Stay on Your Toes!

Now, it’s time for the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories. Each week, we explore the meaning of expressions in American English. We often take terms and examine them from head to toe -- looking at each and every detail -- making sure not to overlook anything. Speaking of toes, let’s talk about them for a minute. Like the rest of our feet, they spend all day stuck inside socks and shoes. This can’t be good for them. So, let’s take them out of our shoes, give them a chance to stretch, and talk about how we use them in every-day speech. While listening to this program, you need to stay on your toes. We will give one example after another. So, you'll need to listen closely or you might miss one. Staying or keeping on your toes not only means to pay close attention. It also means to be ready to act. For example, when trying something dangerous, you need to keep on your toes. You want to be ready for anything that may happen. This expression comes from the fact that when you actually lift your heels and shift your weight to the balls of your feet and your toes, you are ready to jump into action! Now, the phrase keeping on your toes is different from tiptoeing around. Your feet are in a similar position. All your weight is on the balls of your feet. But the two expressions have different purposes and meanings. In fact, they are opposites. As we said, when you are on your toes, you are prepared to take action. But when standing on your tiptoes, you are not very balanced. You are either trying to make yourself taller to reach something or you are trying to walk very quietly. So, in American English, to tiptoe around something means to avoid an issue or talking about something in an indirect way. Here’s an example of this expression. “At the community meeting, city officials tiptoed around the issue of violence in schools for too long. Parents came to the meeting to hear solutions and not evasive language.”  Now, toes are important when we walk. They help us keep our balance. But they are good at something else. Imagine a person running up to a lake or the ocean to take a swim. Some brave people might just jump right in. They don’t care how cold the water is. Others may want to test the water temperature first. So, they put a toe in the water before jumping in.  There are other situations where you should put your toes in the water before jumping right in. Before moving to a new city or perhaps starting a new job, you need to do some serious thinking. When some people start a job, they may want to jump right in. But others move more slowly so as to avoid any unnecessary risk. Unsure about how their abilities measure up in the workplace, they tiptoe around co-workers. Or they are careful to avoid politically divisive or touchy subjects. Working in this way, new employees won't make anyone angry. They won't step on anyone's toes. Now, when you actually step on someone’s toes, most people simply apologize and that will be that. But stepping on someone’s toes in the idiomatic sense is more serious. It means you have done something on purpose to offend someone else.  But stepping on a co-worker's toes is not the worst thing you can do. If you go toe-to-toe with someone – that can be much worse! Well, actually, that depends. Toe-to-toe has two meanings: to be in direct competition with someone or to fight with someone. So, going toe-to-toe with a co-worker in a friendly, but competitive way is fine. In fact, employees are often expected to compete with one another in the workplace. If you are sure in your abilities, you are not afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone. However, going toe-to-toe with a co-worker by having a fight or argument with them is not a good idea. The company might fire one or both workers! At the very least going-toe-to-toe can create a difficult work environment. So, sometimes it's a good idea to toe the line when you start working a new job. Just follow the rules and do your best not to step on anyone's toes. Some native English speakers think this expression starts with the verb “tow,” meaning to pull. It's not hard to understand why. We often tow things with a line of rope. But in this expression, the word "toe" is spelled t-o-e -- not t-o-w. Word historians have attempted to explain the origin of this expression. Some claim it comes from the sport of boxing. In the boxing ring, fighters are so close to each other that their toes seem to touch. However, the one story that connects most closely with following the rules is from boating. Some people say that in the 19th century, sailors faced punishment if they did not obey shipping rules. To prepare, crew members would stand in a line with their toes on a crack, or line, between the wooden boards that make up the deck of the ship. And that’s Words and Their Stories for this week. Thanks for listening. We hope you found these expressions useful. We avoided using them in stories that might make your toes curl. After all, if you feel uneasy and uncomfortable, you probably won't come back for more.  I’m Bryan Lynn. And I’m Anna Matteo.   Tiptoe by the window By the window, that is where I'll be Come tiptoe through the tulips with me Oh, tiptoe by the garden By the garden of the willow tree Come tiptoe through the tulips with me …   Anna Matteo wrote this for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. At the end of the audio story, Tiny Tim sings "Tiptoe Through the Tulips." _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   evasive – adj. not honest or direct idiomatic – adj. an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words but that has a separate meaning of its own fire – v. to dismiss from employment deck – n. a flat surface that forms the main outside floor of a boat or ship curl – v. to twist or form (something) into a round or curved shape : to become curved or rounded

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Satellites See Fishing Industry’s Effects on the High Seas

