William Wordsworth first published "Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood" in his 1807 collection Poems, in Two Volumes. Often considered one of Wordsworth's greatest masterpieces, this poem explores some of the themes that haunted Wordsworth across his whole career: childhood, memory, nature, and the human soul.
The poem's speaker remembers that, when he was a child, he saw the whole world shining with heavenly beauty, and wonders where that beauty has gone now he's an adult.
While he can never get that kind of vision back, he concludes, he can still build his faith upon his memories of it; the way the world looks to children, he argues, is a hint that every human soul comes from heaven, and will return there one day.
Music by Oleggio Kyrylkoww from Pixabay
Full transcript : https://lilschool.fr/homepage/steves-english-podcast/ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steves-english/subscribe Follow, share, comment, like !
Discover the original ambience of meditation.
In this episode I talk about what meditation is and how it can help us in our lives.
Relax, enjoy listening and share the link !
Disclaimer:
The content provided in this podcast is for informational and language education purposes only. The information presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or professional meditation advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.
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Transcript: https://lilschool.fr/homepage/steves-english-podcast/
Music by RelaxingTime on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/users/17430502/
Welcome to Steve's English Podcast.
This is chapter five of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
The Caterpillar and Alice looked at each other for some time in silence: at last the Caterpillar took the hookah out of its mouth, and addressed her in a languid, sleepy voice. “Who are you?” said the Caterpillar. This was not an encouraging opening for a conversation. Alice replied, rather shyly, “I—I hardly know, sir, just at present—at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.” “What do you mean by that?” said the Caterpillar sternly. “Explain yourself!” “I can’t explain myself, I’m afraid, sir,” said Alice, “Because I’m not myself, you see.” “I don’t see,” said the Caterpillar. “I’m afraid I can’t put it more clearly,” Alice replied very politely, “For I can’t understand it myself to begin with; and being so many different sizes in a day is very confusing.” “It isn’t,” said the Caterpillar. “Well, perhaps you haven’t found it so yet,” said Alice; “but when you have to turn into a chrysalis—you will some day, you know—and then after that into a butterfly, I should think you’ll feel it a little queer, won’t you?” “Not a bit,” said the Caterpillar. “Well, perhaps your feelings may be different,” said Alice; “All I know is, it would feel very queer to me.” “You!” said the Caterpillar contemptuously. “Who are you?” Which brought them back again to the beginning of the conversation. Alice felt a little irritated at the Caterpillar’s making such very short remarks, and she drew herself up and said, very gravely, “I think, you ought to tell me who you are, first.” “Why?” said the Caterpillar. Here was another puzzling question; and as Alice could not think of any good reason, and as the Caterpillar seemed to be in a very unpleasant state of mind, she turned away. “Come back!” the Caterpillar called after her. “I’ve something important to say!” This sounded promising, certainly: Alice turned and came back again. “Keep your temper,” said the Caterpillar. “Is that all?” said Alice, swallowing down her anger as well as she could. “No,” said the Caterpillar. Alice thought she might as well wait, as she had nothing else to do, and perhaps after all it might tell her something worth hearing. For some minutes it puffed away without speaking, but at last it unfolded its arms, took the hookah out of its mouth again, and said, “So you think you’re changed, do you?” “I’m afraid I am, sir,” said Alice; “I can’t remember things as I used—and I don’t keep the same size for ten minutes together!” “Can’t remember what things?” said the Caterpillar. “Well, I’ve tried to say “How doth the little busy bee,” but it all came different!” Alice replied in a very melancholy voice. “Repeat, “You are old, Father William,’” said the Caterpillar. Alice folded her hands, and began:—
Full transcript : https://lilschool.fr/homepage/steves-english-podcast/
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Music by Geoff Harvey on Pixabay.
Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion has fascinated scientists for decades.
The process could provide virtually unlimited energy on Earth, but it's proving to be very challenging for scientists.
Dozens of universities and governments are racing to produce a limitless source of energy with no carbon emissions. Nuclear fusion is very different from nuclear fission, so scientists don't need to wear radioactive protection. Unlike nuclear fission, which powers hundreds of power stations around the world, nuclear fusion isn't commercially available.
The process occurs in every star in every galaxy in the universe, and the challenge for scientists is to create one on Earth. Despite billions of dollars of funding and decades of research into fusion, no experiment has ever produced a sustained fusion burn. Scientists can create fusion reactions, but they can't produce more energy than they need to start the fusion.
Difficult words:
Fusion (a nuclear reaction in which two or more atomic particles collide, releasing a lot of energy).Fission (a nuclear reaction in which a heavy atomic particle splits, releasing a lot of energy).
Sustained (going on for a long time).
