Today, we review the latest news on six previous topics: a public spat over the Notre-Dame restorations; Mt. Everest is strengthening safety measures; NYC Subway is getting a bit more high-tech; Houston Astros 2017 World Series victory has a cloud over it; celebrities are facing jailtime over college admissions scandals; and new devices are developed for human body temperature readings. Plus, learn “under way.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confid...
Apr 16, 2020•24 min•Ep. 251
#Tokyo2020 will now officially start in 2021. The Olympics are a big deal for any host nation, but Japan in particular invested more money, more hope, and more civic pride into these Olympics than the typical host country does. Everything from the state-of-the-art stadiums to the customized manhole covers will be left unused or unappreciated until summer 2021. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “call off.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn...
Apr 13, 2020•23 min•Ep. 250
We are only a couple weeks into social distancing, self-quarantining, and trying to flatten the curve, and people are already antsy to get back to normal life. With a COVID-19 vaccine still over a year out, enough people – 60 to 80 percent – will need to catch the virus to slow its spread. But the costs, both human and otherwise, will be devastating. Plus, learn the English phrase “stuck with.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn Engli...
Apr 09, 2020•19 min•Ep. 249
If you thought the coronavirus was bad in the rich world, it could be many, many times worse in the developing world. Flattening the curve will be a much greater challenge in areas without running water for hand washing, and where the choice between quarantine and work may also mean the choice between starving and putting food on the family table. Plus, learn the English expression “by and large.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn En...
Apr 06, 2020•21 min•Ep. 248
There’s a new oil producer on the block. Guyana, a tiny nation of less than a million people, and the third-poorest nation in South America, just discovered oil reserves off its coast. Guyana is on the cusp of a critical national decision, one that may determine whether the oil will bring its citizens fortune or misfortune. Plus, learn the English phrase “on par with.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train y...
Apr 02, 2020•27 min•Ep. 247
Millions of people worldwide are adjusting to life under quarantine. While everyone’s day-to-day might look different depending on where you are in the world, we’re sharing some universal tips from experts on how to maintain your balance and prioritize your mental health during this time of uncertainty and social distancing. Plus, learn the English expression “for the time being.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary,...
Mar 30, 2020•24 min•Ep. 246
Stadiums are empty. Sports channels have no events to cover. Cruise ships are docked. Broadway is dark. Movie sets are quiet. The entertainment industry came to a halt to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. I guess it's time to catch up on your Netflix shows and documentaries. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “come into contact.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Member...
Mar 26, 2020•23 min•Ep. 245
Italy is the first nation to impose a nationwide quarantine in an attempt to contain the coronavirus. The Italian government imposed serious constraints, including restricted travel, social guidelines, and all businesses were ordered shut. The lockdown will undoubtedly have a major impact on Italy’s already-fragile economy. Plus, learn the English phrase “out and about.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train...
Mar 23, 2020•22 min•Ep. 244
In the 1980s, Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar imported four hippos from Africa for his private zoo. After Escobar’s death, the hippos were too big and expensive to move and were left to roam and reproduce. Now, the Colombian hippo herd count is at 80 and counting, which is posing serious problems for the local environment and population. Plus, learn the English phrase “to give rise to.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English voc...
Mar 20, 2020•22 min•Ep. 243
After a disastrous start to the Democratic primaries, former vice president, Joe Biden, completed one of the most dramatic political turnarounds in recent memory. It’s now a two-man race with Senator, Bernie Sanders, for the Democratic nomination to take on Donald Trump in the November presidential election. Plus, learn the phrasal verb to “write off.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen...
Mar 16, 2020•24 min•Ep. 242
In today's episode, we review the latest news on five previous topics: Hong Kong, the yellow vest protesters, Alex Trebek, Boeing, and Trump's challengers. Mentioned in this episode: Ready to improve your listening? Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app Sign up f...
Mar 12, 2020•22 min•Ep. 241
Safe-injection sites are places where individuals can bring their own drugs, such as heroin and methamphetamine, and take them with clean needles under supervision of trained medical personnel. Although this progressive model has been successful in Europe and Canada, the first US city that attempted to open a safe-injection site was met with strong opposition from the surrounding community. Plus, learn the English phrase “grapple with.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus...
Mar 09, 2020•22 min•Ep. 240
By analyzing the DNA of living men and women in today’s West Africa, scientists have discovered a new branch of humanity. Until recently, our knowledge of human lineage came primarily from the study of fossils, but with rapid advances in understanding DNA and the human genome, scientists are beginning to make discoveries without physical fossil evidence. Plus, learn the English phrase “for the most part.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, ...
Mar 05, 2020•20 min•Ep. 239
The coronavirus has already taken a significant human toll, with tens of thousands infected and over 2500 deaths worldwide. But in addition to the human toll, the world economy is starting to feel the negative effects of the virus. Luxury goods and tourism are some of the first industries seeing slowdowns. Plus, learn the English phrase “silver lining.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to liste...
Mar 02, 2020•23 min•Ep. 238
What do brands like Warby Parker eyeglasses, Bonobos pants, Casper mattresses, and Harry’s razors have in common? They are all part of the direct-to-consumer revolution that is disrupting the traditional retail model. Direct-to-consumer brands are helping eliminate confusion, bring down prices, and make shopping fun again. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “try on.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear ...
