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Pre-Listening Vocabulary

retire: to stop working often due to old age

decade: a ten-year period

serenade: to sing with passion to someone in particular

OB/GYN: a doctor who specializes in delivering babies and in women's reproductive health (obstetrician/gynaecologist)

beloved: well-known and loved

gentle: kindhearted, soft

bedside manner: a doctor's approach to taking care of patients

"The Singing Doctor" Retires in Pittsburgh

Dr. Carey Andrew-Jaja of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has retired after serenading over newborns. The OB/GYN was known for babies into the world by singing songs like "Happy Birthday" or "It's a World" after their delivery. The beloved doctor was so well-known for his gentle bedside manner at a hospital in Pittsburgh that many mothers refer to their children as "Jaja babies" even years after giving birth. Dr. Jaja spent four decades delivering and singing to babies with the goal of making the experience of childbirth less stressful for everyone.

Comprehension Questions

What is the report mainly about?

Why does the reading mention "Happy Birthday"?

What are "Jaja babies"?

Discussion Question

What good experiences have you had with doctors and nurses over the years? Have you ever experienced a medical professional with a poor bedside manner?

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"The Singing Doctor" Retires in Pittsburgh

Dr. Carey Andrew-Jaja of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has officially retired after serenading over 8,000 newborns. The OB/GYN was known for welcoming babies into the world by singing songs like "Happy Birthday" or "It's a Wonderful World" after their delivery. The beloved doctor was so well-known for his gentle bedside manner at a women's hospital in Pittsburgh that many mothers refer to their children as "Jaja babies" even years after giving birth. Dr. Jaja spent four decades delivering and singing to babies with the goal of making the experience of childbirth less stressful for everyone.

The report is mainly about a retired doctor who always sang to the newborns he delivered.

The reading mentions "Happy Birthday" because this is one of the songs the doctor sang to welcome newborns into the world.

"Jaja babies" were those delivered by Dr. Carey Andrew-Jaja, "The Singing Doctor" of Pittsburgh.

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Pre-Listening Vocabulary

ban: to disallow

harmful: causing damage

coast: the edge where land meets water

confirm: to state that something is true

cutlery: tools for eating with (e.g., forks, knives, spoons)

responsible for: having a duty; in charge of

Canada To Ban Harmful Single-Use Plastics by 2021

Canada's prime minister announced this week that Canada will ban harmful single-use plastics from to coast to coast as early as 2021. Prime Minister Trudeau said Canada will be following the lead of other countries from the European that have made similar plans to reduce plastic waste. The items that will be banned have not been confirmed, but will include plastic bags, plastic cutlery, and fast-food . Trudeau stated that companies that use plastic packaging to sell their products will be responsible for recycling their plastic . In addition to reducing pollution, the government says this plan will create approximately 42,000 jobs.

Comprehension Questions

What announcement did Justin Trudeau make?

Why does the report mention the European Union?

Why could this ban be good for the Canadian economy?

Discussion Questions

Justin Trudeau claimed that "scientific evidence" will be used to decide which plastic products will fall under the ban. What do you think he means by this? Which single-use plastic products will be difficult for countries like Canada to ban?

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Canada To Ban Harmful Single-Use Plastics by 2021

Canada's prime minister announced this week that Canada will ban harmful single-use plastics from coast to coast to coast as early as 2021. Prime Minister Trudeau said Canada will be following the lead of other countries from the European Union that have made similar plans to reduce plastic waste. The items that will be banned have not been confirmed, but will likely include plastic bags, plastic cutlery, and fast-food containers. Trudeau stated that companies that use plastic packaging to sell their products will be responsible for recycling their plastic waste. In addition to reducing pollution, the government says this plan will create approximately 42,000 jobs.

Trudeau announced that Canada plans to ban harmful single-use plastics as early as 2021.

The report mentions the European Union because Trudeau said Canada is following the lead of other countries from the EU that have announced similar environmental plans.

This ban could be good for the Canadian economy if it creates new jobs.

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Pre-Listening Vocabulary

speculation: the formation of a theory

throne: the position of head monarch

title: a word that describes a person's honour or rank (e.g., Queen)

easel: a fancy holder for an important document or piece of art

Meghan & Harry Announce Birth of Royal Baby

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle announced the birth of their baby boy this week, following speculation that the of Sussex had given birth to a girl named Ivy. Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born on May 6, weighing 7lbs 3oz (3.2 kg). The baby is in line to the throne and will take on the title of "Prince" when his grandfather, Prince Charles, becomes "King". Before the baby's birth was announced on the ceremonial easel at Buckingham Palace, the couple his birth on their Instagram page.

Comprehension Questions

What speculation turned out to be incorrect?

What will happen when Prince Charles takes over the British throne?

Why does the report mention Instagram?

Discussion Questions

Neither "Archie" nor "Harrison" are traditional royal names. Does this surprise you, and do you like the names the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose?

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Meghan & Harry Announce Birth of Royal Baby

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle announced the birth of their baby boy this week, following speculation that the Duchess of Sussex had given birth to a girl named Ivy. Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born on May 6, weighing 7lbs 3oz (3.2 kg). The royal baby is seventh in line to the throne and will take on the title of "Prince" when his grandfather, Prince Charles, becomes "King". Before the baby's birth was officially announced on the ceremonial easel at Buckingham Palace, the couple announced his birth on their Instagram page.

The speculation that Meghan Markle had given birth to a girl named Ivy turned out to be incorrect.

When Prince Charles takes over the throne, his grandson will become "Prince Archie Harrison."

The report mentions Instagram because the royal couple announced their son's birth on this social media account before Buckingham Palace officially announced it.