Further Records

Argentinian pizza: The best in the worldI’m not even going to pretend to be objective during this episode. Argentinian pizza is the best pizza in the world, I don’t care.One of the most delicious inventions in the world, our version of pizza was deeply rooted in immigration and the economic difficulties faced by Italians in Argentina. What is the history of our kind of pizza, and why is it so different to more traditional Italian variety?Welcome to Further Records, I’m Forest. Grab a slice and keep boosting your English journey with our TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram accounts!According to historical documents, modern Italian pizza has existed since at least the early 1700s. Of course, similar foods have existed all throughout history, but the specific style of pizza was created at least 300 years ago.Most people are aware of the great wave of Italian immigration that happened in Argentina in the late 1800s. During this time, they brought their customs and, of course, their recipes.The difference lies in the ingredients. The Italian immigrants were mostly poor and were looking to improve their quality of life in Argentina. Here, they found an abundance of food that was not available to them in their home country. Because of this, the pizza naturally changed in composition.The main difference is the leavening. If you’ve ever made homemade pizza you’ll understand there’s a difference between yeast and sourdough.In Italy, pizzas were made with what we call “masa madre” in Spanish, which is why they have their characteristic shape, with large pockets of air and a very thin base.However, in Argentina, they found a large amount of cheap flour and cheese, as well as commercial yeast, which makes it more similar to a focaccia bread. In fact, that’s the origin for our pizza de fugazza. Focaccia, fugazza.That’s the long and short of it really.Some types of pizza are completely argentinian inventions. The aforementioned fugazza and of course the fugazzetta were created by the Banchero family, who originated from Genoa, in Italy.And from Genoa is where we get the custom of eating pizza with fainá. These pizzas were sold outside the football stadiums, and it was necessary to be easy to eat. This is where we get our custom of eating pizza by the portion, mostly standing.And while we’re talking about football stadiums, we shouldn’t forget about the origin of the pizza de cancha! The famous cheeseless pizza was created by Gustavo Pintos of the pizzería Angelín. These were created in a bin, and were eaten cold by football spectators. Nowadays, it’s not necessary to eat it cold but it is a tradition to have this spicy pizza at room temperature.Nowadays, Argentines’ tastes have expanded a lot. In recent years, there’s even been an acceptance of New York varieties, as well as traditional Italian Neapolitan pizza.Some people are more traditional with their pizza, some others are more experimental, but if there’s one thing we all share is the love for ALL pizza. Tomato sauce is in our blood.Ok, maybe that’s a little bit exaggerated.¡Mozo! Te pido una porción de muzza, porfa.You’ve been listening to Further Records, a podcast by Further Corporate.Remember to check out our other resources! On YouTube you can find more tips and vocabulary videos. On TikTok you’ll find challenges and more English tips. On instagram you can learn all about us, Further Corporate, and see our updates. Look us up as “Further Corporate” everywhere or check out the podcast descriptions for links!In this episode, we used certain vocabulary that you may not know!Aforementioned: Something that was mentioned previously in a conversation“All throughout history”: A phrase which means that a certain event has occurred over a long period of time.Leavening: An ingredient used in baking, which makes a dough rise and inflate.“That’s the long and short of it”: A phrase used to end a story, which means “That’s the whole story in a few words”.Room temperature: Refers to a comfortable temperature for most people. Typically, it’s around 18° C.Aware of: A collocation that explains when someone has knowledge of an event or topicAvailable to: A collocation that explains that a group has access to somethingAnd, as a little extra, here are some examples of passive voice structures used in the episode:“These pizzas were sold” is a passive way of saying “people sold pizzas”“Pizzas were made with” is a passive way of saying “chefs made pizza with”To keep boosting your English journey, you can listen to more of our episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also review the vocabulary on our YouTube channel, Further Corporate.If there’s any other topic you’d like to know more about, send us a message on instagram! It’s @furthercorporate.See you next time!MUSIC AND SFX:Tango Romantic by PeriTune (https://peritune.com), licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)"Peppy Pepe" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Cumbia No Frills" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Dellasera" by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com"Savour the Moment" by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Why You Should Learn a Second LanguageLearning a foreign language will change your life. I’m not kidding, (I’m Argentinian and knowing two languages has been amazing for me). You’ve heard this same information from teachers, YouTube videos, and maybe even your parents.For decades, learning languages has been associated with success, health, and opportunities for personal growth.Now, I know what you’re saying, is that really true or is it just annoying people telling you to study?Welcome to Further Records, I’m Forest. For more practice materials and fun stuff, check out our instagram, TikTok, and YouTube channels!In recent years, scientists have been studying the mind benefits of language learning. But what about the other things that your parents told you, like better creativity, social tools, and economic benefits? A study by The British Academy has looked into all of these areas, and more, and now we have answers.First and foremost, we must say. When you hear the phrase “learning a second language” you generally think of children or teenagers studying with a book, and that the benefits don’t apply to adults that much.Well, you’d be wrong! Most of these findings apply not only to students of a young age, but also adults! It’s always the correct