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Activities | The Classroom | Learning English 

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Why Getting Dirty Can Be Healthy for Children

Why Getting Dirty Can Be Healthy for Children (VOA Special English)

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VOA videos - from my Latest Subscription Videos (YouTube) - Oct. 25

New Videos from VOAvideo

• Running Club for the Homeless
• Zimbabwe: Land Re-Distribution Still Controversial
• Filmmaker Spike Jonze Brings "Wild Things" onto Silver Screen
• Human Rights Groups: US Should Lead Fight for Women
• Death Row Inmates Tell Their Stories in New Book
• Attention Intensifies on Afghan War Strategy
• "Kimjongilia" Documents suffering North Korea Seeks to Hide
• Federal Stimulus Funds Give a Boost to US Solar Industry
• A California Teacher Helps to Prepare Underprivileged Students for College
• H1N1 Flu Rising: Vaccine Starts to be Available
• Less Tobacco Smoke Means Fewer Heart Attacks
• Clinton: Iran, North Korea Critical for Nonproliferation
• Former Astronaut Hopes for Space Cooperation
• Teachers in Zimbabwe End Three-Week Strike
• Poor Economy Has Guitar Makers Singing the Blues
• US Housing Picture Signals Weakness
• Afghan President Agrees to Runoff Election
• Author Urges Protection for American Wild Horses
• Zimbabwe Economy Shows Signs of Improvement
• Lockerbie Families Seek Answers
• US Announces 'Integrated' Policy for Sudan
• Houston Cancer Hospital Uses Art to Ease Patient Anxiety
• Scientists Work to Restore Fish Habitat in Maine
• Commission Orders Afghan Officials to Invalidate Results
• UN Report Says Number of Hungry Still Rising
• Central Somalia Food May Run Out Next Month
• Senegalese AIDS Patients Get Organic Garden Meals
• Fish Kills Linked to Water Pollutants
• H1N1 Vaccine and Hospital Readiness Worry Americans

VOA video available on YouTube

VOA Video - YouTube

New Wind Turbine Design Good for Rural, Urban Environment


*Special English ではなく、ふつう版のニュースなので、ナチュラル・スピード。

VOA Special English - Weekly Report

しばらく放置していたVOA update のお知らせ。ちょっと眺めてみるか。

So You Want To Make Your Mother Happy? Become a Doctor On SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: A look at the process in the U.S., which has more than 120 medical colleges. Parsley: Not Just Another Pretty Green On AGRICULTURE REPORT: Advice for growing the plants. ・・・パセリ栽培、私にもできるだろうか。 Cape May, a Beach Town With Waves of History On THIS IS AMERICA: A visit to a small city in New Jersey that is celebrating its 400th anniversary. Hooray for Hollywood! On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: Cecil B. DeMille, Samuel Goldwyn and Louis Mayer helped make Hollywood the center of the movie industry. ・・・ハリウッドを映画産業の中心にした立役者たち。知っている人はいるだろうか。 Painter Takes Art Therapy to Young People in Uganda On DEVELOPMENT REPORT: Former child captives of rebels worked with American artist Ross Bleckner, a U.N. goodwill ambassador. Heart to Heart: Some Heartfelt Expressions On WORDS AND THEIR STORIES: Do you wear your heart on your sleeve? ・・・これは面白そう。heart を含んだ慣用句の話ですね。 Woman in the News: Judge Sonia Sotomayor On IN THE NEWS: President Obama's nominee, if confirmed by the Senate, will be the first Hispanic justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. ・・・ヒスパニックの判事は初か。 Short Story: 'Rappaccini's Daughter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Part 2 On AMERICAN STORIES: A young man falls under the influence of a beautiful young woman. Last of two parts. ・・・パート1を見ていない。チェックしないと？ Jobs and the Slow Road to Economic Recovery On ECONOMICS REPORT: Many experts believe the U.S. recession will end soon. But the housing market is unlikely to recover until employment improves. Map Whizzes Test Their Skills at the National Geographic Bee Also on AMERICAN MOSAIC: A question from China about the actress Meryl Streep. And music from Green Day’s new album. ・・・National Geographic Bee をチェックしよう。 Studying in the US: A Lesson in Personal Finance, Part 2 On EDUCATION REPORT: A law that goes into effect in February will place new restrictions on credit cards for people under 21. Part 36 of our Foreign Student Series. American History Series: Search for Gold Drives Settlers to the West On THE MAKING OF A NATION: After the first settlers in Colorado reported finding gold, the rush was on. Many people never found riches, but they stayed to become farmers or storekeepers. Study Says Smoking Bans Do Not Hurt Jobs in Bars, Restaurants On HEALTH REPORT: The findings come as Wisconsin and North Carolina -- America's top tobacco producing state -- pass smoke-free laws. Piracy Wave Hits Ships of All Flags Near Somalia On EXPLORATIONS: Somali pirates have demanded and received millions of dollars for the release of seized ships and hostages.