Leave your comments and ask your questions. Music By Ivan Luzan from Pixabay and Pixabay. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steves-english/subscribe
Exploring the Benefits of Insects: Why Mealworms and Crickets Are Gaining Superfood Status.
In many cultures across Asia, Africa, and South America, people have been eating insects like mealworms and crickets for ages because they're believed to be super healthy. Recent discoveries by scientists have shed light on the fascinating flavors of mealworms, revealing why they're becoming popular superfoods. One intriguing finding is that mealworms can taste like meat when cooked with sugar. It's like a culinary magic trick! Depending on how you cook them, their flavor can change. Steamed mealworms give off a sweetcorn-like aroma, while roasting or deep frying them can make them taste like shrimp, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences. But it's not just about taste; insects are also packed with protein and essential nutrients, making them a nutritious dietary choice. What's more, they're far more environmentally friendly than traditional meat sources. Insects require less land and water to raise, and they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, making them a sustainable alternative for our planet. So, next time you're thinking about what to eat, consider adding insects to your menu. They might seem unconventional, but as superfoods, they offer both health benefits and environmental advantages, contributing to a more sustainable and nutritious diet for everyone. Leave your comments and ask your questions. Music By Ivan Luzan from Pixabay and Pixabay. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steves-english/subscribe
Cannabis becomes legal in Germany
Germany recently joined a select group of nations that have legalised cannabis, allowing individuals and voluntary associations to grow and possess limited amounts of the drug.
The law allows the cultivation of up to three plants for personal use and the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis. In addition, non-commercial cannabis production is sanctioned for cannabis clubs with a maximum of 500 adult members. The government wants to combat the black market and improve the protection of young people. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach defended the law, citing the need to address rising cannabis use among young people and the increasing potency of street drugs.
Despite criticism from the opposition, the law aims to regulate cannabis use while maintaining restrictions on consumption near schools and playgrounds.
Vocabulary explained :
Sanctioned means approved, authorised, allowed.
Potency means powerful, strong. Eg : the potency of God’s word.
Citing means quoting.
Questions:
What do you think of this new law in Germany ?
Do you think this law will help combat hard drug abuse ?
Leave your comments and lets talk.
Music by Pixabay
Music by Ivan Luzan from Pixabay
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Welcome to Steve's English Podcast.
This is chapter four of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
It was the White Rabbit, trotting slowly back again, and looking anxiously about as it went, as if it had lost something; and she heard it muttering to itself “The Duchess! The Duchess! Oh my dear paws! Oh my fur and whiskers! She’ll get me executed, as sure as ferrets are ferrets! Where can I have dropped them, I wonder?” Alice guessed in a moment that it was looking for the fan and the pair of white kid gloves, and she very good-naturedly began hunting about for them, but they were nowhere to be seen—everything seemed to have changed since her swim in the pool, and the great hall, with the glass table and the little door, had vanished completely....
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Music by Geoff Harvey on Pixabay.
Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/geoffharvey-9096471/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=122726">Geoff Harvey</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=122726">Pixabay</a>
Trailer episode of the Glamis Castle Ghost Stories.
Enjoy !
Glamis Castle, one of the most haunted castles in Scotland.
This episode is the story of Lady Bond's experience whilst staying in the Castle.
The content of this episode is not for young listeners due to the ambience and vocabulary.
Enjoy listening and feel free to comment.
Transcript available here : https://lilschool.fr/2024/02/06/glamis-castle-ghost-stories-extended-version/
Thank you for listening !
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This extended episode includes four ghost stories of Glamis Castle, one of the most haunted castles in Scotland.
The content of this episode is not for young listeners due to the ambience and vocabulary.
Enjoy listening and feel free to comment.
Seperate editions of each story will soon be edited.
Thank you for listening !
Full transcript : https://lilschool.fr/2024/02/06/glamis-castle-ghost-stories-extended-version/
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Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
CHAPTER 3
A Caucus-Race and a Long Tale
They were indeed a queer-looking party that assembled on the bank—the birds with draggled feathers, the animals with their fur clinging close to them, and all dripping wet, cross, and uncomfortable.
The first question of course was, how to get dry again: they had a consultation about this, and after a few minutes it seemed quite natural to Alice to find herself talking familiarly with them, as if she had known them all her life. Indeed, she had quite a long argument with the Lory, who at last turned sulky, and would only say, “I am older than you, and must know better;” and this Alice would not allow without knowing how old it was, and, as the Lory positively refused to tell its age, there was no more to be said.
At last the Mouse, who seemed to be a person of authority among them, called out, “Sit down, all of you, and listen to me! I’ll soon make you dry enough!” They all sat down at once, in a large ring, with the Mouse in the middle. Alice kept her eyes anxiously fixed on it, for she felt sure she would catch a bad cold if she did not get dry very soon.
