Tape script
Manhunt for Canadian Killer Ends in Berlin A Canadian man accused of killing and dismembering a university student in Montreal has been arrested in Berlin after a weeklong international manhunt. Investigators began looking for a man going by the name of Luka Magnotta after a human foot and hand were mailed to some Canadian political parties. The victim was a 33-year-old Chinese national who had been attending Concordia University. Canadian police found the victims torso in a suitcaseoutside Magnottas apartment in Montreal. Additional body parts were mailed to two Vancouver schools. The two men were reportedly dating, and the killing was posted online. Magnotta was picked up by police in an Internet caf in Berlin when an employee there recognized Magnotta after seeing the story in the news. Magnotta, a man obsessed with promoting himself on the Internet, had previously posted information online about how to disappear. 1. The first indication of this crime was that human remains were sent to the offices of some Canadian political parties. 2. The victim was a 33-year-old Chinese national who was studying at Concordia University. 3. It is not surprising that the alleged murderer was caught in an Internet caf because he was reportedly obsessed with promoting himself online.
River Pageant Celebrates Queens Diamond Jubilee The official celebration of Queen Elizabeth IIs Diamond Jubilee took place this weekend in London. Approximately 20,000 people boarded about 1000 vessels on the Thames for a special river pageant to celebrate the queens 60-year reign. Vessels included dragon boats, kayaks, pleasure cruisers and tug boats. Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal family joined theparade via the royal barge. Despite heavy rain and cool temperatures, up to a million people gathered on the banks of the river to watch the flotilla, which has already been named the largest river parade of modern times. The UK will enjoy an extended weekend as celebrations continue Monday and Tuesday. 1. People gathered at the riverbanks of the River Thames to watch a flotilla in honour of Queen Elizabeths Diamond Jubilee. 2. The weather was cold and rainy on the day of the river pageant. 3. The report mentions Monday and Tuesday because the weekend was extended for two extra days in order for Diamond Jubilee celebrations to continue.
Disappointing Week After Facebook IPO In just over a week since going public, Facebook shares fell from $38 to $31per share. The nightmare started when NASDAQs computer systems failed the morning Facebook went public. Many investors were unable to place orders due to the overloaded system. A few days later, news broke out that large investors had been given insider information about Facebook that small investors did not have access to. This financial information made some large investors nervous about the companys growth prospects, causing them to change their investment plans. Many small investors are now planning to sue Facebook for not providing a clear picture of the business before the initial public offering (IPO). 1. Facebook shares dropped in value from $38/share to $31/share the first week after the business went public. 2. The morning Facebook went public the NASDAQ couldnt keep up with demands. The system was overloaded. 3. Small investors are unhappy about the Facebook IPO because they feel they were given unreliable information about the prospects of the business.
Italian University To Become English The Politecnico di Milano, a leading university in Italy, has announced that it is becoming an English-speaking school. The universitys top officials defended the decision, saying that switching to English for degree and graduate courses is the only way to compete as an international institution. The universitys rector said this change will make the university more attractive to overseas students from places like China and India. Despite some reluctance, many current students and professors agree that this change will also make graduates more employable. The countrys higher education minister hopes other universities in Italy will do the same. It is becoming a trend for degreecourses at major universities in China and South Korea to be taught in English. 1. The Politecnico di Milano is going to become an English-speaking university. Degree and graduate courses will be taught in English. 2. The purpose for this change is to compete in the international market. Also, it will make graduates more employable. 3. The trend of using English to teach degree courses in Asia is mentioned at the end of the report.
Asian Nations Begin Free-Trade Talk The leaders of China, South Korea, and Japan met at a trilateral summit this week to begin negotiating a free-trade pact. Combined, the nations account for almost 20% of the worlds economy. The three leaders believe that establishing a free-trade area will boost the economy for the whole region. Political trust between the nations is a major challenge the countries will have to consider in moving forward with an agreement. At the summit, the leaders also vowed to work together to reduce tensions with North Korea. Talks to confirm the free-trade area are scheduled for later this year. 1. Japan, China, and South Korea are considering a free-trade pact. 2. These nations account for almost 20% of the worlds economy. 3. The report mentions North Korea because at the summit the three nations agreed to work together to reduce tension with North Korea.
