Plain English | Learn English | Vocabulary, News, And Culture At The Right Speed For English Language Learners

" Archaeologists have discovered the earliest-ever evidence of cannabis use for its psychoactive properties. Scientists believe that cannabis with high levels of THC, the active chemical in marijuana, was used as part of burial ceremonies about 2,500 years ago. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""pin down."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/166      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you l

" Twenty-four candidates are all vying to be the Democratic nominee for president, each hoping for the chance to go head-to-head against Donald Trump in November 2020. The first debate will feature 20 of the top candidates next week. Candidates include a former vice-president, several sitting senators, and Oprah's spiritual adviser. Plus, learn the English phrase, ""scratch your head."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/165      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff an

" I.M. Pei, the Chinese-American architect who designed the Louvre museum's iconic glass pyramid and whose work spanned museums, skyscrapers, hotels, and symphonies around the world, died at the age of 102. His designs were often minimalist and were sometimes controversial. Plus, learn the English expression, ""to cause a stir."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/164      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or ra

" The African Swine Fever, a deadly virus that affects pigs but is harmless to humans, is sweeping through China's pig population. The virus is difficult to contain, as it spreads quickly and often invisibly. Despite culling millions of pigs, China is struggling to contain the virus. Plus, learn English phrasal verb ""to spell out."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/163      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review o

" The estate of Whitney Houston, the pop singer who died in 2012, announced a hologram tour. Holograms reproduce the singer's image in what looks like a three-dimensional image on a stage. Whitney's hologram would be accompanied by her original band and backup singers. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""turn down."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/162      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating where

Plain English is excited to partner with IELTS Advantage!  Are you studying for the IELTS exam? If so, you won't want to miss the free IELTS Fundamentals course produced by our friends at IELTS Advantage. With this free course, you get: Five days of material showing you the concepts you need to get a 7 or higher on the IELTS exam Training on the writing, speaking, reading, and listening sections Insight into what examiners look for on all parts of the test Just visit:  PlainEnglish.com/IELTS Message from Jeff: "I often get questions about IELTS prep, but I'm not the expert on the test. I researched online to find the best IELTS resources for Plain English listeners and I found Chris Pell and the IELTS Advantage team. They are the real deal: they know this test and they provide a fantastic free course for anyone to take. And if you need more help than that, they have a team of experts ready to help you with their VIP course." Register for the free IELTS course by visiting PlainEnglish.com/IELTS  ** Plain Eng

" A combination of weather, overcrowding and inexperienced climbers led to chaotic conditions atop the world's tallest mountain, Mt. Everest, as the 2019 climbing season came to a close. The weather only allowed climbers to pass on a few days this year, leading people to pack tightly together on the treacherous final ascent. Veteran climbers also cite low-cost tour operators, who accept people with little climbing experience. Plus, learn the English phrase ""think straight."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/161      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Sen

" Urban Outfitters announced a new clothing-rental service, Nuuly. For $88 per month, you can rent up to four items and return them when you're done. Companies like Rent the Runway in the US and Girl Meet Dress in the UK have expanded the sharing economy into your closet. Plus, learn the English phrase ""to have your work cut out for you."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/160      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a r

" US President Donald Trump signed an executive order placing Huawei, the Chinese cell phone manufacturer, on a trade blacklist. The move comes as part of the intensifying trade negotiations between the US and China, and Huawei phone users are caught in the middle. Plus, learn English phrasal verb ""flare up."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/159      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you l

" Do you think ridesharing is just for cars? Then you might be surprised to know you can ride on the back of a motorcycle, or even ride in a speedboat. In this episode, we talk about how ridesharing is different around the world. Plus, learn the English idiom ""talk someone's ear off."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/158      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help other

" What does it take to follow a zero-waste lifestyle? Some enthusiasts have cut their family trash to just a single bag (or less) per year by following a few simple principles. And businesses large and small are catching onto the trend. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""brush off."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/157      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help othe

" For the first time in the Kentucky Derby's 145-year history, the horse that crossed the finish line first was not the winner. Although Maximum Security clearly finished first, he was disqualified for interfering with other horses in the race. Country House, the horse that finished second, was crowned the winner, beating 65-to-1 odds. Plus, learn the English phrase ""long shot."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/156      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR!

" Juan Guaidó, the recognized interim president of Venezuela, attempted to wrest control of the Venezuelan government from strongman Nicolás Maduro, but the effort ultimately fell short as military leaders stood by Maduro. The US, Europe and Latin American countries are exploring a negotiated solution with Cuba and Russia. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/155      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wh

" In the crucial first moments of the Notre-Dame blaze, the Paris fire department, led by its chaplain Father Jean-Marc Fournier, carried out a well-rehearsed plan to save some of the most priceless artifacts inside the famed cathedral. The Crown of Thorns, believed to have been worn by Jesus during the crucifixion, was among the treasures saved by the firefighters. The famous rose windows (pictured) were also spared. Plus, learn what it means to be ""short on"" something. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/154      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a

A brief summary of this episode

Many stores are going cashless—meaning, they only accept cards and mobile payments. Retailers say it lowers costs, improves speed at the counter, and helps with employee safety. But others say it discriminates against those who don’t have access to credit. In Sweden, the world’s most cashless society, even the banks don’t take cash. Plus, learn the phrase “point to” when describing an argument. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/152     Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from

Coca-Cola will be releasing a new flavor in 25 countries this year: Coca-Cola Plus Coffee. The new concoction has been tested in select markets and will be rolled out to a wider market this year. Reviewers say the recipe tastes like classic Coke at first, followed by coffee. The company says it will have more caffeine than a normal serving of cola, but less sugar. They are hoping to capture the afternoon office workers seeking a burst of energy. Plus, learn the English phrase, “bread and butter.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/151     Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with

The legendary golfer, who was once one of the biggest superstars in all of sports before an epic personal and professional downfall, won the Master’s Tournament, the crowning achievement in a career resurgence that few thought possible. Tiger Woods went from being the best golfer in the world to being ranked 1,199th at his worst point. His comeback, years in the making, was complete with a dramatic win in golf’s most prestigious tournament. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/150     Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and ad

After seeing the haunting images of the 850-year-old cathedral ablaze in central Paris, many feared that France would lose its greatest national symbol. But while the cathedral’s spire fell and its 13th-Century roof collapsed, the main structure, including the famed limestone towers, remained intact. France's president, Emmanuel Macron, has vowed to rebuild the cathedral within five years and Paris's business community has pledged the funds to do so. Plus, learn the English phrase, “recipe for disaster.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/149     Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Conn

Over 900 million people are eligible to vote in India’s general election this month, the world’s biggest exercise in democracy. To reach all those voters, poll workers have to canoe through crocodile-infested waters, hike over mountains, and traverse punishing deserts. After a monthlong process of gathering votes, the votes will be counted in a few hours, and a new parliament will be elected. Plus, learn the English phrase “to get into gear.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/148     Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and