DiscoverVOA Learning English Podcast - VOA Learning EnglishLearning English Podcast - July 09, 2024
Learning English Podcast - July 09, 2024

Learning English Podcast - July 09, 2024

Update: 2024-07-093
Share

Digest

Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to criminal charges related to two deadly crashes of its 737 MAX airliners, which killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019. The company will also pay a $243.6 million fine. The Justice Department said Boeing violated an agreement that protected it from legal action for three years. The deal only covers Boeing's wrongdoing before the crashes and does not protect the company from recent dangerous incidents. Families of the victims criticized the deal, calling it a "sweetheart deal" that fails to recognize the deaths caused by Boeing's actions. Meanwhile, scientists studying the spread of bird flu in the United States are concerned about a lack of data in tracking the virus, which has spread to 129 groups of cows across 12 states. Experts are worried that the virus could mutate and make it easier to spread from animals to humans. Three people in the US have tested positive for H5N1 bird flu since late March after being in close contact with cows. Health officials say the earlier they know about cases of human infection, the sooner they can take steps to reduce its spread. The US government tests cows for the virus, but those tests are currently limited to cows crossing state borders. There is very little testing of people who come into contact with sick cattle. Human and animal health agencies sometimes differ in the ways they deal with the flu, which could make it harder to respond quickly to an outbreak. The CDC estimates that between about 150,000 and half a million people died worldwide during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. The WHO says there is no evidence of H5N1 spreading from human to human, but the risk to humans is currently low. Health organizations have ways to launch large production of tests, treatments, and vaccines if needed. Some countries are taking steps to protect people against H5N1, including gathering pre-pandemic flu vaccine that could be used for high-risk groups. Experts also say there is a need to balance quick action against reacting too strongly to virus threats.

Outlines

00:00:00
Boeing Pleads Guilty to Criminal Charges

This Chapter discusses Boeing's guilty plea to criminal charges related to two deadly crashes of its 737 MAX airliners, which killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019. The company will pay a $243.6 million fine. The Justice Department said Boeing violated an agreement that protected it from legal action for three years. The deal only covers Boeing's wrongdoing before the crashes and does not protect the company from recent dangerous incidents. Families of the victims criticized the deal, calling it a "sweetheart deal" that fails to recognize the deaths caused by Boeing's actions.

00:07:29
Bird Flu Concerns in Cows

This Chapter discusses the concerns of scientists studying the spread of bird flu in the United States. The virus has spread to 129 groups of cows across 12 states. Experts are worried that the virus could mutate and make it easier to spread from animals to humans. Three people in the US have tested positive for H5N1 bird flu since late March after being in close contact with cows. Health officials say the earlier they know about cases of human infection, the sooner they can take steps to reduce its spread. The US government tests cows for the virus, but those tests are currently limited to cows crossing state borders. There is very little testing of people who come into contact with sick cattle. Human and animal health agencies sometimes differ in the ways they deal with the flu, which could make it harder to respond quickly to an outbreak.

00:14:32
Identifying and Removing Poison Ivy

This Chapter provides advice on how to identify and safely remove Poison Ivy, a common plant that can cause severe skin reactions. The plant contains oily chemical compounds called Eurosials in its leaves, stems, and roots. The American Skin Association estimates about 85% of the US population is allergic to Eurosials. The best way to completely remove Poison Ivy is to pull it up by its roots. All parts of the plant must be effectively removed and placed in a tightly sealed, heavy black plastic bag for waste removal. Poison Ivy should never be burned because the smoke is known to contain harmful substances that could be deadly if breathed in. After completing removal operations, wash your hands and take a shower with a specially made cleanser to remove all poisons from the plant.

00:22:04
Learning English: Hope vs. Wish

This Chapter focuses on the difference between the verbs "hope" and "wish" in English. The lesson explains that "wish" is generally used when we think it is unlikely that we can or will do something, while "hope" implies a possibility of achieving something. The lesson provides examples of how to use "wish" in different contexts, including expressing desires for things we cannot do, have, or be. The lesson also includes a dialogue between Anna and Bruno, highlighting the use of "hope" and "wish" in a real-life conversation.

Keywords

Boeing 737 MAX


The Boeing 737 MAX is a narrow-body twin-engine jet airliner produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It is the fourth generation of the Boeing 737, and was launched in 2011. The 737 MAX was involved in two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, which led to the grounding of the aircraft worldwide. The crashes were attributed to a faulty flight control system called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS).

Bird Flu


Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a contagious viral infection that affects birds. It is caused by a type of influenza virus called the influenza A virus. Bird flu can be spread through contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces. Some strains of bird flu can also infect humans, but this is rare. The most recent strain of bird flu to cause concern is the H5N1 strain, which has been spreading rapidly among birds and has also been found in some mammals, including cows. Scientists are concerned that the virus could mutate and make it easier to spread from animals to humans.

