America's first black president has generally avoided policies defined by race, but in an emotional speech Mr Obama said it's an outrage that young Hispanic and African-American men have the odds stacked against them in US society.
He cited what he described as heart-breaking statistics, saying that these young men were more likely to have no father in the house, more likely to end up in jail, and more likely to be victims of violent crime.
The unemployment rate for African-American men was 12% last month, more than double that for white men.
President Obama said that he could identify with this group, and announced a new federal task force to develop ways to keep minority youths in school and out of the criminal justice system.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
defined by
(here) created because of; concerned with
outrage
anger and shock
have the odds stacked against
be very unlikely to succeed due to difficult surrounding circumstances
cited
mentioned information from a particular source
heart-breaking
causing a lot of sadness
identify with
understand someone's situation and feelings due to experiencing a similar situation
task force
group of people brought together to carry out a particular mission
Alice Herz-Sommer had to face some of the worst events of the 20th Century: her husband died in the Dachau concentration camp. But she remained an optimist with a faith in humankind.
Born in 1903, she knew the writer Franz Kafka as a family friend.
Alice was taught piano: when she played, she said, she was with God. At Theresienstadt she was allowed to play still, which made her think the camp would not be so bad.
She was lucky to get out alive with her young son. Stephan, she said, had helped her survive.
Alice Herz-Sommer: "Love! When you love somebody it's beautiful. People complain. Why complain?"
Next week, a documentary about Alice Herz-Sommer's life is up for an Oscar.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
to face
(here) to endure or to bear a very difficult or painful situation
concentration camp
prison where large numbers of ordinary people are kept, often in bad conditions, usually during a war or for political reasons
optimist
person who believes good things will happen
humankind
the whole human race
allowed
given permission (to do something)
complain
express dissatisfaction (with something)
is up for
is being considered for (something)
The US Vice President Joseph Biden spoke to the Ukrainian leader by telephone, calling on him to immediately pull back all security forces. The Vice President said the United States is prepared to sanction those officials responsible for the violence.
Earlier a White House spokesman said that President Obama is considering a "full tool kit" of sanctions, and will choose the policies that are likely to have the maximum effect. This would be in addition to the measure announced on Wednesday of denying US visas to 20 senior members of the Ukrainian government.
Until now the European Union has refrained from imposing sanctions on Ukraine, preferring to emphasise dialogue, but on Thursday EU foreign ministers announced that travel bans and asset freezes will be imposed on those deemed responsible for the violence.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
pull back
(of soldiers or fighters) move back towards their own land or base
sanction
(here) an official order to stop or limit power, trade or communication, as a punishment for breaking international laws or agreements
tool kit
(here) a set of action plans for a particular purpose
refrained
stopped itself
asset freezes
blocking the movement of money and other property
deemed
considered or judged to be
After burying the American East Coast in snow all the way from Georgia up to Maine, the storm has moved north to Canada. It has left an icy trail of destruction in its wake; hundreds of thousands of homes are still without power, mostly in southern states like the Carolinas, which are used to milder winter weather.
The extreme conditions are being blamed for at least 25 deaths, mostly in traffic accidents on roads that are slick with ice. Thirty people were injured in a multi-car pileup in Pennsylvania and more than 14,000 flights have been cancelled this week so far.
President Obama has left the snow in Washington for the West Coast, where he has been talking about a very different type of extreme weather; California is in the midst of its worst drought in a hundred years. He promised federal money to help deal with what he called a "very challenging situation".
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
icy trail
path or route which is covered with ice and snow
in its wake
left behind after something has passed through
milder
(here) weather that is warmer than is normal at a particular time of year
slick
smooth, shiny or slippery
pileup
traffic accident where several vehicles crash into each other
midst
middle
drought
long period of dry weather with no rain
Up until now, Facebook's 1.2 billion or so users have had only two choices to define themselves: male or female, but now social networkers, initially just in the US, have a wider range of options.
The company said it worked with gay and transgender advocacy groups to select around 50 terms, including "transsexual", "bi-gender" and "androgynous". Users can also choose whether to be referred to as "he", "she" or "they."
