Comprehension: 'Pistol-Packing Ladies' Take Aim

It's a ladies' get-together with a difference: these women are firing handguns at human-shaped targets. The Pistol Packing Ladies are just one group of thousands in America who enjoy their weapons and want to keep gun control at a minimum. 

Watch the video and answer the questions below.  Decide if the statements are True or False.


1. Teresa started the women’s group under 12 months ago.
a. True
b. False

2. Nearly 25% of women in the United States owned a gun in 2011.
a. True
b. False

3. The women believe there should be some reform to the gun laws.
a. True
b. False

For transcript and answers see below.

Transcript and Answers
It's Ladies Night at this Virginia shooting range - Pistol-Packing Ladies, that is. 

Teresa started the women's group over a year ago. A former Marine, she wanted to empower women by teaching them how to safely handle a gun. 

"When they first come in to try shooting, they're a little bit nervous, some of them are a little scared, maybe never picked up a gun before, but once they feel and understand the power of the gun and that it's fun to shoot, I think it gives them confidence that they can now take care of themselves in a different manner." 

And taking care of themselves is the ultimate goal. Surveys show nearly a quarter of women in the United States owned a gun in 2011 - a 10-point increase from 2005. For group members like Sharon, it's not just about breaking down barriers - it's claiming a constitutional right. 

"I don't want anyone telling me I can't have something that I'm really entitled to have.  As long as they're used right, they're not dangerous."

 First-time shooters begin their session with a 40-minute safety briefing before moving on to the range. It's a talk Teresa has given countless times, but says can't be stressed enough. 

"If you own a gun, you need to train with that gun and be safe with your gun so you don't hurt yourself or others - that's the point."

 The US has been caught up in a fierce battle over gun control since the Newtown massacre last year that left 20 young children and six adults dead. But so far, attempts to make gun laws stricter have failed. Like most gun owners, these women approve of some reform – but still defend their right to bear arms. 

"I think the debate isn't how to keep a gun out of a good person's hands – I think the debate is how to keep the gun out of a bad person's hands, and I think that's where we need to change the focus to." 

As the debate rages on, the Pistol-Packing Ladies say they'll continue their firing tradition at this range - and prove women can hit the bullseye, too. 

Answers:

1. b
2. a
3. a

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Common Mistakes 11

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Idioms: White with answers

This week 'white' is the theme of our idioms. Do you know what they mean?

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Comprehension: Spain's Jamon Iberico Fights for Recognition

More than 100,000 hams from black Iberian pigs hang in the cellars of Arturo Sanchez, near the north-western Spanish city of Salamanca. Known as jamon Iberico, or Iberian ham, it is one of the world's greatest delicacies. Now Spain plans to simplify the rules on labels of origin to boost sales, which are flagging in the country's economic crisis.


Watch the video and answer the questions below.  Decide if the statements are True or False.

1. The pure Iberian pig is given a large variety of things to eat.
a. True
b. False

2. Jamon Iberico is too expensive for a lot of Spanish people.
a. True
b. False

3. The new, simplified labelling will specify the breed of pig and what they were given to eat.
a. True
b. False

For transcript and answers see below.

Transcript and Answers

In these cellars hang a Spanish gastronomic treasure of more than 100,000 hams. They come from pure Iberian breed black pigs, fed almost entirely on acorns for two years. Known as Jamon Iberico, or Iberian ham, it will be salted and cured for about three years before being eaten in ruby-coloured, transparently thin slices. Jamon Iberico producer Arturo Sanchez has been in the business since 1917. 

"It is a ham with a much greater intensity in the mouth, much deeper; it holds the palate much longer. It has a more pronounced aftertaste, creating a flavour that is hard to forget.”

Spain's Jamon Iberico is a jewel in international cuisine. It can easily cost more than 100 euros a kilo. In an economic crisis, that's beyond the reach of most Spaniards. So producers are turning to exports. 

 "A few years ago our exports accounted for one or two percent of the total and now we're at 10 to 15 percent. The goal is to keep the momentum going and get to 20 or 25 percent within five or 10 years.

The number of Iberian pigs being reared has dropped almost 40 percent in the last three years to just two and a half million today. They've been hit by competition with ordinary pigs, which produce a blander but cheaper ham.  So to better promote their products and avoid fraud, the Spanish government wants to introduce new regulations and simplify the labelling. 

"We couldn't go into international markets with eight different types of ham because that would just create huge confusion among foreign consumers who would not be able to tell the difference between one product and the other." 

