CNN Student News Transcript: June 1, 2009

CARL AZUZ, CNN STUDENT NEWS ANCHOR: I'm Carl Azuz and this is CNN Student News! It is the first day of June and our last week before summer break. Thank you very much for joining us.

First Up: A Look Back

AZUZ: First up, a major move for the country's largest automaker as General Motors is expected to file for bankruptcy today. This comes one month after Chrysler, another of the so-called "Big Three" U.S. car companies, did the very same thing. Under the terms of General Motors' bankruptcy, the company will be reorganized and essentially taken over by the government. Thirty years ago, GM made up more than 40 percent of U.S. auto sales. Today, that number is 19 percent. The company's reported more than $90 billion in losses since 2005. As the bankruptcy process begins, Christine Romans looks back at the history of GM and the American car.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Henry Ford started at the beginning of the last century with four wheels and a running board; 1908 was the birth of American car culture. That same year, General Motors was formed in Flint, Michigan. It wasn't until 1925 when the "Big Three" was complete with the formation of Chrysler Corporation.

JOHN DAVIS, HOST, MOTORWEEK: When the Big Three emerged, they not only emerged as rivals that really gave Americans much better automobiles at the time, but they also cemented the American automobile as a world standard.

ROMANS: "As goes General Motors, so goes the nation." That phrase defined America's economic power for much of the last century.

PETER MORICI, ECONOMIST, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND: So many folks were either employed at General Motors or the other two major car makers, making steel and all the other components that go into cars. It just meant that if the automobile companies were prospering, the country was prospering, too.

ROMANS: Today, there are 74,000 rank-and-file GM workers in the U.S. But in its heyday, GM was the largest industrial company in the world; a technology leader. By 1979, 600,000 people worked for GM. Those good jobs helped build America's middle class.

DAVIS: It also allowed us to migrate out from the cities to have the quarter lot in a suburb, to basically get away from a lot of the congestion of the metropolitan areas.

ROMANS: General Moters was the company that revolutionized what we drove, how we thought about our cars, and how we paid for them. GM invented auto loans and the model year. It was the first to hire designers instead of engineers to create new car concepts; think big fins and chrome of the 1950s and 60s. And everything changed. Ford adopted flashy fins with the Ford Fairlane, as did Chrysler with the popular Desoto. Automobiles from the Big Three put their stamp on popular culture, from music to movies to television. What's considered to be the first rock and roll song ever recorded was "Rocket 88" by Ike Turner, about a GM product. The Pontiac GTO, considered by many to be the first true muscle car, was showcased in a song by Ronnie and the Daytonas.

RONNIE AND THE DAYTONAS, "LITTLE GTO": Little GTO, you really....

ROMANS: The Corvette on Route 66. The 1948 Ford in the iconic movie "Grease."

FROM "GREASE": Go grease lighting, go grease lighting...

ROMANS: The TransAm in Smokey and the Bandit, and Archie Bunker's Old La Salle.

CARROLL O'CONNOR AND JEAN STAPLETON, "ALL IN THE FAMILY": Gee, our Old La Salle ran great. Those were the days...

(END VIDEO CLIP)

Shoutout

GEORGE RAMSAY, CNN STUDENT NEWS: Today's Shoutout goes out to Mr. Schultz's civics classes at David Brearley Middle School in Kenilworth, New Jersey. Where did the word "cyberspace" first appear? Was it in a: A)Movie, B) Book, C) Scientific paper or D) Magazine article? You've got three seconds -- GO! Author William Gibson is credited with creating the word in a science fiction novel. That's your answer and that's your Shoutout!

Cybersecurity Concerns

AZUZ: It may have started as science fiction, but these days, practically all of us, including the government, spend time in cyberspace. But President Obama says we're not as prepared as we should be, as a government or a country, for cyber-attacks. That's why he's planning to create a new position: cybersecurity coordinator. Jeanne Meserve explains the new job.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Hackers cut power to a skyscraper and then reprogram it to play Space Invaders in a spoof video on YouTube. But cybersecurity is not a laughing matter.

U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: It's now clear this cyberthreat is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation.

MESERVE: Americans use the Internet to bank and shop and talk to one another. Electricity, water, transportation all depend on it. But every day, there are attacks. The White House estimates in the past two years cybercrime has cost Americans more than $8 billion. And last year alone, hackers stole one trillion dollars worth of business secrets. Military and intelligence networks have been penetrated, and tests have shown a cyberattack can destroy critical infrastructure, like this generator. President Obama says the country is not prepared.

OBAMA: From now on, our digital infrastructure, the networks and computers we depend on every day, will be treated as they should be: as a strategic national asset. Protecting this infrastructure will be a national security priority.

MESERVE: The president will hand pick a cybersecurity coordinator to integrate policies across government, work closely with the private sector, and coordinate the federal response to attacks. Still unknown: who will get the job.

JAMES LEWIS, CENTER FOR STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES: If you get the wrong person, or you put them in an office that doesn't have very much power, you can have the best plan in the world and it still won't work.

