An interesting and funny look at the world. For students who have a reasonable vocabulary, but need to learn common expressions to progress to an advanced level.
Standard British accent.

The Social Evolutionary

みなさんこんにちは、みほです。いかがお過(す)ごしでしょうか。私のポッドキャスト「Mihongo Nihongo」へようこそ。このポッドキャストでは、私が短いエピソードを話します。内容(ないよう)についての質問をいくつか用意(ようい)しているので、音声(おんせい)を聞きながら質問の答えを考えてくださいね。

今日のエピソードは、「後悔(こうかい)する瞬間(しゅんかん)」です。質問は2つです。
①どうして私は夕方にコーヒーを飲んで後悔しますか。
②私はどんな時、夕方にコーヒーを飲みますか。

準備はいいですか？では始めましょう！


みなさんはどんな時後悔しますか。例えば、休みの日にうちでゴロゴロしていないで、出かければよかったとか、ポテトチップスを一袋(ひとふくろ)全部食べてしまった時とか、考えてみるといろいろあるかもしれませんね。私は夕方にコーヒーを飲んでしまったときです。理由は、ほぼ100％夜眠れなくなるからです。「たった１杯(いっぱい)飲んだだけなのにどうしてこんなに目が冴(さ)えてるの？」と夜中(よなか)に激(はげ)しく後悔します。それなら飲まなきゃいいのに、と思いますよね。その通(とお)りです！普段(ふだん)はなるべく夕方飲まないようにしているんですが、たまに仕事があるのにものすごく眠くて眠くてしょうがない時、つい飲んでしまうんです。もし、コーヒー以外(いがい)に眠気(ねむけ)を覚(さ)ますいい方法があったら教えてください。


ではもう一度質問を確認(かくにん)しましょう。

①どうして私は夕方にコーヒーを飲んで後悔しますか。
②私はどんな時、夕方にコーヒーを飲みますか。


答えです。
①夜、眠れなくなるからです。
②仕事があるのに眠くてしょうがない時に飲みます。

みなさんどうでしたか？答えられましたか？
それでは今日のポッドキャストはここまで。最後(さいご)まで聞いてくれてありがとうございました。また次回のポッドキャストでお会いしましょう！
またね〜！

Mihongo Nihongo [Intermediate] 

#2 後悔(こうかい)する瞬間(しゅんかん)

Do you watch videos in your Target Language? 
If yes, then let me ask you another question. Are you sure you are doing it in the most productive way possible?

In this episode, I outline a way in which you can Watch videos and at the same time get the most out of your Listening Exercises.

All Things English

Effective Listening - An Ideal Listening Exercise

When it comes to memorizing vocabulary, there are several effective techniques you can employ. I am exploring some of them

Background Method:
This technique draws inspiration from the “memory palace” concept. Imagine placing new words or images representing those words in specific rooms within your mental palace. By associating words with spatial locations, you ground them in context. 
Process Words Deeply:
Instead of merely rote memorization, engage with the words deeply. Understand their meanings, etymology, and usage. Create mental connections by linking them to related concepts or personal experiences. 
Associate Words with Mental Images:
Visualize the word’s meaning. Create vivid mental images related to the word. Associating words with images enhances memory retention.
Review Words at Spaced Intervals:
Spaced repetition is a powerful technique. Instead of cramming, review words at regular intervals. Use flashcards or language-learning apps that incorporate spaced repetition algorithms. 
Use Mnemonics:
Create mnemonic devices to remember challenging words. Mnemonics can be acronyms, rhymes, or visual associations. 
Practice with Vocabulary Apps and Games:
Interactive apps and games make learning fun. Explore platforms like Duolingo, Memrise, or Quizlet. Gamified exercises reinforce vocabulary and keep you motivated.
Have a Dedicated Vocabulary Notebook:
Maintain a vocabulary journal. Write down new words, their meanings, and example sentences. Regularly review and revise your notebook. The act of writing reinforces memory.
Immerse Yourself in the Language:
Surround yourself with the target language. Read books, watch movies, listen to podcasts, and follow native speakers on social media. Remember, consistency and creativity are key. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. 

Like a Chameleon

Memory Techniques

Éste, queridos amigos, es un episodio diferente a los demás. Porque hoy voy a hablar sobre nuestro camino financiero, un tema que nos atañe a todos, independientemente de nuestra cultura.  

Tanto los gurúes financieros como los libros que tratan sobre este tema, remarcan constantemente la necesidad de rodearse de gente con objetivos afines a los nuestros. Y esto implica, muchas veces, alejarnos un poco de nuestro entorno. Resulta coherente, ¿verdad? Uno siempre termina pareciéndose al promedio de las personas con las que más se relaciona. 