VOA Special English - Weekly Report

Let Us Plant Lettuce…

On AGRICULTURE REPORT: Experts say the green vegetable is one of the easiest to grow in your garden.

The Spoken Word is Still Heard After 35 Years At Nuyorican Poets Café in New York City

On THIS IS AMERICA: We visit with the people who created the Café and hear some of the performers.

Seven Activists Honored For Improving Environment in Their Nations

ON DEVELOPMENT REPORT, the winners of the Goldman Environmental Prize fought bad conditions in mining, waste management and other industries.

Katharine Graham, 1917- 2001: She Was the Powerful Owner and Publisher of The Washington Post

On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: Under her leadership, The Post became one of the most important newspaper companies in the country. It became famous for its Watergate investigation in 1972.

In the Red: When a Business is Losing Money

On WORDS AND THEIR STORIES: Some expressions used in business and investing.

US Charges Somali Accused of Piracy

On IN THE NEWS: A judge has ruled that the suspect is at least 18 years old and can be tried as an adult, with a possible sentence of life in prison. But his mother says he is just 16.

At the FIRST Championship, Kids and Robots Compete

On AMERICAN MOSAIC: A listener in China asks about American patriot Patrick Henry. And hear music by jazz artist Diana Krall.

International Monetary Fund Says World Economy Will Shrink This Year

On ECONOMICS REPORT: The international lender expects the world economy to shrink by more than one percent this year. Also, Mexico becomes the first nation to receive a loan under an I.M.F. credit program for strong economies.

American History Series: The Kansas-Nebraska Bill Divides the Country

On THE MAKING OF A NATION: During Pierce’s term, a bill to establish new territories restarts the dispute between North and South over slavery.

Studying in the US: Beware of Essay Mills

On EDUCATION REPORT: We continue our discussion of plagiarism in Part 31 of our Foreign Student Series.

Visiting Endangered Places Around the World

On EXPLORATIONS: The book “Disappearing Destinations” explores 37 threatened cultural and natural areas.

VOA Special English - Weekly Report

Presidential Inaugurals: Where Past and Future Come Together

On THIS IS AMERICA: Barack Obama becomes the 44th president of the United States on Tuesday. A look at notable ceremonies and speeches from the past.

Bush Looks Back at Eight Years as President, and Wishes Obama Well

On IN THE NEWS: "There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind."

Getting to Know the New First Family

Also on AMERICAN MOSAIC: A question from Japan about Martin Luther King Junior. And music by some of the performers set to appear at Barack Obama's inauguration.

Milky Way Is a Lot Bigger Than Scientists Thought

Also on SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: A study offers evidence that one or more comets were responsible for a sudden cooling period on Earth 13,000 years ago.

Marian Anderson, 1897-1993: Her Voice Became Famous Around the World

On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: Anderson performed African-American spirituals and classical music. But she found success in Europe before she was accepted in her own country. First of two parts.

Touching All Bases: Baseball Rules!

Some terms that come from the American pastime.

Economic Crisis Hits Exports

On ECONOMICS REPORT: World trade is expected to decrease by 2 percent this year as demand collapses.

American History Series: The Rise of the Movement Against Slavery

On THE MAKING OF A NATION: The 1830s saw the birth of anti-slavery societies in New York and New England.

Foreign Student Series: Answering Your Questions

On EDUCATION REPORT: In part 17, we answer questions about American higher education and about learning English.

Wising Up About Wisdom Teeth

On HEALTH REPORT: If removal is advised, experts say the best time to do it is before the teeth begin to cause problems.