Feb 27, 2020•19 min•Ep. 237
In the fourth in our series of destinations, we visit Brooklyn, one of the five boroughs of New York City. Brooklyn is known for its thriving art and literature scene, brownstone architectural style, independent restaurants, eclectic shops, coal-fired pizza, craft breweries, and its hipster subculture. Plus, learn how to use the English phrase “you can tell.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to...
Feb 24, 2020•21 min•Ep. 236
In late January, two of the biggest undersea cables serving Africa unexpectedly broke, resulting in slowed internet speeds for hundreds of millions of users across the continent. Turns out, the fiber-optic cables we rely on are just one-inch wide and are susceptible to breakages by both man-made and natural causes. Plus, learn the English phrase “slow to a crawl.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your e...
Feb 20, 2020•19 min•Ep. 235
The paper face mask is now trending in Asia and globally as people scramble to protect themselves from the deadly coronavirus. Tens of thousands of coronavirus cases have been reported in China, with isolated cases emerging from around the world. But is the face mask helping? Something more common sense might work even better. Plus, learn the phrasal verb, “guard against.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and tra...
Feb 17, 2020•18 min•Ep. 234
The third-ever impeachment of an American president didn’t appear to change much in American politics. Throughout the proceedings, most Americans either went about their usual business or had their existing opinions about the president reinforced. Trump was – not surprisingly – acquitted of two charges: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. In many ways, the trial was more political than legal. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “take over.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English...
Feb 13, 2020•23 min•Ep. 233
Kobe Bryant, one of the world’s biggest sports superstars, along with his teenage daughter and seven others, were killed in a helicopter crash outside of Los Angeles. Since then, the sports world has publicly grieved the loss, and there has been an outpouring of tributes and remembrance in their honor. Plus, learn the English expression “eligible for.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen...
Feb 10, 2020•21 min•Ep. 232
For 150 years, the conventional wisdom has been that the normal human body temperature is 98.6 degrees. But new research suggests that the new normal is more than a degree cooler. Researchers aren’t exactly sure what’s causing the change, but one theory suggests it could be a sign that humans are getting healthier. Plus, learn the English expression “average out.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your e...
Feb 06, 2020•22 min•Ep. 231
The latest coronavirus that broke out in the Chinese city of Wuhan has already infected hundreds, killed dozens, and spread across the world. Researchers worldwide are working to develop a vaccine for the deadly coronavirus. Some researchers are experimenting with new vaccine technologies. Plus, learn the English expression “to put something in perspective.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to ...
Feb 03, 2020•23 min•Ep. 230
Domino’s announced plans to open 850 American pizza chain stores in the birthplace of pizza itself. While many people – including local Italians – doubt whether Domino's can succeed in Italy, the chain is hoping that a focus on delivery and customization to local tastes will be enough to win over the Italians. Plus, learn the English expression “win over.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to li...
Jan 30, 2020•21 min•Ep. 229
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked the world and the rest of the Royal Family with their announcement to step down from their roles as senior royals. They are still negotiating the terms of their exit, but they want to be financially independent and create a “progressive new role” for themselves. Plus, learn the English expression “work something out.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+ ! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to li...
Jan 27, 2020•21 min•Ep. 228
" Japan announced it is reversing the way Japanese names are written in English by putting the family name first, the same way they are written in Japanese. Many Japanese are in favor of this change, but some people worry that this change may be signaling a broader closing off of Japan from the rest of the world. Plus, learn the English expression “bend to.” Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/227 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español...
Jan 23, 2020•20 min•Ep. 227
" The latest Australian wildfires are some of the most dangerous and destructive fires in recent history. The fires have already burned millions of acres, destroyed thousands of homes, and taken human lives. Humans are not the only victims – the fires have also wounded or killed thousands of animals, including rare species native to Australia. Plus, learn the English expression “in the face of.” Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/226 Transcripts are always f...
Jan 20, 2020•22 min•Ep. 226
" Dr. Jeremiah Stamler is credited as the father of preventative medicine, and he is still working at 100 years old. Dr. Stamler spent his career researching how lifestyle adjustments and routine maintenance on your body can help you avoid chronic diseases. In part due to his research, death rates from chronic diseases have fallen drastically during his career. Plus, learn the English expression “play a part.” Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/225 Transcrip...
Jan 16, 2020•19 min•Ep. 225
" Carlos Ghosn, former Renault-Nissan CEO, was awaiting trial in Japan for a number of white-collar crimes. Japanese officials kept delaying his trial, so Ghosn secretly fled Japan for Lebanon by private plane. Ghosn is not completely free quite yet. His past business dealings in Israel could pose legal problems for him in Lebanon, too. Plus, learn what it means for someone to ‘take a hit.’ Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/224 Transcripts are always free a...
Jan 13, 2020•20 min•Ep. 224
" In between economy class (in the back) and business class (in the front), airlines have created a new class of service called ""premium economy."" This is aimed at travelers who will pay a little more for some extra space, but can't pay the sky-high prices of a full business class seat. In this episode, Jeff reviews his experience in premium economy: he finds that it's more ""economy"" than ""premium."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/223 Transcripts ar...
Jan 09, 2020•21 min•Ep. 223
" Betelgeuse, the star that represents the hunter's shoulder in the constellation Orion, is dimmer than it has been in almost 100 years. Stars of that type tend to become dimmer just before they explode in a supernova. If that happens, the explosion would be visible from earth and Orion would lose his shoulder. But it's not clear whether the star's current level of brightness signals a supernova is coming. Plus, learn the English expression ""ebb and flow."" Read the full transcript of this epis...
Jan 06, 2020•22 min•Ep. 222