One of Facebook's software engineers who worked on the project is going through a male to female sex change. Brielle Harrison said while it won't mean much to a lot of people, "for the few it does impact, it will mean the world".
It reflects the growing influence of the transgender rights movement in the US, which is demanding similar civil rights to the gay community.
Facebook's move has been welcomed by activists who said they "applaud Facebook for making it possible for people to be their authentic selves online."
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
to define
(here) to describe
transgender
someone who feels their true sex is not the same as their physical characteristics
advocacy groups
groups of people who strongly and publicly support an idea
transsexual
a man who wants to become a woman, or a woman who wants to become a man
androgynous
of an undefined sex - neither male nor female
civil rights
people's entitlements while living in society, such as the right to marriage, education etc.
authentic
real, true, genuine
Millions of tourists are drawn each year to the Grand Canyon to see its impressive rocks, which record nearly two billion years of Earth history. Running for almost 450km and to a depth of 1,800m, it is almost too vast to take in.
Its huge scale has also been problematic for scientists who've spent years gathering data from different locations through the canyon to try to work out its true age.
Some of the most recent investigations had indicated an ancient origin, while others thought it was much younger.
Now a new study in the Nature Geoscience journal pulls it all together. It finds, yes, the Grand Canyon has very old segments, but the full system was only cut into the form we know today by the Colorado River just over five million years ago.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
drawn
attracted
to take in
to understand the meaning of
scale
size
problematic
causing problems or difficulties
gathering
collecting
origin
beginning (of something)
segments
parts (of something larger)
Whatever measure you choose, Chinese tourists now top the global rankings. Last year just shy of 100 million Chinese made foreign trips. And collectively they spent well over $100bn overseas outstripping any other nationality.
Little more than a generation ago few Chinese ventured abroad. But the restrictions have gone, most are now free to travel, although some minorities like Tibetans still complain of hurdles getting passports.
And as China's economy has expanded, so have people's horizons. China's new middle classes want to see the world. The most popular destinations are in Asia and Europe, Thailand for beaches, France for history and culture.
Britain, which requires a separate visa to the rest of Europe, has lagged behind. It received just 200,000 Chinese visitors two years ago, and is now trying to simplify the process so it doesn't miss out on China's new spenders.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
rankings
(here) lists displaying countries according to numbers taking holidays
shy of
almost; a little less than
outstripping
overtaking
ventured
went on a risky journey
hurdles
obstacles; (here) many requirements to be fulfilled
miss out
fail to take part in
After burying the American East Coast in snow all the way from Georgia up to Maine, the storm has moved north to Canada. It has left an icy trail of destruction in its wake; hundreds of thousands of homes are still without power, mostly in southern states like the Carolinas, which are used to milder winter weather.
The extreme conditions are being blamed for at least 25 deaths, mostly in traffic accidents on roads that are slick with ice. Thirty people were injured in a multi-car pileup in Pennsylvania and more than 14,000 flights have been cancelled this week so far.
President Obama has left the snow in Washington for the West Coast, where he has been talking about a very different type of extreme weather; California is in the midst of its worst drought in a hundred years. He promised federal money to help deal with what he called a "very challenging situation".
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
icy trail
path or route which is covered with ice and snow
in its wake
left behind after something has passed through
milder
(here) weather that is warmer than is normal at a particular time of year
slick
smooth, shiny or slippery
pileup
traffic accident where several vehicles crash into each other
midst
middle
drought
long period of dry weather with no rain
In Portugal, there are bullfighting schools where children can learn techniques from any age – albeit not necessarily involving a live animal. The UN Committee wants a minimum age of 12.
It also expressed concern about minors attending bullfights as spectators, given the often very bloody violence involved, and would like the current minimum age of six to be raised.
Unlike in neighbouring Spain, in Portugal the bull is not killed in the ring, but is invariably badly mauled before being led away to be slaughtered out of sight.
Portugal's government and political parties have not so far responded to the Committee's recommendations.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
albeit
although
spectators
people watching an event, audience
ring
circular area surrounded by seats where the action takes place
mauled
injured (used for animals)
slaughtered
killed for its meat
responded
reacted
The study tracked the drinking habits of more than 150,000 adults in three Russian cities for up to a decade. It also drew on previous research looking at how much people had drunk before they died. It found death rates fluctuated in line with political events and changes in alcohol policy.
