BACK TO : RESCOL 1 RESCOL 2 December Part 1

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DECEMBER 2017 - PART 2 - NEW SITES

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CHRISTMAS

Christmas Attractions Across America - Text + Audio + Pictures + Videos - 9 December 2017
"Cities all across the United States are dressing up for the Christmas season with trees, lights and holiday magic. Today, we look at a few of them."
(learningenglish.voanews.com)

 

 

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CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

Strong Winds Continue to Fuel California Wildfires - Text + Audio + Pictures - 9 December 2017
"In the past five days, the fires have destroyed at least 500 buildings and forced 190,000 people to leave their homes, California officials said.
More than 5,700 people, some in helicopters, are trying to slow the spread of six large wildfires and other smaller blazes."
(learningenglish.voanews.com)

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MUSEUMS

Two New Museums Tell Mississippi's Story - Text + Audio + Pictures - 9 December 2017
"The Museum of Mississippi History takes the long view, 15,000 years from the Stone Age up until modern times.
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum targets a shorter -- and intense -- period from 1945 to 1976."
(learningenglish.voanews.com)

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Herman MELVILLE

'Benito Cereno,' by Herman Melville, Part Two - Text + Audio + Pictures + Quiz
(learningenglish.voanews.com)

 

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REFUGEES

'Don't take us back to Burma, they will shoot us': In the fastest growing refugee camp in the world, orphans are lost in the throng as repatriation looms - 9 December 2017
(telegraph.co.uk)

Lives in limbo: Ai Weiwei on the plight of refugees across the globe - video - 9 December 2017
"Exiled Chinese conceptual artist Ai Weiwei discusses the shocking plight of refugees worldwide.
He travelled to 23 countries and interviewed more than  600 refugees for his new documentary, Human Flow,
an uncompromising cine-essay on this 21st century crisis."
(theguardian.com)

 

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HERE'S TO 2017!

Here's to 2017!
"Once again, Beutler Ink has produced a year-end poster paying tribute to the newsmakers, celebrities, trends, and memes of the closing year, titled Here's to 2017. This year, that involves a lot of details. I'm happy that Wonder Woman is front and center. Among the politicians and protesters, you'll see plenty of pop stars, athletes, and fictional characters -and a crowded RIP section.
That's a lot of people, which makes it hard to see at this size. Enjoy a much larger - and enlargeable - version at Beutler Ink."
(neatorama.com)

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EXPRESSIONS

Expressions for the Road! - Text + Audio
"The United States is a big country with many, many roads. Many, if not most, of Americans depend on motor vehicles to get from place to place.
It goes without saying that, when talking or writing, Americans often use expressions with words from the world of automobiles."
(/learningenglish.voanews.com)

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Johnny HALLYDAY

Johnny Hallyday's funeral - in pictures
(theguardian.com)

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NORTH KOREA

Aftershocks detected after North Korea nuclear test moved Earth's crust - 10 December 2017
"Tremors picked up on Saturday probably from regime’s experiment in September, US Geological Survey says."
(theguardian.com)

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CHINA

In Your Face: China’s all-seeing state - VIDEO - 10 December 2017
"China has been building what it calls "the world's biggest camera surveillance network".
Across the country, 170 million CCTV cameras are already in place and an estimated 400 million new ones will be installed in the next three years.
Many of the cameras are fitted with artificial intelligence, including facial recognition technology.
The BBC's John Sudworth has been given rare access to one of the new hi-tech police control rooms."
(BBC)

 

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ROBOTS

Honda has built four little robots to help humanity - 8 December 2017
"Consumer Electronics Show concepts revealed, including an autonomous off-road buggy...
Honda has revealed four little robots that want to make people’s lives just that little bit better."
(topgear.com)

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SEQUENCE

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LESSON PLAN

Trump says Jerusalem is Israel's capital city (December 08, 2017) - a lesson plan with AUDIO
"Donald Trump has announced that the USA officially recognizes that Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel."
Try the same news story at these easier levels: Jerusalem - Level 4  or  Jerusalem - Level 5
Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice, drag and drop activities,
crosswords, hangman, flash cards, matching activities and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)
(breakingnewsenglish.com)

Palestinians Rise Up to Protest Trump’s Decision on Jerusalem - Text + Audio + Pictures - 7 December 2017
"Palestinians took to the streets Thursday to protest U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital."
(learningenglish.voanews.com)

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IDIOMS

Idioms for Fabric and Other Materials
"Words for various materials used in clothing have been applied to various descriptive terms and idiomatic expressions, including those described below..."
(dailywritingtips.com)

