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Text fragments in light blue are to provide
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Lucas: Hello and welcome to NewsInSlowEnglish.com, a podcast for English learners from all around the world. Our team specializes in bringing you the news in slow clear English and in providing materials to support you in your quest to take your English skills to the next level. It is our sincere hope that you find these materials useful. Let’s get started!
Lucas: Welcome to NewsInSlowEnglish! I am your host, Lucas. And I’m here with one of my students, Olga.
Olga: Hello everyone! Welcome to our podcast!
Lucas: This is our first episode, so we would like to point out a few things to begin. First, please visit our website, NewsInSlowEnglish.com to view transcripts of each episode. Also, on our website you will find lessons on grammar, expressions, pronunciation, and there is place for you to practice the concepts we review in the lessons. We’ll do our best to connect the lessons with the content from our podcast. If you know exactly what grammar you need to study, you can click on our curriculum link to see the calendar of grammar topics. Our podcast is structured in three main parts: first, the news, then grammar, and finally expressions. Let’s get to the news!
Olga: Alright! Let’s go!
Iran's Supreme Leader Responds to Obama Saying He Doesn't See Change in US Attitude toward Iran
President Obama delivered a video message to the Iranian people to
mark the Iranian festival of Nowruz, which celebrates the arrival of spring. In a video recorded in the White House for US citizens and for Iranian leaders, Obama proposes "a new beginning" with Tehran and calls for a new era of peace
dialog between the two countries.
In the video Obama states, "We have serious differences that have grown over time. My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses
the full range of issues before us, and to pursuing constructive
ties among the United States, Iran, and the international community."
Washington
ruptured diplomatic ties with Tehran three decades ago after the Islamic Revolution in 1979. During this same year, a group of Iranian Muslims kidnapped 52 Americans for 444 days in the US Embassy in Tehran. Today, the US accuses the regime of pursuing a nuclear weapons program under the facade of a civil nuclear energy program - Iran denies this claim - and of financing and supplying weapons to Hezbola in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
The supreme leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, declared in a televised address that, "The United States
proclaims change, but
in practice this change is unnoticed... we don't see any change." Khamenei asked the US government for a real "change" in which the policy respects Iran while, at the same time, avoids
unsolicited US participation in the development of other countries in the world. "If you change, we'll change," Khamenei declared.
- "You change, our behavior will change?" What are the specific demands from Iran on the United States? How should the United States change?
- Well, the United States still has serious differences with Iran, particularly on the threat of nuclear-arms. Another issue is the frozen Iranian assets in the United States. The assets were blocked after a group of Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran in 1979 and held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. Anything else?
- Of course Washington's support of Israel, which Tehran does not recognize
- American troops on Iran's borders in Iraq and Afghanistan is another issue.
- Iran could actually help the United States in the region, for example, by helping to stabilize Afghanistan.
- And they certainly need support in Afghanistan...
United States Reinforces Border with Mexico to Slow Drug Trade
The US Government announced Tuesday a plan to
reinforce border security with Mexico which includes the mobilization of federal agents, economic aid, and coordinated efforts with Mexican authorities in order to battle gangs of narcotrafficers. Washington is proposing this plan, in part, because of a growing concern about the
deterioration of the situation in Mexico. "The President is worried about the increase in violence, particularly in Juarez and Tijuana, as well as the impact this is having on certain communities on both sides of the border," said National Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano upon presenting the
initiative.
"The President is promising to secure our borders and do what is necessary to reduce the flow of illegal drugs in both directions," she added.
The plan is set to cost 700 million dollars - already approved by Congress - for the
enhancement of information systems between the security agencies of both countries and includes the delivery of two helicopters to the Mexican police in order aid them in their work. The United States wants to make it clear to Mexico that the responsibility to
eradicate the drug problem belongs to both countries and that the US takes ownership and responsibility until a permanent solution is found.
However, Mexico will need more than just words to convince the Mexican people and the Americans from states along the border. The governor of Texas, Rick Perry, asked Napolitano to send 1,000 troops for border patrol. Obama has ignored this request so far, but he is not opposed to the use of the National Guard, which reflects his openness to using troops with less training than those in the Army.