MESERVE: The plan is short on specifics, though the president says government will not dictate security standards to private industry, and will not monitor private networks or Internet traffic. Security experts say they generally like the steps the administration is taking, but warn there are many more steps to take on the long road to securing the nation's cyber-infrastructure. Jeanne Meserve, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

Big Ben's Birthday!

AZUZ: Heading across the Atlantic now to celebrate a big British birthday. Big Ben, one of the world's most famous clocks, turned 150 years old yesterday. Recently voted as Britain's favorite monument, it's actually just the 14-ton bell that's named "Big Ben," although most people use it describe the tower and clock, too. Despite a couple disruptions over the years, Big Ben has helped keep London on time since 1859.

Extra, Extra Innings

AZUZ: This college baseball game didn't last quite 150 years, but it did go into extra innings; 16 of them! Texas and Boston College took the field at 7 p.m. and left it at 2 a.m. after playing the longest game in NCAA history: 25 innings, almost 3 full games. At one point, a relief pitcher threw 13 scoreless innings. In the end, an RBI single helped Texas triumph, 3-2.

Word to the Wise

RAMSAY: A Word to the Wise...

sustainable (adjective) capable of being maintained with minimal long-term effects on the environment

source: www.dictionary.com

Reusable Lessons

AZUZ: Sustainability projects can be as simple as recycling paper and plastic and using recycled materials, or they can be as complex as altering the viscosity of waste oil to convert it into biodiesel fuel. There's one place in Atlanta, Georgia that's doing all of this: a school! Jacqui Jeras takes us on a tour of the campus's environmentally-friendly efforts.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JACQUI JERAS, CNN WEATHER ANCHOR: The botany classroom is the great outdoors for students at the Lovett School in Atlanta.

ELLIOT MCCARTHY, THE LOVETT SCHOOL: This is something that we'll actually use later in life.

JERAS: They're digging in the dirt, getting lessons in environmental sustainability.

MCCARTHY: It's much healthier for you, it's less chemicals, it's completely natural and it costs less.

JERAS: The school's organic garden is just the beginning.

ALEX REYNOLDS, SCIENCE TEACHER: The idea that your labor can then nourish you is a life lesson, you know, and the fact that you take responsibility. If you do something wrong, you have to fix it.

JERAS: Food from the garden goes to the cafeteria. Menus change depending on what's fresh. The dining hall is also trayless, saving thousands of gallons of water used to wash them. The cafeteria does more than just cook with sustainability in mind. For example, all of the oil that is used for fried foods is ultimately turned into biodiesel. That biofuel is used to fill up the school's maintenance vehicles for half the cost of gas. There is even a wind turbine on campus creating electricity. But the key is keeping the students involved.

BILL DUNKEL, PRINCIPAL, THE LOVETT SCHOOL: It's really important for us to educate young people to be good citizens for the 21st century.

THOMAS MACDONALD, THE LOVETT SCHOOL: It's my earth and my water and my air, too, so I dont want anybody trashing it.

JERAS: Jacqui Jeras, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

Before We Go

AZUZ: Before we go: the answer to one of life's great mysteries. Why did the chicken cross the road? To get a donut! At least that's this bird brain's excuse. Alright, he's actually a rooster, but you get it. Every morning, he'd hear the opening bell at Scrumdiddilyumptious Donuts and dash across the street to get his complementary breakfast. Did heavy traffic ever scare him away from his risky run?

Goodbye

AZUZ: We already told you, this guy's no chicken. Well, we will be back tomorrow. You guys have a great one.

heyday
n. prime, time of greatest success or popularity, period of greatest power or influence
A shout-out is a greeting or acknowledgment of a person, group, or organization of significance. It is often done as a sign of respect, synonymous with "giving props".
nourish
v. feed; support; nurture
Scrumdiddilyumptious when something is very tasty

090409-North Korea Re-Elects Leader

North Korea Re-Elects Leader

North Korea announced on Thursday (April 9) its leader Kim Jong-il has been re-elected as chairman of the National Defence Commission.

North Korea planned to hold a meeting on Thursday for its newly elected assembly, expected to mark leader Kim Jong-il's return to centre stage where he will bask in the glory of what his state said was a triumphant rocket launch.

Kim, 67, has been conspicuously absent from major public events after his suspected stroke in August, which raised questions about his iron grip over the impoverished communist dynasty and the issue of a successor.

DPRK, standing for "Democratic People's Republic of Korea," is North Korea's official name.

North Korea's state-run television KRT made the announcement at 0300GMT, but has not yet shown any pictures of the assembly on Thursday.

Analysts said the carefully choreographed session of the rubber-stamp Supreme People's Assembly session would give Kim a mandate that cements his legacy of building a military-first state and could pave the way to transfer power to one of his three known sons, if he so chooses.

North Korea's propaganda machine has been carefully managing the re-emergence of Kim from his illness through dispatches about his field guidance tours to factories and military bases, while only showing still photographs of the visits.