time to learn a second language, because older learners can also acquire all these benefits.Year after year, we get more and more worried about the topic of attention span. In the age of social media it’s difficult to remember even basic tasks. This study reveals that several investigations indicate that studying a new language may improve your attention after just one week of study. One week!! That’s like, three classes at most! Of course, the benefits for your attention improve more when you study more, but if you’ve already done a week of classes, what’s the harm in doing a month or two?Empathy is one of the most important skills for humanity. If we didn’t have empathy, we’d never have progressed as much as we have. One famous study says that “empathy is positively related to the ability to authentically pronounce a second language”. Have you ever met someone who can fluently speak two languages? You might have heard the fact that sometimes they feel like a different person when they speak the other language. That has been researched and is true for many language pairs, from Spanish-English to English-Chinese. The more you learn one language, the more likely you are to understand people who use that language. Language doesn’t exist on its own, it’s part of culture and people. Many Japanese learners cite the culture as a reason for wanting to learn a language. Empathy plays a huge role, because it feeds a curiosity for learning about people and cultures.There are many benefits for learners who are still students as well. Many studies indicate that language learners, particularly Spanish-English, will see benefits in all academic areas, including mathematics and science. This is true for learners of different socio-economic backgrounds as well. What this means is that language learning can be beneficial no matter what your conditions are in life. It’s also been discovered that some students who had worse grades than their peers became better after a few years of language study.The final finding is the effects of language learning on creativity. Foreign Language Learners show “remarkable superiority” in areas of creative flexibility, fluency, and originality. The reasons for improved creativity are many, such as “the willingness and adoptability to change”. This affects all areas of creativity, but especially in verbal areas, like verbal flexibility and verbal originality. Perhaps language learners are especially good writers.So, let’s wrap this all together. What have we learned today?Clearly, there are some cognitive benefits to learning a second language. This has been a part of popular culture for decades. But new findings and interpretations can now tell us about the benefits in social life. The relationship between empathy and language learning is important, since it tells us a lot about how important empathy is as well. Academic benefits are clear across all areas, and even when language is learned later in life. The benefit to creativity was very clear, the mental changes help us to improve our art. And the most important part: it’s true for all ages and economic backgrounds.No matter who you are, no matter what your life conditions are, learning a language is great for your health, and your life. It’s never too late to learn a language, and also it’s fun! Why not start today?You’ve been listening to Further Records. Did you know we give language classes? You can learn more about them on our website, furthercorporate.com. We offer courses for all ages and all levels, so don’t be afraid to reach out!Here’s some vocabulary we learned during this episode!skill: the ability to do something well.beneficial/benefit: something that is good for youremarkable: something that should be paid attention tocognitive: something that is related to the mindwillingness: willingness is the quality of being ready and happy to do something if it is necessaryattention span: the amount of time you are able to stay focusedForeign: of, from, in, or characteristic of a country or language other than one's own.socioeconomic background: the situation that you are born in, which includes the money your family had, your education level, and your social statusFor more on this episode, check out our YouTube page! We explain new vocabulary with fun and beautiful animations. For extra materials like challenges and fun facts, check out our TikTok and Instagram pages!SOURCES:https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/documents/287/Cognitive-Benefits-Language-Learning-Final-Report.pdfMUSIC AND SFX:"Too Cool" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Vibe Ace" Kevin MacLeod(incompetech.com)"Dispersion Relation" Kevin MacLeod(incompetech.com)"BossaBossa" Kevin MacLeod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Savour the Moment" by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.comMagical Twinkle by Universfield -- https://freesound.org/s/758819/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

How to be a great storytellerSo there I was. In the middle of the presentation. I was confident, relaxed, and completely focused. Everything was going great... Until I got nervous…Looking back, I realised exactly how I messed it up. I went into boring details, went off on a tangent, gave far more information than is actually necessary, and then, I saw it, the tell-tale signs of a horrible story…My audience got distracted. One of them grabbed their phone. Another glanced at their watch. And then I heard it… somebody YAWNED…Let me tell you the secret to telling an incredible story.Welcome to Further Records, I’m Forest. This is only one part of the materials we have to offer, check us out on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram!A good story feels spontaneous—but spoiler: it’s secretly engineered. The best thing you can do before you tell a story is PLAN, PLAN, PLAN.But before we get into it, you should know something important: This episode is about how to tell a story, not about how to do research. For this exercise, you should already know what the content of your story is.At Further, we offer Workshops where students can hone their storytelling skills. This is some of what we teach during these classes.With all that said, let’s get into what separates a normal story from a great story.Before you can begin any kind of public speaking, you should know two things: What Are You Talking About, and Who Are You Talking To?What Are You Talking About