On this day in history, in the year 79 A.D. the volcano, Mt. Vesuvius, erupted in Southern Italy, devastating the prosperous Roman Cities of Pompeii and Hurculaneum, killing thousands of people.

Some cannot understand the fuss over a house of worship and how a democracy promoting religious freedom, like the United States, could even be having such a debate. Others are offended at the conflation of the 9/11 attacks with all Muslims.

This is the first half of Episode 4 of The Water Car, an Interactive Story series for intermediate level English language learners. It focuses on present progressive verbs.

Listen and Write: listen to Aaron and write Mark’s responses.

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Download audio file (potatoes.mp3)

at Lynnintokyo

Wayne, from northern Kentucky, explains to Aaron the difference between mashed, smashed, and whipped potatoes.
Aaron: What’s the difference between mashed potatoes, smashed potatoes, and whipped …

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Download audio file (adrian.mp3)

at Motographer

Mark: So Adrian, what part of Germany do you come from?
Adrian: I’m coming from the southwest of Germany.
Mark: What’s the name of the area?
Adrian: It’s …

Totoro is a famous character in Japan. Children and adults of all ages love Totoro. Listen to this little girl answer questions from her father about Totoro.