Robert Edison Fulton Rode Around the World on a Motorcycle

On EXPLORATIONS: He traveled more than 40,000 kilometers through 22 countries in 1933. He later designed an airplane that was also a car.

YouTube - Subscription update

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New Videos from duncaninchina High Definition Test - Canon HF100 AVCHD High Definition test - Canon HF100 - Full HD Rendered

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New Videos from SesameStreet Sesame Street: The Goo Goo Dolls and Elmo Sing Pride Sesame Street: Arrested Development Sings Pride Sesame Street: Whoopi Goldberg is Proud Sesame Street: Happy to be Me Sesame Street: I'm Really Glad I'm Me

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New Videos from VOAvideo A Walking Tour of the Inauguration First Lady's Role Shaped by Tradition and the Individual Bush Delivers His Farewell Address Legendary Investor Warren Buffett Upbeat for Long-term Hilary Clinton Approved by Senate Committee as Secretary of State Biden, Cheney Approach Vice Presidency Differently Russia-Ukraine Gas Dispute Deadlocked - Europe Freezes Automakers Hope New Electric Technology will Create Jobs, Profits Inaugural Balls Celebrate New Presidency A Global Inauguration for President Obama Heather Hurburt Offers Advice to Obama on U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East Michele Dunne Offers Advice to Obama on U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East J. Scott Carpenter Offers Advice to Obama on U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East Hisham Melhem Offers Advice to Obama on U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East Texas Oilman Says Oil Prices Will Rise Again US Economy -- An Uphill Battle for Obama Rights Group Says US Influence on Human Rights Diminished Italy Rescues a Traditional Cheese Thai Rice Farmers Under Siege UNICEF Report Highlights Maternal Mortality

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New Videos from BBCWorldwide Asian Top Gear - Goodness Gracious Me - BBC Tampering with the Score Board - Thin Ice - BBC comedy Holiday Snap Torture! -Stephen Fry & Hugh Laurie - BBC comedy Extra: Into the Zooniverse - Mighty Boosh - BBC Comedy Extra

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New Videos from duncaninchina Misterduncan's Winter Countryside Walk Learning English-Lesson Forty Four (Word Association)

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New Videos from NationalGeographic My Shot Minute: Urban Scenery New Black Panthers Brady and crocs National Geographic Magazine's Top Photos of the Year My Shot Minute: Freeze Frame Croc Chases Cameraman My Shot Minute: It Takes Two This Dog Has a Crappy Diet

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New Videos from PrivateEnglishPortal Learn English with Steve- TOEFL Talk 6( Conditional 2)

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New Videos from VOAvideo Dog Rescued from Abuse in Afghanistan Thrift Stores Sales Rise as Shoppers Look for Bargains Palestinian and Israeli Women Seek Peace Obama Promotes his $800 Billion Plan Filmmaker Spends Year Gaining "Wisdom" from Elders Replacing Heart Valves Without Surgery Biz Group Says Economy Will Bottom Out in Mid-2009 Bush Creates Pacific Island Protected Zone U.S. Presidents Lunch at the White House Israel Continues Assault on Gaza South Korean School Helps North Koreans During Gaza Fighting, Peace Activists Still Campaign Ads Teach Students about Sexual Orientation Language New US Congress Convenes Amid Controversy Leon Panetta is Obama's Choice for CIA Artisitic Vision In Tar and Ink More Chinese Overweight or Obese NYC Immigrants Greet Obama Presidency Warmly Obama Urges Swift Action on Economy Obama Spends First Full Day in DC as President-elect