refers to the symbolic message of your story. We call this a thesis statement. This is the message that people need to understand after they’ve finished your story. For example, for Percy Jackson, the message is that young kids can be clever no matter what their conditions are. The message of Toy Story is that growing up can be difficult but is necessary.When Steve Jobs did a presentation of the first iPhone, the content was “We have created a new type of phone.”, but the message is “Our new type of phone will change the world, and you need to buy one”.Think about your last story—did you have a message, or were you just… talking?Telling a story without knowing your message is like packing for a trip without knowing where you're going. You might look prepared, but you're probably bringing ski boots to the beach.That is the difference between content and message.But even with the perfect message in your bag, it won’t land if you don’t know who you’re talking to.So...Who Are You Talking To? This refers to who your audience is. You need to learn about them so you can understand what information is relevant. For example, astronauts might not understand much about pop music, so you might have to explain some more basic things.If you’re talking to an engineer about a new car design, it’s likely you won’t have to teach them information for beginners, and you’ll be able to get technical and detailed.You’ll also have to understand the mood and tone of your audience. It’s not the same when you tell a story to your friends and when you tell a story to your teacher. It’s important to understand the level of seriousness that is necessary during a story.So now you know your content, your message, and your audience. The next step is how you organize your story. This is where we will use something called the Three Act Structure.This is a type of storytelling structure in which you divide a story into three big sections.Act I is the Introduction:The Introduction is like the first part of a movie. This is the part where you need to explain two things very quickly. The first is: Why is this story important? You know why you’re telling the story, but you need to start strong so that your audience will understand this quickly as well. Begin your story with a powerful spoiler of things to come. Imagine it as a TikTok, you know the ones that begin like “storytime about how my dog went to the moon” or something like that? Except instead of using a generic phrase everybody else already uses, begin with a unique hook so that your audience will understand quickly why they need to listen to you. Like “We have created a new type of phone that will change phones forever”.Then, present the story itself, like “we researched the difficulties that other phones create, and this is what we did to solve them”.Next is Act II: The ConflictHere is where you need to become the hero of the story. In books, this is where the adventures and the problems happen. You fought monsters (or maybe you researched a topic) and then you won the battle (or maybe you wrote a research paper). This part is where most of the adventure happens, and what decisions you made in order to be victorious. Always remember the message of your story, because Act II is where the conflict will support your thesis.If your story still feels like a bunch of random events, don’t worry—this next part changes everything.You have to tie it all together with Act III: The ResolutionFinally, you’ve gone through all of the adventures. You need to begin the final act with the climax of your story, that means the most important, biggest conflict. After that, you need to solve the rest of the story. This is when the adventurer goes home (or where you present all your findings after doing scientific research). The initial message and the issues need to fuse together, and explain it in a short way where it all makes sense. This is where everything needs to finish in a satisfying way. Repeat your initial message, and finish with a strong phrase to end with a bang.And now, after you’ve told an incredible story, with a fantastic emotional payoff at the end, rejoice by looking at your audience in the eye and the pure enjoyment of your story. Relax by knowing that after all of this, you are a great storyteller.If someone has ever yawned in a meeting with you, you don’t have to worry anymore. Now, you’ve got the tools to tell a story they’ll never forget. If you’re good enough, maybe you’ll get a standing ovation.Who knows—maybe the next great TED Talk starts with you.You’ve been listening to Further Records. If you have any ideas for topics you’d like to learn, be sure to send us a message!Here’s some vocabulary we learned during this episode!mess up: to make a mistake, to do something incorrectly.to go off the tangent: to start saying or thinking something that is not directly connected with what you were saying or thinking before.glance: to look quickly at somethinggo into detail: a phrase that means to talk about the complex parts of somethinghone your skills: to practice and become better at somethinggeneric: something that is common, and not very unique at allhook (noun): a powerful way to capture your audience's attention and interest in your presentation. It can be a story, a question, a statistic, a quote, or anything else that sparks curiosity and relevance. If you want extra materials, be sure to check out our YouTube page! We explain new vocabulary with fun and beautiful animations. For challenges and fun facts, you can check out our TikTok and Instagram pages. Just look us up as Further Corporate on any platform. Thanks for listening!MUSIC AND SFX:"Notanico Merengue" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Take a Chance" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Dispersion Relation" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Tidie Fridie" by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com"Savour the Moment" by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

