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For most people, procrastination is an occasional problem. But for about twenty percent of us, it’s more than that: it’s something more serious. In the second half of our two-part lesson on procrastination, we’re diving into avoidance behavior and discussing strategies for overcoming procrastination. Plus, learn the English expression “on your plate.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/254 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at PlainEnglish.

We have something important to discuss today. It might even change your life. But first, when is the last time you cleaned your bathroom? Or went through your email inbox? Do you ever find yourself distracting yourself with other, less important work? Procrastination plagues all of us from time to time, but for a fifth of the population, it’s a real problem. Plus, learn what it means to “buckle down.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/253 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Pla

After 76 days in lockdown, the Chinese government is beginning to lift restrictions in Wuhan. People are returning to work, factories and public transportation have started up again, and travelers that were trapped in Wuhan are finally able to return home - but life in Wuhan is still far from normal. Plus, learn the English expression “pent up.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/252 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at PlainEnglish.com/Ma

Today, we review the latest news on six previous topics: a public spat over the Notre-Dame restorations; Mt. Everest is strengthening safety measures; NYC Subway is getting a bit more high-tech; Houston Astros 2017 World Series victory has a cloud over it; celebrities are facing jailtime over college admissions scandals; and new devices are developed for human body temperature readings. Plus, learn “under way.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/251 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your fa

#Tokyo2020 will now officially start in 2021. The Olympics are a big deal for any host nation, but Japan in particular invested more money, more hope, and more civic pride into these Olympics than the typical host country does. Everything from the state-of-the-art stadiums to the customized manhole covers will be left unused or unappreciated until summer 2021. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “call off.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/250 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plai

We are only a couple weeks into social distancing, self-quarantining, and trying to flatten the curve, and people are already antsy to get back to normal life. With a COVID-19 vaccine still over a year out, enough people – 60 to 80 percent – will need to catch the virus to slow its spread. But the costs, both human and otherwise, will be devastating. Plus, learn the English phrase “stuck with.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/249 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain Engl

If you thought the coronavirus was bad in the rich world, it could be many, many times worse in the developing world. Flattening the curve will be a much greater challenge in areas without running water for hand washing, and where the choice between quarantine and work may also mean the choice between starving and putting food on the family table. Plus, learn the English expression “by and large.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/248 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain E

There’s a new oil producer on the block. Guyana, a tiny nation of less than a million people, and the third-poorest nation in South America, just discovered oil reserves off its coast. Guyana is on the cusp of a critical national decision, one that may determine whether the oil will bring its citizens fortune or misfortune. Plus, learn the English phrase “on par with.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/247 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Joi

Millions of people worldwide are adjusting to life under quarantine. While everyone’s day-to-day might look different depending on where you are in the world, we’re sharing some universal tips from experts on how to maintain your balance and prioritize your mental health during this time of uncertainty and social distancing. Plus, learn the English expression “for the time being.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/246 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It

Stadiums are empty. Sports channels have no events to cover. Cruise ships are docked. Broadway is dark. Movie sets are quiet. The entertainment industry came to a halt to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. I guess it's time to catch up on your Netflix shows and documentaries. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “come into contact.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/245 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at PlainEnglish.com/Mail Aprende ingl

Italy is the first nation to impose a nationwide quarantine in an attempt to contain the coronavirus. The Italian government imposed serious constraints, including restricted travel, social guidelines, and all businesses were ordered shut. The lockdown will undoubtedly have a major impact on Italy’s already-fragile economy. Plus, learn the English phrase “out and about.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/244 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! J

In the 1980s, Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar imported four hippos from Africa for his private zoo. After Escobar’s death, the hippos were too big and expensive to move and were left to roam and reproduce. Now, the Colombian hippo herd count is at 80 and counting, which is posing serious problems for the local environment and population. Plus, learn the English phrase “to give rise to.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/243 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English to

After a disastrous start to the Democratic primaries, former vice president, Joe Biden, completed one of the most dramatic political turnarounds in recent memory. It’s now a two-man race with Senator, Bernie Sanders, for the Democratic nomination to take on Donald Trump in the November presidential election. Plus, learn the phrasal verb to “write off.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/242 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at PlainEnglish

In today's episode, we review the latest news on five previous topics: Hong Kong, the yellow vest protesters, Alex Trebek, Boeing, and Trump's challengers.Mentioned in this episode:Ready to improve your listening?Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Safe-injection sites are places where individuals can bring their own drugs, such as heroin and methamphetamine, and take them with clean needles under supervision of trained medical personnel. Although this progressive model has been successful in Europe and Canada, the first US city that attempted to open a safe-injection site was met with strong opposition from the surrounding community. Plus, learn the English phrase “grapple with.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/240 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to Engl

By analyzing the DNA of living men and women in today’s West Africa, scientists have discovered a new branch of humanity. Until recently, our knowledge of human lineage came primarily from the study of fossils, but with rapid advances in understanding DNA and the human genome, scientists are beginning to make discoveries without physical fossil evidence. Plus, learn the English phrase “for the most part.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/239 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite

The coronavirus has already taken a significant human toll, with tens of thousands infected and over 2500 deaths worldwide. But in addition to the human toll, the world economy is starting to feel the negative effects of the virus. Luxury goods and tourism are some of the first industries seeing slowdowns. Plus, learn the English phrase “silver lining.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/238 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at PlainEnglis

What do brands like Warby Parker eyeglasses, Bonobos pants, Casper mattresses, and Harry’s razors have in common? They are all part of the direct-to-consumer revolution that is disrupting the traditional retail model. Direct-to-consumer brands are helping eliminate confusion, bring down prices, and make shopping fun again. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “try on.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/237 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at Pla

In the fourth in our series of destinations, we visit Brooklyn, one of the five boroughs of New York City. Brooklyn is known for its thriving art and literature scene, brownstone architectural style, independent restaurants, eclectic shops, coal-fired pizza, craft breweries, and its hipster subculture. Plus, learn how to use the English phrase “you can tell.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/236 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at Plain

In late January, two of the biggest undersea cables serving Africa unexpectedly broke, resulting in slowed internet speeds for hundreds of millions of users across the continent. Turns out, the fiber-optic cables we rely on are just one-inch wide and are susceptible to breakages by both man-made and natural causes. Plus, learn the English phrase “slow to a crawl.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/235 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at