In 1985, under President Gorbachev, alcohol consumption was severely restricted and Russia's overall death rates fell. Then with the fall of communism and the instability that followed, people started drinking more, and death rates rose.
Researchers say it's the way Russians drink, binging on mostly vodka, that contributes to the high mortality rates.
Taxes and restrictions brought in in 2006 have helped reduce alcohol consumption, but the authors say drinking heavily is part of the Russian lifestyle, and that's what needs to change.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
tracked
recorded
drew on
used information or experience for a particular purpose
in line with
in the same way as
instability
uncertainty caused by change, or the possibility of change
binge on
drinking or consuming too much in a short time
mortality rates
number of deaths in a population over a period of time
Globally, one in three adults is now considered overweight or obese. In 1980 it was one in five.
The Future Diets report analysed existing data and found the steepest rise has been in developing nations like Mexico and Egypt, where people are spending their increasing disposable incomes on fatty, sugary foods. Numbers almost quadrupled from 250 million to 904 million.
The report also said that western countries which have been dealing with the obesity problem for longer have so far failed to tackle it effectively.
It highlighted a more successful mass campaign in South Korea to train women how to prepare traditional low-fat meals.
The report suggests following the example of some American states in taxing things like fizzy drinks and sugary sweets. It also warns if current global trends continue, there will be a huge increase in heart attacks, strokes and diabetes.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
steepest
(here) biggest
disposable incomes
money left after spending on essential things like food and accommodation
quadrupled
became four times larger
taxing
(here) legally making something more expensive so it is less affordable
fizzy drinks
drinks with high amounts of sugar and gas added to make them bubbly
trends
patterns
strokes
medical condition in which brain cells suddenly die due to lack of blood supply
:
A gentle giant in the waters off Indonesia.
Manta rays now have government protection from the threat of fishing within the archipelago's vast ocean.
Fishermen can make up to $500 for each ray caught. But studies suggest a single animal could generate up to $1 million in tourist revenue.
The government's decision has been welcomed by conservationists. Manta rays are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
archipelago
a group of islands
generate
make, produce
revenue
income
conservationists
people who want to preserve nature and wildlife
vulnerable
in danger, at risk of being harmed
It's an enduring symbol of love. The Taj Mahal in India is visited by millions each year.
But for those who can't see it first-hand, how about a virtual tour?
Google is working with the Indian government to bring the landmark to Street View, using a special camera.
The company's previous attempts to map India's streets were blocked due to security concerns.
But now it seems the 360-year-old mausoleum is catching up with the 21st Century.
enduring
long-lasting
first-hand
for oneself (if you experience something first-hand, you do it yourself)
virtual
not physically existing but created by computer to appear similar to reality
landmark
a place that is easily recognised
mausoleum
a building in which the bodies of dead people are buried
The ancient Afghan art of silk making.
The craft has been handed down through generations but is now under threat.
Demand for the delicate material has been falling for decades. Undercut by cheap imports, it's too expensive for ordinary Afghans. And the tourists haven't returned since the bloody civil war.
Silk producers want investment and regulations to cut smuggling, which they say is ruining the industry.
silk
soft cloth produced from the thread of a type of worm
handed down
passed from one generation to the next
under threat
in danger
undercut
negatively affected by a competitor selling the same product at a lower price
smuggling
taking a product from one place to another illegally
Meet the latest recruit in the war against global warming.
This Argentinian bull has a device attached to its back to prevent methane escaping when it belches.
The gas is collected from the bull's stomach through a small pipe and compressed in a canister. Every day one animal produces enough fuel to drive a car one kilometre.
According to the UN, 18% of greenhouse gas emissions are produced by livestock.
methane
gas with no colour or odour which can be used as fuel
belches
releases air from the stomach through the mouth noisily
canister
metal container in the shape of a cylinder
greenhouse gas
gases which trap heat in the earth's atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane
livestock
farm animals raised for domestic use or for profit
On the streets of London a helmet can save a cyclist's life.
