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Recently on English Plus Magazine
When the Bells Stop Ringing 3 | The Mountain Pass
High in the Caucasus Mountains, the wind screams across a frozen ridge known as No Man’s Land. Levan, a soldier on guard duty, stares through his scope at the enemy line, waiting for movement. It is Christmas Eve, but war does not respect the calendar.
When the Bells Stop Ringing 2 | Strings in the Metro
In the depths of the Prague metro station, amidst the screech of brakes and the rush of commuters desperate to get home, an old man named Karel plays his violin. To the thousands passing by, he is nothing more than background noise—architecture with a bow. But tonight, the crowd is gone, leaving only one man standing in the shadows, paralyzed by a grief that the holidays cannot fix. In this episode, we explore the power of music when the words fail us, and how a sad song might just be the only comfort that rings true.
The Universal Flame: The History and Psychology of Winter Lights (From Yule to Hanukkah)
Why do we light candles in winter? Explore the anthropology of the Advent candle, Menorah, Diya, and Yule log. Discover the shared human history of combating darkness with light.
When the Bells Stop Ringing 1 | The Pâtisserie Window
Paris in winter is often painted as a romantic wonderland, but for ten-year-old Chloé, the City of Lights offers no warmth—only the biting wind and the rules of the street: don’t loiter, don’t touch, don’t look like a problem.
Beyond the Scramble: Overcoming Artificial Borders Through 21st-Century Cooperation
The “Scramble for Africa” & Sykes-Picot created borders that sparked conflict. This article pivots to the solutions: cross-border economic zones, the AU, and cultural festivals that are making those lines irrelevant.
Is Your English Really English? A Quiz on the Global Gift of Words
Does your vocabulary come from Hindi, Swahili, or Chinese? This fun quiz teaches you the global origins of ‘shampoo,’ ‘safari,’ ‘ketchup,’ and more!
Can We Fix This? A Quiz on the Real Language of Climate Solutions
Go beyond the scary headlines. This interactive quiz teaches you the constructive, forward-looking vocabulary for the path forward, like ‘climate justice,’ ‘sustainable development,’ and ‘indigenous-led conservation.’
Where Did Your Shirt Come From? A Quiz on the Global Origins of Fashion
This fun fashion quiz helps you trace the global origins of textiles. Match patterns like Paisley, Kente cloth, and Batik to their home countries and celebrate our shared textile heritage.
Why Are Africa’s Borders So Straight? A Quiz on the “Scramble for Africa”
Compare the maps of Africa from 1880 to 1914. This quiz explains the “Scramble for Africa,” the Berlin Conference, and the lasting legacy of the borders that shape the continent today.
Can We Build Bridges with Art? A Quiz on the New Language of Cultural Heritage
Move beyond the old debates. This engaging quiz teaches you the positive, forward-looking vocabulary of cultural heritage, including ‘repatriation,’ ‘provenance,’ and ‘digital preservation.’
English Plus Founder & Host
Danny Ballan
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey of language and inspiration? Look no further than English Plus Podcast, where your host, Danny, awaits to guide you through an enchanting fusion of education and entertainment.
As a podcaster, writer, and musician, Danny brings a diverse range of talents to his listeners and students worldwide. With his magnetic presence and passion for teaching, he transforms the process of learning English into a delightful and engaging experience.
But Danny’s expertise extends beyond the podcast realm. Through his online courses, books, music, and more, he seamlessly combines education and entertainment, ensuring that you never cease to learn while having a fantastic time.
Discover the magic of English Plus Podcast today and connect with Danny at danny@englishpluspodcast.com. Embark on a journey to master English with a touch of style and substance, where learning becomes a joyous pursuit that never ceases to amaze. Don’t wait any longer – let the adventure begin!