. Many courts also use a bail system. This is where a judge sets an amount of bail money that a defendant can pay to avoid having to remain in jail while awaiting trial. In this system, judges often set a very high bail amount for defendants they see as having a high risk of not returning for trial. Artificial intelligence to assess risk In some American courts, judges are beginning to use AI systems to help decide when – and for how long - criminals should be jailed. To create the AI system, researchers use computers to analyze data from thousands of court cases. The computers then use that data to predict whether a defendant will commit a new crime or fail to return to court. One AI system being used by U.S. judges is called the Public Safety Assessment. The tool was developed by the privately-financed Laura and John Arnold Foundation, based in Texas. It says the system is designed to give judges the most objective information available to make fair decisions about prisoners. State judges in New Jersey are now using the Public Safety Assessment to assist in making pretrial decisions about defendants. Judges in other states have also used the system. The assessment process begins as soon as a suspect is fingerprinted, with information going into a centralized computerized system. At the first hearing from the jailhouse, defendants appear by videoconference and their risk score is presented to the judge. Defendants with lower scores are often released under court supervision until the next court date. Judge Ernest Caposela told the Associated Press he supports the state’s efforts to use technology to provide the best information available to help judges make careful decisions about defendants. Caposela compared the automatic system to “the same way you buy something from Amazon. Once you’re in the system, they’ve got everything they need on you.” Can data replace judgment? Some legal experts have praised the system for keeping dangerous people off the streets, while letting other defendants go free if they are not a safety threat. The AI system also aims to reduce biased rulings that could be influenced by a defendant’s race, gender or appearance. The risk factors used in the assessment include age and past criminal convictions. But they do not include race, gender, employment background, where a person lives or a history of arrests. Some critics say they worry that AI-powered data could end up replacing a judge’s own judgment in pre-trial decisions and sentencings. Kristian Hammond is a computer scientist at America’s Northwestern University who co-founded his own AI company. He says the danger is that judges - like all people - may find it easy to drop their own critical thinking skills when presented with what seems like an easy answer. Hammond told the Associated Press he thinks the solution is to “refuse to build boxes that give you answers.” Instead, judges need “boxes that give you answers and explanations and ask you if there’s anything you want to change.” The Arnold Foundation makes clear its Public Safety Assessment is only designed for the pretrial process, not for use by judges to decide on actual prison sentences. The group also notes that the workings of the AI-powered system are open to inspection by all. “There’s no mystery as to how a risk score is arrived at for any given defendant,” foundation official Matt Alsdorf said. I’m Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn adapted this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from the Associated Press, the Des Moines Register and other sources. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ QUIZ Now, test your understanding by taking this short quiz. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   bail – n. an amount of money given to a court to let a prisoner to leave jail and return later for a trial assessment – n. a judgement made about various parts of something objective – adj. based on facts rather than feelings or opinions biased – adj. showing unfairness to a particular group factor – n. something that helps produce or influence a result critical – adj. using or involving careful judgment about the good and bad parts of something  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2EOYRWg
via IFTTT