“Ahem!” said the Mouse with an important air, “are you all ready? This is the driest thing I know. Silence all round, if you please! ‘William the Conqueror, whose cause was favoured by the pope, was soon submitted to by the English, who wanted leaders, and had been of late much accustomed to usurpation and conquest. Edwin and Morcar, the earls of Mercia and Northumbria—’”
“Ugh!” said the Lory, with a shiver.
“I beg your pardon!” said the Mouse, frowning, but very politely: “Did you speak?”
“Not I!” said the Lory hastily.
“I thought you did,” said the Mouse. “—I proceed. ‘Edwin and Morcar, the earls of Mercia and Northumbria, declared for him: and even Stigand, the patriotic archbishop of Canterbury, found it advisable—’”
“Found what?” said the Duck.
“Found it,” the Mouse replied rather crossly: “of course you know what ‘it’ means.”
“I know what ‘it’ means well enough, when I find a thing,” said the Duck: “it’s generally a frog or a worm. The question is, what did the archbishop find?”
The Mouse did not notice this question, but hurriedly went on, “‘—found it advisable to go with Edgar Atheling to meet William and offer him the crown. William’s conduct at first was moderate. But the insolence of his Normans—’ How are you getting on now, my dear?” it continued, turning to Alice as it spoke.
“As wet as ever,” said Alice in a melancholy tone: “it doesn’t seem to dry me at all.”
“In that case,” said the Dodo solemnly, rising to its feet, “I move that the meeting adjourn, for the immediate adoption of more energetic remedies—”
“Speak English!” said the Eaglet. “I don’t know the meaning of half those long words, and, what’s more, I don’t believe you do either!” And the Eaglet bent down its head to hide a smile: some of the other birds tittered audibly.
“What I was going to say,” said the Dodo in an offended tone, “was, that the best thing to get us dry would be a Caucus-race.”
“What is a Caucus-race?” said Alice; not that she wanted much to know, but the Dodo had paused as if it thought that somebody ought to speak, and no one else seemed inclined to say anything.
“Why,” said the Dodo, “the best way to explain it is to do it.” (And, as you might like to try the thing yourself, some winter day, I will tell you how the Dodo managed it.).....
Full transcript : https://lilschool.fr/2024/01/17/alices-in-wonderland-chapter-3/
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Hello and welcome to Steve’s English podcast. The podcast that can help you improve your English one step at a time. I’m Steve …and this podcast will help you develop your English. Here you will find a range of topics that cover all the important English skills, like vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. You will learn new words and phrases by practicing your listening and speaking skills by repeating the words and phrases you hear. I regularly include story reading. These stories provide an excellent opportunity to practice your listening skills and to learn new vocabulary and structures so you can make real progress in your language learning journey. So if you are looking to improve your English skills or just want to practice your English proficiency I highly recommend subscribing so you don’t miss a thing. Give it a try and see how it can help you achieve your language learning goals. Thank you and happy listening!
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https://lilschool.fr/2024/01/06/alices-adventures-in-wonderland-2/
“Curiouser and curiouser!” cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English); “now I’m opening out like the largest telescope that ever was! Good-bye, feet!” (for when she looked down at her feet, they seemed to be almost out of sight, they were getting so far off). “Oh, my poor little feet, I wonder who will put on your shoes and stockings for you now, dears? I’m sure I shan’t be able! I shall be a great deal too far off to trouble myself about you: you must manage the best way you can;—but I must be kind to them,” thought Alice, “or perhaps they won’t walk the way I want to go! Let me see: I’ll give them a new pair of boots every Christmas.” And she went on planning to herself how she would manage it. “They must go by the carrier,” she thought; “and how funny it’ll seem, sending presents to one’s own feet! And how odd the directions will look! Oh dear, what nonsense I’m talking!” Just then her head struck against the roof of the hall: in fact she was now more than nine feet high, and she at once took up the little golden key and hurried off to the garden door. Poor Alice! It was as much as she could do, lying down on one side, to look through into the garden with one eye; but to get through was more hopeless than ever: she sat down and began to cry again. “You ought to be ashamed of yourself,” said Alice, “a great girl like you,” (she might well say this), “to go on crying in this way! Stop this moment, I tell you!” But she went on all the same, shedding gallons of tears, until there was a large pool all round her, about four inches deep and reaching half down the hall. After a time she heard a little pattering of feet in the distance, and she hastily dried her eyes to see what was coming. It was the White Rabbit returning, splendidly dressed, with a pair of white kid gloves in one hand and a large fan in the other: he came trotting along in a great hurry, muttering to himself as he came, “Oh! the Duchess, the Duchess! Oh! won’t she be savage if I’ve kept her waiting!” Alice felt so desperate that she was ready to ask help of any one; so, when the Rabbit came near her, she began, in a low, timid voice, “If you please, sir—” The Rabbit started violently, dropped the white kid gloves and the fan, and skurried away into the darkness as hard as he could go. Alice took up the fan and gloves, and, as the hall was very hot, she kept fanning herself all the time she went on talking: “Dear, dear! How queer everything is to-day! And yesterday things went on just as usual. I wonder if I’ve been changed in the night? Let me think: was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I’m not the same, the next question is, Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle!” And she began thinking over all the children she knew that were of the same age as herself, to see if she could have been changed for any of them. “I’m sure I’m not Ada,” she said....