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IS

Islamic State Losing Information War after Losses in Battlefield - Text + Audio - 7 December 2017
"The self-declared Islamic State (IS) group is close to defeat in Syria and Iraq. Now, some observers say the group’s hope of winning the information war is also failing. They say IS propagandists are unable to say their side is winning."
(learningenglish.voanews.com)

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CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

California wildfires: 120,000 forced to flee as blazes tear through south of state - 8 December 2017
+ Fears for 450 horses cut loose at thoroughbred training facility near San Diego
+ Strong desert winds raise prospect of wildfires at Christmas
+ Why are California’s wildfires so out of control? – video explainer
(theguardian.com)

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TRUMP / RUSSIA

Trump-Russia investigation - The key questions answered - 8 December 2017
"Everything you need to know about the inquiry into Russian hacking, alleged collusion and Donald Trump, plus the latest news."
(theguardian.com)

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Johnny HALLYDAY

Johnny Hallyday: France's 'Elvis Presley' dies at 74 - 6 December 2017
"France's biggest rock star Johnny Hallyday has died after a battle with lung cancer. He was 74."
+ How France saw itself in Johnny Hallyday
+ Video: Noir c'est noir - Warning: Third party content may contain adverts
+ The story of a French rock phenomenon
+ Johnny Hallyday: Life in pictures
(BBC)

 

Johnny Hallyday, the 'French Elvis', dies at 74 - with pictures and videos - 6 December 2017
"Singer, who sold more than 110m albums and was revered across generations in France, had lung cancer."
+ Johnny Hallyday: France’s 'rockeur national' – obituary
(theguardian.com)

Veteran French pop singer Johnny Hallyday dies aged 74 after cancer battle - 6 December 2017
(telegraph.co.uk)

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LESSON PLAN

UN horror at slave trade in Libya (November 06, 2017) - a lesson plan with AUDIO
"The United Nations boss has said he is horrified by reports of slavery in Libya."
Try the same news story at these easier levels: Slave Trade - Level 0,  Slave Trade - Level 1  or  Slave Trade - Level 2
Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice,
drag and drop activities, crosswords, hangman, flash cards, matching activities and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)
(breakingnewsenglish.com)

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ROBOTS

Why South Korea is an ideal breeding ground for robots - 6 December 2017
"Tech-savvy, community-minded and intensely pragmatic, Koreans might be more eager than many markets to view artificial intelligence
as part of the solution, not the problem."
(BBC)

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CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

California wildfires cause thousands to flee, in pictures (20 pictures) - 6 December 2017
(telegraph.co.uk)

Raging wildfires in California spark mass evacuation - with pictures and a video - 6 December 2017
(telegraph.co.uk)

 

 

New Wildfire Reaches Los Angeles - Text + Audio + Pictures - 6 December 2017
"A dangerous wildfire has started in the Bel Air area of Los Angeles, California, as firefighters battle three other fires across Southern California.
The latest wildfire reached the side of the busy Interstate 405 through the Santa Monica Mountains. It stopped car traffic."
(learningenglish.voanews.com)

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POLLUTION

Chinese ban on plastic waste imports could see UK pollution rise - 7 December 2017
"Chinese restrictions from January will hit UK recycling efforts and risk plastic waste being stockpiled or ending up in landfill, warn industry leaders."
(theguardian.com)

UN commits to stop ocean plastic waste - with pictures - 5 December 2017
"Nations have agreed that the world needs to completely stop plastic waste from entering the oceans."
(BBC)
+ Ocean plastic a 'planetary crisis' - UN
+ 'Shame and anger' at plastic pollution
+ Earth is becoming 'Planet Plastic'
+ Plastic heading for oceans quantified

Penzance wins first plastic-free status award to help clean up beaches - 5 December 2017
"Surfers Against Sewage charity lauds town after community beach cleans and businesses reduce single-use plastics."
(theguardian.com)

Pollution wipes out the benefits of exercise, study suggests - 5 December 2017
(telegraph.co.uk)

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REFUGEES

'It was unbelievable horror': the Rohingya crisis – podcast - with a video (17:57) and pictures - 7 December 2017
"With nearly a million Rohingya driven out of Myanmar in what the UN has called textbook ‘ethnic cleansing’, Lucy Lamble hears about the situation
on the ground in Bangladesh – and how the international community can help."
(theguardian.com)

Greek refugee camps 'beyond desperate' as islanders protest in Athens - 6 December 2017
"Demonstrators from islands including Chios, Lesbos and Samos lead protests in Athens and demand government acts."
(theguardian.com)