Putin Reclaims Russian Presidency Vladimir Putin officially reclaimed the presidency of Russia on Monday as protesters continued to clash with riot police around Moscow. This is the third time Mr. Putin has been sworn in as the leader of Russia. Putin was President from 2000-2008, and remained largely in charge as Prime Minister from 20082012. In his address at the Kremlin, Mr. Putin said that serving his country was the meaning of his whole life. Hundreds of protesters were detained in the days leading up to the inauguration. The police were told to arrest anyone wearing a white ribbon, the symbol of the anti-Putin movement. Most of those who were picked up by police were quickly released after being warned not to protest on Monday. 1. Vladimir Putin is Russias new and former president. 2. Putin said that serving his country is what he was meant to do. 3. The report mentions white ribbons because this is the symbol worn by anti-Putin protesters.
NYC Tower Surpasses Empire State Building On Monday, April 30th, the new One World Trade Center tower became thetallest building in New York City when a column was added to the 100th floor. Currently under construction, the replacement tower is now 1,271 feet, just a bit higher than the Empire State Building. This milestone in constructionhistory took place the day before the one-year anniversary of Osama bin Ladens death. When the building is complete in 2014, the One World Trade Center tower will be Americas tallest skyscraper. This record is currently held by Chicagos Willis Tower, which stands at 1,450 feet. The new One World Trade Center, which stands close to the memorial twin pools, will be a little bit taller than the original tower that was destroyed in a terrorist attack on September 11th, 2001. Dubais Bhurj Khalifa will remain the tallest building in the world. 1. This tower replaced the original One World Trade Center that was destroyed in a terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. 2. The timing of this milestone is significant because it took place almost exactly a year after the death of Osama bin Laden. 3. The report mentions Dubai because this country will still hold the record for the tallest building, even when the One World Trade Center is complete.
Super-Energy-Saving Bulb Released on Earth Day A prize-winning $50 light bulb went on sale on Sunday in celebration of the 42nd International Earth Day. The super-energy-saving light bulb, made by Philips, lasts up to 30,000 hours, or about 4 hours per day for twenty years. According to Philips, the 10-watt LED bulb is 83% more energy efficient than a 60-watt incandescent bulb. Philips estimated that the US could save 3.9 billion dollars per year by exchanging every 60-watt bulb with this prize-winning bulb. 1. This Earth Day Philips released a prize-winning super-energy-saving light bulb. 2. The current cost of the 10-watt bulb is $50. 3. The prize-winning bulb lasts about 20 years, or 30,000 hours.
Japans Black Widow Sentenced To Death A 37-year-old Japanese woman named Kanae Kijima has been sentenced to death for killing three former lovers that she met on Internet dating sites. The woman was dubbed The Black Widow after the female spider that eats itspartner after mating. The case gained notoriety in Japan because the prosecution was using circumstantial evidence. The prosecution showed that Kijima purchased sleeping pills and coal briquettes in an attempt to disguise her murders as suicides. The defence suggested that the men killed themselves because Kijima broke up with them. In the end, the judge accused Kijima of using the men for money before murdering them. Over 1000 people lined uphoping to get into the courtroom to hear the final verdict. 1. A real black widow eats its partner after mating. 2. This court case gained notoriety in Japan because the prosecution was using circumstantial evidence. 3. The three men all dated Kanae Kijima before they were found murdered.
Canadian Penny To Be Phased Out The Canadian government announced that it is eliminating its one-cent coin. Pennies will continue to be legal tender; however, the Royal Canadian Mint will no longer produce these coins as of this fall. According to the Canadian government, it costs about 1.6 cents to produce a penny. This costs the Canadian economy about 11 million dollars a year. Businesses are being asked to collect and return pennies to financial institutions. The coins will be melted down and recycled into reusable metal. Cash transactions will require rounding up or down. The Canadian penny has been in circulation since 1876. 1. The one-cent coin in Canada is called the penny. 2. This coin is being phased out because it costs more money to make a penny than its value. Pennies cost the Canadian economy about 11 million dollars each year. 3. Pennies will be melted down. The metal will be reused.