VOA Special English - Weekly Report

Scientists Work to Improve Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis On SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: Researchers have yet to find a cure, but they are developing a better understanding of the disease. Giving Grasslands a Rest On AGRICULTURE REPORT: How rotational grazing works. Do-It-Yourself: How to Dry or Smoke Fish, Part 2 On DEVELOPMENT REPORT: Last week we described how to prepare fish by cleaning and salting them. Now, the next steps. Do-It-Yourself: Preparing Fish for Drying or Smoking On DEVELOPMENT REPORT: Rule number one: begin with fish that are just out of the water. First of two parts. ............... 魚の干物／燻製の作り方：要チェック☆☆☆☆ Exploring the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain On THIS IS AMERICA: Champlain borders the states of New York and Vermont as well as Quebec, Canada. The Finger Lakes are in central New York. Baloney: It's Just Not True Expressions used to describe false, wrong or foolish things. Susan Sontag, 1933- 2004: One of America’s Most Influential Thinkers of the Twentieth Century On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: Sontag was famous for her serious studies about popular art forms. Her criticism and observations often angered readers. Short Story: ‘Luck’ by Mark Twain On AMERICAN STORIES: An English soldier is ‘lucky’ in everything he does. Barack Obama’s Election Voted Top News Story of 2008 On IN THE NEWS: Yearly AP top ten list includes the economic crisis and the rise and fall of oil prices. The Growing Credit Crisis Forces Many Companies to Seek Government Help On ECONOMICS REPORT: As the credit crisis grew worse, companies sought loans and aid from the government. The Treasury’s answer was a seven hundred billion dollar rescue plan. Rhythm and Blues Singer Jazmine Sullivan Is Getting Noticed for Her Edgy, Emotional Music Also on AMERICAN MOSAIC: Learn how American Mosaic was born. And hear about a museum filled with design objects that tell a story of political, social and technological change. American History Series: New President Deals with Old Problems On THE MAKING OF A NATION: Martin Van Buren must deal with the same economic and political troubles as Andrew Jackson. In Treating Hypothermia, Slow and Gentle Are Best On HEALTH REPORT: Sudden movements of cold blood in the body can cause shock and a heart attack. Second of two reports. Mesa Verde National Park: Protecting the Culture of Ancient Native Americans On EXPLORATIONS: The park has more than five thousand ruins from the time of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Six hundred are cliff dwellings.

YouTube - subscription update

New Videos from duncaninchina Misterduncan's English Lesson Promo (2009)

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New Videos from NationalGeographic Destroying the Orange Bowl American Nazi Monarch Butterflies Thorny Devil Giraffe Capture Sharks Attack Submarine Barbed Cat Penis Behind the Photo: Alexandra Avakian, Iran The Terra-Cotta Warriors Pups in the Womb

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New Videos from VOAvideo Running Increases Life Expectancy Vaccine for Dengue Fever Near One Man's American Dream Slipping Away More US Stores to Close 50th Anniversary of Cuban Revolution Rock and Roll Museum Annex Opens in New York Millions Search the Web for Medical Information Bangladesh Garment Industry Going Strong Bush, Obama Watch Israel, Hamas Carefully SF Ban on Plastic Bags Gets Mixed Reviews Automakers Get First Bailout Installment Heart Attacks More Deadly for Women NATO Waiting for Obama Strategy in Afghanistan Israel Considers 48-Hour Truce Sheikh Hasina Wins Landslide Election Consumers Cut Back on Holiday Spending Obama: Soften or Maintain Cuba Policies? Beijing Ready to Work with Obama Protests in Middle East Against Israeli Strikes Israel Aims For Upper Hand in Gaza Conflict

VOA Special - Weekly Report

Let It Snow! On SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: Everything you ever wanted to know about snow. Finding Uses for Marginal Lands On AGRICULTURE REPORT: Farmers can try planting grasses and forage crops for their animals. Trees are another possibility. Do-It-Yourself: Preparing Fish for Drying or Smoking On DEVELOPMENT REPORT: Rule number one: begin with fish that are just out of the water. First of two parts. Music for a Day When Memories and Hopes Meet at Midnight On THIS IS AMERICA: The traditional "Auld Lang Syne" is not the only song that could make people think of old friends at the New Year. Remembering Five Interesting Americans On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: We remember David Foster Wallace, Odetta, Irvine Robbins, Cyd Charisse and George Carlin. The White Heron Written by Sarah Orne Jewett Oil Prices Collapse on Falling Demand On IN THE NEWS: Some oil-producing nations face their first budget deficits in years as oil prices drop sharply. And Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin warns that the world can expect higher natural gas prices. Countrywide and Bear Stearns Started the Year’s Slide into Financial Crisis On ECONOMICS REPORT: At the start of the year, it was well-known that the housing market was in crisis. But few predicted that bad loans would bring down one of Wall Street’s biggest investment banks. First of two parts. Read All About It! Some of the Best Books of 2008 Also on AMERICAN MOSAIC: Several popular year-end movies. And four songs by musicians we enjoyed this year. Christmas in America During the 19th Century On THE MAKING OF A NATION: Christmas slowly developed into a national holiday that combined traditions from many cultures Want to Stay Warm in the Winter? Think COLD On HEALTH REPORT: Four steps to take to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Four More People Who Are Making a Difference On EXPLORATIONS: These activists, young and old, are helping others in special ways.