  Until recently, scientists had trouble identifying what was causing large numbers of fish to disappear from the high seas. Now they have an answer: human beings. By using emergency signals from ships, scientists got what they are calling the first complete picture of commercial fishing worldwide. And a new study claims the effect is much bigger than researchers thought. Major commercial fishing covers more than 55 percent of the oceans. The world's fishing fleet travels more than 460 million kilometers a year, according to a study in the journal Science. That is equal to three times the distance between Earth and the sun. Five countries do 85 percent of high seas fishing. The five are China, Spain, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea. Boris Worm, a marine biologist at Dalhousie University in Canada, called the fishing study “mind-blowing.” Worm helped prepare a report on the findings. He likened industrial fishing to factories that are mass producing goods for people around the world. The latest fishing information was taken from 22 billion ship safety signals sent to satellites orbiting the Earth. Before this, scientists had to use shipping records and observations, which were not always correct. Ships are obeying no-fishing areas and times, although they do sail along the edges of marine-protected areas. The study noted a drop in fishing around holidays, including Christmas, New Year's and the Lunar New Year. "The maps of global fishing in this report are sobering," said Douglas McCauley, a marine biologist who wasn’t part of the study. He works at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The top country for fishing is China. Of the 40 million hours that large ships fished in 2016, 17 million hours were by boats sailing under a Chinese flag, noted marine biologist Barbara Block. She is with Stanford University in California "No longer is the ocean, especially the high seas – out of sight, out of mind,” noted Jane Lubchenco in an email. She formerly led America’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Lubchenco was not part of the study. From 2012 to 2016, the researchers collected signals from boats. New laws require many ships to carry identification systems that every few seconds report their position to satellites as a safety measure. Scientists then used computer programs to show where the boats were fishing, how they were moving, and what they were likely fishing for and how the fish were caught. The information was then compared with log books from some ships and they were the same, Worm said. It also shows that in the high seas, there is a heavy use of long line fishing, which catches more of the top predators like tuna, sharks and whales. Researchers said the findings could be used to better protect the oceans and keep fisheries alive. Block said that for too long scientists failed to recognize that human activities have the biggest effect on the planet. He added we have to develop a better system or else we’ll end up with a planet without Bluefin tuna and some sharks. I'm Susan Shand.   The Associated Press reported this story. Susan Shand adapted the report for VOA Learning English. The editor was George Grow. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   According – adv. as stated by or in Fleet – n. a group of ships that work together Commercial – adj. relating to or based on the amount of profit that something earns Mind-blowing – adj. exciting; surprising Marine – n. of or involving the sea Global - adj. involving the whole world Sober – adj. having or showing a very serious quality Predator – n. an animal that lives by killing and eating other animals

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Refugee Women Get a Taste of Starting a Business

  When refugees arrive in a new country, they bring few possessions. But many bring something more valuable: their skills. Recently, twenty refugee women and asylum seekers met at a pop-up store in Phoenix, the largest city in the American state of Arizona. They came together to show their handmade products and exchange stories. “I am from Iraq,” said Nada Alrubaye. “I was an art teacher and I had two boys. One, my young boy, was killed in Baghdad. I decided to go to Turkey with another son because I wanted to protect him. After that, I came to Arizona.” Rodain Abo Zeed also spoke at the meeting. “I escaped from Syria,” she said, “when the war started because there was no safety and no opportunities for my kids to continue their education, and because my husband’s restaurant got burned down to ashes.” Another refugee, Tahmina Besmal, told the gathering “We escaped from Afghanistan, me, my mom and two sisters because of safety and there was no opportunities for ladies to go to school, to do a job, to be independent.” Details of the trips and the countries may be different, but their stories are similar. More than 20 refugee women left sadness and often tragic pasts behind. They all were given a chance to sell homemade products at this donated space in Phoenix. A group of social work students at Arizona State University created the Global Market pop-up store to help these women earn money. The Global Market Project involved local non-profit groups at Arizona State, said Alyaa Al-Maadeed, one of the students. The American Muslim Women’s Association (AMWA) was one of the groups supporting the project. “Last year, we started a new beginning skill training program for refugee women, said Asna Masood, the group’s president. She added that the women are taught how to sew and then helped to sell their products in the community. Among the products for sale were paintings, jewelry, soap, and handicraft arts. Nada Alrubaye says she likes the market because she can sell paintings, jewelry or other possessions that were in her home. “I am happy with this shop,” she said. The store was only open in February, but organizers are already thinking about the future. “The goal of the project is not only to bring these women short-term income. We want to really provide them with the experience to learn how to run their own businesses and learn how to be entrepreneurs,” said Megan McDermott, an Arizona State student. Iraqi refugee Tara Albarazanchi sold her homemade soaps and body care products at the market. “This pop-up gives me the experience of working in a shop, dealing with people (and) dealing with cash,” she said, adding that she is also learning about record-keeping. The organizers hope visitors to the store also learned new things – hopefully about the lives of refugees in their community. I'm Susan Shand.   June Soh reported this story for VOA. Susan Shand adapted the story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   pop-up – adj. a short rental opportunity opportunity – n. a possibility; a chance sew – v. to make or repair something (such as a piece of clothing) handicrafts – n. an object made by skillful use of your hands — usually plural shop – n. a business; a place with products for sale income – n. money that is earning; earnings entrepreneur – n. one who sets up and operates a business