Joint Korean Hockey Team Overcomes Language Divide

  North and South Koreans face a widening language divide caused by 70 years of separation. That is creating some communication problems for the two countries’ first joint Olympic team as it prepares for the Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea. So, the joint women’s hockey team has created its own dictionary. The three-page document translates important hockey terms from English into South Korean, and then into North Korean. Canadian Sarah Murray is the team’s coach. She says the document has helped everybody communicate. Team Korea was formed just two weeks ago after the two Koreas decided to suddenly cooperate during the Olympics. Twelve players from North Korea were then added to the 23-member South Korean team.  South Korea has incorporated many English words and phrases into its language. North Korea has removed foreign words and created substitutes from Korean words. To many South Koreans, the substitutes sound funny. Language experts say about one-third of the everyday words used in the two countries are different. The divide is wider with technical language, like that used for medical and sports industries. For example, South Korean hockey players use the English word "pass," but their North Korean teammates say "yeol lak" or "communication." North Koreans say "nahl gay soo" meaning "wing player." South Koreans call that position "wing," like in English. South Koreans say "block shot" while North Koreans say "buhduh make," or "stretching to block." Murray admits that there are still some problems in communication even with the new dictionary. She said her South Korean assistant coach plays an important part in bridging the divide. Some in South Korea have criticized the partnership. They argue that the addition of players from North Korea players may prevent South Korean players from playing as much. One early public opinion study found that about 70 percent of South Koreans opposed the joint team. However, that opposition appears to be lessening as the Olympics near. On Sunday, the joint Korean team had its first match. It played the team from Sweden, which ranks fifth in the world. A crowd of 3,000 people watched the match at a sports center in the city of Incheon. Team Korea lost 3-1. Still, many consider it a good result as neither Korea is among the world’s top 20 hockey teams. The players wore the same uniforms, each adorned with an image of a "unification flag." The teammates stood together for the playing of a traditional Korean song. But the North and South Koreans live in separate buildings in the athletes’ village. The International Olympic Committee has permitted 22 North Korean athletes to take part in the games. They plan to march with South Korean athletes under the "unification flag" during the opening ceremony. Murray said the North and South Korean players are getting along much better than she had expected. She also said she is enjoying having the North Korean players on her team. She said they are "are absorbing everything like sponges." The North and South Korean players did not eat together at first. So, Murray said she asked them to do so. "We sat together at the next meal and the players were laughing. They are just girls ... you know ... they are just hockey players. They are all wearing the same jersey and we are on the same team now," Murray said. "Hockey really does bring people together." I'm Ashley Thompson.    The Associated Press reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.  _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   dictionary - n.  a reference book that contains words listed in alphabetical order and that gives information about the words' meanings, forms, pronunciations, etc. translate - v. to change words from one language into another language incorporate - v. to include (something) as part of something else match - n. a contest between two or more players or teams uniform - n. a special kind of clothing that is worn by all the members of a group or organization (such as an army or team) adorn (with)- v. to improve the appearance of something by adding something extra 

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2BgAu3G
via IFTTT

Tests Suggest 10,000-Year-Old Brit Had Dark Skin, Blue Eyes

Genetic material from a 10,000-year-old skeleton suggests the oldest-known Briton had dark skin and blue eyes. Scientists from Britain’s Natural History Museum and University College London reported the finding Wednesday after studying the remains of an individual known as “Cheddar Man.” The skeleton was discovered over a century ago. It was found inside a large hole in the Cheddar Gorge area of southwest England. The researchers cut a hole into the skull of the human remains and removed DNA from bone powder. The letters DNA are short for the term deoxyribonucleic acid. Scientists call it the chemical of life. DNA is made up of genes. Genes, like letters in words, carry a huge amount of information. They tell cells how to make all the materials for life. The British scientists say their tests showed Cheddar Man had dark, wavy hair, blue eyes and "dark to black" skin color. The researchers say the evidence suggests that Europeans' light skin coloring developed much later than experts had thought. Cheddar Man overturns people's expectations of what kinds of genetic qualities go together, said Tom Booth, who worked on the project. "It seems that pale eyes entered Europe long before pale skin or blond hair, which didn't come along until after the arrival of farming," he added.   Some experts believe that ancient humans who lived in extreme northern areas may have developed light colored skin. They note light skin is able to take in more sunlight than darker skin. Sunlight is required for the body to produce vitamin D. Cheddar Man shares genetic similarities with other human remains found in Spain, Hungary and Luxembourg. All those individuals lived in the Mesolithic Period, also known as the Middle Stone Age Period. The group, known as Western Hunter-Gatherers, moved to Europe from the Middle East after the last Ice Age, about 12,000 years ago. The Associated Press says Cheddar Man is the oldest complete skeleton found in Britain. Human beings had lived on the island off and on for thousands of years before his time, but they disappeared during periodic ice ages. Cheddar Man would have been one of a very small population of hunter-gatherers in Britain at the time. Scientists, who have been studying his skeleton, say he appears to have had a healthy diet but died in his 20s, possibly through violence. I'm Jonathan Evans.   Jill Lawless reported this story for the Associated Press (AP). George Grow adapted her report for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   powder – n. a very fine, dry substance pale – adj. lacking in color; not bright blond – adj. of light color; a golden or yellowish brown color off and on – adv. now and then We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2BM4s0T
via IFTTT