Anirudha Surabhi knows this only too well. He was in a bike crash in 2009.
He had a lucky escape but his polystyrene helmet was destroyed.
Now he's come up with what he says is a safer model, which was inspired by the woodpecker.
His paper helmet is designed in a similar way to the bird's head and beak and offers protection by cushioning the cyclist's head.
cyclist
person who rides a bicycle
lucky escape
fortunate avoidance of a dangerous situation
polystyrene
a type of light plastic
come up with
invented
cushioning
protecting by absorbing shock
Need a bigger boat? Why not just lengthen it?
This cruise ship, the Norwegian Crown, is first tugged into a shipping yard in Hamburg, Germany.
It's then cut in half, and a new 30-metre section is inserted in between.
After this, all it needs is a paint job and a new name, and the vessel is ready for the high seas once again.
cruise ship
a large ship with many luxurious rooms that people travel on for pleasure
tugged
pulled (used about boats)
a paint job
a coating of paint that makes something look new again
vessel
a large boat or ship
the high seas
parts of the sea that are far from land
It's a dog's life... but not for these strays.
They'd been happily roaming the Olympic Park in Sochi. That's until the authorities began to see them as a nuisance and threatened to have them put down.
But dog lover and Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska has come to their rescue.
He's paying for this makeshift shelter where 140 dogs collected from the streets compete for people's affections. The top prize - becoming a pet.
a dog's life
a very hard and unpleasant life
strays
domesticated animals with no owner
roaming
walking aimlessly
put down
to subject an animal to euthanasia
makeshift
poor quality, made of whatever material is available
François Hollande's visit to Washington signals a new era in US-French relations.
Forgotten are the days when France stood opposed to the US venture in Iraq; gone from the menu are the Freedom Fries. These days, the two countries find themselves largely in step on a wide range of international issues.
France's robust military response to threats in Mali and the Central African Republic, their tough stance on Iran's nuclear programme and Mr Hollande's willingness to strike the Syrian regime - albeit that the US stood in his way - have put France in a leading position among Washington's traditional allies.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
era
period of time (marked by a particular quality)
venture
a new activity involving risk
in step
having the same opinion
robust
strong and unlikely to fail
tough stance
strong position
albeit that
even though
Fish, birds, turtles - anything he could get hold of, he would kill with his bare hands. Jose told his rescuers he even drank turtle blood to stay alive during the 16 months he says he was adrift at sea. When his boat finally washed up at Ebon Atoll on Thursday, halfway between Hawaii and Australia, he was emaciated and barely able to walk. Ola Fjeldstad, a Norwegian anthropology student who's doing research in the Marshall Islands, said Jose's fiberglass boat bore the signs of the harrowing 7,500-mile detour:
Ola Fjeldstad, anthropology student:
We first found his boat, which was probably a 24-footer, engine broken, grown over with shells and other sea animals. And it had a live baby bird, a dead turtle, some turtle shells, fish leftovers and it was in pretty bad condition.
And there's tragedy in this tale. There were two people on the boat when it set off from Mexico to El Salvador in September 2012, but Jose said his companion had died several months earlier. Little is known about the circumstances, as so far he's had to draw pictures to communicate with people on the remote Pacific island because they can't understand Spanish. Locals have been nursing the long-haired, bearded stranger back to health and Ola Fjeldstad says Jose's doing much better:
Ola Fjeldstad, anthropology student:
He's gained a lot of strength. He's been eating a lot of food, fish, rice, fruit and drinking coffee. He's in a lot better shape now. He's able to walk around by himself. He's cracking jokes!
There are good reasons to be cheerful; had he missed the Marshall Islands, it could have been another 1,000 or so miles before Jose would have had any hope of hitting land again.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
adrift
(of a boat) moving across the water but not controlled by anyone
emaciated
thin and weak because of extreme hunger or illness
anthropology
the study of human societies, cultures and beliefs
harrowing
extremely frightening or upsetting
tragedy
a very sad situation, often involving death
circumstances
events that make a situation the way it is
nursing
(here) taking care of
He cited what he described as heart-breaking statistics, saying that these young men were more likely to have no father in the house, more likely to end up in jail, and more likely to be victims of violent crime.