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Benin, French Presidents to Discuss Returning African Artifacts

  French President Emmanuel Macron will meet with the president of Benin not long after he promised to return artifacts taken from Africa during colonial times. Macron will meet with Beninese president Patrice Talon in Paris on March 6. The two leaders are expected to discuss works of art from the former kingdom of Dahomey. Many of these artifacts were taken, and are now kept in French museums and private collections. If the Macron government keeps its promise, experts say, its action might influence other European countries facing similar restitution demands. The Quai Branly museum in Paris holds thousands of African artifacts.  These include Kwele masks from Gabon, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo. Other art works include Baoule and Dan statues from the Ivory Coast, and royal Dahomey artifacts from what is modern-day Benin. Museums in France and around Europe that hold African art are now reconsidering their collections. Many people are questioning if some of the objects were stolen or taken unfairly from countries that were former European colonies. Restitution claims are not new. But now, President Emmanuel Macron is giving them new importance. During a speech in Ouagadougou last November, Macron said Africa's cultural heritage could no longer remain in European museums and private collections. Over the next five years, he said, artifacts in France must be temporarily or permanently returned to Africa. Mechtild Rossler is the head of the World Heritage Center of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris.  She says that the debate about African art has started in France. "Each of the museums need to have a look at their own collections and identify pieces which may have been trafficked illegally or may have come out of some dubious circumstances during colonialism." In 2016, Benin became the first African country to ask for the return of its artifacts.  The country is seeking several thousand pieces it says were taken from the former Kingdom of Dahomey by French soldiers and religious workers. Many works of art from Benin are at the Quai Branly museum. But earlier French administrations have said the art was now French property. Beninese people, like Marie-Cecile Zinsou, disagree. She heads the Zinsou Foundation in Cotonou, which supports African art. "Benin heritage is shown in France. It's shown in New York. It's shown in London, it's shown in Berlin. The only place where you can't see it is in Benin...the French left with everything." There are also important economic considerations in the debate. Art attracts foreign visitors to countries. These tourists, says Louis-Georges Tin, bring economic activity. Tin heads the Representative Council of France’s Black Associations, a group that is calling for restitution. "If you want tourists to come to your country, you need to have a cultural legacy. And how can you do that when most of your legacy has been robbed by many people in the Western countries?" Some people say African art is now something that belongs to the whole world. They argue that many African countries do not have museums to store artifacts that could easily be damaged. Others believe these issues can be resolved. A group of Paris art museums, for example, built a small museum in Benin. They donated art from their own collections to it. Gallery owner Robert Vallois led the effort. Vallois believes one answer would be to keep the art in European museums for now, where it is well preserved. Then, the goal would be to have artworks travel widely in Africa. Vallois considers the artifacts as national treasures of both France and Africa. What is important, he says, is that the public in both places has access to them. I’m Phil Dierking.   This story was originally written by Lisa Bryant for VOAnew.com. Phil Dierking adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. Do you think African artifacts should be returned to their original countries?  We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   artifact –n. objects made by people in the past dubious –adj. doubtful, causing doubt or uncertainty heritage –n. the traditions, beliefs and objects that are part of a group or nation legacy –n. something such as property that is received from someone who has died or from people in the past kingdom –n. the area ruled by a king restitution –n. the act of returning something that was lost or stolen to its owner

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Lesson 23: What Do You Want?

