VOA · What's Trending Today?
Intermediate · B1–B2learner speed3:152018-11-19public domain
What's Trending Today? covers viral stories and social media moments in short, punchy reports. The episodes are brief and topical — perfect for a quick daily dictation session.
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01This is what's trending today.
02Scientists have uncovered a sensual drawing on a wall in the ruins of ancient Pompeii.
03The fresco represents the myth of Leda and the swan.
04In the story, the Roman god Jupiter takes the form of the bird, the swan.
05It has sex with the mortal girl Leda, who becomes pregnant.
06The painting shows a naked Leda seated with the swan on top of her.
07Leda and the swan was a common subject of artwork in the ancient Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
08Both were destroyed by the volcanic burst of Mount Vesuvius in the year 79.
09Famous artists have drawn representations of Leda and the swan throughout history, including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
10Irish poet W.B.
11Yeats wrote a poem about the story as well.
12Experts say this recently discovered image of Leda and the swan is special.
13Massimo Osana is the director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park.
14He praised the fresco as exceptional because Leda appears to be looking out from the picture.
15Osana told the Italian news agency ANSA, Leda watches the spectator with a sensuality that's absolutely pronounced.
16The fresco was found inside a costly domus, or home, which stood near the center of town.
17Archaeologists discovered the still colorful work of art last week during a dig aimed at protecting the ancient city's structures.
18Heavy rainfall and usual wear and tear have caused some ruins to collapse.
19Osana said the home's owner may have been a rich trader.
20The owner may have wanted to make people believe he was cultured with his choice of myth-related frescoes.
21Because of safety concerns, the still undug parts of the home where the fresco was found will likely remain that way, ANSA reported.
22Archaeologists are still considering removing the fresco, as well as another fresco discovered in the home earlier this year, to a place where they can be protected and shown to the public, Osana said.
23The Pompeii Archaeological Park is one of Italy's top tourist sites.
24About 2.5 million people visit each year.
25And that's what's trending today.
26I'm Ashley Thompson.
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