Latest news with #AnnaMatteo
Voice of America
09-03-2025
- General
- Voice of America
Green Means Spring and Other Things
Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories. Today we talk about a color found all throughout nature – green! Green is also very common in American English. Let's hear Warren Scheer read a story about these colorful expressions! Green is an important color in nature. It is the color of grass and the leaves on trees. It is also the color of most growing plants. Sometimes, the word green means young, fresh and growing. Sometimes, it describes something that is not yet ripe or finished. For example, a greenhorn is someone who has no experience, who is new to a situation. In the fifteenth century, a greenhorn was a young cow or ox whose horns had not yet developed. A century or so later, a greenhorn was a soldier who had not yet had any experience in battle. By the eighteenth century, a greenhorn had the meaning it has today - a person who is new in a job. About one hundred years ago, greenhorn was a popular expression in the American west. Old-timers used it to describe a man who had just arrived from one of the big cities back east. The greenhorn lacked the skills he would need to live in the hard, rough country. Someone who has the ability to grow plants well is said to have a green thumb. The expression comes from the early 1900s. A person with a green thumb seems to have a magic touch that makes plants grow quickly and well. You might say that the woman next door has a green thumb if her garden continues to grow long after your plants have died. The Green Revolution is the name given some years ago to the development of new kinds of rice and other grains. The new plants produced much larger crops. The Green Revolution was the result of hard work by agricultural scientists who had green thumbs. Green is also the color used to describe the powerful emotion, jealousy. The green-eyed monster is not a frightening creature from outer space. It is an expression used about four hundred years ago by British writer William Shakespeare in his play "Othello." It describes the unpleasant feeling a person has when someone has something he wants. A young man may suffer from the green-eyed monster if his girlfriend begins going out with someone else. Or, that green-eyed monster may affect your friend if you get a pay raise and she does not. In most places in the world, a green light is a sign to move ahead. A green light on a traffic signal means your car can continue on. In everyday speech, a green light means approval to continue with a project. We want you to know we have a green light to continue this series next week. And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. Don't forget to tune in again for another story about American English expressions. Until next time! I'm Anna Matteo. Marilyn Christiano wrote this program. Warren Scheer and Anna Matteo narrated.
Voice of America
22-02-2025
- General
- Voice of America
The Importance of Being ‘Dialed In'
And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English. Technology is always progressing. Today, many modern devices can be controlled by touch or voice. This has led to some traditional electronic controls – such as dials and switches – being replaced with new technologies. Digital displays have also become increasingly common. For example, digital number readouts have long replaced the hands on many clocks. Many other devices also now operate purely with digital tools instead of mechanical systems. But some expressions and idioms used by English speakers still describe older technologies. First, let's talk about dials. These controls are used for changing settings on a piece of equipment, like a radio or old television. We use the dial to tune in to a specific channel. That's where the expressions dialed in and tuned in come from. If we are dialed in or tuned in to a radio or television program, we can hear it clearly. There is no noise or static. The same can be said when using these terms in personal conversations. For example, if you are dialed in to a project or problem, you know exactly what needs to be done. You are thinking clearly about it and remain very focused. And when you are tuned in , you understand clearly what is going on around you. 'Don't touch that dial' and 'stay tuned' are two ways to tell someone to keep watching or listening to a program. Now, let's talk about switches. These are built to either be off or on. There are no in-between settings like with a dial. So, when we flip the switch , we make something happen quickly and easily. It can also mean that we suddenly change something. Let's listen to an example. The restaurant's change to all organic food happened slowly over time. It wasn't a matter of flipping a switch. Now, for our last expression -- to move the needle. Needles on measuring devices like a scale move to show a desired level has been reached. So, when something moves the needle , it causes a noticeable change in something, usually for the good. And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. Don't forget to tune in again for another story about American English expressions. Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo. Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. _______________________________________________________ Words in This Story dial – n. a device that may be operated to make electrical connections or to regulate the operation of a machine switch – n. a device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical circuit replace – v. to take the place of, especially as a substitute digital – adj. of, relating to, or using calculation directly with digits rather than through measurable physical quantities display – n. an electronic device that gives information in visual form tune in – phrasal verb to listen to or view a broadcast of static – n. noise produced in a radio or television receiver by atmospheric or electrical disturbances conversation – n. talking or a talk between two or more people focus – v. to cause to be concentrated flip – v. to move with a small quick motion needle – n. a slender pointer on a dial : a slender bar of magnetized steel that is free to turn (as in a compass) to show the direction of a magnetic field scale – n. a device for weighing
Voice of America
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Voice of America
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the ‘Super Bowl' of Dog Shows
At America's 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, Monty the giant schnauzer won the top prize. The lively schnauzer beat six other finalists in New York City to become the first of his breed to win Westminster's 'best in show.' The prize is the most important and respected in the U.S. dog show world. While Monty came close to winning Westminster the past two years, he fell short of the big prize. In December 2024, the dog won another big prize, the huge American Kennel Club championship. But for dog show lovers, Westminster is considered the Super Bowl of all shows. This year the comparison is especially fitting. That is because the most respected U.S. dog competition opened on the same weekend as the Super Bowl -- the most important game in American professional football. This rare happening came after the dates of both competitions changed in recent years. At Westminster, dogs first compete against other members of their breed. Then, the winner of each breed goes up against other dogs within different competition 'groups.' Among the groups are sporting, working, toy, and herding. Group winners then compete in the final round. The best in show winner gets an award – a large, shiny cup called a trophy – and a place in dog-world history. The top prize, however, does not include money. In her report on the dog show, Learning