It prepared the public for his full return by saying he was on hand Sunday (April 5) to watch the rocket launch. On Tuesday (April 7), it showed video footage of the launch on state TV followed by a documentary on Kim where the public saw recent video of him for the first time since his suspected stroke.

At the first session of the new parliament that sits for five years, there is expected to be a further reshuffling of the power apparatus with the National Defence Commission, which is the seat of power in the reclusive state, likely to be expanded in a way that further strengthens Kim, the commission chairman.

bask - derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in; "She relished her fame and basked in her glory"
conspicuously
adv. noticeably, in an obvious manner
dispatch - an official report (usually sent in haste)
reshuffle
v. rearrange, reorder; redistribute jobs within a company; ; rearrange the members of the cabinet

090403-Obama Charms French Citizens

Obama Charms French Citizens

U.S. President Barack Obama urged countries around the world on Friday (April 3) to move promptly to combat global warming.

Obama has arrived in France for a summit celebrating the 60th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), but is also trying to win endorsement of his new Afghanistan strategy from both senior officials and citizens.

The strategy broadens the focus to include Pakistan and puts the highest priority on the defeat of al Qaeda militants. (Looking to engage sceptical Europeans in the war, Obama said they were more threatened by al Qaeda than America.)

"We all know that time is running out," Obama told a U.S.-style town hall meeting in the French city of Strasbourg. "America must do more, Europe must do more."

....

"This is a mission that tests whether nations can come together in common purpose on behalf of our common security. That's what we did together in the 20th Century, and now we need an alliance that is even stronger than when it brought a might wall in Berlin," he told his audience at the Rhenus Sports Arena.

He charmed the audience with banter and laughter, chatting with audience members before they asked questions.

An unidentified female audience member asked Obama if he ever regretted running for the presidency.

Joking at first that his wife Michelle asks the same question, he encouraged the young audience to participate in politics.

"Get involved. And it does mean that sometimes you'll get criticised and sometimes you'll fail and sometimes you'll be disappointed. But you'll have a great adventure and at the end of your life hopefully you'll be able to look back and say, 'I made a difference'," he said.

Obama has been greeted like a hero by the crowds in Strasbourg.

The warm reception has stood in stark contrast to the often cold welcome reserved for his predecessor, former President George W. Bush, who was hugely unpopular on this side of the Atlantic thanks largely to his decision to invade Iraq in 2003.

running out
being finished, decreasing in amount; exhaustion, being used up; moving outdoors quickly
might
n. strength, power, force; bravery
banter
v. joke, tease, converse in friendly manner
laughter
n. act of laughing; sound which expresses amusement (or scorn, etc.); cheerfulness, mirthfulness
stand
v. be upright on one's feet; get up; place upright; rise; stop, halt; become stagnant; remain; endure, tolerate, bear; be at a certain height or level

090319-Mexico-US Border Wars

Mexico-US Border Wars

Trouble on the border.

Mexico, angered by Washington's move to block Mexican trucks from using U.S. highways, said it would raise tariffs on 90 American agricultural and manufactured products, about $2.4 billion worth of exports.

Last week, the U.S. Congress canceled funding for a test program that allowed Mexican long-haul trucks into the United States.

State Department Spokesman Robert Wood

SOUNDBITE: State Department Spokesman Robert Wood, saying, (English):

"I am hoping that there will not be a significant impact on American business. We just have to try to work this work with the Mexican government because really it is of great concerns not just to business but other Americans."

The dispute comes amid news that US President Barack Obama will make Mexico his first trip to Latin America.

Obama will head to Mexico for meetings on April 16-17.

The high-level meetings come as the Obama Administration is drafting an integrated plan to address Mexico's escalating war with drug traffickers, blamed for some 6,000 murders last year most of them near the shared border.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters

amid
prep. in the middle of; surrounded by

090318-Entrepreneur Pushes Slum Tourism

Entrepreneur Pushes Slum Tourism

The beauty of Rio De Janeiro's beaches is as much a symbol of Brazil as the violence, drug dealing and poverty of the city's slums.

Here in Vidigal the best and worst of both worlds collide.

These shacks have a panoramic view of a upmarket beach and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.

German developer Rolf Glaser thinks the Vidigal slum offers the best view in Rio.....and perhaps a lucrative business opportunity.

SOUNDBITE: German Businessman, Rolf Glaser, saying:

"Rio de Janeiro has a lot of potential, but it needs to be transmitted to the outside, somebody to take it outside."

Slum tours, catering to tourists who want to see the "real" Rio, are already a controversial growth industry.

But Glaser's pushing the boundary even further with an idea to turn one of the hundreds of Rio slums into a trendy new hotspot (on the city's tourist map).

He plans to build about 10 well-appointed villas on top of Vidigal where tourists will be able to taste luxury and grit at the same time.

It may not be everyone's idea of a relaxing holiday but there are already fears the $500,000 investment could spark property speculation, forcing residents to move to other slums.