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SCROOGE

The first Scrooge - with pictures
(BBC)

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TRUMP / JERUSALEM

Jerusalem status: World condemns Trump's announcement - with pictures, a map and videos - 7 December 2017
"Traditional US allies are among a growing chorus condemning President Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital."
+ Trump's speech in full
+ Five key takeaways from speech
+ How are capital cities chosen?
(BBC)

Israel: UN security council to discuss US recognition of Jerusalem - 7 December 2017
"Meeting to be held as Palestinian protests and global criticism grow over Trump recognising Jerusalem as Israeli capital."
+ 'It is time to officially recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel,' says Trump – video
+ Trump's speech in full
(theguardian.com)

Trumplomacy: Key takeaways from Jerusalem policy shift - with pictures, a map and videos - 7 December 2017
"The BBC's Barbara Plett Usher looks at key takeaways of US President Donald Trump's policy shift on the status of Jerusalem."
+ World reacts to Trump move on Jerusalem
+ Video: Why the city of Jerusalem matters
+ Why settlement issue is so difficult
+ The alternatives to a two-state solution
(BBC)

Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital and move US embassy - with pictures and a map - 6 December 2017
"Officials confirm that US president will break with decades of diplomacy in a move many warn will trigger unrest in the region."
+ News: Defiant Trump confirms US will recognise Jerusalem as capital of Israel
(theguardian.com)

Trump Declares Jerusalem Israel’s Capital, Faces International Warnings - Text + Audio + Pictures + Video - 6 December 2017
"President Donald Trump has said the U.S. recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital although he has faced many international warnings.
Trump announced the decision Wednesday at the White House."
(learningenglish.voanews.com)

 

Steve Bell on Donald Trump and Jerusalem – cartoon - 6 December 2017
(theguardian.com)

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PANAMA PAPERS JOURNALIST

Three charged in Malta with murder of Panama Papers journalist - 5 December 2017
"Suspects, including two brothers, pleaded not guilty to charges at hearing following death of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Three Maltese men have been charged for the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, the investigative journalist who was killed by a car bomb last month."
(theguardian.com)

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WINTER OLYMPICS 2018

Russia banned from Winter Olympics over state-sponsored doping - 5 December 2017
+ Vitaly Mutko, former sports minister and 2018 World Cup chief, banned for life
+ Some athletes will be able to compete at Pyeongchang 2018 under neutral flag
(theguardian.com)

IOC Suspends Russia from 2018 Olympics - Text + Audio - 5 December 2017
"The IOC ruled today to suspend Russia from the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
Russian athletes can still compete under an Olympic flag – provided they meet specific conditions."
(learningenglish.voanews.com)

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PLOT TO KILL THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER

MI5 and police 'thwart plot to assassinate Theresa May' - 6 December 2017
"Joint operation allegedly uncovers terrorists’ plan to bomb way into Downing Street and then kill PM."
(theguardian.com)

MI5 foils Islamist terror plot to kill the Prime Minister - 6 December 2017
"A man has been charged with planning to use an improvised explosive device to blow up the gates of Downing Street
before entering No 10 and making an attempt on Theresa May’s life.
Naa'imur Zakariyah Rahman, 20, allegedly planned to launch a bomb attack on the security gates outside Downing Street
before detonating a suicide vest in Number 10 in a bid to kill Theresa May."
(telegraph.co.uk)

Terror Plot Against British Prime Minister Stopped - Text + Audio - 6 December 2017
"The British domestic intelligence service says it stopped a plot by two men to use bombs and a knife to attack Britain’s Prime Minister Teresa May at her home."
(learningenglish.voanews.com)

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GRENFELL TOWER

Four out of five Grenfell families still need homes, says support group - 7 December 2017
"Almost half of those made homeless by tower block fire face spending Christmas in hotel rooms, according to Grenfell United."
(theguardian.com)

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INEQUALITIES

Inequalities among older people, especially women, 'shameful' - 6 December 2017
"Contrasts in people’s experiences of later life largely a product of poverty and disadvantage, study finds."
(theguardian.com)

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FACEBOOK

Facebook Opens to Children Under 13 for Messaging - Text + Audio + Pictures - 6 December 2017
"For the first time, Facebook is opening its service to children under age 13.
The social media giant has launched a new app allowing young children to send messages through Facebook."
(learningenglish.voanews.com)

