'Cash for Clunkers' May Distort U.S. Auto Marketplace

VOANews: 'Cash for Clunkers' May Distort U.S. Auto Marketplace

The government's 'Cash for Clunkers' program aimed boosting the U.S. economy and reducing unemployment may only distort economic activity in the short term.
31 August 2009

ESL Discussions.com: Business Idioms

What do you think of the credit squeeze? Are you borrowing less spending less on your credit card because of it?

Cash For Clunkers Program Draws Mixed Reviews

VOAVideo: Cash For Clunkers Program Draws Mixed Reviews
Monday marked the final day of the U.S. government's Car Allowance Rebate System also know as Cash for Clunkers, a term for old cars that consume too much gasoline. The aim of the program is to stimulate the auto industry by offering rebates to owners who trade in their old cars for new ones. Consumers flocked to car dealerships across the country to trade in their vehicles for discounted, more fuel efficient models. VOA's Elizabeth Lee looks into whether the program helped or hurt the automobile industry.

Recession Easing, but Many Americans Still Afraid to Spend

VOANews: Recession Easing, but Many Americans Still Afraid to Spend

Stock prices took a roller-coaster ride this week -- down one day, up the next. Experts say the situation is likely to continue until investors feel more sure about signs of economic recovery.

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ESL 5 Summary of Vocabulary and Idioms Aug 24-28, 2009

1. “Eunice always had an agenda.”
2. “Eunice has her fingerprints on legislation . . . “
3. 1932 (The Great Depression)
4. 2009 (The Recession)
5. Body language
6. Brag
7. Brain tumor
8. Brave
9. Bring credit to your parents and country!
10. Cardiologist
11. Challenged intellectually
12. Controversy / controversial topic
13. Crow’s feet
14. Crush
15. Dead fish
16. Do – undo – redo
17. Eunice Kennedy Shriver
18. Exceptional
19. Eye contact
20. Feel included
21. First impression
22. Formal <> casual
23. Foundation
24. General Practitioner
25. Grin
26. Grip
27. Handshake
28. Honest <> dishonest
29. Honor <> dishonor
30. Intellectual disabilities
31. Key leader
32. Liberal – Moderate – Conservative
33. Liberal Lion
34. Lifelong dream
35. Limp <> firm
36. Mainstreamed
37. Medical Ethics
38. Mentally disabled
39. Nancy Pelosi
40. Orthodontist
41. Overturn prejudice and oppression
42. Persistence & guts
43. Pioneer (pioneering)
44. Polite <> impolite
45. Respond / response
46. Retarded
47. Revolutionary
48. Run for office
49. Smirk
50. Special education
51. Special Olympics
52. Struggle
53. Superior <> subordinate
54. Ted Kennedy
55. Telemarketer
56. The Presidential Medal of Freedom
57. Vocational
58. Wallflower
59. Whisper
60. Wrinkles

Eunice Kennedy Shriver - Founder of Special Olympics

VOANews: Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 1921-2009: She Changed the World for People With Mental Disabilities

A member of one of America’s most famous families, she created the Special Olympics.

Obama Remembers Kennedy as Mentor, Friend, Political Icon

VOANews: Obama Remembers Kennedy as Mentor, Friend, Political Icon
US president leading nation in remembering Ted Kennedy, calling him one of greatest senators of our time.

• Wolfson report Download (MP3)
• Listen to President Obama's full remarks on Senator Kennedy Listen (MP3)

Watch the VOAVideo on Ted Kennedy.

Yusuf Islam

Famous People Lessons: Yusuf Islam

Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, is a British musician, singer-songwriter and philanthropist. He converted to Islam at the height of his fame in 1977. He works very hard to help the British Muslim community and has won many awards for Peace.

DOWNLOADS: Word Doc PDF MP3 Listening Online Exercise

Teacher Jennifer says: here is a video of my favorite Cat Steven's (Yusuf Islam) song: Morning Has Broken. Click CC at the bottom right to see the words.

America's Muslims Celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan

VOAVideo: America's Muslims Celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan

As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins (Saturday August 22), Muslim Americans are observing it in many ways. VOA's Mohamed Elshinnawi tells us how American Muslims -- now an estimated seven million -- celebrate their faith and share their traditions with non-Muslim friends.