The unemployment rate for African-American men was 12% last month, more than double that for white men.
President Obama said that he could identify with this group, and announced a new federal task force to develop ways to keep minority youths in school and out of the criminal justice system.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
defined by
(here) created because of; concerned with
outrage
anger and shock
have the odds stacked against
be very unlikely to succeed due to difficult surrounding circumstances
cited
mentioned information from a particular source
heart-breaking
causing a lot of sadness
identify with
understand someone's situation and feelings due to experiencing a similar situation
task force
group of people brought together to carry out a particular mission
Alice Herz-Sommer had to face some of the worst events of the 20th Century: her husband died in the Dachau concentration camp. But she remained an optimist with a faith in humankind.
Born in 1903, she knew the writer Franz Kafka as a family friend.
Alice was taught piano: when she played, she said, she was with God. At Theresienstadt she was allowed to play still, which made her think the camp would not be so bad.
She was lucky to get out alive with her young son. Stephan, she said, had helped her survive.
Alice Herz-Sommer: "Love! When you love somebody it's beautiful. People complain. Why complain?"
Next week, a documentary about Alice Herz-Sommer's life is up for an Oscar.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
to face
(here) to endure or to bear a very difficult or painful situation
concentration camp
prison where large numbers of ordinary people are kept, often in bad conditions, usually during a war or for political reasons
optimist
person who believes good things will happen
humankind
the whole human race
allowed
given permission (to do something)
complain
express dissatisfaction (with something)
is up for
is being considered for (something)
The US Vice President Joseph Biden spoke to the Ukrainian leader by telephone, calling on him to immediately pull back all security forces. The Vice President said the United States is prepared to sanction those officials responsible for the violence.
Earlier a White House spokesman said that President Obama is considering a "full tool kit" of sanctions, and will choose the policies that are likely to have the maximum effect. This would be in addition to the measure announced on Wednesday of denying US visas to 20 senior members of the Ukrainian government.
Until now the European Union has refrained from imposing sanctions on Ukraine, preferring to emphasise dialogue, but on Thursday EU foreign ministers announced that travel bans and asset freezes will be imposed on those deemed responsible for the violence.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
pull back
(of soldiers or fighters) move back towards their own land or base
sanction
(here) an official order to stop or limit power, trade or communication, as a punishment for breaking international laws or agreements
tool kit
(here) a set of action plans for a particular purpose
refrained
stopped itself
asset freezes
blocking the movement of money and other property
deemed
considered or judged to be
After burying the American East Coast in snow all the way from Georgia up to Maine, the storm has moved north to Canada. It has left an icy trail of destruction in its wake; hundreds of thousands of homes are still without power, mostly in southern states like the Carolinas, which are used to milder winter weather.
The extreme conditions are being blamed for at least 25 deaths, mostly in traffic accidents on roads that are slick with ice. Thirty people were injured in a multi-car pileup in Pennsylvania and more than 14,000 flights have been cancelled this week so far.
President Obama has left the snow in Washington for the West Coast, where he has been talking about a very different type of extreme weather; California is in the midst of its worst drought in a hundred years. He promised federal money to help deal with what he called a "very challenging situation".
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
icy trail
path or route which is covered with ice and snow
in its wake
left behind after something has passed through
milder
(here) weather that is warmer than is normal at a particular time of year
slick
smooth, shiny or slippery
pileup
traffic accident where several vehicles crash into each other
midst
middle
drought
long period of dry weather with no rain
Up until now, Facebook's 1.2 billion or so users have had only two choices to define themselves: male or female, but now social networkers, initially just in the US, have a wider range of options.
The company said it worked with gay and transgender advocacy groups to select around 50 terms, including "transsexual", "bi-gender" and "androgynous". Users can also choose whether to be referred to as "he", "she" or "they."
One of Facebook's software engineers who worked on the project is going through a male to female sex change. Brielle Harrison said while it won't mean much to a lot of people, "for the few it does impact, it will mean the world".