How do you take your coffee?Drip, cold brew, pressed, pressurized, sous vide? Milk, water, cream, or… butter? Iced coffee, hot coffee, black or sweet or salty coffee?There’s a million ways to drink it, and none of them is wrong. Except instant coffee, that’s unacceptable.Coffee has been in our lives since forever! A lot of us will remember being children and wanting a sip of that delicious dark brew, but being told “No, you’re not old enough”. Then, you become an adult, and suddenly you’re addicted to it!What you might not know is that coffee is an integral part of the history of the world, both socially and, believe it or not, religiously!Welcome to Further Records, I’m Forest. grab a cup of coffee and check out our TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram accounts!Now, you may or may not know that coffee is an ancient drink. You’re probably thinking coffee has been enjoyed for thousands of years. Well, you’d be wrong!It’s actually quite a young beverage! One legend places the discovery of coffee in the year 850. According to the story, a goat farmer saw his animals eating strange berries and then began acting funny. After that, he decided to taste it, and the rest is history! Supposedly.Coffee began its production in Arabic countries. The oldest country that had coffee was Ethiopia, which still produces beans to this day! One of the first historians identifies the effects:He found that among its properties was that it drove away fatigue and lethargy, and brought to the body a certain sprightliness and vigour.Coffee, over time, was proven to be a lovely drink. People loved it, and eventually, these countries developed the first buildings dedicated to drinking coffee. Yes, what we know now as the humble café has a history that goes back 600 years.Coffeehouses were developed and used as places for social and religious gatherings, where normal people as well as scientists congregated for years.Coffee was planted and distributed in many Islamic countries, and eventually reached Europe, like most things, through war. Through many invasions, coffee reached Hungary, then Austria, and most importantly, Venice. The first café in Western Europe was created in Venice.The rest, as we like to say, is history. Coffee made its way to Brazil, #1 producer in the world, and eventually Colombia became the #2 producer. But, you know? It’s not the #2 producer anymore. You know who is? Vietnam! Brazil is still #1 of course.Because of its worldwide reach, coffee became cheap to produce, and was prepared with milk, chocolate, and other spices.In 1995, Starbucks bought the Frappuccino name, and personally, I love a mocha frappuccino. Great way to start the day. This probably marked the beginning of the contemporary way of drinking coffee.But as famous as frappuccino is, it’s not the most popular drink. That would be cappuccino.We are very proud to have listeners all around the world! So here are some drinks that may be your favorite!In Argentina and Ecuador, the most popular coffee drink is the Americano, a shot of espresso with extra waterIn the United States, it’s espresso, a concentrated shot of intense coffeeIn India, Belgium and France, it’s cappuccino, which has espresso, steamed milk, and milk foamNo matter how you drink it, I think a lot of us can agree that coffee is a wonderful drink! However, it’s important to maintain moderation, since coffee can sometimes have adverse effects, like high blood pressure, headaches, and insomnia. Not fun at all.So, enjoy coffee! It’s not a bad thing to have a cup or two, just make sure to make a decent quality coffee, and don’t forget to drink water as well!So, what’s your favorite coffee order? Send us a message and maybe we’ll feature you!Thank you for listening to Further Records. Remember our other resources! On YouTube, you can find more tips and Vocabulary videos. On TikTok, you’ll find challenges and more English tips. On instagram, you’lllearn all Further Corporate and see our updates! Look us up as Further Corporate everywhere, or check the podcast descriptions for the links.In this episode, we learned some vocabulary you may not know:integral: something that is essential or very important to something elsesip: verb or noun; to drink a liquid slowly by taking only small amounts into your mouth.grab: to take hold of something or someone suddenly and roughlyadverse: something that is bad for you.contemporary: this word means “at the same time”, when used without a temporal indicator, it means it’s talking about recent yearsmarked the beginning: a collocation which indicates that an event was the first regarding a part of historyall around the world: this collocation indicates that something exists in many places throughout the planetshot of coffee: a shot is a small measure of liquid. Usually, coffee or alcohol are measured in shots. Depending on the liquid, shots have different amounts.If you want to learn more, you know where to find us! See you next week.

TRANSCRIPT:Picture this: You’re having a delicious lunch with your best friend. It’s wonderful, you laughed, you gossiped, you talked about your life issues, you caught up after god-knows-how-long! You think out loud “we should do this more often”. Thankfully this time you picked a nice spot, because last time it wasn’t so good. Your friend paid last time, so this time you pick up the bill. When you open your wallet, you notice you have no cash! Thankfully, you have a credit card.You have this benefit in the 21st century. But 100 years ago? forget it!Welcome to Further Records, the podcast where you can stay One Step Ahead with your English practice. I’m your host, Forest.Turns out, this EXACT lunch situation happened in 1949 to a man called Frank McNamara. Except, there were no credit cards. The New York businessman was having lunch with some clients, when he opened his wallet and found himself completely penniless. With great shame, he had to call his wife to cover for him, which made him quite embarrassed. That’s when he came up with an idea that would change the entire world as we know it: The credit card… for restaurants.Well, Rome wasn’t built in a day, you know? It takes time for a new technology to get popular, and credit cards are no exception. The first credit cards were store-specific. Frank McNamara created the Diners’ Club card. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a card for people who dine at restaurants!One year later, he tested the card at that exact restaurant. He gave the waiter a cardboard card, which had the phrase Diners’ Club. The way it worked is almost the same as how cards work today. His company paid the restaurants, and the people who used the cards then paid Diners’ Club.At first, the card was not universal at all, but McNamara was a clever businessman. He got many other restaurants to work with the network. Then, the company collaborated with hotels, airports, and so on.In just 3 years, Diners Club had over 40 thousand members, and had gotten approval to be used in the UK, Canada, Cuba, and Mexico. This made it the first international charge card.In 1958, American Express created their own cards. Did you know American Express used to be a transportation company? I didn’t, but now the name makes sense. Around this time they got the idea to be a money services company. First it was money orders, then travellers’ checks. This was a safer way for people to transport large amounts of money. In 1958, American Express created their first card. The difference this time was that the merchants paid Amex a small fee for every payment. This was the first form of what is now known as interchange fees.Later, that same year, the Bank of America created BankAmericard (I know, super creative name). They created a card with a pre-approved limit of $300, and gave it for free to 60 thousand people… Which was a terrible idea, as a lot of people used it for illegal activities. But the idea was good, and many years later, BankAmericard would change its name to Visa.Why Visa? Because the name is easy to pronounce in multiple languages. Until that point, the cards were used worldwide, and had different names and logos everywhere. With the name change, they began to be more easily recognized. And to be honest, who doesn’t know about Visa?BankAmericard was hugely successful, and a group of Californian banks noticed it. In 1966, they created the Interbank Card Association. This was the first card accepted by several banks instead of just one bank. The Intercard was the second most popular credit card at the time, and is still the second most popular today? You may recognize it by its new name: Mastercard.Since then, credit cards have remained mostly the same. Most of the changes were in technology and security. But the concept remained the same, and the use of credit cards is almost universal now.Who would’ve thought that a simple card could change the entire world in just a few years? And it all started with one lunch, and one lost wallet. Just make sure to pay your card on time, otherwise you’ll have to call your wife again.You’ve been listening to Further Records, a podcast by Further Corporate.In this episode, we used certain phrases associated with today’s topic! Have you heard of these before?Penniless: Extremely poor, it means you don’t even have a penny in your wallet!Rome wasn’t built in a day: An expression which means that great things take time.Fee: A payment that must be done in order to complete a service.To pick up the bill: When you’re in a restaurant, the person that picks up the bill is the one who paysTo cover for him: When you cover for someone, it means you get them out of trouble.Traveler’s check: A type of check which can be accepted in many countries, and can be replaced if stolen.If you would like to continue boosting your English journey, you can see more of our episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.We want to hear from you too! If there’s any topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast, let us know on our instagram account! It’s @furtherlanguges.Remember to leave us 5 stars wherever you listen to the podcast! It helps us a lot.Thank you for listening.Music and SFX:Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

 [Transcript]Sweet, creamy, and oh-so-irresistible—dulce de leche is a beloved treat that has captured hearts across Latin America and beyond.Made simply from milk and sugar, this caramel-like spread is the result of slow cooking over low heat, where the sugars gradually caramelize, giving it that signature golden-brown color.Dulce de leche is a staple in countless kitchens, used to enhance everything from morning toast to decadent cakes and pastries.Although for Argentinians it’s more than just a treat— it's a symbol of identity, tradition, and a way to boost creativity with that particular sweetness that reminds you of something called home.Welcome to Further Records, the podcast where you can stay One Step Ahead with your English practice. I’m your host, ForestWhether it’s filling alfajores, topping a flan, or oozing out of a churro, dulce de leche adds a touch of sweetness to any dish.There are many legends about the origins of dulce de leche: one of them places it in Argentina and dates back to 1829 when the then governor of the province of Buenos Aires, Juan Manuel Rosas, and his opponent, General Juan Lavalle, were meeting. That day Rosas' cook got distracted: she left some milk on the fire and it burned, giving birth to dulce de leche. However, this is just a legend, historians assure that can be traced back to many more countries outside of the ones around the Rio de La Plata. According to the story, this event happened on October 11th, which is the reason it’s celebrated as the international day of Dulce de Leche.In 2002, The Argentinian government declared Dulce de Leche an Argentinian cultural heritage, and everybody was happy with that! You wish. Uruguay considered that THEY were the people who created dulce de leche, where legend says that a convent of nuns in Montevideo created it. This difference of opinion sparked a small fight between the two countries. In the end, a joint Committee between Argentina and Uruguay ended up deciding that Dulce de Leche would be considered to be indigenous of both countries. At last, there was peace in South America.But one historian even said that the true origin is in Indonesia! According to the theory, it was then exported to the Philippines. When Spain invaded the Philippines, they took the recipes. The rest, as they say, is history. When they then invaded America, the recipe was propagated until it reached the shores of the La Plata river.Legends and theories aside, one thing that is certain is that Argentinians are obsessed with this treat. Recent studies show that in Argentina the average person eats 2 kilograms of dulce de leche per year, one of the highest figures in the world. And even then, you know, I see that number and think to myself: that’s not much at all really!According to the latest industrial survey, there are 112 companies in Argentina that manufacture dulce de leche, and they create all kinds of recipes: brownies, pancakes, and of course we should include the beloved “cones” which are little cookies with a nice dollop of dulce de leche on top, and covered in chocolate. Decadent, really.One of the most famous recipes, which is included in the list of the best cakes in the world, is the Chocotorta. But honestly, chocotorta deserves its own episode! For now, we’ll just say the love is justified.