YouTube subscription update 08/12/27

New Videos from duncaninchina Long-tailed tits (In My Garden) ... 5mins 英語学習ビデオではないですね。鳥をながめてリラックス。

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New Videos from JenniferESL Lesson 12 - Omission of /t/ - English Pronunciation /t/の省略。4つのパターンに分けて。単語例の意味の説明、文での発音練習つき。 この方のレッスンはいつも丁寧ですね～。　 クリスマス2日前のNew Englandの雪景色も。

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New Videos from NationalGeographic Locked Up in Venezuela Jail Tigers Prey on People Beyond the Red Zone　（ハンターの血がさわぐ犬・・・番組の一部らしいので全体の内容が気になります。コメントが盛り上がってます！） Simpson-Wentz Pup (これも犬ネタ。上と同じシリーズか。) Behind the Photo: Alexandra Avakian, Iran Best '08! Anaconda Hunts Best '08 Albatross vs. Shark Police Confirmed UFO Sighting (同じ日に6人が目撃。うち5人が警官。Xファイルを思い出すなぁ。UFO再現部分のさりげなさが絶妙) Best '08! Shark vs. Octopus Best '08! Bull Sharks Best '08! Bullfrog Chow

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New Videos from PrivateEnglishPortal Happy Holidays!

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New Videos from VOAvideo Holiday Sales May Be Weakest in Years (景気わるいね。1996年以来では最低の売り上げになるかも・・・だそう) Church of "Stop Shopping" Energy Plan for Economic Crisis and Global Warming Tension Grows Between India and Pakistan Guantanamo: Challenges Await Obama More People Making Handcrafted Gifts Zimbabwe's President Rejects Calls to Quit Broken Racial Barriers Paved Way for Obama Searching for Lost Treasure Wreaths Honors Fallen Soldiers Mega-Stars in Theaters This Holiday Top Health News in 2008 (1.肥満 2.薬物耐性のある結核(TB)菌出現 3.HIV増加・強力化 4.Bisphenol A (哺乳瓶を含むプラスチック容器に使われている) の危険性 ) 5.Melamine 入りミルク 6.癌の遺伝子治療 7.水の汚染による死亡 ... あれ10じゃないな。 NASA: Building For the Future The Year the Global Economy Tanked Businesses Urge Consumers to Buy Locally Fergie Fights AIDS Stigma in Britain Aretha Franklin Celebrates Christmas with Music Medical Volunteers Journey to Needy in America US: A Long History of Political Corruption Zimbabwe Opposition Leader May End Talks

YouTube - Picture This

YouTube - Picture This "Holga" (camera)

VOA Spacial English - Weekly Report

A Direct Look at Five Planets Far From Our Solar System Also on SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: Scientists find evidence of tsunamis from long ago. And a study suggests that being surrounded by happy friends and neighbors could have more of an effect on your happiness than money. Food Safety After a Flood On AGRICULTURE REPORT: Advice from experts about what to keep and what to throw away. Small Loans Grow in a Big Way On DEVELOPMENT REPORT: As the microfinance industry grows, there are efforts to prevent abuses. Spirit of the Season: Christmas Music and Traditions in America On THIS IS AMERICA: A music-filled program looking at how Americans observe the most widely celebrated religious holiday in the U.S. Proverbs: Famous Sayings About Love, War and Other Issues On WORDS AND THEIR STORIES: Examples of proverbs that Americans use. Jesse Owens, 1913- 1980: He Was Once the World's Fastest Runner On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: He was the first American in the history of Olympic track and field events to win four gold medals in a single Olympics. A Special Christmas Story: The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS STORY: A husband and wife give each other the most special Christmas gift of all. Common Theme Ties Cases of Madoff, Siemens and 'Light' Cigarette Ads On IN THE NEWS: The legal cases of a New York money manager, a German engineering company and the U.S. tobacco industry are all rooted in the idea of dishonesty. Fed Cuts Short-Term Rates to Nearly Zero; Now What? On ECONOMICS REPORT: The U.S. central bank can follow a policy of easy money -- for now -- because inflation is no longer a concern. Leo Villareal's Art Brightens Washington's Season of Lights Also on AMERICAN MOSAIC: A question from China about winter weather. And music from some new Christmas albums. Foreign Student Series: TOEFL or IELTS? On EDUCATION REPORT: In part 15, we look at the two major English language tests accepted by colleges and universities in the U.S. American History Series: Jackson, 'the People's Friend,' Leaves Office On THE MAKING OF A NATION: In 1837, the presidency passed from Andrew Jackson (pictured) to Martin Van Buren. Simple Measures Can Prevent Injuries to Children On HEALTH REPORT: A new U.N. report says unintentional injuries kill more than 2,000 children each day. Under the Sea, Under the Fake Sea: Visiting Some Popular Aquariums On EXPLORATIONS: Millions of people around the world visit aquariums. At some of them, you can even swim with sharks.

