Today's story: Camel milk, long consumed by nomadic societies in desert regions, is now increasingly available for order around the world. Known for its nutritional benefits, including lower lactose and higher vitamin content, camel milk is easier to digest and offers environmental advantages over traditional dairy. With lower water and food needs, and minimal methane emissions, camels are a sustainable option for milk production. However, camel milk is still a niche product due to challenges in...
Nov 21, 2024•24 min•Ep. 729
Today's story: Greenland, a vast but sparsely populated island, is investing in new airports and sustainable tourism strategies to attract international visitors. With upgrades to airport infrastructure and policies favoring local businesses, Greenland aims to offer an eco-friendly experience while preventing the kind of over-tourism experienced by neighboring Iceland. These efforts aim to bring economic benefits to the island while preserving its natural beauty and fostering a deeper connection...
Nov 18, 2024•23 min•Ep. 728
Today's story: A hand-copied manuscript of a musical composition believed to have been written by Mozart has been discovered in the archives of a German library. Mozart experts believe the composition dates to the 1760s, when Mozart was between 10 and 13 years old. An analysis of the music suggests that the piece is consistent with Mozart's style from this period. The piece is now titled 'Ganz kleine Nachtmusik' and was performed for the first time in Salzburg, Austria. Learn this English expres...
Nov 14, 2024•14 min•Ep. 727
Today's story: The backflip has been a controversial move in figure skating for decades. It was first performed in high-level competition at the 1976 Olympics by American skater Terry Kubicka, but was quickly banned due to safety concerns. Despite its prohibition, some skaters continued to perform it in exhibitions. Now, nearly fifty years later, the International Skating Union has decided to legalize the backflip once again, though the move won’t earn skaters extra points in competition. Learn ...
Nov 11, 2024•20 min•Ep. 726
Today's story: Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from various animal organs mixed with oats and spices. In the traditional recipe, it's cooked in the lining of a sheep's stomach. It's a beloved part of Scottish culture (even if outsiders aren't always brave enough to try it). Learn this English expression: 'Out of reach' refers to something that is inaccessible or unattainable Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/725 -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the worl...
Nov 07, 2024•19 min•Ep. 725
Today's story: Scientists have completed a ""connectome"" of an adult fruit fly, mapping all 140,000 brain cells and the 55 million connections between them. The map will allow scientists to study in much greater detail how a brain works. And the complete connectome of the fruit fly may pave the way for mapping larger, more complex brains, including those of mice and, potentially, humans. Learn this English expression: 'On a roll' means experiencing a series of successes or feeling confident and...
Nov 04, 2024•21 min•Ep. 724
Today's story: When the sun rises on Election Day, about half of Americans will have already voted. But here's what the experience is like for the tens of millions of people who cast their votes in person on the first Tuesday of November. Plus, learn why it takes so long to count the votes. Learn this English expression: 'Pull something off' means to succeed in doing something difficult or unexpected. Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/723 -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Lear...
Nov 01, 2024•25 min•Ep. 723
Today's story: Dengue fever has spread to Italy, which has seen 500 cases this year. M-pox vaccines are now being distributed in Africa for the first time. Shohei Ohtani’s translator has pleaded guilty to bank fraud, and Netflix’s new ""Monsters"" series, based on the Menendez brothers' case, has hit number one on the charts. Learn this English expression: 'Sooner or later' means that something will definitely happen, even if the exact timing is uncertain. Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/7...
Oct 28, 2024•23 min•Ep. 722
Today's story: Across the English-speaking world, the cost of housing (to buy or to rent) has far outpaced increases in incomes. That has caused governments to take a critical look at policies that have limited homebuilding, especially apartments. From London's green belt to cities in America, Canada, and Australia, people are increasingly saying ""yes"" to more building. Learn this English expression: A person who is ""out of touch"" doesn't keep up with latest trends in culture, technology, or...