Experts: US, India, Japan, Australia to Plan Actions on South China Sea

Experts say four large nations can be expected to hold joint naval exercises and release statements about the South China Sea in the future. Australia, India, Japan and the United States form a group that some experts are calling ‘the quad.’ Observers say the four are likely to take such measures rather than directly challenging China over its claims to the disputed waterway in the Pacific Ocean. Stuart Orr is professor of strategic management at Dearkin University in Australia. He said, of the four countries, the United States is likely to take the largest part in such efforts.  “[The] number one presence is probably going to be driven by the U.S.,” said Orr. The professor said that India would also play a large part. He added that Japan and Australia would likely be “providing high-level logistical support.” The four nations want the South China Sea to remain open. It is an important path for trade and rich in resources. But experts say the countries do not want to damage their trade ties with China. “Rules-based order” in the disputed waterway Leaders of the four nations met in the Philippine capital, Manila, in November to discuss how to keep the sea open. At the time, Australia and Japan called for a “rules-based order” and “respect for international law.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to leaders of 10 Southeast Asian countries on January 26. Four of them also claim parts of the sea. The countries are members of ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Modi said that India has promised to work with those nations on maritime issues. Experts on the issue say more statements from the group are likely. Ben Ho is an expert with the Military Studies Programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He said “…the most concrete thing they can do is to issue some statement on the South China Sea dispute, and even then I believe that China might not even be explicitly named in such a statement.” ​ Joint military exercises possible The four countries also might send navy ships through the South China Sea, especially along its borders experts say. The action might take place in coastal waters of countries that want help resisting Chinese ships. The United States has sent navy ships into the sea five times since Donald Trump became president last year. The policy of freedom of navigation in the sea has continued from the earlier administration of President Barack Obama. Oh Ei Sun teaches international studies at Singapore Nanyang University. He says Japan may “break out of its self-imposed restraints,” and carry out its own military exercises. Oh said, “You will see Japan trying to make more frequent port calls and indeed join military exercises, providing training and so on to these nations.” India and Australia would likely support military exercises aimed at warning China. Stephen Nagy is a professor of politics and international studies at International Christian University in Tokyo. He pointed out that training and new equipment are things to be expected this year for Vietnam. Vietnam has aggressively pushed its claims to areas of the South China Sea. In January 2017, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe promised to provide six boats for Vietnam’s coast guard. The U.S. is to soon send an aircraft carrier to visit the Vietnamese port of Da Nang. Ho says China is expected to deal with each action individually. He believes China might add to its developments on small landforms it controls in the South China Sea. However, Ho says it is unlikely that India and Japan will push too hard in the area. Both have territorial disputes with China outside of the South China Sea. Economic and trade ties also will play an important part in dealings linked to the sea. China, for example, is Australia’s largest trading partner. “Canberra will not do anything drastic to damage the relationship,” Ho said. I’m Mario Ritter.   Ralph Jennings reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   challenge –v. to test the ability of management –n. the skill of overseeing a business, department or office logistical –adj. things that must be done to plan and organize a complicate activity or event maritime –adj. having to do with the sea or travel on it explicitly –adv. very clear, without doubt perimeters –n. the outside edge of something such as a territory or area navigation –n. the act of finding one’s way from one place to another drastic –adj. severe We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section and visit our Facebook page.