VOA Special English - Weekly Report

How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning On SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: Any device that burns fuels such as coal, oil or wood can create the gas. And experts say the leading cause of injury and death is damaged equipment or a lack of knowledge about the correct use. Getting Enough Food a 'Distant Dream' for Almost a Billion On AGRICULTURE REPORT: A U.N. report shows an increase of 40 million undernourished people in 2008, mainly because of higher food prices. Coming to Town for the Inaugural? Add These Sights to See On THIS IS AMERICA: A visit to Congress' new, $600 million Capitol Visitor Center and the Smithsonian's renewed National Museum of American History. Zimbabwe's Cholera Epidemic On DEVELOPMENT REPORT: Condoleezza Rice is expected to urge southern African countries at the U.N. this week to increase pressure on President Robert Mugabe. Short Story: 'Feathertop' by Nathaniel Hawthorne Written by Nathaniel Hawthorne Hobson's Choice: When There Is Really No Choice at All Making choices is necessary, but not always easy. Shirley Horn, 1934-2005: One of the Great Jazz Singers of '50s and '60s On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: When she sang a song, she wanted the audience to feel it in the same way she did. She had a small voice. But her songs had a big effect. US State of Illinois Opens New Chapter in Its Corruption History On IN THE NEWS: Federal agents arrested the governor, Rod Blagojevich. One accusation is that he tried to profit from making an appointment to President-elect Obama's former Senate seat. Tribune, a Big US Media Group, Goes Bankrupt On ECONOMICS REPORT: Sam Zell borrowed heavily to buy the company. Now, a year later, it becomes the victim of a weak economy and decreasing newspaper readership. Oh, Say, You Can See the Star-Spangled Banner Again in Washington On AMERICAN MOSAIC: The famous flag on which the national anthem is based gets a new display. A question from Turkey about Michael Jordan. And music by Cold War Kids. American History Series: Trouble Grows Deep in the Heart of Texas On THE MAKING OF A NATION: The territory was part of Mexico. But American settlers who moved there for the low-priced land objected to learning Spanish or accepting Mexican traditions. Foreign Student Series: The SAT and the ACT On EDUCATION REPORT: In part 14, we talk about the two competing college-admissions tests in the U.S., and about schools that require neither. Scientists See Progress on a Dengue Vaccine On HEALTH REPORT: The disease may cause 50 million infections worldwide each year, and it is spreading to new areas. Carl Sagan Helped People Understand Our Planet and the Universe On EXPLORATIONS: He spent much of his life helping to make space travel to the outer universe possible.