English's Caty Weaver explains that the Westminster show dates back to 1877. It centers on the traditional purebred judging that leads to the best in show prize. But over the last few years, the organization has added agility and obedience events open to mixed-breed dogs. In 2024, Sage, a miniature poodle, won best in show at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club dog show. And in 2023, a petit basset griffon Vendéen, named Buddy Holly, won best in show at Westminster. The breed he represents is known for its rabbit-hunting abilities. I'm Anna Matteo. Writers for the Associated Press reported this story from New York. Anna Matteo adapted the reports for VOA Learning English. Quiz - Top Dog Takes Westminster, the 'Super Bowl' of Dog Shows Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________________________________ Words in This Story giant –adj. something unusually large or powerful finalist –n. a contestant in a competition finals breed –n. a particular kind of dog, cat, horse, etc. fall short (of something) –phrase fail to meet an expectation or standard for something herd –v. to move animals or people in a group agility –n. the quality or state of being ability to move with quick easy grace obedience –n. an act or instance of taking commands miniature –adj. something small of its kind
Voice of America
18-02-2025
- Business
- Voice of America
Mary Kay: A Leader in the Beauty Product Industry
Mary Kay Cosmetics is an international company that sells beauty products. One woman started the business in the 1960s with an investment of $5,000. Mary Kathlyn Wagner was born in the state of Texas in 1918. For much of her childhood, she cared for her sick father while her mother worked long hours at a restaurant. Mary Kay married Ben Rogers when she was 17 years old. They had three children before he left home to serve in World War Two. When he returned, their marriage ended. Mary Kay looked for a job so she could support her children. She began selling different kinds of products. One night, Mary Kay was showing products at the home of Ova Heath Spoonemore. Ms. Spoonemore began giving her guests some homemade skin care products. The products were developed by her father, J.W. Heath, in Arkansas. Mary Kay tried the skin care products and liked them. She bought the rights to Heath's skin care products and started her own company. She paid $500 for the legal rights to the products. And in 1963, The Mary Kay Cosmetics company began operating in Dallas, Texas. The idea was to sell skin care products through demonstrations in homes and offices. Independent sales representatives bought beauty products from the company and sold them at higher prices. Mary Kay decided that each representative who brought other saleswomen into the company would receive part of the new person's earnings. That way, experienced sales representatives would be willing to train new ones. By 1965, the company was selling almost one million dollars in products. Mary Kay Cosmetics became one of the most successful direct sellers of skin care products in America. It continues to have sales offices and representatives in many different countries. Mary Kay aimed to grow sales based on the idea that it is best to compete against yourself. That means every individual is trying to beat their own sales records. Prizes for high sales marks included special paid holidays and jewelry. Until a few years ago, a pink Cadillac was a top prize. After her third husband, Mel Ash, died of cancer in 1980, she wanted to help find a cure for the disease. At first, she helped organizations raise money for research. Later, she started the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit group that provides money to support research on cancers affecting women. In 2001, the company and foundation expanded their goals to help prevent violence against women. Mary Kay Ash also wrote three books. She worked in her business until she suffered a stroke in 1996. She died in 2001. Sales representatives say Mary Kay developed a way for women to earn money and still spend time with their families. I'm Anna Matteo. Nancy Steinbach wrote this story for VOA Special English. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story stroke –n. A problem with one or more blood vessels that prevents the brain from getting enough blood
Voice of America
09-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Voice of America
What Does It Take to Be a 'Power Couple'?
And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English. In American English, we use many expressions to describe when two people have a lot of similarities or are very close. Here are some examples. If we say two people are joined at the hip, they are nearly always together. If we describe individuals as thick as thieves , it means they are very close. People considered two peas in a pod have many things in common. And we use the term kindred spirits to describe people who often share the same opinions and interests. These expressions can represent people who grew closer for different reasons. Maybe they complemented each other well in certain ways. Or maybe their situations brought them together for the purpose of completing something important or meaningful. But today we are going to discuss a very special kind of relationship – one that involves two people who are romantically involved and very successful. People in such relationships can be described as power couples . There are many examples of famous power couples, including successful movie stars, musicians and others in the performing arts. But power couples can exist in many other industries and communities, as well. And, the two people do not have to work in the same industry. If they do, however, that can make them even more powerful. For example, a well-known architect who builds homes could be partnered with a famous designer who decorates them. Or, one person in a power couple may be a music producer, while the other is a famous singer. Even though power couples involve highly successful people, one person could describe their partner as their better half . This is a way to compliment their 'other half' in the relationship. For example, one might say during a meeting with a friend, 'Hello! How are you? And more importantly, how is your better half?' Now, let's hear two friends use some of these expressions. A: Hey, I'm not used to seeing you alone. Where's your sidekick? B: Huh? Who are you talking about? A: Ben. You guys have been joined at the hip for weeks. Looks like you're thick as thieves. B: Well, the project is pretty important for the company. So, we're putting in a lot of hours. A: Are you becoming kindred spirits from working so much together? B: No. It's just keeping us both very busy. A: Busy trying to become the new power couple in the office? B: What are you talking about?? We're not thick as thieves or kindred spirits, and we're definitely not a power couple. We are just working hard on the same project! And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo. Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. ______________________________________________________ Words in This Story complement -n. something that fills up, completes, or makes better or perfect : -v. to complete or enhance by providing something additional romantically -adv. done in a way that relates or is associated with love : romantic -adv. of, relating to, or associated with love architect -n. a person who designs buildings and advises in their construction decorate -v. to make more attractive by adding something that is beautiful or becoming compliment -n. an expression of respect, affection, or admiration : -v. to make an expression of respect, affection, or admiration sidekick -n. a person closely associated with another as a subordinate or partner