Por lo tanto, si nosotros deseamos cambiar nuestra realidad financiera, necesitamos un contexto acorde para lograrlo. Por ejemplo, una persona obesa que desea alimentarse mejor, no asistirá a una reunión con amigos a una pastelería. De este modo, debemos buscar grupos de gente con la que podamos compartir nuestro aprendizaje y experiencia financieros a fin de nutrirnos mutuamente. Podemos comenzar con nuestras redes sociales, buscar webinars, pequeños cursos que se ajusten a nuestro nivel, participar de masterminds, y obviamente, dedicarnos a leer un buen libro cada tanto sobre nuestro tema de interés. 

De esta forma, lograremos transformar progresivamente nuestros pensamientos, lo que nos permitirá acercarnos cada vez más a nuestro objetivo financiero. 

Y como dijo Menandro de Atenas alguna vez, “Bienaventurado el que tiene talento y dinero, porque empleará bien este último”.

Aprendiendo español con una argentina

Nuestro camino financiero

On a Monday morning or after a night out with friends, staying focused in class can feel impossible. You yawn, your eyes feel tired and the desk starts to look increasingly attractive as a temporary bed of sorts. It’s time to reach out for some of your brain’s favourite attention and memory boosters and wake up again.

So before next Monday’s class – whether back home or in an EF school somewhere on the other side of the world – whip up a blueberry shake, drink a cup of coffee, eat some nuts or go nuts and eat a baked potato for lunch. Your brain and your teacher will thank you, trust us.

Our top 5 brain foods:

1. A strong cup of coffee

Every student knows that the local barista that makes that daily morning cup is their best friend. Coffee is really good for waking you up and keeping you focused for a short amount of time, but drink too much and you’ll feel jittery and ill.

2. A fruit shake

Preferably with super healthy blueberries and with natural sugars in the form of glucose, a fruit shake can provide a short-term memory boost in addition to vitamins and minerals that your whole body needs. Overdo it and you’re likely to feel tired soon after.

3. A handful of dark chocolate pieces and nuts

They’re as brain-boosting as anything (dark chocolate even has some caffeine) and they’re anti-ageing too.

4. Fish and baked potatoes for lunch

We know, we know – they’re not the most attractive items on the menu, but your brain loves both. Salmon and other fatty fish have loads of Omega-3 fats that boost memory and slow your brain’s decline as you age, while potatoes provide steady energy that your brain really needs (it takes up 20% of your body’s energy!)

5. Pumpkin seeds
They’re full of zinc, iron and minerals that help transport oxygen to the brain, and nerve cells to communicate and boost your brain power. A great cheap and healthy snack.

Engine English

5 brain foods to keep you awake (and make you smarter)

En este episodio te cuento como celebramos el día de muertos en Yucatán, Pon atención porque hay algunas palabras en maya. 
Hanal Pixán significa comida de las ánimas.
Xec significa revuelto o revoltijo, le decímos xec a la mezcla de frutas frecas con limón y chile.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/along-the-road
License code: TLVXXIRCTMPBVALM

Día de Muertos

Hanal Pixán. Día de los muertos en Yucatán

In this episode we will learn how to ask weather 天气！

HSK2

Learn how to ask weather

Hi, and welcome back to All About Cats! In today’s episode, we’ll be diving into everything you need to know about bringing home a new kitten. Whether you already have a cat or you’re thinking of getting one, this episode will guide you through the essentials of kitten care, adoption, and setting up your home for your furry friend. Let’s get started!
How to preparing for a New Kitten Bringing a kitten home is exciting, but preparation is key! Here are some crucial steps to take before your new kitten arrives:
•	Set up a designated space: Choose a quiet room with a litter box, food and water bowls, a cozy bed, and some toys.
•	Kitten-proof your home: Remove toxic plants, small objects, and anything dangerous a curious kitten might chew on or swallow.
•	Find a veterinarian: Schedule an initial checkup to ensure your kitten is healthy and up to date on vaccinations.
•	Gentle handling and socialization: Spend time bonding with your kitten and introduce them slowly to new experiences, people, and sounds.
Adoption vs. Buying a Kitten When deciding whether to adopt or buy a kitten, adoption has many benefits:
•	Saves a life: Many cats in shelters need loving homes.
•	Cost-effective: Adoption fees are often lower than breeder prices and usually include vaccinations.
•	Reduces overpopulation: Adopting helps create space for other homeless animals.
Of course, there are some challenges with adopting strays. They may have health issues, as I experienced with my own kittens, Maggie, Nikko, and Lily. Maggie unfortunately didn’t survive due to a virus, and Nikko has neurological issues, but Lily is thriving. Despite the challenges, adoption is incredibly rewarding!

Thanks, joining me. Until next time, keep your whiskers twitching and your tails high! Bye