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https://lilschool.fr/2023/09/10/alices-adventures-in-wonderland/
Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, “and what is the use of a book,” thought Alice “without pictures or conversations?” So she was considering in her own mind (as well as she could, for the hot day made her feel very sleepy and stupid), whether the pleasure of making a daisy-chain would be worth the trouble of getting up and picking the daisies, when suddenly a White Rabbit with pink eyes ran close by her. There was nothing so very remarkable in that; nor did Alice think it so very much out of the way to hear the Rabbit say to itself, “Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!” (when she thought it over afterwards, it occurred to her that she ought to have wondered at this, but at the time it all seemed quite natural); but when the Rabbit actually took a watch out of its waistcoat-pocket, and looked at it, and then hurried on, Alice started to her feet, for it flashed across her mind that she had never before seen a rabbit with either a waistcoat-pocket, or a watch to take out of it, and burning with curiosity, she ran across the field after it, and fortunately was just in time to see it pop down a large rabbit-hole under the hedge. In another moment down went Alice after it, never once considering how in the world she was to get out again. The rabbit-hole went straight on like a tunnel for some way, and then dipped suddenly down, so suddenly that Alice had not a moment to think about stopping herself before she found herself falling down a very deep well. Either the well was very deep, or she fell very slowly, for she had plenty of time as she went down to look about her and to wonder what was going to happen next. First, she tried to look down and make out what she was coming to, but it was too dark to see anything; then she looked at the sides of the well, and noticed that they were filled with cupboards and book-shelves; here and there she saw maps and pictures hung upon pegs. She took down a jar from one of the shelves as she passed; it was labelled “ORANGE MARMALADE”, but to her great disappointment it was empty: she did not like to drop the jar for fear of killing somebody underneath, so managed to put it into one of the cupboards as she fell past it. “Well!” thought Alice to herself, “after such a fall as this, I shall think nothing of tumbling down stairs! How brave they’ll all think me at home! Why, I wouldn’t say anything about it, even if I fell off the top of the house!” (Which was very likely true.) Down, down, down. Would the fall never come to an end? “I wonder how many miles I’ve fallen by this time?” she said aloud. “I must be getting somewhere near the centre of the earth. Let me see: that would be four thousand miles down, I think—” (for, you see, Alice had learnt several things of this sort in her lessons in the schoolroom, and though this was not a very good opportunity for showing off her knowledge, as there was no one to listen to her, still it was good practice to say it over) “—yes, that’s about the right distance—but then I wonder what Latitude or Longitude I’ve got to?” (Alice had no idea what Latitude was, or Longitude either, but thought they were nice grand words to say.)............
https://lilschool.fr/2023/09/10/the-nightingale-and-the-rose/
Intermediate level
"The Nightingale and the Rose" by Oscar Wilde is at once touching and darkly funny. Published in 1888, it relates the difficult situation of the Student, who has fallen in painful love with the professor's daughter. A nightingale hears the Student's sorrowful cries and recognizes in them the true love that she has always sung about. She decides to help the Student obtain a red rose to give to his love, even though it will come at great cost to her...
Intermediate level
Lesson 2 on everyday phrases covers expressions like :
at first
at the top of
be angry with
be crowded with
be dressed in
along time ago
according to
all of a sudden
ask for
at last
be about to
be anxious about
be different from
be excited about
at least
be absent from
be anxious to
be disappointed with
be familiar with
at once
be afraid of
be covered with
be divided into
be famous for
Descriptions and examples using the phrases and a short story using the phrases.
https://lilschool.fr/2023/09/10/the-happy-prince/
The Happy Prince is written by Oscar Wilde. The story of the happy prince is about the sacrifice of a prince and a bird. The story is the true reflection of a prince who loves his people. It is a story of a prince who was always happy because he never saw sorrow and suffering. When the prince dies his statue was erected on high ground. His statue was made of gold and his eyes were made of sapphires. With all the riches the prince was not happy anymore because he had seen the suffering and sorrow of his people and he tries to make everyone happy and help the needy.