"It could be a positive change if they properly control the breeding and rearing, and explain to the consumer what he will be eating as a final product.” 

The new labels must explain how the pigs have been fed and specify their breed. Producers are dreaming of trotting into new markets, with Asia already in their sights.

Answers:

1. b
2. a
3. a

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Comprehension: Old Sana’a: An endangered UNESCO heritage site

Since Yemen's Arab-Spring style uprising in 2011, authorities have been absorbed with the political crisis and security concerns, having little time to spare for heritage preservation. The Old City of Sana’a - a unique architectural marvel of Yemen's past - now faces the dual dangers of state indifference and unruly construction. 

Watch the video and answer the questions below.  Decide if the statements are True or False.

1. The oldest buildings were built in the 11th century.
a. True
b. False

2. The Old City of Sana’a was added to the UNESCO listing in 1986.
a. True
b. False

3. The people concerned with the preservation of the Old City of Sana’a only need 23 thousand dollars for its upkeep.
a.True
b. False

For transcript and answers see below.

Transcript and Answers

The dramatic Old City of Sana’a; many of these multi-storey homes made of rammed earth and brick date from the 11th century. There are more than 6,000 of them in the Yemeni capital, along with over 100 mosques; architectural treasures that helped earn the city a UNESCO listing in 1986. But unsympathetic modern construction and paltry government funds are threatening all of this, leaving those in charge of restoration exasperated. 

"Unfortunately, heritage hasn't gotten any kind of attention. For example the finance ministry hasn't decided anything worth mentioning." 

Not only neglect, but also recent sewage pipes installed along the city's narrow alleys and heavy rainfall could undermine the old city. Sana’a residents feel their precious heritage slipping out of their hands, and blame authorities for not doing enough to protect it. 

"They're not being cared for at all. The houses have been ruined like this for 15-20 years, with no maintenance at all, all of them are destroyed. They only paint the facade of the house while the interior is left in ruins." 

Those concerned with the old city's preservation say they only have a budget of 23 thousand dollars for its upkeep, a fraction of what is needed. 

"We won't accept Old Sana’a being eliminated from the world heritage list. So, we hope to get a helping hand in finding donors and gathering funds to support the city." 

UNESCO has organised several missions to the capital to help restoration projects. But they say no official information is available anymore on the state of its conservation due to security restrictions, leaving the fate of the Old City of Sana’a up in the air. 

Answers:

1. a
2. a
3. b

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Phrasal Verbs with Answers: to give

This week,'to give' is the verb used to make our phrasal verbs. Do you know what they mean?

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Comprehension: Dutch Love Their Argentine Queen

Maxima, the Argentine-born future queen of the Netherlands, has worked hard to win over Dutch hearts and is now immensely popular. 

Watch the video and answer the questions below. Decide if the statements are True or False.

1. Maxima Zorreguieta met prince Willem-Alexander in 2002.
a. True
b. False

2. Maxima speaks Dutch very well.
a.True
b. False

3. Opinion polls show that Maxima is still very popular.
a. True
b. False

For transcript and answers see below.

Transcript and Answers


Introducing the future queen of the Netherlands, Argentine born, Maxima Zorreguieta, married prince Willem-Alexander in 2002. Since then the Dutch have accepted her as one of their own. She's learnt the language; even her three blond daughters seem to match the national stereotype. Meanwhile, media and public alike scrutinize her appearance and style. 

"Her fashion taste is very good she wears Louboutin so… I'm a very great fan, big fan of Maxima" 

"We have strict rules of course when you are a queen or a princess, so she wants of course also sexy things but she does it with respect to the people so, a little bit décolleté, but in a way that it’s still hot and sexy for a princess." 

The Maxima wardrobe is a classic one. But it's one still with its roots in the Buenos Aires of her youth. Graciela Naum is one of her preferred stylists:

 "Since she's so authentic and herself, she's keen on different textures, colours and styles. She'll try anything - she has a great time trying things, playing with colours and changing stylists. She’s a woman from head to toe."
But the former investment banker will soon graduate from mere citizen to become queen of the Dutch. Already the country's most popular member of the royal family according to opinion polls, the fairy-tale rise of Maxima shows no sign of slowing down. 

Answers:

1. b
2. a
3. a

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Comprehension: Mobile banking revolutionises money management in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Mobile banking in the Democratic Republic of Congo is revolutionising money keeping for a growing number of people, providing clients with a safe, fast way to access their cash and protecting them from corruption.