It reflects the growing influence of the transgender rights movement in the US, which is demanding similar civil rights to the gay community.
Facebook's move has been welcomed by activists who said they "applaud Facebook for making it possible for people to be their authentic selves online."
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
to define
(here) to describe
transgender
someone who feels their true sex is not the same as their physical characteristics
advocacy groups
groups of people who strongly and publicly support an idea
transsexual
a man who wants to become a woman, or a woman who wants to become a man
androgynous
of an undefined sex - neither male nor female
civil rights
people's entitlements while living in society, such as the right to marriage, education etc.
authentic
real, true, genuine
Millions of tourists are drawn each year to the Grand Canyon to see its impressive rocks, which record nearly two billion years of Earth history. Running for almost 450km and to a depth of 1,800m, it is almost too vast to take in.
Its huge scale has also been problematic for scientists who've spent years gathering data from different locations through the canyon to try to work out its true age.
Some of the most recent investigations had indicated an ancient origin, while others thought it was much younger.
Now a new study in the Nature Geoscience journal pulls it all together. It finds, yes, the Grand Canyon has very old segments, but the full system was only cut into the form we know today by the Colorado River just over five million years ago.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
drawn
attracted
to take in
to understand the meaning of
scale
size
problematic
causing problems or difficulties
gathering
collecting
origin
beginning (of something)
segments
parts (of something larger)
Whatever measure you choose, Chinese tourists now top the global rankings. Last year just shy of 100 million Chinese made foreign trips. And collectively they spent well over $100bn overseas outstripping any other nationality.
Little more than a generation ago few Chinese ventured abroad. But the restrictions have gone, most are now free to travel, although some minorities like Tibetans still complain of hurdles getting passports.
And as China's economy has expanded, so have people's horizons. China's new middle classes want to see the world. The most popular destinations are in Asia and Europe, Thailand for beaches, France for history and culture.
Britain, which requires a separate visa to the rest of Europe, has lagged behind. It received just 200,000 Chinese visitors two years ago, and is now trying to simplify the process so it doesn't miss out on China's new spenders.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
rankings
(here) lists displaying countries according to numbers taking holidays
shy of
almost; a little less than
outstripping
overtaking
ventured
went on a risky journey
hurdles
obstacles; (here) many requirements to be fulfilled
miss out
fail to take part in
After burying the American East Coast in snow all the way from Georgia up to Maine, the storm has moved north to Canada. It has left an icy trail of destruction in its wake; hundreds of thousands of homes are still without power, mostly in southern states like the Carolinas, which are used to milder winter weather.
The extreme conditions are being blamed for at least 25 deaths, mostly in traffic accidents on roads that are slick with ice. Thirty people were injured in a multi-car pileup in Pennsylvania and more than 14,000 flights have been cancelled this week so far.
President Obama has left the snow in Washington for the West Coast, where he has been talking about a very different type of extreme weather; California is in the midst of its worst drought in a hundred years. He promised federal money to help deal with what he called a "very challenging situation".
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
icy trail
path or route which is covered with ice and snow
in its wake
left behind after something has passed through
milder
(here) weather that is warmer than is normal at a particular time of year
slick
smooth, shiny or slippery
pileup
traffic accident where several vehicles crash into each other
midst
middle
drought
long period of dry weather with no rain
In Portugal, there are bullfighting schools where children can learn techniques from any age – albeit not necessarily involving a live animal. The UN Committee wants a minimum age of 12.
It also expressed concern about minors attending bullfights as spectators, given the often very bloody violence involved, and would like the current minimum age of six to be raised.
Unlike in neighbouring Spain, in Portugal the bull is not killed in the ring, but is invariably badly mauled before being led away to be slaughtered out of sight.
Portugal's government and political parties have not so far responded to the Committee's recommendations.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
albeit
although
spectators
people watching an event, audience
ring
circular area surrounded by seats where the action takes place
mauled
injured (used for animals)
slaughtered
killed for its meat
responded
reacted
The study tracked the drinking habits of more than 150,000 adults in three Russian cities for up to a decade. It also drew on previous research looking at how much people had drunk before they died. It found death rates fluctuated in line with political events and changes in alcohol policy.