VOA Special English - Weekly Report

VOA Special English WeeklyReport:voaspecialenglish.com

Mapping the Genes of the Woolly Mammoth (No Living Example Needed) Also on SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: An American researcher finds an unusual-looking insect in Brazil. And a warning about letting children have exotic pets. Soil Erosion Threatens Chinese 'Breadbasket' On AGRICULTURE REPORT: A study says more than one-third of China's territory is being damaged by wind and water, largely because of farming and forest loss. Trying to Live With a Recession in the World's Largest Economy On THIS IS AMERICA: Millions of Americans have cut their spending as they worry about keeping their jobs and their homes. Yet spending helps drive the economy. Need Soap? Make Your Own On DEVELOPMENT REPORT: A simple way to make soap from oil, water and potash. Dog Talk: Every Dog Has His Day Dog-related expressions Philo Farnsworth, 1906-1971: The Father of Television On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: He first thought of the idea of an electronic television when he was only fourteen years old. India Works to Gather Evidence in Deadly Attacks in Mumbai On IN THE NEWS: One of the first issues that will face Barack Obama's foreign policy team is what to do about the India-Pakistan conflict. US Automakers Ask Congress for $34 Billion in Aid On ECONOMICS REPORT: The chiefs of the Big Three returned to Washington -- in hybrid vehicles this time, not private jets -- to renew their appeal for a rescue. Also, the Treasury considers a plan to help increase home sales. More and More Bloggers Are Expressing Their Thoughts and Opinions on the Internet Also on AMERICAN MOSAIC: A question from China about Bobby Fischer. And music by the 18-year-old singer Taylor Swift (pictured). American History Series: Jackson's Victory Over the Bank of the US On THE MAKING OF A NATION: "A glorious triumph," the president declares after the power of the bank was broken. Foreign Student Series: Admissions Tests On EDUCATION REPORT: In part 13, we start to discuss entrance exams. Also, a new report warns about the rising costs of higher education in the U.S. Study Looks at Mental Health of College-Age Adults On HEALTH REPORT: Researchers in the U.S. say almost half appear to have at least one psychiatric disorder, but few seek treatment. The Castillo de San Marcos: Ships, Explorers, Pirate Attacks and Wars On EXPLORATIONS: The old military base is in the oldest permanent European settlement in the United States -- Saint Augustine, Florida.

VOA Special English - Weekly Report

VOA Special English WeeklyReport:voaspecialenglish.com

Adding Up the Many Dangers of Tobacco -- and Finding New Ones This week on SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: Researchers have more warnings for smokers. Also, advice about how to quit. Looking for Energy in Algae A Seattle company harvests wild algal blooms in search of natural gas and biochemicals. Australia Aims for Cleaner Coal On DEVELOPMENT REPORT: A demonstration project will seek to develop new technology to burn coal in pure oxygen and capture carbon dioxide underground. Kennedy Center Honors Six Artists for Life's Work On THIS IS AMERICA: This year's honorees are Morgan Freeman, Barbra Streisand (pictured with Dustin Hoffman), George Jones, Twyla Tharp, and Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey. Henry Loomis, 1919-2008: Director of VOA Had Idea to Create Special English On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: He also created the VOA Charter to establish VOA’s goals. He resigned from VOA in 1965 over disagreements with the government on how to report on the war in Vietnam. Similarities, but Also Big Differences, Between Today's Crisis and 1930s On IN THE NEWS: This downturn is bad, but rates of unemployment and bank failures do not compare to the Great Depression. More and More Americans Bike Their Way to Work Also on AMERICAN MOSAIC: A question from India about vegetarianism. And music by Darius Rucker. US History: As Jackson Aims to Shut Bank, an Economic Crisis Results On the MAKING OF A NATION: The powerful head of the Bank of the United States, Nicholas Biddle, told people to blame President Andrew Jackson for the problems. Obama Chooses Economic Team for 'Historic' Crisis On ECONOMICS REPORT: Among those chosen are Tim Geithner for Treasury, Larry Summers for the White House and Paul Volcker for a new economic recovery advisory board. Foreign Student Series: Thanksgiving in the US On EDUCATION REPORT: College and universities may arrange for students far from home to spend the holiday with local families. Part 12 of our series. Feeling No Pain: The World of Anesthesia On HEALTH REPORT: The kind of pain drugs that patients receive depends on their condition and the kind of procedure they need. Four More People Who Are Making a Difference On EXPLORATIONS: These activists, young and old, are making the world a better place in special ways.

VOA Special - Weekly Report

VOA Special English WeeklyReport:voaspecialenglish.com Join the English Learners Group at USA Votes 2008 You can post comments, videos, photos and audio at a community for English learners within VOA's social network site. Click here to go to the English Learners Group, and be sure to bookmark it. Registering to submit content is simple. Use the "join now" link at the top of the group page.

