Mardi Gras, Air quality, Robotics research, Disagreement

Description

On Today’s program, Caty Weaver and Mario Ritter, Jr. host the show. Caty tells listeners what they are going to hear. (1:22) First, on our All About America series, Dorothy Gundy tells about a special celebration in the state of Louisianna. On the Tuesday before the beginning of the Christian religious observance of Lent, people in the southern U.S. city of New Orleans celebrate Mardi Gras with parties, music and parades. Mardi Gras has some traditions, like king cake, that are unlike any others. https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/mardis-gras-the-biggest-party-in-new-orleans/7985877.html (5:46) After that, Caty and John Russell report on a common issue around the world. Most of the world's population is exposed to polluted air. But experts say there are things people can do to protect themselves. The process involves learning more about air quality levels in the surrounding area and seeking to reduce exposure. Caty and John also explain measures of particles in the air which experts often talk about. https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/how-to-reduce-risks-of-bad-air-quality/7980912.html (13:26) Then, Bryan Lynn reports on a special research project in Japan. Japanese automaker Toyota says it is building a research center to test robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous vehicle technologies. Woven City is near the southern Japanese city of Susono. https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/japan-s-toyota-builds-a-city-like-center-to-test-robotics-ai/7987758.html (19:25) Finally, Andrew Smith and Jill Robbins present another Lesson of the Day. Today, they talk about ways to agreeably Disagree. In Lesson 37 of Let’s Learn English, series star Anna meets a stranger in the city. They have an exchange about the city, and they disagree on the issue. Andrew and Jill discuss ways we English learners can successfully show their agreement or disagreement in a way that polite and effective. They also talk about social norms. https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/lets-learn-english-lesson-37-lets-agree-to-d