In 1985, under President Gorbachev, alcohol consumption was severely restricted and Russia's overall death rates fell. Then with the fall of communism and the instability that followed, people started drinking more, and death rates rose.
Researchers say it's the way Russians drink, binging on mostly vodka, that contributes to the high mortality rates.
Taxes and restrictions brought in in 2006 have helped reduce alcohol consumption, but the authors say drinking heavily is part of the Russian lifestyle, and that's what needs to change.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
tracked
recorded
drew on
used information or experience for a particular purpose
in line with
in the same way as
instability
uncertainty caused by change, or the possibility of change
binge on
drinking or consuming too much in a short time
mortality rates
number of deaths in a population over a period of time
Globally, one in three adults is now considered overweight or obese. In 1980 it was one in five.
The Future Diets report analysed existing data and found the steepest rise has been in developing nations like Mexico and Egypt, where people are spending their increasing disposable incomes on fatty, sugary foods. Numbers almost quadrupled from 250 million to 904 million.
The report also said that western countries which have been dealing with the obesity problem for longer have so far failed to tackle it effectively.
It highlighted a more successful mass campaign in South Korea to train women how to prepare traditional low-fat meals.
The report suggests following the example of some American states in taxing things like fizzy drinks and sugary sweets. It also warns if current global trends continue, there will be a huge increase in heart attacks, strokes and diabetes.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
steepest
(here) biggest
disposable incomes
money left after spending on essential things like food and accommodation
quadrupled
became four times larger
taxing
(here) legally making something more expensive so it is less affordable
fizzy drinks
drinks with high amounts of sugar and gas added to make them bubbly
trends
patterns
strokes
medical condition in which brain cells suddenly die due to lack of blood supply
:
A gentle giant in the waters off Indonesia.
Manta rays now have government protection from the threat of fishing within the archipelago's vast ocean.
Fishermen can make up to $500 for each ray caught. But studies suggest a single animal could generate up to $1 million in tourist revenue.
The government's decision has been welcomed by conservationists. Manta rays are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
archipelago
a group of islands
generate
make, produce
revenue
income
conservationists
people who want to preserve nature and wildlife
vulnerable
in danger, at risk of being harmed
It's an enduring symbol of love. The Taj Mahal in India is visited by millions each year.
But for those who can't see it first-hand, how about a virtual tour?
Google is working with the Indian government to bring the landmark to Street View, using a special camera.
The company's previous attempts to map India's streets were blocked due to security concerns.
But now it seems the 360-year-old mausoleum is catching up with the 21st Century.
enduring
long-lasting
first-hand
for oneself (if you experience something first-hand, you do it yourself)
virtual
not physically existing but created by computer to appear similar to reality
landmark
a place that is easily recognised
mausoleum
a building in which the bodies of dead people are buried
The ancient Afghan art of silk making.
The craft has been handed down through generations but is now under threat.
Demand for the delicate material has been falling for decades. Undercut by cheap imports, it's too expensive for ordinary Afghans. And the tourists haven't returned since the bloody civil war.
Silk producers want investment and regulations to cut smuggling, which they say is ruining the industry.
silk
soft cloth produced from the thread of a type of worm
handed down
passed from one generation to the next
under threat
in danger
undercut
negatively affected by a competitor selling the same product at a lower price
smuggling
taking a product from one place to another illegally
Meet the latest recruit in the war against global warming.
This Argentinian bull has a device attached to its back to prevent methane escaping when it belches.
The gas is collected from the bull's stomach through a small pipe and compressed in a canister. Every day one animal produces enough fuel to drive a car one kilometre.
According to the UN, 18% of greenhouse gas emissions are produced by livestock.
methane
gas with no colour or odour which can be used as fuel
belches
releases air from the stomach through the mouth noisily
canister
metal container in the shape of a cylinder
greenhouse gas
gases which trap heat in the earth's atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane
livestock
farm animals raised for domestic use or for profit
On the streets of London a helmet can save a cyclist's life.