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2Biymc2
via IFTTT

Experts Worry That Road Salt Harms US Waters

  Communities in the Northern parts of the United States have used salt to keep icy roads safe during winter for many years.  But, some experts now say salt harms nearby fresh water supplies. Putting salt on icy roads helps reduce traffic accidents and prevents people from slipping and falling on roads and walkways. But researchers have found growing evidence that salt used on roads is increasing the salinity in many lakes in the U.S. Instead, they recommend using other materials such as beet juice, molasses, or even waste products from making beer or cheese. Victoria Kelly is a road salt expert at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in New York. She said scientists have been seeing increased amounts of salt in streams, rivers and lakes. Now, she said, scientists are asking: “What is going to happen to the organisms living in freshwater bodies and what will happen to the freshwater bodies as a whole?” New tools for keeping roads safe Road salt is believed to have been first used in the 1940s in the state of New Hampshire.  It became the main tool for removing ice from roads as cities expanded, highways were built and drivers began expecting clear roads. It is estimated that more than 20 million tons of salt are used each winter in places like the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. But many state and local agencies are looking for ways to reduce salt use because its harmful effects on the environment are becoming clearer. Some agencies now use high-technology equipment to spread salt more effectively. Others are trying to study weather reports to make better decisions about when to use salt.   Another new tool is liquid organic products that help salt stick to roads so it does not wash away easily. For example, agencies in states such as New Jersey and North Dakota are using a mixture that includes beet juice to keep ice off of roads. New Hampshire and Maine use molasses. Highway departments also have used beer waste and pickle brine. In at least one county in Wisconsin, cheese brine was used. Jonathan Rubin is director of the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center in Maine. He is the lead author of a 2010 report on salting roads in the state. “Adding salt to the environment does have negative impacts, but for those of us in the Northeast, especially in rural states, where driving is the predominant way of getting around, we need mobility,” said Rubin. “In my opinion, we are always going to be using some degree of road salt,” he said. “The question is, can we use less?” Leaving a salty taste in freshwater Experts say salt corrosion already causes billions of dollars in damage each year to cars, roads and bridges.   They also say there are growing signs that road salt is getting into freshwater. In the past 50 years, chloride levels in some lakes and rivers are four times higher than normal.  In a few cases, they are one hundred times higher. Last year, a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that more than 40 percent of the lakes studied showed long-term salinization.  The researchers estimated that by 2050, nearly 50 lakes in the study will have chloride levels that threaten freshwater plants and animals. Other studies have shown that salinization of lakes and streams reduces the numbers of fish and amphibians and kills plants. Caleb Dobbins is New Hampshire’s highway maintenance engineer. Although there are concerns, he does not think salt will be replaced anytime soon. Other chemicals, he notes, are more expensive than salt and have their own environmental risks. I’m Phil Dierking. Michael Casey originally wrote this story for the Associated Press. Phil Dierking adapted this story for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. What do you think is worse, icy roads or making freshwater too salty? Why?  We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   salinity - n. the amount of salt in something​ molasses - n. a thick, brown, sweet liquid that is made from raw sugar​ concentrations - n. a large amount of something in one place​ organic -adj. grown or made without the use of artificial chemicals​ brine - n. a mixture of salty water used especially to preserve or add flavor to food​ predominant - adj. more important, powerful, successful, or noticeable than other people or things​ corrosion - n.  to slowly break apart and destroy (metal, an object, etc.) through a chemical process​ amphibians - n. an animal (such as a frog or toad) that can live both on land and in water​