- Obama will travel to Mexico next month to meet with President Calderón to discuss the US-Mexico relationship, including how the US and Mexico can work together to support Mexico's fight against drug violence and work toward an effective, comprehensive immigration plan.
- There is an interesting commentary by Jeffrey Miron, from Harvard University, on the war on drugs. He argues that legalization of drugs is the comprehensive solution to many problems, including the war on the Mexican border, the economic crisis, health care issues, and others.
- I'm sure that not many people in the US congress are open to that idea.
- No, traditionally, it has been considered political suicide for a politician to support legalization of drugs.
-Well, not in every country, like in certain parts of Europe. Perhaps it has to do with America's
puritanical roots???
Obama Says: We Are Beginning to See Signs of Progress in Our Economy
Barack Obama assured that, despite the
enormous economic difficulties, the country is going in "the appropriate direction." Sixty days after taking responsibility, the President of the US has shown optimism saying that he trusts that within four years the country will be more prosperous and the world will live in greater peace. In Obama's opinion, his spending plan and lowering of taxes are, "necessary for recovery because they are what are necessary to assure a safe and long-term prosperity. For the first time in a long time, we are starting to see signs of increasing consumption and stabilization of the market," emphasized the President.
"We have a strategy to create jobs, help responsible home owners, begin lending money, and so that our economy will grow over the long term. We are acting
on all fronts,"
Obama reported.
President Barack Obama is proposing a $3.55 trillion budget for 2010 that Republicans argue would
burden the country with debt for years to come. Obama defended his budget, which opposition Republicans and even some Democrats have criticized for being too
costly.
Obama said his budget, which will be reviewed by congressional committees this week, would pave the way for broad economic growth "by moving from an era of borrow and spend to one where we save and invest."
- Do you think that the AIG
furor distracted Obama from his efforts to convince Americans that his $787 billion economic stimulus program will bring the economy out of recession and his $3.55 trillion budget for 2010 will be money well spent?
- I don't know, the AIG bonuses represent an important issue to discuss, but you are right, it may be a distraction . By the way, did you notice that at the press conference on Wednesday Obama insisted that it's time to move forward with health care reform, green energy, and other initiatives - all at the same time?!
- It's a very ambitious plan. I hope it works.
Cheapest Car in the World Comes to Indian Market
The automotive group Tata Motors, the
parent company of Jaguar and Land Rover, will begin the sale of the Nano, the cheapest car in the world, next Month, July, in India. The Company boss Ratan Tata said the vehicle will cost just 100,000 rupees (2,000 dollars, or about 1,450 Euros) for the basic model. He also said that it will move India's middle-class urban population from motorcycles into safer, more affordable cars.
The Nano will have a two-cylinder engine and four-speed manual transmission but no air conditioning, electric windows or power steering, although
deluxe versions will be available.
Earlier this month, Tata introduced a European Nano with airbags and leather seats. This model will come to the market by 2011, but it will cost more than in India due to the extra features. A US version is also being planned for 2012, but it requires redesigning to meet American safety standards.
Tata can produce as many as 60,000 Nanos a year at its factory in Pantnagar in northern India. The company will make a profit from the Nano only when annual sales
exceed 350,000 units.
- What an interesting story! Similarly, the Yugo, a car from Yugoslavia, was sold in the United States in the 80's for less than $4,000. Perhaps at that time it was the cheapest car in the western world. Are there any other inexpensive cars being developed?
- There sure are! France's Renault, in
partnership with Nissan Motor Company of Japan and Bajaj Auto, India's second-largest motorcycle manufacturer, have announced their intention to build a low-cost car for the Indian market by 2011. Like the Nano, the entry-level price for the Renault-Nissan-Bajaj vehicle will be only $2,500.
- After so many years of producing expensive cars, it's interesting to see how car companies change their focus to address the demands caused by the current economic crisis.
-Indeed it is!
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