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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

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is leaning a little less. Scientists recently confirmed that the famous tower has straightened out by about four centimeters over the last 17 years. The news is the result of a ten-year effort to straighten the tower by softening the ground underneath the north side. The scientists believe the tower should be safe for another 200 years. Plus, learn the English phrase “straighten out.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/108      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

Thousands of migrants from Central America have passed through Mexico and have arrived at Tijuana, the last city before the US border. But they must go one-by-one through the American asylum process and are likely to have to wait in Mexico as their cases are heard in US courts. Meanwhile, the city of Tijuana is facing a “humanitarian crisis” as they try to accommodate the new visitors. Plus, learn the English phrase “bear a burden.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/107      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

For over a hundred years, the official definition of a kilogram was a metal cylinder held under three locks in France. But scientists have voted to change the kilo’s official definition to a mathematical equation based on unchanging laws of physics. For this reason, the prototype kilogram, called “Le Grand K” will no longer be the official definition of the kilogram. Plus, learn the English phrase “seal someone’s fate.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/106      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

Negotiators for Britain and the EU have reached a draft deal on the UK’s exit. The deal has left few people happy in the UK, as both those who wanted to leave and those who wanted to stay in the EU found something not to like in the deal. Several members of the cabinet resigned, leading Prime Minister Theresa May fighting for the deal and her political future. Plus, learn the English phrase “strike a deal.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/105     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.

Lady Gaga, the pop star better known for provocative lyrics and outlandish outfits, turned in a transformative performance as Ally, a waitress-turned-pop star in the fourth version of the classic Hollywood story “A Star Is Born.” Bradley Cooper plays Jackson Maine, an established rock star toward the end of his career, who discovers Ally in a drag bar after one of his own shows. The two fall in love as his career declines and hers takes off. Plus, learn the English phrase “down to earth.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/104      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 leav

In the first national elections since the controversial developer-turned-TV star took office, US voters gave President Donald Trump only a partial rebuke, as the opposition Democrats took control of the US House of Representatives, but Trump’s Republicans expanded their majority in the Senate. Democrats won on ballot initiatives and in state governorships. Plus, learn the English phrase “when the dust settles.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/103      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 prog

Some of Europe’s top football clubs, including Manchester United and Bayern Munich, are in talks to create a “Super League” that would feature more head-to-head matchups of the continent’s best teams, but which may put the existing structure of European football in jeopardy. Based on early reports, it was not clear if the clubs would consider leaving their national leagues or if the Super League would replace the UEFA Championship. Plus, learn the English phrase “at the expense of.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/102      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 re

After holding an unofficial vote before he took office, president-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced he would cancel the $15 billion Mexico City airport that is already under construction and one-third complete. The president-elect cited corruption and environmental damage in explaining his opposition. International investors looked on with concern, worried about Mexico’s ability to honor its contracts. Plus, learn the English phrase “bursting at the seams.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/101      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 w

Jeff and JR share some thoughts on how Plain English started, how we produce the program, and where our listeners are from. 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.plainenglish.com/mail  Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English the fun way: with a podcast in English! Listen to an American English podcast that you enjoy and understand -- all at a slower speed than normal. | Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso. Se habla a una velocidad lenta para que todos entiendan. ¡Aprende ingles con nosotros ahora! | Aprenda Inglês online grátis com o Plain English, a uma velocidade menor, para que todos possam entender.

Brazil overwhelmingly elected former army captain and congressman Jair Bolsonaro president, giving him 55% of its vote and signaling its discontent with the established Workers Party and the corruption that has plagued the country in recent years. Bolsonaro pledged to fight corruption and reduce crime, but his past statements were controversial. Plus, learn the English phrase “run the gamut.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/100      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

As global tourism has increased in recent years, some popular tourist destinations like Amsterdam, Venice and Peru’s Machuu Pichuu have struggled with a unique problem: too many visitors. The increased visitors are raising prices of housing in central cities, putting strain on infrastructure, and damaging the environment. What can be done to accommodate tourists but also protect and preserve the destinations themselves? Plus, learn the English phrase ‘wear and tear’ Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/99     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 wher