– Manuscript – As seabird biologist Bonnie Slaton slides off a small boat and walks through waist-high water, the brown pelicans spread their wings overhead until she reaches Raccoon Island. The narrow island is a small piece of land separating the American state of Louisiana from the Gulf of Mexico. During seabird breeding season, the place is full of noise and motion — … [Read more...] about Scientists Work to Help Brown Pelicans on Shrinking Islands
New Coronavirus Mutation Raises Concerns in India
– Manuscript – A new mutation of the coronavirus is raising concerns after appearing in India and other nations. Scientists say the mutation is genetically linked to Omicron, an earlier version, or variant, of the coronavirus. The new mutation, called BA.2.75., is being called a “subvariant” of Omicron. Omicron and another coronavirus version, Delta, have spread widely … [Read more...] about New Coronavirus Mutation Raises Concerns in India
Impose (News Words)
– Manuscript – Welcome to the Voice of America's News Words. Hong Kong recently observed the 25th anniversary of its return to China from Britain. Impose Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the ceremony. Critics say crackdowns on protests strengthened under a national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020, betrayed the promise that Hong Kong would keep its way … [Read more...] about Impose (News Words)
‘Mermaid’ Subculture Relates to Many Things
– Manuscript – Around the world, people of many backgrounds are taking an interest in mermaids. Mermaids are imaginary sea creatures that are half woman and half fish. The 1989 Disney film, The Little Mermaid, increased the popularity of mermaids and “merfolk,” the word for imaginary men and women who live under the sea and have fish tails. Today’s merfolk are … [Read more...] about ‘Mermaid’ Subculture Relates to Many Things
Proud as a Peacock (Idioms)
– Manuscript – Welcome to English in a Minute! Have you ever seen a peacock? They have brightly colored feathers and they like to show them off. Proud as a Peacock Speaker A: So, I heard Reggie raised the most money for the Save the Plankton contest.Speaker B: Yeah, and you should have seen him. When he accepted the award, he was proud as a peacock.Speaker A: Well, … [Read more...] about Proud as a Peacock (Idioms)