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2C3rETF
via IFTTT

2015 Letter Raises Questions About Pope's Knowledge of Sex Abuse Cover-Up

  Pope Francis reportedly received a letter in 2015 that describes a Chilean church cover-up of sexual abuse by a priest there. The pope had said recently that no victims had reported a cover-up. But one victim wrote in an eight-page letter that several clergy members witnessed and tried to hide the abuse, including Juan Barros. He is the Bishop of Osnorno, Chile, and was appointed by the Pope in early 2015. Member of Francis' sex abuse commission told the Associated Press that the victim’s letter was given to the Pope. Pope Francis has repeatedly said that he has “zero tolerance'' for sex abuse or attempts to hide it or protect abusers. He also has expressed his understanding and sympathy for abuse survivors. But last month, demonstrators in South America protested a visit by the Pope because of his forceful defense of Barros. Defending Barros ​Barros is accused of witnessing and ignoring sex abuse by Chilean priest Fernando Karadima. During the Pope’s trip to South America, he dismissed accusations against Barros as “slander.” The Pope spoke to an AP reporter on his flight home. He said, “You, in all good will, tell me that there are victims, but I haven't seen any, because they haven't come forward.” Yet members of the Pope's Commission for the Protection of Minors say the Roman Catholic Church leader did have such information. The team says it sent a delegation to Rome in April 2015 to give the letter about Barros to the Pope. Victim's letter reportedly given to Pope The victim, Juan Carlos Cruz, wrote in the letter that Karadima had repeatedly sexually assaulted him. He said Barros and others saw the assaults and did nothing to stop them. Four members of the commission met with Francis' top abuse adviser, Cardinal Sean O'Malley. They explained their objections to Francis' appointment of Barros as a bishop in southern Chile. They also gave O’Malley the letter to give to Francis. Marie Collins was a member of the commission. She was at the meeting. “When we gave him (O'Malley) the letter for the pope, he assured us he would give it to the pope and speak of the concerns,” she told the AP. “And at a later date, he assured us that that had been done.” Cruz said he was told the same thing later that year. He spoke to the AP in an interview from his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “Cardinal O'Malley called me after the Pope's visit here in Philadelphia and he told me, among other things, that he had given the letter to the pope in his hands,'' Cruz said. Neither the Vatican nor O'Malley answered requests for comment. Karadima refuses media visits Cruz arrived at Karadima's community in 1980 as a troubled teenager whose father had recently died. Cruz has said Karadima told him he would be like a spiritual father to him. Cruz provided AP reporters with a copy of his letter. In it, he asks for Francis to honor his promise to punish abusers and those who help them. Following testimony from Cruz and other former members of the local church, the Vatican removed Karadima in 2011 from religious leadership and sentenced him to a lifetime of ''penance and prayer'' for his crimes. Karadima is now 87 years old and lives in a home for old priests in Santiago. He has not publicly commented on any of the reports and does not accept calls or visits from the news media. 'I never knew anything...' Barros has repeatedly denied witnessing any abuse or covering it up. ''I never knew anything about, nor ever imagined, the serious abuses which that priest committed against the victims,'' he told the AP recently. The Vatican announced last week it was sending its most respected sex-crimes investigator to take testimony from Cruz and others about Barros. Although the Vatican and Chilean government officials considered the victims' testimony credible, the local church did not. That may have influenced Francis's view. Chilean Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa has said he did not believe the victims at first and cancelled an investigation as a result. He was forced to reopen it when the victims made their case public. He has also apologized. Errazuriz is one of the Pope Francis’s key cardinal advisers. By the time Cruz got his letter to cardinal O'Malley in 2015, he had already sent versions of it to many other people. He and other survivors had tried for months to get an appointment with the Vatican ambassador to Chile. The embassy sent Cruz a short message in answer to an email he sent December 7, 2014 – one month before Barros was appointed bishop. It said “your request has been met with an unfavorable response.” I’m Caty Weaver. And I’m Ashley Thompson. The Associated Press reported this story. Caty Weaver adapted it for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   priest - n. a person who has the authority to lead or perform ceremonies in some religions and especially in some Christian religions zero tolerance  - n. ​a policy of giving the most severe punishment possible to every person who commits a crime or breaks a rule​ assault  - v. ​to violently attack (someone or something) slander  - n. ​the act of making a false spoken statement that causes people to have a bad opinion of someone​ assure  - v. ​to make (something) certain ​ interview  - n. ​a meeting at which people talk to each other in order to ask questions and get information: penance  - n. ​something that you do or are given to do in order to show that you are sad or sorry about doing something wrong​ commit - v. ​to do (something that is illegal or harmful) testimony  - n. ​something that someone says especially in a court of law while formally promising to tell the truth​ credible - adj. able to be believed : reasonable to trust or believe

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/2nPZKFQ
via IFTTT