Voice 1
Welcome to Spotlight. I'm Liz Waid.
Voice 2
And I'm Joshua Leo. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1
It is time again for another listener mail program! We receive comments from our listeners from all across the world - from our Facebook fan page, the discussion areas on our website, comments on script pages, and through email! Today we look at some of the comments we have received on script pages.
Voice 2
Our first comment today comes from Ariniaina. She found the program called "Blogging in Madagascar". Blogs are websites where people record their thoughts and opinions. In that program we told about how people are using blogs to tell the world about local events. These local people are like reporters.
Voice 1
So why was Ariniaina so happy to find this program? Well, because she is in it! Ariniaina was one of the bloggers we described. She wrote to Spotlight:
Voice 3
"I want you to know that blogging is one of the great things that could happen in my life. Being a part of citizen media makes me more concerned about what is really going on around me and gives me the "duty" to share. Actually, it is more of a passion, a love for what I do, than a duty! Blogging is a wonderful method of freedom of speech."
Voice 2
Ariniaina, we are so happy you enjoyed this program! The work you do is so important. And we are happy we could share it with our listeners. Keep writing!
Voice 1
Another program that many listeners had opinions about was "Beauty and Perfection: Wabi Sabi." That program told about a way of looking at life called wabi sabi. Wabi sabi is a simple term with a complex meaning! As we said in that program, "some people describe it as beauty that is not complete, or not perfect. It is a way of looking at life in all its forms - especially nature, art and culture." This program questioned what we think of as beautiful.
Voice 2
Jacek thought about the beauty of the world from a very interesting view. He wrote:
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"One spaceman has said: Since I have seen Earth from space, I have begun to see the world differently." Close your eyes and imagine. You look at the small blue planet. Then ask yourself a question. What does life mean for me? What is really important? Maybe you will find your own wabi sabi and beauty around us."
Voice 2
Daniel also commented on this program. He describes his ideas about wabi sabi.
Voice 5
"I agree wabi sabi is like being aware of beauty in small simple things. And it is thanking the Creator, God, for the things you have, instead of saying bad words about the things you lack. Every single thing is beautiful because it has been created by an awesome God! Faith is the only thing you need to believe it!"
Voice 2
The idea of wabi sabi is beautiful. But can you SEE wabi sabi in your life? Mr. Minh can. He writes:
Voice 6
"I spent my life in the big business world of computers. Our office was all about money, money, money and fierce competition. "I am better than you." Worship of money, and pride. The two things identified in the Bible as the source of all evil. These days, I am happily retired in the mountains of Dalat, Vietnam leading a simple wabi sabi lifestyle.
Voice 1
Mr. Minh, it sounds like you really enjoy your life much more now! It can be difficult to work or live in an environment like that! In his comment, Mr. Minh also shares the wabi sabi he sees in his life today. He tells about the beauty of the mountains of Dalat, and the plants he grows. He tells about simple and fun times he has with the people he meets. All of them are living a simple, but beautiful life - even though it might not be a perfect life.
Voice 2
Thank you to Jacek, Daniel and Mr. Minh, for your beautiful descriptions of wabi sabi. It is good for everyone to think about the simple beauty in life!
Voice 1
After all this talk about beauty, it is time for today's Hodgepodge! In today's Hodgepodge we will look at a famous quote about beauty. This quote is part of a poem by John Keats. He was a British poet in the 1800s.
Voice 6
"Beauty is truth, truth beauty," - that is all
You know on earth, and all you need know."
["Ode on a Grecian Urn" John Keats]
Voice 2
Now there's something to think about! People have thought about the meaning of these lines since Keats wrote them. What did Keats mean? Is truth always beautiful? Is beauty always true?
Voice 1
We hope you enjoyed hearing about and thinking about this subject. Write to us about your thoughts! What is beautiful to you? Do you know any great quotes about beauty? Email us at radio @ english . net or leave a comment on the script page of this program. That is all for today's Spotlight Hodgepodge!
Voice 2
Our last comments today come from the program called Tinnitus. In that program we told about the health condition, Tinnitus. A person suffering from Tinnitus hears a constant ringing in his ears. People may develop the condition by listening to too much loud noise. It is usually a permanent condition. So taking care of your ears and hearing is very important. Many listeners who heard that program took this advice seriously! Augusto wrote:
Voice 5
"I had never heard the word tinnitus. But now that I know there are two hundred million [200,000,000] tinnitus sufferers I am very surprised about it! And that possible causes are loud noises... I asked myself about the earphones people use today when they walk every place with their cell phones. Is it possible that these people will get this kind of ringing sound in the next few years?"
Voice 1
Good question, Augusto! Aaron and Nando both also write that they usually listen to Spotlight programs or English lessons through their earphones. Nando continues:
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"And like the story in this program, when I drive my car, I used to listen to loud music. Now, I learned not to do those things."
Voice 2
It is important to take care of our hearing. And we hope the three of you - Augusto, Aaron and Nando - will share your new knowledge with the people around you!
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