Summary Anna and her boss go on a trip around the world. That is, they eat foods from around the world. What will they find? Speaking In this video, you can practice saying the new words and learn about counting when you give someone change. Pronunciation In this video, you can learn about three informal English expressions: outta, yep, and whaddaya. Conversation   Anna: Washington, D.C. has great food from all over the world. Anna: Today I’m having lunch with my boss. Ms. Weaver says we’re going on a trip around the world. But she knows I only have an hour for lunch! Silly woman. Jonathan:  Hi, Anna! Anna: Hi Jonathan! Hey, we are meeting Ms. Weaver for lunch at noon, aren’t we? Jonathan:  Yes. Anna: What time is it now? Jonathan:  11:50. Anna: 11:50! We have to go!   Anna: So, where is this world food restaurant? Caty: We’re not eating at a restaurant. Anna: Where are we eating? Caty: We are eating at ... food trucks! Anna: Food trucks … awesome! What’s a food truck? Caty: These are food trucks! Anna: Wow!   Jonathan:  Whoa! Caty: Okay, Jonathan, you will buy the first dish. Here is $10. Surprise us! Jonathan:  Okay, I’ll be back in 15 minutes. Anna: What country do I want to visit? Caty: Anna, you pick the second country. Here is $10. Anna: I want chicken. Caty: The food truck, over there, has great chicken. Anna: Awesome! Caty: After you buy your food, meet me here. Jonathan:  Excuse me, I’ll have the shrimp. Jonathan:  Oh, you’re out of shrimp. Okay, I’ll have the beef then. Anna: Hello. I want the chicken dish. Truck worker: We're out of chicken. Anna: You're out of chicken. Worker: Yep. Anna: I’ll try another food truck. Thanks! Worker: You're welcome. Jonathan:  Okay, here is your change. The dish is $7. So, here is  1, 2, 3 dollars back from your 10. Caty: Great. Jonathan:  Where’s Anna? Is she dancing by that food truck? Caty: Yes. Yes, she is. Anna: Ms. Weaver, here is your change. The dish costs $5. So - $5   back. Caty: Thanks, Anna. But where is the food? Anna: I’m eating it. The Peruvian chicken is delicious! Try some! (Caty and Jonathan shake their heads “no”) Caty: Well, we still have $8! What do you want now? Anna: We can buy dessert!    Caty: I’ll buy dessert. Anna: In Washington, D.C., you can travel around the world … with food trucks! And it does not cost a lot. Anna: Until next time!   Writing Anna and her co-workers are going out for lunch together. What do you usually have for lunch on a weekday? Describe it and send us a photo if you can! Send us an email or write in the Comments section. Use the Activity Sheet to practice writing and talking about money and change. Learning Strategy Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. The learning strategy for this lesson is Respond. In many everyday situations, we have to respond to what we hear. Speaking English as a second language might make it hard for you to respond quickly. The strategy respond is part of listening actively. After listening to what the other person says, you respond on the same topic.  In the video, Jonathan listens to the food truck worker. She says they are out of shrimp. Jonathan responds. First, he repeats the sentence, "Oh, you're out of shrimp." That shows he understands. Second, he asks for a different dish. "I'll have the beef, then." When you talk with someone in English, how do you usually respond? Write to us in the Comments section or send us an email. Teachers, see the Lesson Plan for more details on teaching this strategy.   Listening Quiz ​Test your understanding by taking the listening quiz. Listen to the short video, then choose the best answer.​ ​______________________________________________________________ New Words   after - adv. following in time or at a later time beef- n. meat from a cow or the meat of the cow used as food chicken  n. a bird that is raised by people for its eggs and meat or the meat of the chicken used as food cost - v. to have (an amount of money) as a price delicious - adj. very pleasant to taste dessert - n.sweet food eaten after the main part of a meal dish - n. food that is prepared in a particular way hour - n. one of the 24 equal parts of a day; 60 minutes minute - n. a unit of time equal to 60 seconds; one 60th of an hour noon - n. the middle of the day;12 o'clock in the daytime only - adv. no more than pick - v. to choose or select (someone or something) from a group shrimp - n. small shellfish that has a long body and legs and that is eaten as food trip -n. a journey to a place truck n. a very large, heavy vehicle that is used to move large or numerous objects ​_____________________________________________________________ Free Materials   Download the VOA Learning English Word Book for a dictionary of the words we use on this website. Each Let's Learn English lesson has an Activity Sheet for extra practice on your own or in the classroom. In this lesson, you can use it to learn how to talk about prices, American coins and money. For Teachers See the Lesson Plan for this lesson for ideas and more teaching resources. Send us an email if you have comments on this course or questions. Grammar focus: Using want to express desires Topics: Asking the time; Counting back change; Time and Punctuality Learning Strategy: Respond Speaking & Pronunciation Focus: Counting change, Reduced form of "out of;" Reduced form, "whaddaya;" Informal agreement using "yep." ______________________________________________________________ Now it's your turn. Send us an email or write to us in the Comments section below or on our Facebook page to let us know what you think of this lesson.

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Let's Talk Oscars!