And if Glaser succeeds, others say the development could create opportunities for slum dwellers who have few alternatives.

entrepreneur
n. one who undertakes and assumes the risk of a business enterprise; contractor
shack
n. hut, shanty, small poorly built cabin
sparkling
adj. emitting sparks; reflecting light, glittering, brilliant; effervescent, carbonated (about a beverage); brilliant, lively
trendy
adj. in keeping with the current trend; stylish, fashionable
grit
n. small rough granules or particles (i.e. sand); bravery, pluck; endurance
dweller
n. resident, inhabitant

081112-Europe Agrees On Stimulus

Europe Agrees On Stimulus

European leaders agree an economic recovery package to revive Europe's flagging economies.

Meeting in Brussels, Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown said it was "ambitious stimulus package" that would provide "a good platform to build on."

The global car industry has been one of the worst hit since the credit crisis began.

Manus Cranny from MF Global says we may see a much smaller car industry in 2009.

SOUNDBITE: Manus Cranny, MF Global Spreads, saying (English):

"I think there's root and branch change going to come in 2009 which is going to be a good thing in terms of efficiencies and actually facing up to some of the harsh realities in terms of what the consumers, and indeed the consumer market can actually bear next year. It may be we end up with a much diminished or reduced global car industry and there are some very substantial employment and deceleratory effects that will come with that."

Japan's Prime Minister Tara Aso, announced a stimulus package today, worth 251 billion dollars.

He said the U.S. financial crisis is starting to affect the Japanese real economic at a much faster rate than expected.

In the U.S, the senate failed to agree a 14 billion dollar bailout for Detroit's big three car makers.

The problem was getting Republican Senators to back the plan.

This sent the Yen to a 13-year high against the U.S. dollar and Asian stock markets tumbled.

The failure of any of America's big three carmakers would threaten countless jobs and send shock waves around the world.

SOUNDBITE: Manus Cranny, MF Global Spreads, saying (English):

"I personally don't see a situation where GM, Ford and Chrysler will be allowed to all fail all at the same time. I think there's been such a substantial bailout of Wall Street that the political, the social and economic political fallout, one million jobs and many many more attached to it. I cannot see that the Americans will allow these car companies to go to the wall."

The question now is which industry is next to need taxpayers money - and can they survive without it?

Hayley Platt Reuters

081112-Hamilton Combats Drunk Driving

Hamilton Combats Drunk Driving

Lewis Hamilton is the Formula One world champion.

But for at least one day, he could be found behind the wheel of one of London's iconic black cabs to back an anti-drunk driving campaign.

Hamilton along with double world champion Mika Hakkinen of Finland drove cabs across Tower Bridge towards City Hall to hail public transport drivers who get people home safely as "the real champions."

Hamilton, who is the youngest driver to win the world title, says he wants to enjoy life a bit more that he did this year.

SOUNDBITE: Lewis Hamilton is the Formula One world champion, saying (English):

"There was so much pressure on me this year, that I didn't go out, I didn't socialize, I've stayed at the hotel every night at the race weekends. So I, people say you get to travel to all this countries but I never really get to see anything because I'm in my hotel room the whole time. So I want to enjoy it more."

Now that he has a taste of the street life in London, a new kind of race may be on.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters.

081111- Five Star Canine Comfort

Five Star Canine Comfort

This is Munich's newest luxury hotel.

But if you haven't got paws and a waggy tail, don't even think about trying to book a room here - as it's strictly for dogs.

The Canis Resort, opening soon in the southern German city, says it is the world's first five star canine getaway.

Dog-lover Sabine Gerteis helped set up the hotel - she says they want to offer four-legged friends a little bit of luxury.

SOUNDBITE: Sabine Gerteis, Canis Resort manager, saying (German):

"The dog can decide for itself if it wants to lie indoors, or be outside and it can also relax. If it wants to be stroked, there's a dog sitter there. We have a big meadow where the dogs can run around and play, and they are looked after individually by our dog sitters."

These so-called dog lodges can each hold up to five pooches and have an outdoor space with a lawn.

20 dog sitters will be on hand to look after a maximum of 40 guests.

Gerteis thinks the hotel is perfect for people who travel a lot, and want their pets to have a little holiday too.

SOUNDBITE: Sabine Gerteis, Canis Resort manager, saying (German):

"Our check-in is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That's useful for business travellers, as we are nine kilometres away from Munich airport."

The dogs can relax during the day while their owners are busy, before being transported to the airport to meet them in the arrivals hall.

Or they can book in for an overnight stay, which costs 80 euros - or just over a hundred U.S. dollars.

While some humans may balk at paying so much for a room for their dog - Canis Resort's managers have big expansion plans - with a second dog hotel planned in Munich, and later on in Stuttgart and Zurich.

Joanna Partridge, Reuters

081109-Greek PM On Riots

Greek PM On Riots

Stepping into the limelight, and facing a political crisis in the aftermath of three days of rioting and unrest across Greece, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis sounded a tough line on dealing with the rioters:

(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) GREEK PRIME MINISTER COSTAS KARAMANLIS SAYING:

"I have updated the president on the situation of the last days after the unfair loss of the student. No mercy will be taken in the placing of responsibility, no one has the right to use this incident as an excuse for acts of violence against innocent citizens, against their property, against all society and against democracy. In these crucial hours all political parties are obliged to condemn the perpetrators of this violence, this is our democratic duty, this is what citizens want and it is what our national obligation dictates."