ESL Teachers at Milpitas (Daytime)

• ESL 1 Angelica
• ESL 1-2 Thao
• ESL 2 Hongyan
• ESL 3 Eiko
• ESL 3 Reva
• ESL 4 Ann
• ESL 5 Jennifer
• ESL 6 & ASE Judy
• GED Laura

Thailand Holds Asian Martial Arts Games

VOANews: Thailand Holds Asian Martial Arts Games

Thailand this month hosted the first Asian Martial Arts Games with the aim of raising interest and pride in Asian fighting sports. Some of the participating countries, such as war-torn Iraq, have struggled against deadly obstacles back home to promote the sports. But, as VOA's Daniel Schearf reports from Bangkok, the Olympic Council of Asia has decided this event will be the last martial arts games.

China Bride Wears 2km-Long Wedding Dress

Milpitas Adult School
Class Registration for Returning Students

• Aug 3 - 14 Monday - Thursday
• 9 am - 12 noon and 1 - 4 pm
• CLOSED FRIDAY

Class Registration and Testing for NEW Students

• Tuesday, August 18 1pm and 6pm.

Breaking News English: China Bride Wears 2km-Long Wedding Dress

A Chinese bride has set a new world record for wearing the longest wedding dress.

• PRINT: PDF (13-page handout)
• LISTEN: MP3 (2:17 - 1,100KB)
• PLAY: ONLINE QUIZ

ESL Discussions: Weddings

What do you think of alternative weddings such as underwater weddings or weddings on the wing of a flying airplane?

Roller Coasters!

Rescue team removes 24 people stuck on Great America ride for four hours

ESL Podcast 195 – At an Amusement Park
Sep 1, 2006 ... I don't really like roller coasters, but I knew the kids would like it. ... But, it will be long time before I go on a roller coaster again! ...Download Podcast

Pregnant Women at Greater Danger From H1N1 Flu

VOANews: Pregnant Women at Greater Danger From H1N1 Flu
The W.H.O. advises those who become infected to begin treatment as soon as possible.

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ESL Podcast 409 – Describing a Musical Performance

ESL Podcast 409 – Describing a Musical Performance
Janine: He certainly played with a lot of flair.
Calvin: He has amazing chops, I think. I haven't seen anyone play with such artistry in a long time.
Download Podcast

ESLPod 123 - Pop and Jazz Music

ESL Podcast 123 - Pop and Jazz Music
"You've got some great jazz and blues standards here, too. Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday..." Download Podcast

San Jose Jazz Festival Aug 7-9

San Jose Jazz Festival is a 22 year old music festival of Jazz, Blues, Salsa, and more. Come listen and dance in downtown San Jose, August 7-9.

When: Friday-Sunday.
Where: Various venues throughout downtown San Jose
Tickets: One-day tickets: $10 Friday, $15 Saturday and Sunday; two-day tickets, $20; three-day tickets, $30.

"Stimulus" Jobs Offer Skills, Paycheck to Disadvantaged Youth

VOANews: "Stimulus" Jobs Offer Skills, Paycheck to Disadvantaged Youth

The new U.S. federal program meant to stimulate the economy will spend more than $785 billion on education, infrastructure, the environment, and other things. President Obama says the programs will save or create millions of jobs. A tiny fraction of the money will pay for jobs for impoverished teens and young people around the nation. VOA's Carolyn Weaver reports, one such program in suburban New Jersey is giving some youths their first taste of the work world.

Register for the New School Year!

You can go to the Milpitas Adult School Office and register early for the new School Year. Bring

1. a picture ID
2. $20
3. and the "registration ticket" that you received on the last day of school.

No Ticket? No Problem!

If you didn't receive your ticket, or LOST your ticket, the office staff will look up your information, and help you to register.

Early Registration
Aug 3 - 14 Monday - Thursday
9 am - 12 noon and 1 - 4 pm
CLOSED FRIDAY

Getting Inside the Complex Mind of a Baby

VOANews: Getting Inside the Complex Mind of a Baby

On SCIENCE IN THE NEWS: Scientific studies offer better understanding of how babies learn.

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