Pilot Meltdown Results in Emergency Landing The co-pilot of a JetBlue Airways flight was forced to make an emergency landing last week when the captain had a mid-flight meltdown. The flight was headed from New York to Las Vegas when the agitated pilot, Clayton Osbon, began acting strangely and flicking switches in the cockpit. The quick-thinking co-pilot tricked Osbon into going into the cabin, and then locked the pilot out. The co-pilot then used the intercom to ask people in the cabin to restrain the pilot. In the cabin, the pilot began screaming about religion, al-Qaeda and bombs as he tried to force his way back into the cockpit. Passengers restrained the disturbed pilot with belts as the co-pilot made an emergency landing in Texas. 1. The pilot had a meltdown. 2. The passengers restrained Clayton Osbon with belts. 3. Texas is where the co-pilot made the emergency landing.
Titanic Director Takes Deep Sea Voyage Filmmaker James Cameron emerged safely from a solo dive to the deepest known point of the worlds oceans. Cameron dove 11 kilometres down in the western Pacific in a one-man sub called Deepsea Challenger. He spent four hours exploring the ocean floor, which he called the most remote, isolated place on the planet. Though Cameron was hoping to bring back samples from the dive, the robotic arm on board suffered a technical glitch. He was able to film the dive, and plans to release a documentary. The entire trip took about seven hours, and Cameron resurfaced just hours before the premier of Titanic in 3D. 1. James Cameron is a filmmaker. He was the director of the film Titanic. 2. James Cameron explored the ocean floor for four hours? 3. The explorer was unable to bring back samples because the mechanical arm was not working properly.
Belgium Mourns Bus Crash Victims Belgium held a national day of mourning on Friday in memory of 28 people who were killed in a bus crash last week. The coach, which was on its way home to Belgium from a ski trip in the Alps, crashed head-on into a tunnel wall in Switzerland. 22 children and all 6 of the adults on board died. The children were 11 and 12-year-olds from two elementary schools. The adults were teachers, drivers and ski monitors. 24 additional students were injured in the accident. It is unknown whether or not the crash was caused by human or technical error. Many emergency workers said it was the worst crash they had ever responded to. 1. The crash took place in a tunnel in Switzerland. 2. So many children were on the bus because they had been on a school field trip. 3. The cause of the head-on crash is unknown.
US Soldier Murders 16 in Afghanistan A US Army sergeant allegedly shot and killed 16 innocent civilians in a remote village of Afghanistan over the weekend. The rampage occurred under the cover of darkness while families were sleeping in their homes. 4 men, 3 women and 9 children were killed. The rogue soldier, who was reportedly working alone, turned himself in immediately following the massacre. US President Barack Obama apologized to the people of Afghanistan, and promised a thorough investigation. Afghanistans parliament is demanding a public trial for the suspect. Anti-American protests heated up immediately, and the Taliban vowed to retaliate. 1. The murderer is an unnamed American soldier. 2. The massacre took place at a village in Afghanistan. 3. Afghanistans parliament called for a public trial.
US Midwest Devastated by Tornadoes Approximately 100 tornadoes swept across the US Midwest this week,destroying homes, schools and businesses. Dozens of people were killed, hundreds were injured, and thousands were left homeless. The snow that followed the twisters made it difficult for crews to restore power and begincleanup efforts. In Henryville, Indiana, hundreds of people survived by hunkering down in a church basement. A baby named Angel who was miraculously found alive in a field near her dead parents and siblings, has beenpronounced dead. March is typically the beginning of tornado season in the US, which extends through to May. 1. States across the American Midwest were affected. 2. Angel is a baby who was miraculously found alive near her dead family members. She later died in hospital. 3. Hundreds of people in Henryville survived by hunkering down in a church basement.