The riots have left an ugly mess on the streets of Greek cities which reflects the mood of the nation, if its newspapers are to be believed.

Karamanlis has the narrowest of majorities in the Greek parliament, and the riots are partly a reflection of popular disenchantment of his economic reform programme.

Greece is starting to feel the effects of the economic slowdown - some analysts say the current unrest could topple the fragile conservative government.

Benet Allen, Reuters

limelight - a focus of public attention; "he enjoyed being in the limelight"
aftermath - effects of, a period of time following a disastrous event: in the aftermath of war.
tough strong and difficult to break, cut, or tear: this fabric is tough and water-resistant
unrest - a feeling of restless agitation
topple - fall down, as if collapsing

081126- China Fights Weak Eyesight

China Fights Weak Eyesight

Traditional Chinese massage combined with everyday life.

To fight bad eyesight, schoolchildren are learning eye exercises in Beijing classrooms.

Some study results have showed that nine out ten school children here have bad eyesight.

A school doctor says a new series of massages are aimed at combating the deterioration of eyesight.

(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin with English translation) SCHOOL MEDIC, DR SHAO, SAYING:

"It is a combination of massage and applying pressure to pressure points, a mixture of sport and medicine, all merged together."

Children's eye woes have been blamed on too much studying in an overly competitive school system.

Eye exercises have been common practice in Chinese schools since Mao's era.

But the new treatment focuses on pressure points around the head, including the back of the neck and ears.

Some doctors say the solution to the problem may be even simpler.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) FOUNDER OF SEKWA EYE HOSPITAL LI XIPU SAYING:

"Yes, they have to spend less time in the classroom in reading and spend more time outdoors."

A Xinhua news report cited experts saying excessive eyestrain, not genetic weakness, accounts for 45 percent of problems, while over 80 percent of university students are afflicted.

Kitty Bu reporting for Reuters in Beijing.

eyesight - normal use of the faculty of vision
aim To determine a course or direct an effort: aim for a better education.
merge To combine or unite: merging two sets of data.
woes misfortunes or problems: economic woes
blame To place responsibility for (something): blamed the crisis on poor planning.

081119-Auto Makers Need Help

Auto Makers Need Help

The leaders of the so-called Big Three of the U.S. auto industry-- General Motors, Ford and privately-held Chrysler-- were on the hot seat on Capitol Hill as they pleaded with members of the Senate Banking Committee to pass a 25 billion dollar rescue package --aimed at bolstering struggling automakers.

GM CEO Rick Wagoner warned of dire consequences for the auto industry if just one of Detroit's Big Three had to file for bankruptcy.

SOUNDBITE: GM CEO Rick Wagoner, saying (English):

"This is all about a lot more than just Detroit. It's about saving the U.S. economy from a catastrophic collapse."

Democrats in the Senate support a loan package arguing that up to three million U.S. jobs would be lost from an auto industry collapse.

But even supporters of a congressional bailout like Senator Chuck Schumer of New York warned against giving the automakers a blank check.

SOUNDBITE: Senator Chuck Schumer, saying (English):

"We must be assured that whatever aid we give you is accompanied by a real plan that shows you recognize the direction that this industry must take in order not to survive but to thrive."

Most Republicans are opposed to an auto industry bailout arguing that the rescue package is not a wise use of taxpayer money.

Senator Richard Shelby is the ranking member of the Banking Committee.

SOUNDBITE: Senator Richard Shelby saying (English):

"Are we here in the Senate being asked to facilitate a stronger more competitive auto manufacturing sector or to perpetuate market failure."

While lawmakers debated the merits of a congressional auto industry bailout, the Bush Administration let it be known that the White House is opposed to such a loan package.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.

SOUNDBITE: Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, saying (English):

"I believe that any solution must be a solution that leads to long-term viability -- sustainable viability here. I don't see this as the purpose of the TARP."

Analysts say it's unlikely that a bailout plan gains Congressional approval during this week's lame duck session -- which means as automakers continue to bleed cash, a rescue package may be one of the first acts that Barack Obama undertakes after he's sworn in as president in January.

Jon Decker, Reuters.

bolster to support or strengthen
undertake To take upon oneself; decide or agree to do: undertake a task.

081113-Fears For Congo's Gorillas

Fears For Congo's Gorillas

The vast camp at Kikuku is home to thousands of people fleeing the fighting in eastern Congo.

Among them are rangers who normally protect the country's rare mountain gorillas.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) JEAN BAPTISTE KADEGA, RANGER, SAYING:

"When they came to attack Rumangabo one month ago, we got aid from our director of ICCN. He gave us some vehicles, cars to take first our families."

Virunga's Gorilla Sector has been in the hands of rebel fighters for more than a year.

