A story written by me. Based on a dream I had.

Calista is surprised when the magician knows her name and asks her to help him with a magic trick in front of the audience.

Vocabulary:
extend: to stretch out
dim: a little dark, not much light
spellbound: fascinated by something
squint: to close your eyes a little because the light is too bright
blush: when your face turns a little red because you like someone
amend: to change something, to improve it

Phrases:
to break the ice: to become comfortable with someone
in my element: to be around something you're completely comfortable with
to seek someone out: to search for a specific person
third wheel: an extra person on a date with the couple
by all means: yes

To read the transcript: https://saracasalino-books.weebly.com/blog/the-magicians-performance

Learn English with Stories

The Magician's Performance (short story)

Why are you studying your chosen foreign language? 

Luke's English Sessions

Ep 2. Why are you studying Japanese? 

korean conversation

한글 창제

Full transcript: https://japanesemayuna.com/
はい、こんにちは。今回はポッドキャストの12回目です。前回から少し日にちが空いてしまいました。私は今月の18日から子宮筋腫の手術のために入院することになり、ポッドキャストを更新できませんでした。手術は無事終わり、今朝退院しました。5月の終わりから大学のクラスも始まるので、準備しなければいけません。桜はもう散って、外は暖かくなってきました。
Hello, this is episode 12 of season 2 of my podcast. It has been a little while since the last time. I have not been able to update the podcast as I have been in hospital since the 18th of this month for an operation for fibroids. The operation went well and I was discharged this morning, and I have to prepare for university classes starting at the end of May. The cherry blossoms have already fallen and it is getting warmer outside.
私は普段、毎日仕事をしています。一週間以上仕事を休んだのは5年ぶりです。最後に仕事を休んだ時は、2018年の春にロサンゼルスに旅行に行った時でした。だけど、ロサンゼルスでは仕事を続けていたので、完全な休みではありませんでした。今回はパソコンやインターネットが使えなかったので、完全な休みです。入院している時は、本を読んだり、携帯アプリのゲームをしたりして、時間を過ごしました。手術は成功しましたが、傷や体調はまだ完全に回復していません。１ヶ月後にもう一度検査をします。
I usually work every day. It has been five years since I have taken more than a week off work. The last time I took time off work was when I travelled to Los Angeles in the spring of 2018. But it wasn't a complete holiday because I continued working in Los Angeles. This time it was a complete holiday because I wasn't able to use a computer or the Internet. When I was in hospital, I spent my time reading books and playing game apps. The operation was a success, but my wounds and condition have not fully recovered yet; I will have another check-up in a month's time.
入院している間に読んだ本は、エマニュエル・トッド(Emmanuel Todd)の本です。エマニュエル・トッドは1951年生まれのフランスの歴史人口学者です。彼は人口、宗教、家族構成などの世界中の歴史のデータを研究して、これからの社会や政治の出来事を正確に予想できることで有名です。私は、第三次世界大戦の可能性について調べていたとき、彼のことを知りました。 学者じゃなくても、歴史や社会については、知識があるに越したことはありません。「越したことはない」とは、「何かは常に一番いいアイデア」という意味です。動詞・名詞・形容詞に使います。たとえば、健康に越したことはありません。

Japanese Lessons with Mayuna

S2 Ep12. 手術の後

En este episodio Hablaremo sobre  Mérida una ciudad mágica situada en los Andes venezolanos, famosa por sus montañas, su clima frío, su gente amable y su gastronomía única. 

Descubrimos lugares icónicos como el Teleférico Mukumbarí, la Laguna de Mucubají y los páramos; exploramos comidas típicas como la pisca andina y los pastelitos; y aprendimos vocabulario útil, expresiones merideñas y aspectos culturales perfectos para mejorar tu español.

Mérida es naturaleza, tradición y tranquilidad: un destino ideal para conocer y practicar español al mismo tiempo..💛💙❤️ 

Spanish with Nathy

🎙️Mérida — Mountains, Culture, and Andean Magic🎙️💛💙❤️🚟

Superstitions, should you study them first? Let's figure it out. 🚩🚩🚩

All about Russian language 🌟

F#ck Superstitions 

Clara, a brilliant data analyst with a mind for numbers, walked into my office looking like a storm cloud. Networking events were her kryptonite. "I freeze up," she confessed, "Small talk? Forget it! I just stand there awkwardly, feeling like a total outsider."

Clara's shyness was hindering her career. Her analytical skills were top-notch, but promotions often went to colleagues who could "schmooze" with decision-makers. I knew I could help.

Our first step was reframing networking. Instead of a dreaded chore, we saw it as an opportunity to connect with people who shared her passion for data. We practiced "elevator pitches" - concise introductions highlighting her expertise. We focused on open-ended questions, like "What's the biggest data challenge you're facing?" to spark engaging conversations.

Next, we tackled the "shy freeze." Role-playing helped Clara practice making eye contact, smiling warmly, and using active listening techniques like nodding and acknowledging what the other person said. We even practiced "exit strategies" - polite ways to excuse herself from a conversation when she felt overwhelmed.

The turning point came when I suggested Clara volunteer at a data analysis conference.  She'd be interacting with people who shared her interests, but in a less intimidating setting.  It worked! Clara's passion for data analysis shone through, and she ended up having stimulating conversations with attendees.

The next networking event was a different story. Armed with her practiced pitch and newfound confidence, Clara actively approached people, discussed data trends, and even shared a few insights herself. She even left with a business card from a potential mentor!

Today, Clara is a networking pro.  She still gets nervous, but she no longer lets shyness hold her back.  Clara's story proves that anyone can become a confident networker with the right tools and a supportive coach.