Oct 24, 2024•24 min•Ep. 721
Today's story: Netflix recently released season four of its hit show ""Emily in Paris."" Television critics in France and the U.S. panned the show for its unrealistic, Instagram-worthy fantasy of life in Paris. But audiences love it: the show reached number one on Netflix when its fourth season was released (and yes, it was popular in France, too). ""Emily in Paris"" will return for a fifth season, with main character Emily spending time in Rome as well as the French capital. Learn this English ...
Oct 21, 2024•21 min•Ep. 720
Today's story: America’s complicated system of choosing a president can be traced back to its origins as a union of individual states. The process involves two elections: a popular vote by citizens and an electoral vote by states. This indirect system places more emphasis on the results of the election in the individual states. Learn why Americans will cast hundreds of millions of votes, but only 538 votes really matter. Learn this English expression: 'On track' means making progress toward a go...
Oct 17, 2024•24 min•Ep. 719
Today's story: James Earl Jones, the actor known as the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, overcame a childhood stutter and developed one of the most distinctive voices in Hollywood. His booming baritone lent authority to any character he played (including his comedic roles). He died in September 2024 at age 93. Learn this English expression: ""Up in the air"" describes something that is undecided or uncertain, often used when a decision has not yet been made. Full le...
Oct 14, 2024•23 min•Ep. 718
Today's story: The American vice president's primary function is to be available in case a president can't continue in office. Besides that, the VP is the ceremonial leader of the Senate, the upper house of the legislature. In the case of a tie vote in the Senate, the VP breaks the tie. With few formal duties, ""veeps"" try to have influence as advisors and to help where they can. Learn this English expression: 'On the same page' means sharing the same understanding or working together in synch....
Oct 10, 2024•24 min•Ep. 717
Today's story: With just a month left until Election Day, the U.S. presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is extremely close. Both candidates are focusing on their closing arguments, aiming to rally supporters and secure every possible vote. You'll get an in-depth look at the current state of the race and learn what to expect as the campaigns enter their final stretch. Learn this English expression: The expression ""hand in hand"" refers to two things being closely connected or...
Oct 07, 2024•26 min•Ep. 716
Today's story: School shootings are sadly, tragically common in the United States. Now, prosecutors are bringing murder or manslaughter charges against parents of school shooters, even if the parents weren't directly involved in the crime. Some say that's justified; others say it's going too far. What do you think? Learn this English expression: To 'take advantage' is to enjoy a benefit or treat someone unfairly for personal gain Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/715 -- Plain English helps y...
Oct 03, 2024•25 min•Ep. 715
Today's story: The Birkin might be one of the coveted handbags in the world. Part of its appeal is its exclusivity: you can't just buy one in online or in a store. You have to build a relationship with a sales associate and spend thousands of dollars on other goods just to get one. So is it worth it? Learn this English expression: To 'deal with' is to handle a challenge or talk about a subject Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/714 -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about ...
Sep 30, 2024•26 min•Ep. 714
Today's story: For a generation of Americans, the brand Abercrombie & Fitch was synonymous with overpriced, exclusive clothing for teenagers (and a highly sexualized staff and brand). It fell out of favor when the public mood turned against that kind of marketing. But against all odds, the company has turned its image around and is now a darling of the mall (and Wall Street). Learn this English expression: Use 'take it easy' to talk about lowering the level of effort or intensity Full lesson...
Sep 26, 2024•24 min•Ep. 713
Today's story: Matthew Perry, the actor who played Chandler on the popular TV series 'Friends,' died of an overdose of ketamine in 2023. Last month, five people were arrested in connection with his death, including a drug dealer to the stars called the 'Ketamine Queen,' government documents show. Learn this English expression: Use 'as far as I know' to say what you think, even if you're not completely sure Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/712 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:...
Sep 23, 2024•23 min•Ep. 712
Today's story: Neckties were adopted in France in the 1600s as a symbol of power and respect. For many, they were a required part of business dress during the boom in white-collar work in the 20th century, but men are increasingly leaving the tie at home, even if they wear suits. So, is the necktie dead? Learn this English expression: A 'close call' is when something bad almost happens--but doesn't Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/711 -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn a...