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PERSON OF THE YEAR

'Time' Magazine Names Abuse 'Silence Breakers' as Person of the Year - Text + Audio + Pictures + Video - 6 December 2017
"Time Magazine has named the “Silence Breakers” -- those who have publicly shared their stories of sexual abuse -- as its 2017 Person of the Year."
(learningenglish.voanews.com)

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FRENCH CASTLE

Thousands of strangers have united to buy this abandoned French castle - 6 December 2017
"More than 7,400 people of 45 different nationalities joined forces to scrape together the €500,000 (£441,700) needed to save it from being bulldozed by developers."
(telegraph.co.uk)

 

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REFUGEES

Syrian boy who started school for refugees when he was 12 wins Children’s Peace Prize,
" given annually to a child who fights for the rights of other children.
Mohamad Al Jounde, who is now 16, received the prize at a ceremony on Monday in the Netherlands from Malala Yousafzai, now 20,
who was the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize, sharing the 2014 award with Kailash Satyarthi. Mohamad was chosen from 151 nominees."
- 4 December 2017
(washingtonpost.com)

‘This is hell out here’: how Behrouz Boochani's diaries expose Australia’s refugee shame - with pictures - 4 December 2017
"The journalist fled Iran for Australia in 2013, and was sent to a detention centre on Manus Island, where he has been held ever since.
His dispatches for the Guardian reveal the true horror of conditions at the Papua New Guinea camp."
(theguardian.com)

Dispatch: The dilemma facing Israel's African asylum seekers - Video - 3 December 2017
(telegraph.co.uk)

 

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TRUMP

Donald Trump slashes size of national parks in Utah to allow drilling - 3 December 2017
"President Trump has announced plans to slash the size of two US national parks, provoking fury from environmentalists, native american tribes and conservationists."
(telegraph.co.uk)

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CHRISTMAS

The best Christmas gifts for fussy teenagers, from scooters to drones - with pictures
(telegraph.co.uk)

BBC One Christmas 2017 | The Supporting Act (2:00)
"BBC One's Christmas short film - a story that illustrates the joy of a shared moment."
(YouTube)

 

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DRUGS

WHO: 10 Percent of Drugs in Developing Countries Are Fake - Text + Audio - 4 December 2017
"The World Health Organization (WHO) says one of every 10 medicines sold in developing countries is either fake or of poor quality.
In a report this week, WHO officials said fake or substandard drugs are to blame for tens of thousands of children dying."
(learningenglish.voanews.com)

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NORTH KOREA

Have North Korea’s Weapons Tests Reached a 'Red Line?' - Text + Audio + Pictures - 4 December 2017
"Observers are considering the effects of North Korea’s recent test of an advanced long-distance missile.
Shortly after the test, North Korea declared itself a nuclear weapons power – something the United States has called unacceptable."
(learningenglish.voanews.com)

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POVERTY

Why the UN is investigating extreme poverty … in America, the world's richest nation - 1 December 2017
"At the heart of Philip Alston’s special mission will be one question: can Americans enjoy fundamental human rights if they’re unable to meet basic living standards?"
(theguardian.com)

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Ronald REAGAN

Ronald Reagan: Communicator - Text + Audio + Pictures + Video + Listening quiz
"Today we are talking about Ronald Reagan. He was president for two terms, and served from 1981 to 1989.
Before that, he was the governor of California, worked as an actor and led a labor union.
As president, Reagan is credited for changing the direction of the country."
(learningenglish.voanews.com)

 

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EDUCATIONAL PODCAST SERIES

A message from Scott Rank,
a history professor and the editor of History on the Net, a historical education site that gets over 700,000 visitors per month.
"We are about to publish an 44-episode educational podcast series on the U.S. presidents that you may be interested in. It's called Presidential Fight Club. It will be available at www.presidentialfightclub.com and launches on December 6. 
It is a fictional tournament among all 44 presidents that imagines what would happen if they all fought each other one-on-one.
I will co-host this series with James Early, professor at San Jacinta College in Texas.
In each episode we look at a match-up (like Barack Obama vs. William Howard Taft) discuss the fighting abilities of each president, and who we think will win.
The podcast series is humorous but at its core is a serious examination of whether physical vigor translates to leadership greatness.
This is not a new idea: Plato himself was a wrestler, the ancient Greeks extolled athletic ability as a measure of virtue, and JFK even launched federal physical education standards as a way to preserve America's global pre-eminence against the USSR. To our surprise we found that the presidents who did well at this tournament tracked closely with CSPAN's poll of greatest presidents (https://www.c-span.org/presidentsurvey2017/). Conversely, the worst fighters in our tournament were typically also the worst chief executives."  

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