“But what about vegans?!” I hear you say. And it’s true, Dulce de leche is made with milk and sugar. However, you can simply change the milk, and you’ll be fine, don’t worry. You can also buy vegan dulce de leche, but those are usually quite expensive.Truth be told, the best recipes in the world are quite simple. Naturally, so is dulce de leche. But it’s great because it’s simple! It’s versatile, it works with a lot of recipes, and it’s popular around the whole world! When I was a kid, I never thought that it would be popular in the United States, but life is full of surprises!Argentinians are proud people, and we’re incredibly proud of our food especially. But another quality is that we love sharing. After all, one of our favourite drinks is mate (which, yes, we’ll also talk about in another episode). There’s nothing that makes us more happy than sharing this with the world. Because, let’s be serious, have you tried it? I want a spoonful right now, actually!You’ve been listening to Further Records, a podcast by Further Corporate.In this episode, we used certain phrases associated today’s topic! Have you heard of these before?Caramelization: The process of cooking sugar so that it transforms in colour and flavour, into a dark brown colour and thick consistency.Dollop: A small amount of a soft material, usually food. A dollop is not usually a consistent shape.Decadent: Something that gives you excessive pleasureVersatile: Something or someone that can do many different thingsThe rest is history: A phrase that means "you already know this story" or that the conclusion is obviousStaple: As an adjective, staple means something that is regular and commonTo keep boosting your English journey, you listen to more of our episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. We’re also on YouTube, it’s Further Corporate!If there’s any other topic you’d like to know more about, send us a message on instagram! It’s @furtherlanguges.See you next time!Music and SFX:Himno Nacional Argentino from El Cancionero Patrio (https://elcancioneropatrio.com/)Music: “Tango de Manzana” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)“World Vice” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)“Cumbia No Frills” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

[Transcript]It's the very first official act of this event that happens every 4 years. Runners cross thousands of kilometres in a relay race to hand over this crucial part of sports history. This is the Olympic Torch! Most of us know the history of Ancient Greece and the Olympiads, but what about the torch itself? Its history isn't as ancient as you may think! Welcome to Further Records, the podcast where you can stay One Step Ahead of Your English practice. I'm your host, Forest.We've all seen illustrations of ancient torches carrying the symbolic flame of the Olympics. It's one of the oldest images we see from the second we learn about the Olympiads. Surely, this event has been in place from the very first games, right? Well, you're in for a surprise, because I sure was.The Olympic flame was first used in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.Let me say that again. 1936... in Berlin. Ring a bell?Alright, this episode will NOT be about Nazi Germany, but we need to know about the context, ok? The Olympic flame was the idea of architect Jan Wils, who constructed the stadium for the 1936 games. Hitler (yes)... he was very fond of Ancient Greek gods and culture, and wished to use them to his own benefit. Alright, that’s enough World War Two history. The NICE meaning of the Olympic Torch is that it's a link to Ancient Greece, where the original games were held. During ancient times, every time the games were held, it was a celebration for the king of the Gods, Zeus. And in his honor, a ceremonial flame was lit. The goddess of the Hearth, Hestia, was the one who kept flames secure. And so, thanks to her, the flame continues to burn throughout the entire Olympic Games. Taking the flame from Olympia to wherever the competitions are being held is also a symbolic heritage of the legacy of the original athletes and ceremonies, which continue to this very day.  Throughout history, not everyone was pleased with the symbol of the flame's original story. Like Barry Larkin, an Australian man, who pranked the Olympic flame relay in 1956. He and his college friends considered the ceremony to be too sacred considering its ties to... well, you know. So they had an idea. They grabbed a wooden chair leg, an aluminium fruit can, and a pair of underwear. Behold, the Olympic underwear torch! They lit it on fire with kerosene, and Barry began his run. Crossing the streets of Sydney, surrounded by a cheering crowd, he proudly presented the torch to the Mayor of the City, who took it and celebrated with him. Until somebody whispered in his ear "That's not the torch, sir". The prankster was nowhere to be found, and only revealed his identity years later. Nowadays, the ceremony usually goes without a hitch. The first runner begins the journey from Olympia, in Greece, where the torch is lit by the rays of the sun. Transportation continues across the several different countries until it reaches its destination. Normally, the torch is carried by marathon runners, but it's travelled on the London Underground, by supersonic aeroplane, and by LASER on different occasions. When the torch arrives, it lights the Olympic cauldron, and the Games begin! The designs of the torches are meant to represent the host city of those games, while also paying respect to the ancient history of the Olympics (and pretending that part never existed). However, countries always do their best to appear modern and stylish, which is why they change not only the torch, but also many other celebrations. This year, 2024, the Paris Olympics decided to change the concept a little bit. Instead of having a cauldron which actually burns, they have decided to make the first Electrical Flame for the Olympic Games. How does it work? The "smoke" is actually water mist, and the "fire" is actually 40 high-powered LED lights that flicker like fire.At night, the “cauldron” is elevated by what seems like a helium balloon, which looks like a hot air balloon but does not burn any fuel.There is a real fire in Paris, however. It's