Learning English Podcast: Ukraine Flowers, Bird Flu, Solar Eclipse, Speech Intonation

On today's podcast, Dan Novak and Ashley Thompson host the show. Dan tells listeners what they will hear. First, Anna Matteo reads one of our contest-winning essays. Nadiia Kyba from Cherkasy introduces her essay about flowers and gardening in Ukraine. Then, Caty Weaver has a report on bird flu in South America which is affecting not only birds but marine animals. Health officials say the disease appears to be spreading among mammals and has killed dolphins and seals. The H5N1 virus normally affects birds and spreads quickly into new territories. One expert said it is only a matter of time before the virus reaches North America. After that, Bryan Lynn tells about the total solar eclipse taking place on April 8 in North America on the science report. The total eclipse will be visible in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The eclipse will appear partial over much of North America. But never look at the sun without eye protection that is specially made for solar eclipses. Then Bryan and Dan discuss what people outside the path of totality can expect to see. Finally, on Lesson of the Day, Gena Bennett and Jill Robbins teach about intonation in speech using VOA Learning English's series Let's Learn English. Then, Dan and Ashley sign off. Lessons From Flowers https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/lessons-from-flowers/7517727.html Bird Flu Spread Increasing, Killing South American Wildlife https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/bird-flu-spread-increasing-killing-south-american-wildlife/7527581.html North America Prepares for 2024 Total Solar Eclipse https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/north-america-prepares-for-2024-total-solar-eclipse/7528270.html