Osama Bin Ladens Compound Demolished The compound where US special forces killed Osama Bin Laden last May was demolished over the weekend by Pakistani forces. Hundreds of police officersguarded the site as bulldozers brought down the three-storey building. Journalists were barred from getting close to the scene, and the wreckage was removed immediately. No official cause for the demolition was given, but local residents had been complaining that their lives had been disrupted by ongoing security measures in the area. US officials claim that the al-Qaedaleader had been hiding in the compound with his family for several years before the May raid. 1. The compound where Osama Bin Laden was killed by US forces was destroyed. 2. Journalists couldnt take good pictures of the demolition because hundreds of police officers were protecting the area. 3. Some local residents will be happy about the demolition because their lives had been disrupted by ongoing security measures near the compound.
Hundreds Die In Honduras Prison Fire Officials now confirm that 358 people died in a prison fire in central Honduras last week. The number is slightly lower than the original death toll announced by the fire chief. The prison, which is considered to have the worst conditions in Honduras, was extremely overcrowded and understaffed. Some reports say that the prison was over capacity by about 300 prisoners, and only had 12 guards on duty the night the fire ripped through. Many of the inmates were suspected gang members who had never been convicted of a crime. No official cause of the fire has been released, but witnesses say an inmate set amattress on fire. This is the worlds deadliest prison fire in a century. 1. The report says that this Honduras prison had the worst conditions in the country. The prison was overcrowded and understaffed. 2. Many of the prisoners were suspected gang members who had never been charged with a crime. 3. Witnesses say that an inmate set a mattress on fire.
54th Grammys Dedicated To Whitney Houston Organisers of the Grammy Awards scrambled through the weekend to dedicate the 54th show to the late Whitney Houston. The 48-year-old American singing icon was found dead in her Beverly Hills hotel room a day before the awards show. LL Cool J began the awards night with a prayer for Houston, saying that there had been a death in the Grammy family. Houston had won and performed at the Grammys numerous times in the past, and is considered by many to be the greatest female vocalist of all time. With only 24 hours to prepare, Jennifer Hudson fought back tears as she sang a tribute version of I Will Always Love You. English singer Adele swept up six awards,including best song for Rolling In The Deep and best album for 21. 1. Grammy organisers had to scramble at the last minute because Whitney Houston died a day earlier. They wanted to honour the late singer. 2. The report mentions Jennifer Hudson because she sang a heartfelt tribute song for Whitney Houston. She had very little time to prepare. 3. Adeles big night was overshadowed by the sad news. She won six Grammys, including best song and best album.
Cold Snap Hits Europe Severe winter conditions that hit Europe last week are expected to continue for a few more days. Hundreds of homeless people have died, and transportation has been disrupted in both Eastern and Western Europe. In Bosnia, officials declared a state of emergency as power was cut off from thousands of residents, and cars became trapped in avalanches. Helicopters were sent in to rescue people from remote villages. Rome received the highest snowfall in 25 years, making it almost impossible for people to attend school or work. In Ukraine, where the highest number of fatalities was recorded, night temperatures dipped as low as -33 degrees Celsius. Despite minimal snowfall in London, approximately half of Mondays flights were cancelled at Heathrow, Europes busiest airport. 1. Europeans are finding it hard to go to work and school because of severe winter conditions. 2. Bosnia declared a state of emergency because the power was cut off to so many people. 3. Rome received the highest amount of snowfall in 25 years.
Afghan Family Convicted of Honour Killings in Canada Three members of an Afghan immigrant family have been convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison after the honour killings of four female relatives in Canada. Mohammed Shafias three teenage daughters and his first wife from a polygamous marriage were found dead in their car in the Rideau Canal in the summer of 2009. In addition to damage on the familys vehicles, wiretapped conversations were used as evidence to convict Shafia, his second wife Tooba, and their 21 year-old son, Hamed. The Westernized teens were apparently behaving in ways that dishonoured the family. The judge called the crimes despicable after announcing the jurysverdict. The Shafia trial had gained international attention, especially in the Muslim community. During the three month trial, over 100 Islamic leaders across Canada spoke out against honour killings and signed a National Call to Eradicate Domestic Violence. 1. The bodies of the females were found in a car in the Rideau Canal. 2. Hamed is the son of Shafia and the brother of the teenage victims. 3. During the trial many Islamic leaders in Canada signed a National Call to Eradicate Domestic Violence.
