Friday, May 27, 2005


American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino has two Top 20 R&B singles, and her new CD Free Yourself has sold more than a million copies.

One of her songs, "Baby Mama," is a tribute to young, single mothers -- a subject Barrino knows about. She was 17 when she became pregnant with her now three-year-old daughter.

Barrino says the song is not meant to encourage teenagers to have sex. But as her popularity grows, critics say the song is sending the wrong message.

Brenda Miller, executive director of the D.C. Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, says teenagers who become single parents are much less likely to finish high school -- and their own children are more likely to repeat the pattern.

At the same time, she and other critics, such as Washington Post columnist Donna Britt, acknowledge the need to support young mothers because of the obstacles they face.
 Posted by Hello

Listen to NPR's report, click here

Listen to the song, Baby Mama

Assignment for June 6, report what the news was about. Listen to the entire clip and write a report about the details and contents of the news.

After writing up your report, listen to the song, baby Mama (see link above) and write your opinion, do you think the message of the song encourages teen pregnancy? Use the lyrics to help you support your stand.

Nike openness


The sports goods manufacturer Nike has published the names and addresses of the factories that make goods for it. The move comes as campaigners demand more openness so conditions can be examined. This report from Steve Evans: Posted by Hello

Go to BBC

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Edward Fyfe, Rocket


Watch the video by clicking on the screen above then choose the best answer. Read what Edward says by clicking here but try to do the exercise before you see the text. Posted by Hello

Click here to watch the video and take the online exercises.

Advertising Gets Physical


Nebraska student Andrew Fisher auctioned off his forehead on eBay and a company that makes snoring pills bought it for $37,375. (Photo: CBS) Posted by Hello

Link to transcript (printable view), click here.

with vocabulary, click here.

Link to video and transcript, click here.

Direct link to video only, click here.

Sunday, May 22, 2005

Extreme Commutes Becoming Norm


Nearly 3.5 million Americans now spend an hour and a half or more on the road to and from work, pushed farther from the office in search of affordable housing.  Posted by Hello

Transcript and Video, click here.

Direct link to video, click here.

Thursday, May 19, 2005

WHO to discuss smallpox research


The World Health Assembly meeting for its annual session in Geneva is due to consider the question of whether to permit further research on the smallpox virus. This report from Imogen Foulkes: Posted by Hello

Read the transcript from BBC, click here.

Saturday, May 14, 2005

CARE NOT CASH


A new program provides San Francisco's homeless with services and housing instead of money. Posted by Hello

Link to video and transcript, click here.

Non-Japanese heads Sony Corporation


Japan's Sony Corporation has unusually named a non-Japanese, Sir Howard Stringer as chairman and chief executive. The company has recently been criticised for not keeping up with its rivals. This report from Rodney Smith: Posted by Hello

Listen to BBC News, click here.

Read transcript and vocabulary, click here.

Friday, May 13, 2005

Deadly Chase


Police shoot-out in Long Beach, California. Posted by Hello

Click here to watch video. [Sorry no available transcript]

Thursday, May 12, 2005

More Parents Outsourcing Etiquette


(CBS) In an age when dining out often means dining out of a paper bag, it seems quaint that someone, somewhere is still teaching the finer points of etiquette.  Posted by Hello

Read CBS Transcript here

Direct link to video, click here

Transcript with vocabulary

Family That Nips & Tucks Together


As CBS News Correspondent Mika Brzezinski reports, that's three generations, led by their matriarch, 79-year-old Grace d'Amore. She started her makeover at 75. And like every good grandma, she likes nothing better than having the whole family together.  Posted by Hello

Watch the video and read the transcript here.

Direct link to video, click here.

Cosmetic Surgery For Prettier Pets


Since Neuticles hit the market, nearly 150,000 pairs have been sold.  Posted by Hello

From CBS News, read the transcript here.

Watch the video here.

Border towns pay price for illegal immigration


Border town's struggle
May 11: Residents of one small border town have been feeling the effects of illegal immigration long before civilian border patrols and terror threats. NBC's Mark Mullen reports. Posted by Hello

Link to news report, click here.

Watch video here.

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Attention: 4th year Listening

This is for my 4th year listening to News class; there will be no Quiz on Monday, May 16, because I realize that it's a week before the final exam [May 23]. Can you please pass on the word?

Thanks.

Aiden

Saturday, May 07, 2005

Cirque du Soleil

Link to news report, click here.

Thursday, May 05, 2005

Law enforcement struggles to stop identity theft


Multiagency task force in California aims to catch thieves. April 29: Identity theft is so high-tech and widespread that law enforcement agencies are struggling to get a handle on it. But as NBC¡¦s Tom Costello reports, they are trying. Posted by Hello
Click here.

Read the transcript, here.

Read transcript with Vocabulary and link to Questions

Monday, May 02, 2005

Freeway vs Highways

So what's the difference between a Freeway and a highway. A freeway is a highway with a slight difference.

From GBCnet, click here.

From YAELF, click here.

First Lady Stand Up


Laura Bush steals show at press corps¡¦ dinner
First lady roasts president as D.C. celebrates Fourth Estate. May 1: At the annual White House Correspondents' dinner, Laura Bush upstaged the president with her comedy routine. NBC's Jeannie Ohm reports. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7693810/ ;Posted by Hello