Anirudha Surabhi knows this only too well. He was in a bike crash in 2009.
He had a lucky escape but his polystyrene helmet was destroyed.
Now he's come up with what he says is a safer model, which was inspired by the woodpecker.
His paper helmet is designed in a similar way to the bird's head and beak and offers protection by cushioning the cyclist's head.
cyclist
person who rides a bicycle
lucky escape
fortunate avoidance of a dangerous situation
polystyrene
a type of light plastic
come up with
invented
cushioning
protecting by absorbing shock
Need a bigger boat? Why not just lengthen it?
This cruise ship, the Norwegian Crown, is first tugged into a shipping yard in Hamburg, Germany.
It's then cut in half, and a new 30-metre section is inserted in between.
After this, all it needs is a paint job and a new name, and the vessel is ready for the high seas once again.
cruise ship
a large ship with many luxurious rooms that people travel on for pleasure
tugged
pulled (used about boats)
a paint job
a coating of paint that makes something look new again
vessel
a large boat or ship
the high seas
parts of the sea that are far from land
It's a dog's life... but not for these strays.
They'd been happily roaming the Olympic Park in Sochi. That's until the authorities began to see them as a nuisance and threatened to have them put down.
But dog lover and Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska has come to their rescue.
He's paying for this makeshift shelter where 140 dogs collected from the streets compete for people's affections. The top prize - becoming a pet.
a dog's life
a very hard and unpleasant life
strays
domesticated animals with no owner
roaming
walking aimlessly
put down
to subject an animal to euthanasia
makeshift
poor quality, made of whatever material is available
François Hollande's visit to Washington signals a new era in US-French relations.
Forgotten are the days when France stood opposed to the US venture in Iraq; gone from the menu are the Freedom Fries. These days, the two countries find themselves largely in step on a wide range of international issues.
France's robust military response to threats in Mali and the Central African Republic, their tough stance on Iran's nuclear programme and Mr Hollande's willingness to strike the Syrian regime - albeit that the US stood in his way - have put France in a leading position among Washington's traditional allies.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
era
period of time (marked by a particular quality)
venture
a new activity involving risk
in step
having the same opinion
robust
strong and unlikely to fail
tough stance
strong position
albeit that
even though
Fish, birds, turtles - anything he could get hold of, he would kill with his bare hands. Jose told his rescuers he even drank turtle blood to stay alive during the 16 months he says he was adrift at sea. When his boat finally washed up at Ebon Atoll on Thursday, halfway between Hawaii and Australia, he was emaciated and barely able to walk. Ola Fjeldstad, a Norwegian anthropology student who's doing research in the Marshall Islands, said Jose's fiberglass boat bore the signs of the harrowing 7,500-mile detour:
Ola Fjeldstad, anthropology student:
We first found his boat, which was probably a 24-footer, engine broken, grown over with shells and other sea animals. And it had a live baby bird, a dead turtle, some turtle shells, fish leftovers and it was in pretty bad condition.
And there's tragedy in this tale. There were two people on the boat when it set off from Mexico to El Salvador in September 2012, but Jose said his companion had died several months earlier. Little is known about the circumstances, as so far he's had to draw pictures to communicate with people on the remote Pacific island because they can't understand Spanish. Locals have been nursing the long-haired, bearded stranger back to health and Ola Fjeldstad says Jose's doing much better:
Ola Fjeldstad, anthropology student:
He's gained a lot of strength. He's been eating a lot of food, fish, rice, fruit and drinking coffee. He's in a lot better shape now. He's able to walk around by himself. He's cracking jokes!
There are good reasons to be cheerful; had he missed the Marshall Islands, it could have been another 1,000 or so miles before Jose would have had any hope of hitting land again.
Listen
Click here to hear the vocabulary
listen
Vocabulary
SHOW ALL | HIDE ALL
adrift
(of a boat) moving across the water but not controlled by anyone
emaciated
thin and weak because of extreme hunger or illness
anthropology
the study of human societies, cultures and beliefs
harrowing
extremely frightening or upsetting
tragedy
a very sad situation, often involving death
circumstances
events that make a situation the way it is
nursing
(here) taking care of