Caty Weaver: Welcome, Penelope Poulou, our VOA movie correspondent! How are you doing? Penelope Poulou: I’m great, it’s great to be here. CW: Well, thank you very much for doing it. Our listeners really love American movies. Watching them is one of the ways they learn how to speak English. PP: And it’s a reflection of our way of live. CW: Absolutely. So, I guess what I would like to know this year are your predictions, because you have been on target the past few years, is that true? PP: That is very true. But this year, all these nominees are really worth it. CW: So let’s go ahead and just start with the biggies - best actor. PP: Best actor? CW: Just tell me who it’s gonna’ be. PP: Well, Gary Oldman, come on now. CW: Yes, for his performance as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. PP: I truly am very confident that he will get the Oscar. ​ CW: And who is he up against? PP: He is up against Daniel Day Lewis, who is always superb; and, then of course, Timothée Chalamet, who is (in) Call Me By Your Name. He gives an exceptional performance. Daniel Kaluuya, of course, who plays in Get Out. And he’s wonderful but I would not put him in the same level as Oldman’s performance. I think everybody’s looking at Oldman in this situation. CW: Yes, Yes. PP: As for actresses in a leading role, hands down, Frances McDormand. I really believe that. She plays Mildred in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and she carries it. And she’s the epitome of female empowerment. CW: And she’s up against… PP: Sally Hawkins in The Shape of Water; a very romantic interpretation of her character. Margot Robbie who plays Tonya Harding in I, Tonya. Saoirse Ronan who plays in Lady Bird, of course, and Meryl Streep, who plays in The Post. And Meryl Streep is Meryl Streep. She has gotten these..I don’t know...I’ve miscounted how many nominations she has by now… CW: At least 20. Maybe 21. I know that she has won at least three Oscars, already. Three. And she is very good in The Post. But that role didn't seem like a challenge for her. CW: OK, and the last I’m going to: Best Picture. PP: Best Picture…Two films. One is Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri because it carries so many themes in there. But Get Out has captured people’s imagination. My only question mark about Get Out is: if I am to look at the film from a traditional point of view, does it fit the bill to get an Oscar for Best Picture? Usually these kind of pictures were grand on cinematography and this and that and the other. Does it fit the bill? And with that, I would say not so much. But things are changing. And what is important here is that it is a very original story. And it’s so hard to get original stories nowadays. CW: Absolutely. That’s its edge. But on the other hand, Three Billboards, also very original. PP: Very original. And so human. And such arcs, such character arcs, such topics. CW: Exactly. It’s almost too bad that they were put out in the same year. PP: And of course we need to mention The Shape of Water, because it has gotten, I think,13 nominations. And it is up there. It checks all the boxes. It checks the box of cinematography, it got a nomination there, best director, best editing, and all that. So, it does stand a great chance also. CW: It doesn’t seem like, though, it has the groundswell. PP: That is very true. That is absolutely true. CW: So, I get the feeling you really think the competition is between Get Out and Three Billboards. So what’s it gonna’ be? You’re on the spot! PP: Uh…I can’t! I can’t go beyond that at this point! I can’t commit! CW: It’s gonna be fun to watch… and judge you! PP: Oh my! CW: Just kidding, Penelope. Thank you so much for coming in and talking. PP: Well, its always fun taking with you. CW: Especially at Oscar time. Enjoy them! And, Learning English fans, you can enjoy the Oscars with us beginning at 00:30 UTC Monday. We'll be providing live Oscar updates on Facebook and on our website, Learningenglish.voanews.com. See you then!

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'The Diamond Lens' by Fitz-James O'Brien, Part One