Watch the video and answer the questions below. Decide if the statements are True or False.

1. More banking transactions are being carried out on mobile phones than in banks in some African countries.

a. True
b. False

2. 5.7 % of state employees are paid through their bank accounts.
True
False

3. Officials sometimes take money out of the workers’ wages.
a. True
b. False

For transcript and answers see below.

Transcript and Answers


Why go to the bank to access your cash, when banking power is much closer to hand? Twenty eight African countries say they've got more people carrying out banking transactions on their mobile phones than in the banks themselves and the Democratic Republic of Congo is no exception. In just a year, the number of people with a bank account has more than doubled to 5.7 per cent, and state employees will soon only be paid this way. 

"For civil servants, mobile banking means - rather than having to go to the bank - the bank comes to them. It allows us to deal with a number of different accounts in record time, in spite of there being a few problems at the start with identification." 

Mobile banking is proving a powerful tool to fighting corruption in this impoverished nation; most workers are paid in cash and many find the amount they receive is vastly smaller than what they are owed, after officials have taken their cut. 

"I've just made a payment and it's worked. It was really easy to transfer the money and so far it's cheaper - it's a real help." 

"I really appreciate the service because when my money is on the phone and I make a transfer to someone, well it’s much easier than going to the bank." 

Mobile banking is also beneficial to the state, which can now easily identify fictive employees -added to the payroll to line the pockets of officials. Mobile banking’s revolutionised money keeping in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and judging by its popularity it looks set to stay. 

Answers:

1. a
2. b
3. a

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Comprehension: Protection for South Africa's Cheetahs and Rhinos

South Africa's game parks give the impression of wilderness, but are carefully managed and monitored. French conservationist Damien Vergnaud takes his cheetahs on runs and injects his rhinos' horns with poison, in order to protect these animals from danger.


Watch the video and answer the questions below. Decide if the statements are True or False.

1. The game reserve owned by Damien Vergnaud has 50 cheetahs.
a. True
b. False

2. There are fewer than 2000 Cheetahs left in South Africa.
True
False

3. The rhinoceroses are only protected at night.
a. True
b. False

For transcript and answers see below.

Transcript and Answers

The African wilderness, where animals roam free in their natural territory, has become more of a myth than reality.  These days, game parks are carefully managed by their owners, who try to balance profit-generating tourism, with the need for conservation.

 Frenchman Damien Vergnaud owns a game reserve in South Africa's Western Cape. He encourages the 15 cheetahs on his reserve to mate by organizing a daily run. The exercise raises the females' body temperature, stimulating hormone production. 

"They gather around us because they know that in the car, there's something for them to eat. So our aim is to separate the males and the females, to give the females the better position, since they're the ones running after the prey."

"I just want this one to go a little bit away. OK, 3,2,1 GO! 

 "All right, well done Ngoni, thank you!"

 Cheetahs are classified as a vulnerable species - with fewer than 2,000 left in South Africa today. And they're not the only ones in danger.

 With 668 rhinos killed last year, and almost 200 killed since the start of this year, they too are at risk. Rhinos are killed for their horns, which are used in traditional Asian medicine. The poaching crisis has forced owners like Damien to take drastic action.  In December 2011, he poisoned the horns of three adult rhinos with a substance that’s toxic to humans. He also injected the rhino horns with a dye that would be detected with x-ray machines at airports.

 "Poisoning the rhinos' horns may seem like a violent or extreme response but ultimately it's a measure of the aggression with which our rhinos are attacked for their horns."

 As if that wasn't enough to ensure these rhinos' safety, an armed - and masked - patrol keeps guard of the animals at night.
                    
"Where are the females?"

 "Each and every hour of the day, there is someone with these rhinos, following them and patrolling with them, making sure they are ok. We will go to extreme measures, yes, to protect the rhinos."

From poisoning rhinos, to exercising cheetahs like greyhounds, managing Africa's "wilderness" has become a full-time job. But according to owners like Damien, extreme threats to these animals calls for equally extreme measures to protect them.

Answers:

1. b
2. a
3. b

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Common Mistakes 10

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Comprehension: Bollywood Celebrates 100th Birthday

Bollywood is celebrating 100 years since the first all-Indian feature film, "Raja Harishchandra", appeared on a cinema screen in Mumbai. It spawned a nation of movie-mad Indians and a vibrant film industry, known for its musical hits and romantic escapism. But some fear modern cinema has become shallow and formulaic.

