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'Better Call Saul': A prequel as good as the original | Learn the English expression ‘live in someone’s shadow’
Episode 277
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It is almost a fact that a movie’s sequel can never be better than the original. But fans and critics alike agree that Vince Gilligan’s prequel “Be…
6 years, 1 month ago
Covid month seven: updates from around the world | Learn the English term ‘downplay’
Episode 276
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As we enter month seven of the coronavirus’ existence, the world is in an awkward position. Europe is opening its borders, but only to an exclusive…
6 years, 1 month ago
The Segway scooter is no more | Learn what it means to be a ‘flop’
Episode 275
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The Segway scooter was supposed to revolutionize personal transportation. But after its highly hyped launch in 2001, the scooter has struggled to f…
6 years, 1 month ago
Illegal fireworks displays lighting up the US | Learn the English expression ‘in a bind’
Episode 274
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Fireworks have long been a summer tradition for Americans. But with many official fireworks displays cancelled this summer, Americans have turned t…
6 years, 1 month ago
The era of private space travel is upon us | Learn the English expression ‘dry spell’
Episode 273
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For the first time ever, a private company – Space X – sent an astronaut into space. As people are getting more comfortable with the idea of privat…
6 years, 1 month ago
Thousands of crew members are stranded at sea | Learn the English expression ‘grind to a halt’
Episode 272
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After months at sea, an estimated 200,000 crew members’ contracts are ending. But these seafarers are unable to step foot on land due to quarantine…
6 years, 2 months ago
Edward Hopper’s isolationist paintings resonating in social distancing era | Learn the expression ‘on the outskirts’
Episode 271
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Edward Hopper was a 20th…
6 years, 2 months ago
China proposes controversial Hong Kong security law | Learn the English expression ‘stacked against’
Episode 270
** YOUR LAST CHANCE ** to join Plain English Plus+ as a Founding Member and pay the lowest price ever! PlainEnglish.com/Plus
As part of the agreement…
6 years, 2 months ago
Will university campuses be empty this fall? | Learn the English expression ‘holding pattern’
Episode 269
Universities are in a uniquely difficult position preparing for classes after the pandemic. Some institutions have already announced that they will h…
6 years, 2 months ago
Police responding to protesters’ demands for reform | Learn the English expression ‘set in motion’
Episode 268
As protests enter their third week in the US, police departments are beginning to respond to protesters’ calls for action. Protesters have seen signs…
6 years, 2 months ago