Our story today is called "The Diamond Lens. " It was written by Fitz-James O'Brien. We will tell the story in two parts.  Now, here is Maurice Joyce with part one of "The Diamond Lens." When I was ten years old, one of my older cousins gave me a microscope. The first time I looked through its magic lens, the clouds that surrounded my daily life rolled away. I saw a universe of tiny living creatures in a drop of water. Day after day, night after night, I studied life under my microscope. The fungus that spoiled my mother’s jam was, for me, a land of magic gardens. I would put one of those spots of green mold under my microscope and see beautiful forests, where strange silver and golden fruit hung from the branches of tiny trees. I felt as if I had discovered another Garden of Eden. Although I didn’t tell anyone about my secret world, I decided to spend my life studying the microscope. My parents had other plans for me. When I was nearly twenty years old, they insisted that I learn a profession even though we were a rich family, and I really didn’t have to work at all. I decided to study medicine in New York. This city was far away from my family, so I could spend my time as I pleased. As long as I paid my medical school fees every year, my family would never know I wasn’t attending any classes. In New York, I would be able to buy excellent microscopes and meet scientists from all over the world. I would have plenty of money and plenty of time to spend on my dream. I left home with high hopes. Two days after I arrived in New York, I found a place to live.  It was large enough for me to use one of the rooms as my laboratory. I filled this room with expensive scientific equipment that I did not know how to use. But by the end of my first year in the city, I had become an expert with the microscope. I also had become more and more unhappy. The lens in my expensive microscope was still not strong enough to answer my questions about life. I imagined there were still secrets in Nature that the limited power of my equipment prevented me from knowing. I lay awake nights, wishing to find the perfect lens – an instrument of great magnifying power. Such a lens would permit me to see life in the smallest parts of its development. I was sure that a powerful lens like that could be built. And I spent my second year in New York trying to create it. I experimented with every kind of material. I tried simple glass, crystal and even precious stones. But I always found myself back where I started. My parents were angry at the lack of progress in my medical studies. I had not gone to one class since arriving in New York. Also, I had spent a lot of money on my experiments. One day, while I was working in my laboratory, Jules Simon knocked at my door. He lived in the apartment just above mine. I knew he loved jewelry, expensive clothing and good living. There was something mysterious about him, too. He always had something to sell: a painting, a rare stature, an expensive pair of lamps. I never understood why Simon did this. He didn’t seem to need the money.  He had many friends among the best families of New York. Simon was very excited as he came into my laboratory. “O my dear fellow!” he gasped.  “I have just seen the most amazing thing in the world!” He told me he had gone to visit a woman who had strange, magical powers. She could speak to the dead and read the minds of the living. To test her, Simon had written some questions about himself on a piece of paper. The woman, Madame Vulpes, had answered all of the questions correctly. Hearing about the woman gave me an idea. Perhaps she would be able to help me discover the secret of the perfect lens. Two days later, I went to her house. Madame Vulpes was an ugly woman with sharp, cruel eyes. She didn’t say a word to me when she opened the door, but took me right into her living room. We sat down at a large round table, and she spoke. “What do you want from me?” “I want to speak to a person who died many years before I was born.” “Put your hands on the table.” We sat there for several minutes. The room grew darker and darker. But Madame Vulpes did not turn on any lights. I began to feel a little silly. Then I felt a series of violent knocks. They shook the table, the back of my chair, the floor under my feet and even the windows. Madam Vulpes smiled. “They are very strong tonight. You are lucky. They want you to write down the name of the spirit you wish to talk to.” I tore a piece of paper out of my notebook and wrote down a name. I didn’t show it to Madame Vulpes. After a moment, Madame Vulpes’ hand began to shake so hard the table moved. She said the spirit was now holding her hand and would write me a message. I gave her paper and a pencil. She wrote something and gave the paper to me. The message read: “I am here. Question me.” It was signed “Leeuwenhoek.” I couldn’t believe my eyes. The name was the same one I had written on my piece of paper. I was sure that an ignorant woman like Madame Vulpes would not know who Leeuwenhoek was. Why would she know the name of the man who invented the microscope? Quickly, I wrote a question on another piece of paper. “How can I create the perfect lens?” Leeuwenhoek wrote back: “Find a diamond of one hundred and forty carats. Give it a strong electrical charge. The electricity will change the diamond’s atoms. From that stone you can form the perfect lens.” I left Madame Vulpes’ house in a state of painful excitement. Where would I find a diamond that large? All my family’s money could not buy a diamond like that. And even if I had enough money, I knew that such diamonds are very difficult to find. When I came home, I saw a light in Simon’s window. I climbed the stairs to his apartment and went in without knocking. Simon’s back was toward me as he bent over a lamp.  He looked as if he were carefully studying a small object in his hands. As soon as he heard me enter, he put the object in his pocket. His face became red, and he seemed very nervous. “What are you looking at?” I asked. Simon didn’t answer me. Instead, he laughed nervously and told me to sit down. I couldn’t wait to tell him my news. “Simon, I have just come from Madame Vulpes. She gave me some important information that will help me find the perfect lens. If only I could find a diamond that weighs one hundred forty carats!” My words seemed to change Simon into a wild animal. He rushed to a small table and grabbed a long, thin knife. “No!” he shouted. “You won’t get my treasure! I’ll die before I give it to you!” “My dear Simon,” I said, “I don’t know what you are talking about. I went to Madame Vulpes to ask her for help with a scientific problem. She told me I needed an enormous diamond. You could not possibly own a diamond that large. If you did, you would be very rich. And you wouldn’t be living here.” He stared at me for a second.  Then he laughed and apologized. “Simon,” I suggested, “let us drink some wine and forget all this. I have two bottles downstairs in my apartment. What do you think?” “I like your idea,” he said. I brought the wine to his apartment, and we began to drink. By the time we had finished the first bottle, Simon was very sleepy and very drunk. I felt as calm as ever…for I believed that I knew Simon’s secret. Download activities to help you understand this story here. Now it's your turn to use the words in this story. Have you ever discovered something you thought was more unusual than anything else in the world? What are some interesting scientific discoveries you like to read about? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ QUIZ   ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   microscope – n. a device used to make very small things look larger so they can be studied lens - n. a clear curved piece of glass or plastic that is used to make things look clearer, smaller, or bigger magnify - v. to make (something) appear larger ignorant -  adj. lacking knowledge or information carat – n. a unit for measuring the weight of jewels (such as diamonds) that is equal to 200 milligrams​ enormous - adj. very great in size or amount

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March 2, 2018

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

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The Academy May Not Like It, But Politics Might Star at the Oscars