Sep 19, 2024•23 min•Ep. 711
Today's story: Astronauts Suni Williams and Barry Wilmore left Earth on June 5, planning to be in space for eight days. But thrusters on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft malfunctioned, so they have to return on another vehicle in February 2025, bringing their time on the International Space Station to eight months. Learn this English expression: Use 'short run' and 'long run' to talk about times in the future Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/710 -- Plain English helps you improve your Englis...
Sep 16, 2024•27 min•Ep. 710
Today's story: Generations ago, women went to seamstresses for custom-made clothes. But today, many women's fashion brands use standard sizing that distills the fit to just a single number. But even that can be misleading, as the size standards vary by brand (and even by year). Learn this English expression: To be 'in touch' is to stay in contact with someone Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/709 -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English ...
Sep 12, 2024•23 min•Ep. 709
Today's story: Turkey's parliament recently passed a law aimed at removing millions of dogs living on the street. The law doesn't specifically require euthanasia. But many in Turkey are afraid this new law will nonetheless lead to mass killing of the dogs they've grown attached to. Learn this English expression: Something that 'gets out of hand' becomes difficult to manage Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/708 -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve...
Sep 09, 2024•24 min•Ep. 708
Today's story: At age 81, Joe Biden was the oldest person ever to seek the U.S. presidency. And while voters had concerns about his age, he easily won the Democratic Party's nomination. But after a terrible debate performance, he withdrew from the race. The sitting vice president, Kamala Harris, will face Donald Trump in the November election. Learn this English expression: A race is 'down to the wire' if the result is in doubt until the last moment Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/707 -- P...
Sep 05, 2024•24 min•Ep. 707
Today's story: From an attempted assassination of Donald Trump to a landslide election in the UK to an uplifting Summer Olympics, the summer of 2024 was a rollercoaster of news. Learn this English expression: To get out of something is to avoid doing it Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/706 -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New stories every week Learn even more at PlainEnglish....
Sep 02, 2024•23 min•Ep. 706
Today's story: Most American families are confronted with the decision to buy or rent a home at some point. This decision is a common one around the world, but the specific pros and cons can be different, depending on the country. Here's what the decision is like in the U.S. Learn this English expression: When someone has given you money, and you return it, you pay that person back Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/705 -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world an...
Aug 29, 2024•22 min•Ep. 705
Today's story: American office culture isn't exactly what you see on TV. In this story, learn about the typical workday, including what time people arrive, what they wear to work, how much time they have for lunch, and how they get to the office from their homes. Learn this English expression: To 'wrap up' is to finish something successfully Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/704 -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural Eng...
Aug 26, 2024•24 min•Ep. 704
Today's story: It starts with a notice from a court: ""You have been summoned."" American citizens are occasionally required to appear for jury service. Most people called don't have to serve on juries. Here's what the experience is like, for selected jurors and for those who are excused. Learn this English expression: To 'check in' is to register with a company or person Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/703 -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve ...
Aug 22, 2024•21 min•Ep. 703
Today's story: There are over 50 million retirees in the United States, about the equivalent of the entire population of Spain. Every person's retirement is different, but today, you'll learn about what retirement is like for most people in the U.S. Learn this English expression: To 'stay put' is to stay in one place and not move Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/702 -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at a sp...
Aug 19, 2024•22 min•Ep. 702
Today's story: Train travel is famous in Europe. In the United States, though, it's a little more complicated. But with some planning, you can make train travel part of a U.S. vacation (if you plan ahead and leave plenty of time). Learn this English expression: A system is 'up and running' when it is fully working Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/700 -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at a speed you can unde...
Aug 15, 2024•21 min•Ep. 701
** Enjoy this fast version of Episode #700. Listen to the fast audio of our lessons by signing up for a free trial at PlainEnglish.com Today's story: America's national parks are an important part of the country's natural landscape and they attract millions of visitors per year. Some parks preserve wilderness areas. Others have pristine beaches. Two parks include networks of caves. All are preserved for future generations and open to visitors. Also in this episode: Learn English expression 'one ...
Aug 13, 2024•14 min
