VOA标准英语2008年-Adieu, Audio Cassette Tapes

Recently, the New York Times ran an obituary, but not about a person. The paper said good-bye to an old friend: the audio cassette tape. The audio cassette's problematic and delicate tape easily tangles. And its analog format makes it less crisp and

VOA标准英语2008年-Local Bangladesh Election Regarded as Key Step

In Bangladesh, local elections held in the country are being described as an important first step in restoring democracy. As Anjana Pasricha reports from New Delhi, these were the first elections in the country since an army-backed government cancel

VOA标准英语2008年-Thousands Mourn Killed Protestors in Indian Kas

Tens of thousands of Muslims took to the streets of Indian administered Kashmir Saturday to mourn the death of a separatist leader. For VOA, Shanawaz Khan has this report from Srinagar in India-administered Kashmir. Protesters traveled from Kashmir'

VOA标准英语2008年-Pope Appeals for Humanitarian Corridor in Georg

Pope Benedict XVI issued another strong appeal on Sunday for a humanitarian corridor to be opened to allow aid to get through to the displaced in Georgia. Sabina Castelfranco reports for VOA from Rome. Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithful during th

VOA标准英语2008年-Phelps Wins Record-tying 7th Olympic Gold

American Michael Phelps has tied legendary swimmer Mark Spitz's Olympic Gold record, winning his seventh gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. Phelps has been winning by world record times in all of his events. His latest time was only an Olympic reco

VOA标准英语2008年-US Swimmer Phelps Becomes Most Decorated Olympi

American swimmer Michael Phelps surged to a pair of victories in the Olympic pool, Wednesday, to become the most decorated gold medal winner. VOA's Jim Stevenson was at the Water Cube in Beijing, where Phelps made Olympic history. United States' Mic

VOA标准英语2008年-Uganda Pushing Circumcision in AIDS Fight

The Ugandan government says it wants to launch an official drive to circumcise much of Uganda's male population as part of its efforts to reduce the rate of HIV infection in the east African country. Recent studies conducted in several African count

VOA标准英语2008年-Top Pollster Sees Close US Presidential Race

A new Associated Press poll gives Democrat Barack Obama a six-point lead over Republican John McCain in the U.S. presidential race. But, a leading pollster tells VOA he expects a close race for the White House in November. VOA National correspondent

VOA标准英语2008年-Religious Pilgrims Seek Asylum in Australia

Refugee activists say that 20 Catholic pilgrims have applied for asylum in Australia after attending last month's World Youth Day event. The Asylum Seekers Center of New South Wales reports the pilgrims are mostly from African countries. From Sydney

VOA标准英语2008年-Explosion Targets Bus in Lebanese City of Tripo

At least 18 people were killed, seven of them Lebanese Army soldiers, and more than 45 people were wounded, in an explosion targeting an intercity passenger bus in the northern port city of Tripoli. The explosion follows weeks of tensions in Tripoli

VOA标准英语2008年-Russian Lawmakers Urge Recognition of Breakaway

The Russian parliament has voted unanimously to recommend the government recognize the independence of the breakaway Georgian republics of South Ossetian and Abkhazia. VOA Correspondent Peter Fedynsky reports from Moscow the move could be a violatio

VOA标准英语2008年-US Says North Korean Nuclear Move 'Step Backwar

The United States Tuesday called North Korea's announced decision to suspend the disablement of its nuclear facilities a step backward in the six-party disarmament process. North Korea said it took the step because it has not been taken off the U.S.

VOA标准英语2008年-Thai Protesters Demand Prime Minister Step Down

Tens of thousands protesters have rallied outside Thailand's government house in a bid to force Prime Minister Samak Sundarvej from office. As Ron Corben reports from Bangkok, protesters pushed their way into the compound surrounding the building an

VOA标准英语2008年-Zimbabwe Majority Party Boos Mugabe Parliament

President Robert Mugabe opened Zimbabwe's parliament in a ceremony marked by colonial-era symbols and defiant protest songs by the majority Movement for Democratic Change legislators, which drowned out parts of his speech. Peta Thornycroft reports f

VOA标准英语2008年-Hillary Clinton Expected to Rally Support for O

Senator Hillary Clinton will seek to convince her ardent primary supporters to fall in line behind presumptive nominee Barack Obama on the second day of the Democratic National Convention in the western U.S. city of Denver. After an emotional first

VOA标准英语2008年-US Condemns Russian Recognition of Breakaway Ge

The United States Tuesday condemned Russia's recognition of the breakaway Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, with President Bush urging Moscow to reconsider. U.S. officials say there is no chance the United Nations will accept the two r

VOA标准英语2008年-Georgia says Russia Acting 'Imperialist'

Georgians are reacting with a mixture of concern and fury at the Russia's decision to recognize the independence of two separatist territories within Georgia. VOA's Peter Heinlein in Tbilisi reports senior Georgian officials are urging the West to v

VOA标准英语2008年-EU President Rules Out Sanctions Against Russia

Current EU president France has ruled out sanctions against Russia as European Union leaders consider ways to pressure Moscow to fully comply with a ceasefire agreement. Lisa Bryant reports from Paris that EU leaders will meet next week to discuss t

VOA标准英语2008年-Democratic Convention Paints All-American Image

Perhaps the most important goal Democrats have at their presidential nominating convention in the western state of Denver, Colorado is to project an all-American image for their candidate, Barack Obama. The four-night convention will give Democrats

VOA标准英语2008年-Saddle Up! It's Time for Church

Earlier this month, the Chicago Tribune newspaper sent a reporter to church four hundred kilometers away in the little town of Mount Vernon, in southern Illinois. Minister Coy Huffman holds services during pro rodeo events. Here he delivers a Power