a lantern in the Jardins des Tuileries, with a plaque that says that "The original flame, lit in Olympia from the sun's rays, continues to glow in this lantern".It just goes to show that no matter how much revolution we make, no matter what the purpose may be for the message, the flame of the original competition continues to glow. Both in the lantern, and in the hearts of the athletes.You’ve been listening to Further Records, a podcast by Further Corporate.In this episode, we used certain phrases associated with today’s topic. Have you heard of these before?Hearth, as in, Hestia is the goddess of the Hearth: It's the fireplace inside a home where food is cooked or the house is warmed. Without a hitch: An idiom which means that something happened without issues or problems Cauldron: A large bowl-shaped object, typically used like a pot. In this case, it's a bowl-shaped object which holds the fire inside it. To ring a bell: It means that something sounds familiar, something you can recogniseHeritage: Traditions or objects that continue from generation to generationContinue to this very day: Something that has been happening for a long time and continues to happen, as a traditionTruth be told: This phrase is used when you want to say a simple truthTo keep boosting your English journey, you listen to more of our episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. We’re also on YouTube, it’s Further Corporate!If there’s any other topic you’d like to know more about, send us a message on instagram! It’s @furtherlanguges.See you next time!Music and SFX:Fire.wav by Cyril Laurier -- https://freesound.org/s/17717/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Olympic Anthem from the Public Domain"The Sky of Our Ancestors" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Cloth, Bedding, brush, sweep-015.wav by MattRuthSound -- https://freesound.org/s/561574/ -- License: Attribution 4.0"Egmont Overture" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/NYC ambient subway station and train approach.wav by Vortichez -- https://freesound.org/s/335230/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Day 12 12th July Robinhood76 Enhanced Flyby by kwahmah_02 -- https://freesound.org/s/316658/ -- License: Attribution 3.0"Ave Marimba" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

[Transcript]Welcome to Palacio Barolo, one of the most important landmarks in the City of Buenos Aires. Maybe you’ve heard of this building. After all, it’s over 100 years old. You’ve probably seen it and simply thought “oh, it’s just another giant old place”, but actually there’s more to it than meets the eye.From Dante’s Inferno to government secrets, this building has more than just offices!Welcome to Further Records, the podcast where you can stay One Step Ahead with your English practice. I’m your host, ForestLet’s start at the beginning, shall we?The Barolo Gallery was built in 1923. Back then, it was one of the tallest buildings in Latin America. The Palace was the creation of two Italian immigrants. Luigi Barolo was a millionaire thanks to cotton farming, and he gave money for Mario Palanti to be the architect.Their relationship was special, they met during 1910, during the Centennial celebration of the Argentine Independence. They became collaborators very quickly thanks to the interests they shared.There is an important theory about the building. According to legend, it was created as a representation of the famous Italian poem: Dante’s Divine Comedy. It’s important to note that the architect, Palanti, never confirmed this fact. The theory was proposed in modern times by Carlos Hilger. However, when you think about it, it begins to make sense!The Palace itself is 100 metres high, which corresponds to the 100 cantos of the Divine Comedy. It has 22 floors, which represent the 22 stanzas in the poem. And the floors themselves can be divided into the three destinations. The basement and ground levels represent Inferno. At ground level, there are 9 archways, the 9 circles of hell. The middle floors represent Purgatory. And the higher floors represent heaven. At the very top is a lighthouse. The story goes that it is the light of god. Pretty creepy, huh?Other people argue that the Divine Comedy stuff isn’t nearly as interesting as the fact that the building is completely unique. The style is called “Eclectic”. If you’re not an architect (I’m not, I had to look it up), Eclectic basically means “there is no category for this”. Palanti took inspiration from a bunch of places. It was one of the most important structures made of concrete, it was influenced by gothic cathedrals, and (get this) it was inspired by a Hindu temple in India, called the Rajarani.Unfortunately, Barolo, the millionaire, was never able to see the building get finished. He died the year before its inauguration. The architect, Palanti, had no interest in the Palace after that either, he left the country a short time later to become an architect for Mussolini. Yes, that Mussolini.The Argentine government then sold the offices, and the rest is history. Supposedly, a few decades ago there were offices for the S.I.D.E., which is like the Argentinian C.I.A. At one point, burglars entered the building and rummaged through the furniture. The story says that they stole from the SIDE’s offices, but this was never officially confirmed.Nowadays, people come to the Barolo to work in a huge variety of fields: Among the offices, you’ll find law firms, psychologists, and of course the coolest language services company: Further (psst, that’s us!). Yes, right there, in the middle of Purgatory, we have an office in which we offer our service called First Class Learning. Besides that, you can visit and spend the day sightseeing, booking a tour through their website, or have a coffee at the delicious Panera Rosa Bakery on the ground floor. There’s so much more we couldn’t tell you in this short episode, but one thing is certain: the people who take care of the building love it very much, and in 1997, it was declared a National Historical Monument of Argentina.We may never know the truth about the secrets which are kept inside the Palace, but in the end, does it really matter?You’ve been listening to Further Records, a podcast by Further Corporate.In this episode, we used certain phrases associated with today’s topic. Have you heard of these before?Eclectic: A style that doesn’t only have one influence. It has pieces of many