Poison Ivy


Poison ivy is a common plant found in North America, Europe, and East Asia. It is known for causing severe skin reactions in many people. The plant contains oily chemical compounds called urushiols in its leaves, stems, and roots. About 85% of the US population is allergic to urushiols. The best way to avoid contact with poison ivy is to learn to identify the plant and avoid touching it. If you do come into contact with poison ivy, wash the affected area immediately with soap and water. You can also use a special cleanser designed to remove urushiols from the skin.

Hope


Hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. It is often associated with optimism and a belief in the possibility of a positive outcome. In English, the verb "hope" is used to express this feeling. For example, "I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow." This sentence expresses the speaker's desire for a certain outcome (no rain) and implies a belief that it is possible.

Wish


Wish is a feeling of longing or desire for something that is not currently present or attainable. It is often associated with a sense of impossibility or unattainability. In English, the verb "wish" is used to express this feeling. For example, "I wish I could fly." This sentence expresses the speaker's desire to have the ability to fly, but acknowledges that it is not possible.

Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS)


The Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) is a flight control system designed to prevent the Boeing 737 MAX from stalling. It was developed to compensate for the larger engines on the 737 MAX, which were positioned higher on the fuselage than on previous models. MCAS was designed to automatically adjust the aircraft's pitch angle if it detected a stall. However, a flaw in the system caused it to activate in some cases when it was not needed, leading to the two fatal crashes of the 737 MAX in 2018 and 2019.

H5N1


H5N1 is a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza virus. It is a type of influenza A virus that can infect birds and some mammals, including humans. H5N1 is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The virus is highly contagious among birds and can be spread through contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces. Human infections with H5N1 are rare, but they can be very serious and even fatal. The virus has been spreading rapidly among birds in recent years, and scientists are concerned that it could mutate and make it easier to spread from animals to humans.

Peru


Peru is a country located in western South America. It is bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, Chile to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Peru is a diverse country with a rich history and culture. It is home to the ancient Inca civilization, as well as a variety of ecosystems, including the Amazon rainforest, the Andes Mountains, and the Pacific coast. Peru is a popular tourist destination, known for its ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.

Scuba Diving


Scuba diving is a popular recreational activity that involves exploring underwater environments using scuba gear. Scuba gear consists of a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA), which allows divers to breathe underwater. Scuba diving is a great way to experience the beauty and wonder of the underwater world. It is also a popular sport, with many people competing in scuba diving competitions. Scuba diving can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. However, it is important to be properly trained and certified before diving.

Let's Learn English


Let's Learn English is a video series produced by the Voice of America that teaches English to learners around the world. The series features a variety of topics, including everyday life, culture, and current events. The videos are designed to be engaging and informative, and they use a variety of techniques to help learners improve their English skills. Let's Learn English is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn or improve their English.

Q&A

  • What charges did Boeing plead guilty to and what fine did they pay?

    Boeing pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to two deadly crashes of its 737 MAX airliners and will pay a $243.6 million fine.

  • What is the concern regarding bird flu in cows?

    Scientists are concerned that the bird flu virus could mutate and make it easier to spread from animals to humans. They are also worried about the lack of data in tracking the virus, which has spread to 129 groups of cows across 12 states.

  • What are some tips for identifying and removing Poison Ivy?

    To identify Poison Ivy, look for three leaflets with the middle stem being longer than the side leaflets. The leaves can be green, red, pink-tinged, yellow, or orange. To remove it, pull it up by its roots and place all parts in a sealed plastic bag for waste removal. Never burn Poison Ivy as the smoke is harmful.

  • What is the difference between "hope" and "wish" in English?

    "Wish" is used when we think it is unlikely that we can or will do something, while "hope" implies a possibility of achieving something.

  • What is MCAS and how did it contribute to the 737 MAX crashes?

    MCAS is a flight control system designed to prevent the Boeing 737 MAX from stalling. A flaw in the system caused it to activate in some cases when it was not needed, leading to the two fatal crashes of the 737 MAX in 2018 and 2019.

  • What are some steps being taken to protect people against H5N1 bird flu?

    Some countries are gathering pre-pandemic flu vaccine that could be used for high-risk groups. Drug makers are also working to develop mRNA vaccines, which can be produced more quickly than traditional flu vaccines.

  • What are some examples of how to use the verb "wish" in English?

    You can use "wish" to express desires for things you cannot do, have, or be. For example, "I wish I could speak Chinese." or "I wish I had more time." or "I wish I were younger."

Show Notes

On today’s podcast, aircraft maker Boeing admits guilt in a deal with the U.S. government over two deadly plane crashes; scientist are worried about a bird flu pandemic; dealing with poison ivy followed by personal experiences with the plant; then, hoping and wishing on Lesson of the Day.
Comments 
loading
00:00
00:00
1.0x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Learning English Podcast - July 09, 2024

Learning English Podcast - July 09, 2024

VOA Learning English