If any of this year’s Oscar winners use their acceptance speech to push a political cause, you can thank — or blame — Marlon Brando. The actor’s performance as Vito Corleone in the 1972 film The Godfather is widely celebrated. But his action connected to the 1973 Academy Awards ceremony marked a change in Oscar behavior. Traditionally, Oscar winners had accepted their awards with speeches of thanks to the Academy and the industry. But Brando was different. He did not even attend the ceremony. He sent actor Sacheen Littlefeather in his place. She spoke in protest of Hollywood’s treatment of the country’s Native peoples. In the years since, Oscar winners have brought up everything from climate change to war to equal pay for women. “Speeches for a long time were relatively quiet in part because of the control of the studio system,” says James Piazza. He wrote the 2002 book, The Academy Awards: The Complete History of Oscar, along with Gail Kinn. He said, “There had been some controversy, like when George C. Scott refused his Oscar for Patton (which came out in 1970). But Brando’s speech really broke the mold.” Producers for this year’s Oscars show have said they want the ceremony to center on the movies themselves. However, political speeches seem likely. The #MeToo movement, protesting sexual abuse, played a big part at the Golden Globe awards in January. Globe winner Reese Witherspoon thanked “everyone who broke their silence this year.” Honorary Globe winner Oprah Winfrey also spoke about the issue in a speech that led some to suggest she run for president. Before Brando, award winners avoided issue-centered speeches, even if the issues were linked to the movie. For example, Gregory Peck won the Oscar for best actor in 1963 for his performance in To Kill a Mockingbird. But in Peck’s acceptance speech, he said nothing about the film’s racial theme, even though he spoke often about it to the press. And in 1964, when Sidney Poitier became the first black to win best actor, he did not comment on the historic nature of his win. Even actor Jane Fonda, one of Hollywood’s most famous anti-war activists, simply gave thanks for her Oscar in 1972. “There’s a great deal to say, but I’m not going to say it tonight,” she stated. “I would just like to say thank you very much.” Political movements from anti-communism to civil rights were mostly ignored during Oscar ceremonies in their time. Although Hollywood is thought of as politically liberal, the Academy generally disapproves of political speeches. Actor Vanessa Redgrave was booed for a political comment she made in her Oscar speech in 1978. At the 2003 Academy Awards, filmmaker Michael Moore was also not received entirely kindly by the audience. He had won the Oscar for his documentary film on guns, Bowling for Columbine.The crowd first cheered and stood for the filmmaker. But they booed when Moore began to speak against then-President George W. Bush and his Iraq policy. The Academy has a sense of humor, however. In 1994, Oscars performer Whoopi Goldberg used her opening jokes to persuade stars against talking about issues. “Save the whales,” she said. “Save the spotted owl. Gay rights. Men’s rights. Women’s rights. Human rights. Feed the homeless. More gun control. Free the Chinese dissidents. Peace in Bosnia. Health care reform. Choose choice. ACT UP. More AIDS research.” She got it all out of the way at the start of the show. The audience laughed and cheered. I’m Caty Weaver.   The Associated Press reported this story. Caty Weaver adapted it for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. ________________________________________________________________  Words in This Story   studio – n. a company that makes movies controversy – n. argument that involves many people who strongly disagree about something: strong disagreement about something among a large group of people mold – n. a usual or typical example of something: a pattern or type of something that is an example to be followed theme – n. the main subject that is being discussed or described in a piece of writing, a movie, etc. boo – v. a sound that people make to show they do not like or approve of someone or something audience – n. a group of people who gather together to listen to something (such as a concert) or watch something (such as a movie or play): the people who attend a performance

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Making Local Food More Nutritious

  About one in three people worldwide eats food that fills them up but lacks protein, vitamins and minerals. Health experts have a name for this situation: “hidden hunger.” It can lead to weakness in the body’s natural defenses against disease. It can also limit a person’s growth and affect intelligence. Now, the founders of an American food manufacturer are putting technology and financial resources to work to address the problem. They are looking for ways to make low-cost, traditional meals more nutritious. And, at the same time, make sure that people will like the taste. The company, called Just, is based in San Francisco, only a short drive from California’s Silicon Valley. Just is best known for making products such as plant-based mayonnaise, cookie dough and salad dressings. These foods can be found at supermarkets in the United States. The company is now working in Liberia, where 30 percent of the population suffers from poor nutrition. Just is partnering with local manufacturers and suppliers to make a product called Power Gari. It is based on the cassava plant, a common ingredient in Liberian cooking. The mixture for Power Gari turns the starchy cassava into a nutritious, soft food filled with vitamins and minerals. It has 12 grams of protein and, thanks to locally-produced red palm oil and salt, a taste many people find appealing. In January, Power Gari began appearing at stores in Monrovia, Liberia’s capital. The product has six ingredients. Just says more than 80 percent of them are from local suppliers. The company gave a Liberian manufacturer permission to make Power Gari. The manufacturer works with local suppliers to meet food safety rules. [[https://justforall.com/en-us/stories/power-gari]] “Our goal here is to build a better food system in Liberia and that means we are hands-on,” says Taylor Quinn, director of emerging markets for Just. He lives in Monrovia. Over the past two years, Quinn has carried ingredients from Liberia to San Francisco for the company’s scientists and others to study. It is sometimes difficult to get the local taste right, Quinn noted. He added, “The cassava – or the sugar, or whatever it may be that we're using in northern Liberia – is different than what we can get access to here in the office.” The company is continually changing the manufacturing directions for the product, Quinn added. A 50-gram serving of Power Gari costs about five cents for the wholesale product served in schools. In stores, it sells for about 15 cents per serving. One of the most difficult problems for Quinn is to find out what works best in Liberia. When it came to the machinery used at the factory of Just’s manufacturing partner, he wanted a mixing machine made in Liberia that can work without electricity. He found a local manufacturer who made the machines for about $800 and can do repairs, if needed.  When the power first went out during production, the workers started producing the mixture with a hand crank. “After a few minutes of hand cranking, it was perfect,” Quinn said. The true proof of Power Gari’s success will be if Liberians buy it. The company says it looked to Liberia as a test case before thinking about expanding to bigger markets, such as Nigeria or Kenya. The goal, says company founder Josh Tetrick, is nothing less than solving the world’s unjust food system. “Why are we not approaching this with the kind of ferocity that high growth companies bring to their own operations?" he asked. Just has raised more than $200 million from investors and is valued at over $1 billion. The company has made changes in its leadership recently to add directors with international business, agriculture and sustainability experience. I’m Dorothy Gundy and I'm Susan Shand   Michelle Quinn reported this story for VOANews.com. George Grow adapted her report for VOA Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   resource – n. a supply of something that can be used when it is needed ingredient – n. one of the substances used to make a mixture emerging – adj. newly created; developing access – n. permission or ability to enter something starchy – adj. containing starch; serious in behavior crank – n. a machine part that can be turned in a circle to move something approach – v. to move or become nearer to something ferocity – n. the quality of being very fierce We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