Neurologist Oliver Sacks Writes About Patients With Unusual Conditions On SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: His descriptive stories give a personal side to medical writing. Vertical Farming: Potatoes? They're on the Fifth Floor On AGRICULTURE REPORT: A professor promotes an environmentally friendly way to feed growing cities. Batman, Spider-Man Face a Growing Crowd in Comics, Graphic Novels On THIS IS AMERICA: "Comics are too expensive for kids. And they've changed," says a clerk at a comic shop in Virginia. Weather Experts to Aid Africa's 'Meningitis Belt' On DEVELOPMENT REPORT: Long-term predictions will help local health officials know the best times to deploy limited supplies of a new vaccine. The international effort will start in Ghana in 2009. Mouth Expressions: The Experience Left a Bad Taste in My Mouth English expressions using the word mouth. Mae West, 1893-1980: The Wild Woman of Film and Stage On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: Mae West starred in and wrote many plays and films. Her rich voice and sexy jokes made her an important figure in American popular culture. Kenya Puts $150 Million Estimate on Payments to Somalia's Pirates On IN THE NEWS: The government in Nairobi wants to hold an international conference to discuss how to deal with the growing problem of piracy. Congress Delays Action on Auto Industry Loans On ECONOMICS REPORT: General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are given until December 2 to propose business plans with their requests for $25 billion in new aid. Economy May Be Weak, but Thanksgiving Traditions Hold Strong Also on AMERICAN MOSAIC: A question from India about American Indians. And music from the new album by James Taylor. American History Series: Debating the Powerful Bank of the US On THE MAKING OF A NATION: Congress voted to renew the charter of the Bank of the United States, but President Andrew Jackson vetoed the measure. Foreign Student Series: The Application Process On EDUCATION REPORT: In part 11, advice to apply to at least three U.S. colleges or universities -- and give yourself plenty of time. Health: Keeping Ears Clean On HEALTH REPORT: Advice from experts about what to do -- and not to do -- to remove wax. Visiting Seven of America's Natural Wonders On EXPLORATIONS: We explore Niagara Falls, the Everglades, the Badlands, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Alaska’s glaciers and Hawaii’s volcanoes.

VOA Special English Weekly Report

VOA Special English WeeklyReport:voaspecialenglish.com

Election 2008: 'At This Defining Moment, Change Has Come to America' On THIS IS AMERICA: Barack Obama won a historic presidential race, and his Democratic Party increased its majorities in Congress. Now comes acting on the changes he promised. Fat Cell Gene May Reduce Colon Cancer Risk Also on SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: The Smithsonian Institution brings attention to the study and care of oceans. Food for Thought: Starting a Fish Farm On AGRICULTURE REPORT: A question from Nigeria about pond farming. Bringing Color to Life With Natural Dyes On DEVELOPMENT REPORT: Advice about dyeing wool with onionskins. Let's Do Business: I Made a Sweetheart Deal Last Month Let's Do Business: I Made a Sweetheart Deal Last Month Ann Landers, 1918-2002: She Helped Millions of People Deal With Their Problems On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: Her advice column was published in more than 1000 newspapers around the world. Number of Foreign Policy Issues Will Test Next President From the Start On IN THE NEWS: Barack Obama will have to deal with two wars, a newly energized Russia and nuclear concerns about Iran. Add to this a worldwide financial crisis. Rangers at Saguaro National Park Work to Outsmart Cactus Robbers Also on AMERICAN MOSAIC: A question about the difference between Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. And songs from three nominees for Country Music Awards. Obama Faces Difficult Financial Choices On ECONOMICS REPORT: The rescue of the financial system has cost at least one trillion dollars so far. And the next budget deficit is expected to be the largest ever. Will there be enough money for the new president’s proposed programs? American History Series: For President Jackson, a Question of States' Rights On THE MAKING OF A NATION: Andrew Jackson disagreed with his vice president, who believed that states had greater power than the federal government. Foreign Student Series: Getting a US Visa On EDUCATION REPORT: In part nine, we talk about the steps needed to come to the United States for study. Treating Anxiety Disorders in Children | Long-Term Risks of Teen Alcohol Use On HEALTH REPORT: Talk therapy and medicine together worked better for unhealthy fears than either alone in a recent study of young people. A Trip Along the Potomac River, One of America’s Most Historic Waterways On EXPLORATIONS: The Potomac flows through historic places in West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.