Last month the Rumangabo park headquarters also fell to a rebel assault, putting an end to conservation work.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) DIDDY MWANAKA, DIRECTOR OF TOURISM, VIRUNGA PARK, SAYING:

"Militias from Nkunda's rebels have taken the area, the sector where the gorillas live. We don't know if they are healthy, we don't know about their security, if they remain in security or not."

Diddy Mwanaka is Virunga's Director of Tourism.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) DIDDY MWANAKA, DIRECTOR OF TOURISM, VIRUNGA PARK, SAYING:

"It is very very frustrating to not live near the gorillas because gorillas are creatures who we love very much."

50 rangers are among the camp's 200,000 residents.

And one of them says conditions are dire.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BALEMBA BAHAGIZI, RANGER, SAYING:

"We don't have any medical attention here. One week ago we had about ten cases of cholera in this camp."

While the rangers live in fear of fighting and disease their charges too may be suffering.

There are only 700 mountain gorillas left in the world - 200 of them are in Virunga.

Without protection its feared extinction is a real possibility.

Sonia Legg, Reuters.

dire Urgent; desperate: in dire need; dire poverty.

charge
a. Supervision; management: the scientist who had overall charge of the research project.

b. Care; custody: a child put in my charge.

081106- Leaders Congratulate Obama

Leaders Congratulate Obama

Worth staying up all night for.

In Germany, Democrats Abroad members saw Barack Obama elected President of the United States.

Across Europe, the continent's leaders began to send Obama their congratulations.

Many Europeans have been hoping that transatlantic relations would improve with Obama in the White House.

That's a view echoed by the European Union's policy chief, Javier Solana:

SOUNDBITE: Javier Solana, EU Foreign Policy Chief, saying (English):

"Many problems we have on the table, and I very much hope that we will be able to do it together, find a solution to them, together between the European Union and the United States. The European Union is willing, the European Union is ready."

Barack Obama's popularity in Europe was evident during his summer tour of the continent.

Around 200,000 people came to listen to him speak in the German capital.

At the time, he also met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She says she wants to build on the discussions begun in the summer:

SOUNDBITE: Angela Merkel, German Chancellor, saying (German):

"We will be able to continue our talk we started in summer and based on deep friendship and partnership between Germany and the United States of America we will be able to solve the current problems, I am convinced of that."

The election campaign was watched closely in Berlin, Paris and London, especially given the current global financial turmoil.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says he and Obama have already been discussing economic problems:

SOUNDBITE: British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, saying (English):

"I believe that over the next few months and years we can work together, first of all to sort out the economic problems that exist, secondly to build stronger economies for the future and thirdly to sort out some of the world problems, for example, in the Middle East."

While some European leaders are unsure what Obama's priorities will be when he moves into the White House in January, there's some confidence he'll bring what many see as a welcome shift in U.S. foreign policy.

Joanna Partridge, Reuters

081105-Obama Captures Historic Win

Obama Captures Historic Win

(With a projected win in California,) Democrat Barack Obama has won the 2008 presidential election -- becoming the 44th president of the United States and the first African-American to hold the nation's highest office.

Less than an hour after he was projected to receive enough electoral votes to pass the 270-vote threshold, Obama (-- with his wife Michelle by his side --) addressed hundreds of thousands of supporters in Chicago's Grant Park.

SOUNDBITE: Barack Obama, president-elect, saying (English):01:29

"It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America."

Obama's message as President-elect was the same unifying message he ran on in his quest for the White House.

SOUNDBITE: Barack Obama, president-elect, saying (English):

"Out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can."

For John McCain -- he saw his hopes for victory evaporate with losses in a string of key battleground states -- including Ohio, Virginia and Florida.

McCain was gracious in defeat as he addressed disappointed supporters at a hotel ballroom in his home town of Phoenix, Arizona.

SOUNDBITE: U.S. Senator John McCain, saying (English):

11:22 "I urge all Americans who supported me ... we inherited."

Obama led a Democratic electoral landslide that also expanded the party's majorities in both chambers of the US Congress.

In a campaign dominated at the end by a flood of bad news on the economy, exit polls showed that Obama's leadership and proposals on how to handle the crisis tipped the race in his favor.

The win by Obama, son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas, marks a milestone in U.S. history-- coming 45 years after the height of America's civil rights movement.

Jon Decker, Reuters.

creed - any system of principles or beliefs
sum up

To present the substance of (material) in a condensed form; summarize: sum up the day's news; concluded the lecture by summing up.
defeat Failure to win.

gracious

Adjective

1. showing kindness and courtesy

2. characterized by elegance, ease, and indulgence: gracious living

in·her·it

v. in·her·it·ed, in·her·it·ing, in·her·its

v.tr.

1.

a. To receive (property or a title, for example) from an ancestor by legal succession or will.

b. To receive by bequest or as a legacy.

2. To receive or take over from a predecessor: The new administration inherited the economic problems of the last four years.

3. Biology To receive (a characteristic) from one's parents by genetic transmission.

4. To gain (something) as one's right or portion.

v.intr.