Watch the video and answer the questions below. Decide if the statements are True or False.

1. India sells about three million cinema tickets a year.

a. True

b. False

2. Hindi is the main language used in Bollywood.

a. True

b. False

3. The women, in the old black and white films, were performed by men.

a. True

b. False

For transcript and answers see below.

Transcript & Answers

Bollywood is turning 100 years old, and what better way to celebrate than with a catchy song and dance. India produces more than a thousand films and sells more than three billion cinema tickets each year. The industry is flourishing with revenues quickly growing, led by Hindi-language Bollywood. 

 "Basically I think Hindi films are part of our lives since we're born. The songs play at our birthday parties, they play at our weddings, they play, you know, at our parties. So they kind of permeate and punctuate our lives." 

Music may be crucial to films today, but it started with this. The silent, black-and-white tale of a virtuous king from Hindu mythology. Women acting was, in those days, widely frowned upon so the characters here are in fact men in drag. It couldn't be more different from modern Bollywood's romantic escapism which some fear has become too superficial. 

"I would say the search is still for that Indian narrative. And the filmmakers of India have not done justice, as we progress, to India, by capturing the complex issues, and do stories and that's what storytellers essentially have to do." 

A new crop of experimental filmmakers is emerging. They include directors who made this film "Bombay Talkies" to mark the centenary - a collection of short films celebrating India's love of cinema. Directors are trying out new themes and genres - even India's first zombie movies are coming up. 

"The changes have already started and I think it's just going to get bigger. This is a ripple right now; it's going to become a wave. Because if films, if new filmmakers start to make, attempt new themes, and if they work, and the audience appreciate it, the producers will start to back more." 

As it enters a second century, it seems traditional Bollywood may no longer be enough to keep modern India satisfied. 

Answers:

1. b

2. a

3. a

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Comprehension: Greek Bees Holding Their Own...For the Moment

Bee colonies in Greece are still going strong while others elsewhere in Europe are dropping steeply, reportedly due to GM crops and pesticides. It's a boon for society here where honey plays a key role.


Watch the video and answer the questions below. Decide if the statements are True or False.

1. Royal jelly is one of the products that is made uniquely in Greece.
a. True
b. False

2. Greece voted ‘for’ the two-year ban put forward by the European  
    Commission on certain pesticides.
a. True
b. False

3. Spain produces more honey than Greece.
a. True
b. False

For transcript and answers see below.

Transcript and Answers

Every day Nikos Reppas tends his beehives on the hills of the Peloponnese in southern Greece. Since ancient times, honey has played a crucial role in Greek society and Nikos, whose family has been in the honey business for more than two centuries, says Greek expertise is recognised the world over. 

"There is tremendous interest for Greek honey abroad. All the countries seek Greek honey because it’s renowned. There are also products, such as royal jelly, that can't be found anywhere else because no other country has the right conditions or flowers." 

Nikos is lucky. In other areas of the world, honey bee populations are plummeting. Scientific reports point to the use of certain pesticides or genetically-modified organisms. That's no problem in Greece where GMOs are banned. 

"Colony Collapse Disorder is a problem in the United States and some European countries like Germany and Spain. We don't have this problem in Greece yet. This may be because of the GMO's that are growing in other countries and we don't." 

But Greek farmers do use certain pesticides that have been identified as potentially harmful to bees. The European Commission is trying to introduce a two-year ban on these chemicals but Greece was among the nine countries that voted against the motion in March. The EU will put it to another vote in May and environmental groups say it's time to act. 

"Not banning the pesticides does not help agriculture. It does not help biodiversity; it does not help humans and insects. No one benefits from bees dying. On the contrary, everyone has an interest and benefit from bees being healthy to pollinate so that food is produced and balance is maintained in the ecosystem." 

If bees take the same downward spiral here as elsewhere in Europe, it would be devastating for the industry. Producing 12,000 tonnes a year Greece is the second biggest producer of honey in Europe after Spain. It's an industry that's very much part of Greek identity. 

"My father is 77 years old going on 78 and still works professionally. A beekeeper is for life. You are born and die as a beekeeper." 

Many of the 20,000 registered beekeepers in Greece have so far managed to keep disease at bay hoping that there is still a long life ahead for their very ancient tradition. 

Answers:

1. a

2. b

3. a

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