I get asked about idioms all the time. This is the second part of idioms related to efficiency. Sign-up for a class with me today. https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/8543771

All American Podcast 

Idioms (efficiency) part II.

Hercules, known as Heracles in Greek mythology, is one of the most celebrated heroes renowned for his incredible strength, courage, and determination. The Twelve Labors of Hercules are a series of tasks that he was assigned to atone for a grave sin—killing his own family in a fit of madness, inflicted upon him by the goddess Hera. These labors were both a punishment and a path to redemption.

The tasks, given by King Eurystheus of Tiryns, were meant to be impossible feats, designed to test Hercules to the very limits of his abilities. 

The story of Hercules and the Twelve Labors is a powerful tale of perseverance, redemption, and the triumph of the human spirit over insurmountable odds. 

TRANSCRIPT:

Ο πρώτος άθλος του Ηρακλή ήταν να σκοτώσει το λιοντάρι της Νεµέας. Το φοβερό αυτό λιοντάρι ήταν της Ήρας και το είχε µεγαλώσει η ίδια. Το δέρµα του ήταν τόσο σκληρό που τα σιδερένια βέλη δεν το περνούσαν. Ζούσε σε µια σπηλιά µε δυο εισόδους, στην πλαγιά ενός βουνού κοντά στη Νεµέα. Από εκεί κατέβαινε στην πεδιάδα και κατασπάραζε ζώα και ανθρώπους. Οι κάτοικοι ήταν απελπισµένοι και δεν τολµούσαν να βγουν στην εξοχή.

Ο Ηρακλής, πηγαίνοντας στη Νεµέα, πέρασε από το ιερό άλσος της πόλης, έκοψε µια αγριελιά και με το ξύλο της έφτιαξε ένα βαρύ ρόπαλο. Μετά πήγε και περίµενε κοντά στη φωλιά του λιονταριού. Όταν εμφανίστηκε, ο Ηρακλής το χτύπησε µε τα βέλη του. Τα βέλη όμως έπεσαν στη γη χωρίς αποτέλεσμα και το εξαγριωμένο λιοντάρι επιτέθηκε στον Ηρακλή. Τότε αυτός το χτύπησε µε το ρόπαλο του. Το λιοντάρι πόνεσε και κρύφτηκε στη σπηλιά του. Ο Ηρακλής τότε πήρε µεγάλες πέτρες, έκλεισε τη µια είσοδο και µπήκε από την άλλη. Το λιοντάρι βρυχήθηκε και όρµησε πάνω στον ήρωα. Πάλευαν για µια ώρα αλλά στο τέλος, ο Ηρακλής κατάφερε να το πνίξει με τα χέρια του. Μετά πήρε το δέρµα του, τη λεοντή, τη φόρεσε και γύρισε στις Μυκήνες. Όταν τον είδε ο Ευρυσθέας με τη λεοντή τρόµαξε τόσο πολύ που διέταξε να του φτιάξουν ένα χάλκινο πιθάρι, για να κρύβεται όταν θα κινδύνευε.



GREEK VIBE

ο Ηρακλής και το λιοντάρι της Νεμέας

☄️ Boost Your Language Skills with 5 Verbs a Day. 每天学习五个动词 ☄️

In Episode 36, we dive into powerful verbs you can use to express yourself. Practice these essential verbs and expand your vocabulary in both English and Chinese:

🔹 Grope – 摸索 (Mōsuǒ) 🤲
🔹 Grow (for people and animals) – 成长 (Chéngzhǎng) 🌱
🔹 Grow (for plants) – 种植 (Zhòngzhí) 🌿
🔹 Growl – 咆哮 (Páoxiāo) 🐯
🔹 Guard – 守卫 (Shǒuwèi) 🛡️

📘 Would you like to take your skills a step further?
🔹 C(36) Vocabulary Flash Cards: Reinforce today’s verbs with easy-to-use flash cards for quick memorization!
🔹 C(36) Verbs Quiz: Test your understanding and see how well you know today’s verbs!

Click to listen, and let’s take your language journey to the next level!

5 Verbs a Day. 每天学习五个动词。

C(36) Verbs Set : Grope Grow (for people, animals, plants) Growl Guard Grope

Orakelet i Delfi er en helligdom dedikert til Apollon som var kjent for sine visdomsord og råd som ble formidlet gjennom prestinner kjent som pythia. Blant de mange inskripsjonene som prydet tempelet, er det tre som har fått spesiell oppmerksomhet opp gjennom historien.
Den første innskriften, "Kjenn deg selv," Γνῶθι σαυτόν, er et mantra som har inspirert mennesker i århundrer. Disse enkle, men kraftfulle ordene oppfordrer oss til å reflektere over vår egen natur, å forstå våre dyder, feil og begrensninger. Gjennom selvrefleksjon kan vi oppnå større innsikt i oss selv og vår plass i verden. Budskapet minner oss om at før vi kan håpe på å forstå andre eller verden rundt oss, må vi først lære å forstå oss selv.
Den andre innskriften, "Intet til overmål," Μηδὲν ἄγαν minner oss om viktigheten av balanse i alt vi gjør. Dette er en påminnelse om å unngå ekstremer og overdrivelse. Å søke etter eller ønske seg noe i overflod kan føre til ubalanse og forstyrrelser i våre liv. Orakelet lærer oss å finne harmoni og proporsjon i våre handlinger, og å leve et liv der ingenting er i overmål. Dette konseptet gjelder ikke bare materielle goder, men også følelser, ambisjoner og lidenskaper.
Den tredje innskriften, "Et løfte og enden er nær," Ἐγγύα πάρα δ' Ἄτα er mindre kjent, men likevel bærer den med seg en dypere betydning. Dette budskapet minner oss om at livet er forgjengelig og at vi må verdsette tiden vi har. Det er en påminnelse om at vi ikke kan utsette våre mål og drømmer til senere, fordi livet er uforutsigbart. Vi må handle og leve i nuet, sette våre intensjoner og løfter, fordi enden kan nærme seg raskere enn vi tror.
Inskripsjonene på tempelet var en påminnelse om at menneskelig innsikt og visdom er universelle prinsipper som går utover tid og sted. Disse budskapene fra Orakelet utfordrer oss til å utforske vårt indre selv, å finne harmoni i våre handlinger og å leve hvert øyeblikk med bevissthet.

AnsuR

Orakelet i Delfi

The different places people live.
Angela reads the basic text from this lesson, (transcript available when you take this lesson).

This topic is also available for intermediate and higher-level learners.


English with Angela -  conversation 

task 36 - HOUSING 

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



All About Cats

Bringing Home A New Kitten

In a historic meeting held in Dubai, leaders from around the world joined forces at COP28, reaching a groundbreaking agreement to address urgent climate challenges and transition away from fossil fuels.