To hold or take possession of an inheritance.
tipped - departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal; "the leaning tower of Pisa"; "the headstones were tilted"
milestone

Noun

1. a stone pillar that shows the distance in miles to or from a place

2. a significant event in a life or history: a milestone in Turkish-Bulgarian relations
height - the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development;

081015-UK Unemployment Soars

UK Unemployment Soars

UK unemployment rose at its fastest pace since the early 1990s recession and experts expect even bigger rises ahead.

The jobless figure in Britain now stands at 5.7 percent, some analysts say it could peak around eight percent in early 2010.

Banking and construction firms have been toughest hit by the financial turmoil and housing slump but jobs are being cut across the economy.

Tough work ahead for British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, (who) got a boost after his plan to recapitalise financial institutions was taken up around the world.

World governments have pledged USD 3.2 trillion to shore up banks and try to make them lend to each other again.

But although the banking crisis may have been averted, recession has not - a fact market seized upon.

Indices across Europe were well in the red with the FTSEurofirst 300 index was down over six percent.

Although only a handful of economies are officially in recession, the world's three biggest - the USA, Japan and Germany, are on the brink.

But MF Global analyst Ian Jenkins thinks some may remain relatively unscathed.

SOUNDBITE: MF Global Head of Spread Betting, Ian Jenkins saying (English):

"Maybe the ones that are going to fare slightly better than the rest are the South Americans and the emerging economies because once they've dusted themselves down they still do have a voracious consumptive base - we don't. Our consumption is going to go down. For the last year or so, or for the last ten years, has all been built on our consumption and the use of credit. They haven't gone down that road and I think they'll probably fare better."

And case in point, European new vehicle registrations fell 8.2 percent year on year in September, despite two extra working days.

The auto manufacturer's association said carmakers are finding it increasingly hard to finance their daily operations and invest in new technologies for greener vehicles - as consumers become unwilling to make large purchases or just can't find lenders willing to finance them.

rise

Verb

[rising, rose, risen]

to move from a lower to a higher position or place
pace - the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
tough strong; not easily broken, worn out etc Plastic is a tough material. hart
turmoil - a violent disturbance; "the convulsions of the stock market"
slump a severe decline in commercial activity or prices; depression
shore up - support by placing against something solid or rigid; "shore and buttress an old building"

avert
1. To turn away: avert one's eyes.

2. To ward off (something about to happen); prevent: averted an accident by turning sharply. See Synonyms at prevent.

seize (sometimes foll. by on, upon)to understand quickly: she immediately seized his idea
on the brink of very near, on the point of: on the brink of disaster

unscathed - not injured
fare To go or happen: How does it fare with you?
dust To remove dust from by wiping, brushing, or beating: dust the furniture.

081015-usa-retailsalesdrop

US Retail Sales Drop

A day after the U.S. government outlined a plan to invest (billions) ($250 billion) in the country's banks U.S. stocks stumbled in early Wednesday as bleak retail sales numbers took center stage. Retail stores saw a 1.2% decline last month--the biggest pullback in more than three years as consumers, fearing a recession, kept a tight grip on spending. The headline number, as well as sales excluding autos, was far worse than economists expected. Some said the report pointed to a strong chance of negative GDP growth in the third quarter and possibly another interest rate cut up to 50 basis points in the next few months.

Added to the ugly retail sales report--a regional manufacturing gauge from New York state hit its lowest level since its inception in 2001.

Both overshadowed a dip in wholesale inflation for September as well as a strong earnings report from Coca-Cola.

Also turning in quarterly numbers, JP Morgan and Wells Fargo. The two posted better than expected earnings despite higher credit losses. Meantime Delta's third quarter loss was wider than forecast in the face of record high oil costs over the summer. Executives said looking ahead that the recent slide in oil prices could save Delta money but that the outlook for next year is still murky.

Jeanne Yurman reports from New York.

stumble 

1. to trip and almost fall while walking or running

2. to walk in an unsteady or unsure way

3. to make mistakes or hesitate in speech

bleak Providing no encouragement; depressing: a bleak prospect.
grip

1. a very tight hold: he felt a grip at his throat

2. the style or manner of holding something, such as a golf club or tennis racket

3. power or control over a situation, person, or activity: rebel forces tighten their grip around the capital
GDP gross domestic product
gauge - a measuring instrument for measuring and indicating a quantity such as the thickness of wire or the amount of rain etc.

inception The beginning of something, such as an undertaking; a commencement. See Synonyms at origin.
overshadow To make insignificant by comparison; dominate.
wholesale To sell in large quantities for resale.
outlook Expectation for the future: the long-term outlook for economic growth.
murky Dark, dim, or gloomy: a murky dungeon. See Synonyms at dark.

081013-japan

Asian markets surge

A bit of a bounce for battered stock markets.

Asian shares were cautiously higher on Monday after G-7 officials took steps to repair the world's broken financial system.

Many nations agreed to buy stakes in troubled banks over the weekend.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy:

(SOUNDBITE) (French with English translation) FRENCH PRESIDENT NICOLAS SARKOZY SAYING:

"We need to ensure that healthy banks can find the financing conditions which gives them the support needed to lend to firms and to household. To that end eurozone governments will give public guarantees to banking re-financing operations.

