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A blast of Arctic air clobbered the Midwest of the United States at the end of January, bringing life in the major cities and the farms and fields to a halt. Businesses told workers to stay home, airlines canceled flights, and the infrastructure of life strained under the frigid temperatures, which reached minus-25 degrees Fahrenheit. Your host managed to disappear during the cold temps. Plus, learn the English term “Good Samaritan.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/128     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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help ot

A dam in Brazil collapsed, burying the town of Brumadinho under a deadly river of mud. The dam was meant to contain the byproducts of mining operations. The mine operator, Vale, was involved in a previous dam collapse just a few years ago. Over 115 people were confirmed dead and over 200 missing. Questions emerged about whether the dam was inspected properly or whether corners were cut in construction. Plus, learn how to say events “unfold” in English. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/127      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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you lis

After several years in which big-name entertainers have been found to have mistreated others, viewers are left with a thorny question: can you still enjoy the work of a person who has done wrong? One viewpoint is that art and artist should be totally separate; you can enjoy the artwork and punish the artist separately. Another view is that the works of disgraced artists should be discarded. Is there a middle ground? Plus, learn English phrase “sit well.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/126     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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you li

Juan Guaidó, recently elected leader of Venezuela’s National Assembly, declared himself the legitimate president of his country, in one of the strongest challenges to date to Nicolas Maduro’s government. The United States, Canada, Brazil, and other countries in the Americas also recognized Guaidó, while European countries are pressuring Maduro to hold new elections. Learn the English phrase “gain traction.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/125      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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program.

In the first of an occasional series on destinations in the English-speaking world, we explore Toronto, Canada’s largest city and its financial center. Thanks to Canada’s welcoming immigration policy, Toronto is rich in diversity (which inevitably leads to delicious food). Visitors can explore museums, take a hike, enjoy the theater, or go out in the distillery district. Sports fans can see the Stanley Cup—awarded to the best team in Canada’s favorite sport, ice hockey. Today, you’ll also learn the English phrase “spoiled for choice.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/124     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 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@plainen

Drone delivery is already a reality in some parts of the world, but challenges remain before it can expand. For one thing, drones need to be able to avoid crashing into each other. Governments also need to set the rules for flights of drones. Even so, they hold the promise of reducing delivery costs and increasing availability in remote areas. Dinner by drone, anyone? Plus, learn the English phrase “inch closer.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/123     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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the pro

We’ve all done it: instead of asking a real doctor about our symptoms when feeling sick, we pull out our smartphones and ask “Dr. Google.” While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, you should be careful before trusting what online search results tell you about your health. Plus, learn what it means to “go down a rabbit hole.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/122      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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www

Each year, thousands of mothers travel to Canada just to have a baby. They leave a month later, with a passport for their newborn. Some companies in China offer full-service birth tourism services, just like a travel agency. It’s perfectly legal, but should it be? Some Canadians think so-called birth tourism is an abuse of the system. Plus, learn what it means to test someone’s patience. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/121     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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episod

The new Netflix film “Roma,” directed by Alfonso Cuarón, is an intimate black-and-white portrait of an upper-middle-class family in Mexico City in the 1970s—and the way the film’s hero, Cleo, is both part of the family and apart from it. The film is a triumph for Cuarón and also for Yalitza Aparicio, the actress who plays Cleo. It was her first role in a movie. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “kneel down.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/120      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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Nev

The far side of the moon, which has until now only been observed via photographs, is now being explored by a rover from China, scientists announced. The first-ever trip to the so-called “dark side of the moon” will help shed light on the moon’s geology and will take more detailed photographs than are possible from the moon’s more familiar side. Plus, learn the English phrase “at any given time.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/119      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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss

A mystery disease that causes hearing loss, vision loss, loss of balance, and brain damage has been affecting American and Canadian government workers in Havana. The symptoms are not consistent with any known condition, leading many to think it’s the work of the Cuban or Russian governments, but no proof has been found. The US has cut its diplomatic staff dramatically in Havana. Plus, learn English phrase “come down with.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/118     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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discov

A New Year’s resolution is a promise you make to yourself to improve for the coming year. Many people say they will lose weight, sleep more, get a new job, or improve their relationships. The trouble is, more than 90% of people don’t keep their resolutions. Today we talk about why so many resolutions fail, and how to change habits so they stick (at any time of year). Plus, learn the English phrase “fall short.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/117     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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the progr

Basketball in Mexico; American baseball in Japan; football in London: the American professional sports leagues are making a push to play a few showcase games in other markets each year. The leagues are trying to build international support for their brands, in part because their home markets are saturated. The NBA is openly speculating about putting a team in Mexico City. Learn the English phrase “a matter of time.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/116     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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the

Japanese entrepreneurs have started crying clubs, where men and women get together to watch sad movies and listen to sad songs. The purpose is to induce tears, and to get all the emotional benefits of crying in the emotionally reserved country. One businessman even offers “handsome men” to dab the tears of crying ladies in his group. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “latch onto.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/115     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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up t

Huawei is one the world’s largest manufacturers of cell phones and the equipment that powers cell phone service around the world. However, some people suspect the company of using its equipment to spy on customers for the Chinese government. Now, it’s in even more trouble after its chief financial officer was arrested. The charge? Prosecutors say she tricked a bank into transferring payments from Iran, which was against international sanctions. Plus, learn the English phrase “dry up.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/114     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 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 If you like the program, please leave a r

The deal British Prime Minister Theresa May negotiated for her country’s exit from the European Union did not find the support it needed to pass the British Parliament. Without passing a deal, Britain could risk a chaotic departure from the EU. Is this what the people wanted when they voted, by a slim majority, to leave the EU? The only way to know is to call a second vote. Plus, learn the English phrase “bite the bullet.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/113      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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others disco

George Herbert Walker Bush, who served as a Navy pilot in World War II and later as a Congressman, CIA director, vice president, and president, died at the age of 94. Though he served just one term, his four years in the White House proved to be important, as he oversaw the collapse of the Soviet Union and a successful U.S. war in the Middle East. Still, the younger and more charismatic Bill Clinton defeated him in 1992. Plus, learn the English phrase “keep a low profile.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/112     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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rat

A spontaneous protest movement has broken out in France, disrupting daily traffic and shaking the government’s plans for additional fuel taxes. A group of citizens wearing reflective safety vests protested a planned rise in the fuel tax, but the movement has gathered steam and now represents anyone dissatisfied with the president, Emmanuel Macron, or with capitalism in general. Plus, learn what it means to have your finger on the pulse of something. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/111      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 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 If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen

Chinese scientist Hu Jinakui says that he edited the genes of an embryo during in vitro fertilization and that the embryo grew to be a girl who was born in November. If his claims are true, the girl is the world’s first genetically-modified human. Dr. Hu modified her genes to make her less likely to inherit the HIV virus from her father, who is HIV-positive. The techniques employed by Dr. Hu raise difficult ethical questions about the proper limits to genetically modifying humans. Plus, learn the English phrase “slippery slope.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/110     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 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.

Cuba has ordered all 8,000 of its doctors working in Brazil to come home after a spat between Brazilian president-elect Jair Bolsonaro and the Cuban government. The doctors were working in rural areas of Brazil, but the Cuban government kept over 70% of their wages, a system Bolsonaro called “slave labor.” Brazil claims to have back-filled almost all the doctor positions. Cuba, on the other hand, may be left without a valuable source of government income. Plus, learn the English phrase “to make up for.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/109      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 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 If you like the progr