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Trump: Trade Wars Are Good, Easy to Win

  President Donald Trump is defending his plan to raise taxes on steel and aluminum imports entering the United States. Trump declared on Friday that “trade wars are good, and easy to win” -- a claim that some Americans were quick to criticize. The critics include members of his own Republican Party. Trump has said that the U.S. government would set punishing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Such a move would increase tensions with China and other countries. They also would raise the possibility of higher prices for American businesses and consumers. Early Friday, Trump took to the Twitter social networking service to defend himself. He wrote: “When a country (USA) is losing many billions of dollars on trade with…every country it does business with, trade wars are good, and easy to win. Example, when we are down $100 billion with a certain country and they get cute, don’t trade anymore-we win big. It’s easy!” He later tweeted: “Our steel industry is in bad shape. IF YOU DON’T HAVE STEEL, YOU DON’T HAVE A COUNTRY!” His announcement came only after an intense debate among his top aides. It brought strong criticism from some Republicans and financial markets concerned about tariffs and their effect on the economy. The president asked heads of aluminum and steel companies to the White House Thursday. He announced plans to set tariffs of 25 percent on imported steel and 10 percent on aluminum imports next week. He added that the tariffs would remain for “a long period of time.” The Associated Press says it was not immediately clear if the taxes would affect all trading partners. Around the world, Trump’s words led to criticism from the president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker. He rejected the plan as a clear intervention to protect U.S. domestic industry. Juncker said the EU would take steps to punish the U.S. if Trump followed through. China’s Commerce Ministry said it was seriously concerned about Trump’s plan. The ministry said China has satisfied its trade agreements and appealed to the U.S. government to settle disputes through negotiation. China has received many complaints from the United States, Europe and other trading partners. They accuse the Chinese government of unfairly supporting Chinese exports and restricting the Chinese market in violation of its free-trade promises. Canada is the largest provider of steel and aluminum imports in the U.S. The Canadian government said it would “take responsive measures” to defend the country’s trade interests and workers if the tariffs affected Canadian steel and aluminum products. Critics warned Trump’s tariffs may lead to a trade war. They suggested other countries will take action to punish the United States or use national security as a reason to set their own trade rules. Trump’s move will possibly raise steel and aluminum prices in the U.S. That is good news for American companies, but bad for companies that use the metals, such as manufacturers of beer and air conditioning equipment. The American International Automobile Dealers Association said the tariffs could cause the cost of a car to rise a lot. Wendy Cutler, a former U.S. trade official, noted “What benefits one industry can hurt another. What saves one job can jeopardize another.” Cutler is now vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute. American companies said steel tariffs announced in 2002 by then President George W. Bush destroyed 200,000 U.S. jobs. The new tariffs were requested by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and White House trade adviser Peter Navarro. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the decision “shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone,” saying that the president had been talking about it for many years. Trump has long accused China and others of what he calls unfair trade. But some Republicans in Congress were angry. Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska said the tariffs were a “tax increase on American families.” Sasse noted that he would expect Democratic Party lawmakers to set trade tariffs, not Republicans. House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin, said through a spokesman he hoped Trump would consider the effects of a trade war. I'm Bryan Lynn. Ken Thomas and Paul Wiseman reported this story for the Associated Press. Susan Shand adapted the story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   tariff – n. a tax on goods coming into or leaving a country consumer – n. a person who buys goods and services cute – adj. clearly causing an harmful effect        domestic – adj. relating to or coming from within a country complaint – n. criticism responsive – adj. quick to react, often with a sympathetic reaction

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