Australian markets jumped at the open - the first major world market to react to statements over the weekend.

Hong Kong stocks opened higher, but pared gains as investors again became worried about the outlook for the global economy.

Resource stocks were among the biggest gainers - with Australian gold firms like BHP Billiton up sharply.

China stocks fell in early trade -- Shanghai investors remained mired in worries about the global economy. Many businesses are braced for a sharp slowdown in exports to the U.S. and Europe.

Tara Joseph-Hui reporting for Reuters.

081010-Pressure On G7 Nations

Pressure On G7 Nations

Behind the sturdy columns of the Treasury Department in Washington, finance ministers and central bankers of the world's seven richest democracies are in crisis mode - what else can they do to calm world markets running on fear and panic.

Asian and European stocks are again, day seven, in free fall, tracking the Dow's extraordinary plunge.

Citing a lack of buyers, Paris shut itself down right after it opened.

Group of Seven economies have thrown everything at the system to try to stem the slide - rescuing banks, slashing interest rates - but nothing's worked; investors are still spooked.

Why from Reuters Treasury Editor Nick Edwards.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) NICK EDWARDS, REUTERS TREASURY EDITOR, SAYING:

"It's because markets still don't have what they are looking for, which is a global security blanket. That's what investors need. It's what policymakers keep talking about but as yet there has been no single global policy response. Lots of ad hoc, lots of individual measures but really it's a single, unified self-reinforcing response that investors are looking for."

On the front page of a British broadsheet, an appeal for such action written by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

"Ground-breaking" is how he describes his move to take a government stake in stricken banks - an 880 billion dollar package that aims to restore trust between banks and get them lending again, to each other and their customers.

Economist David Kern of the British Chambers of Commerce says that and more government intervention is needed.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) DAVID KERN, ECONOMIC ADVISER, BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, SAYING:

"What is important is for the authorities to demonstrate that if that's not enough now more will be forthcoming. At the end of the day, the governments are more powerful than the markets which are testing them."

For now, the balance of power is tipping the way of the free-falling markets.

If the G7 doesn't manage to come up with some impressive, united moves, speculation may move on to how long and deep a global recession will be.

Susan Flory, Reuters

sturdy strongly built or made
plunge - a steep and rapid fall
stem to stop or hinder the spread of (something): to stem the flow of firearms
slashing cut with a sharp quick stroke, gash, wound; reduce, lower; make sharp quick strokes; strongly criticize; create a way by cutting
spook - frighten or scare, and often provoke into a violent action; "The noise spooked the horse"
blanket - anything that covers; "there was a blanket of snow"
broadsheet a newspaper in a large format
stake a strong stick or post, especially a pointed one used as a support or as part of a fence.
stricken - grievously affected especially by disease

081010-China Confident Over Crisis

China Confident Over Crisis

China is "fully confident and capable" it can overcome current economic difficulties, a top official said on Friday.

Vice Premier Wang Qishan was quoted by state media saying that China will work closely with other countries to guard the stability of the global financial system.

Wang did not elaborate on steps Beijing might take to help calm the worldwide financial storm, but his comments underline that China may yet play an important part in confronting a crisis from it has been largely sheltered because of its capital controls.

China's central bank cut interest rates earlier this week, and speculation is swirling Beijing could pledge to hold onto its vast dollar assets and even buy more to help fund the massive bailout of the U.S. financial system now under way.

U.S. bonds make up the lion's share of China's over 1.8 trillion dollars in foreign exchange reserves.

But as Wang made the comments, Chinese stocks fell sharply at the opening Friday amid a plummeting of global share prices.

A government fund bought stocks in September as part of a market rescue plan, but the key Shanghai index was nearing levels seen before the package was announced.

Kitty Bu, reporting for Reuters.

swirl - the shape of something rotating rapidly
bailout A rescue from financial difficulties
amid in the middle of; among
plummet - drop sharply; "The stock market plummeted"

081007-Penguins begin journey home

Penguins begin journey home

These Magellan penguins are being prepared to head back into the wild after they were washed up on the beaches of north-eastern Brazil.

Hundreds of the birds have been stranded since June.

Many died despite the best efforts of animal experts to save them.

Only 50 have recovered fully enough to be released after rehabilitation at Rio de Janeiro zoo.

SOUNDBITE: Andre Sena, vet, saying (Portuguese):

"They undergo rehabilitation here at the zoo to gain weight and have their injuries treated. Later they are taken south to be released into the Malvinas current which should take them to the Straits of Magellan where they originally came from."

It's not clear why so many penguins have been washed up in Brazil.
Biologists believe unusually strong ocean currents may have pulled the birds off course.
Others suggest overfishing near Patagonia and Antarctica may be forcing them to swim further afield in search of food.
Paul Chapman, Reuters
afield - far away from home or one's usual surroundings; "looking afield for new lands to conquer"- R.A.Hall