other styles, which do not normally go togetherConcrete: One of the most popular building materials in the world. It’s made of cement, water, and aggregates like sand or gravelFurniture: Bookshelves, desks, chairs, beds… you know, items which give purpose to a roomLandmark: A site or object which is unique to a place. Its location also helps people who are lostBasement: The section in a building that is beneath the ground levelGround level: The level in a building which is at the same height as the streetTo keep boosting your English journey, you listen to more of our episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. We’re also on YouTube, it’s Further Corporate!If there’s any other topic you’d like to know more about, send us a message on instagram! It’s @furtherlanguges.See you next time!Sources:https://www.clarin.com/ciudades/biznietos-palacio-barolo-portenos-tomas-miqueas-tharigen-savloff_0_HydLnMtvXl.htmlhttps://www.clarin.com/ciudades/secretos-misterios-palacio-barolo-mito-incomprobable_0_awwtSBusD.htmlhttps://www.infobae.com/sociedad/2023/08/27/una-escultura-desaparecida-fantasmas-y-muertes-misteriosas-mitos-y-leyendas-del-historico-palacio-barolo/https://www.pagina12.com.ar/diario/suplementos/radar/9-9389-2013-12-29.htmlhttps://www.infobae.com/sociedad/2022/08/20/el-arquitecto-que-creo-el-palacio-barolo-y-su-obra-fascista-que-elogio-mussolini-y-casi-cambia-roma-para-siempre/https://palaciobarolo.com.ar/https://palaciobarolo.com.ar/palacio-barolo/divina-comedia/https://web.archive.org/web/20151022204341/http://www.emporis.com/buildings/131587/palacio-barolo-buenos-aires-argentinaMusic and SFX:Music: Piano Romantisme by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comMusic: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comAMBISONIC Fireworks Berlin NYE - cheering by Salomé_Lubczanski -- https://freesound.org/s/733778/ -- License: Attribution 4.0"Egmont Overture" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Music: Mysterious String Quintet by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comMusic: Tomorrow's Times by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

[Transcript]Once upon a time, there was a family from Europe who got on a boat. A husband and wife, seeking for better shores, rode for weeks to get to the promised land of South America. There, they hoped to build a better life.In fact, the woman was pregnant! But… what she would never imagine, was that her baby was going to be born on the boat! The first land that baby would ever see was the soil of the recently founded Republic of Argentina.Welcome to Further Records, the podcast where you can stay One Step Ahead of Your English practice. I'm your host, Forest.Tales like the one you just heard were pretty common back in the day.Let's be honest. Everybody has a story of immigration in their family tree. Humanity has taken to new sights and territories for thousands of years! In Argentina, a large part of the population has immigrant grandparentsNearly three million Italian immigrants came to Argentina in the late 19th century. But did you know that Argentina has a pretty big history with Irish immigration?In the 19th century, around forty thousand immigrants from Ireland arrived in Argentina in search of a better quality of life, and many of them decided to settle in places like Buenos Aires City, Córdoba and Santa Rosa, La Pampa.Many Irishmen and women sought to make the shores of the La Plata river into their new homes. Settlements were formed, families were raised, farms were… farmed! The whole thing, it was a huge boom in population!Until… the end of the century. Let’s go all the way back to 1889. In those times, an Irish Archbishop published in the newspaper:“Buenos Aires is a most cosmopolitan city into which the Revolution (...) has brought the scum of Europe(...).I most solemnly conjure my poorer countrymen(...) never to set foot on the Argentine Republic however tempted to do so they may be by offers of a passage or an assurance of comfortable homes.”That publication was already pretty depressing to say about our country. But then, the Dresden Affair happened. At that time, some 2000 Irish immigrants were aboard the ship named City of Dresden. Most of them unfortunately died along the way, leaving very few survivors. Some of them were children, who were left to fend for themselves on the streets of Buenos Aires. And to make things worse, everybody's luggage was completely lost, leaving them with no possessions. And it that point, farmland was increasingly worse for them.Those who survived went back to Ireland, and the fate of most of the 1772 immigrants remains a mystery to this day. These things effectively ended any new Irish settlements in Argentina.But, the good news is that those who remained prospered very much!So much so that Ireland decided to open their first South American embassy right here in Argentina!As a matter of fact, we have many famous Irish-Argentines in our history, such as: William Brown also known “Almirante Brown”, head and founder of the Argentinian Navy, and Cecilia Grierson, the first female doctor in Argentina.These and many other Irish folk settled and became rooted in their new home. Nowadays most Irish-Argentines are fourth and fifth generation descendants. And we’ve all heard of Saint Patrick’s Day from TV shows or movies, but isn’t it so cool that we celebrate it right here in Argentina as well?Last year, over 10,000 people partied in honor of Irish heritage. It’s a testament to how truly influential the Irish and the Argentinians have been in each other’s cultures.All of them have a little four leaf clover placed right next to their heart.You’ve been listening to Further Records, a podcast by Further Corporate.In this episode, we used certain phrases associated with today’s topic! Have you heard of these before?Seeking better shores: This is a phrase used for people who are seeking a better quality of life by changing their circumstances. It used to literally be seeking better shores by boat, but now it’s just a figure of speech.Settlement: A place where a group of people settles. That is to say, they stay and try to make their lives in that place.To become rooted: This means that a person has gotten so comfortable that they are firm in their position. Like a tree that has grown roots, they do not wish to move.Once upon a time: A typical phrase that is used at the beginning of fairy talesLet's be honest: A phrase used for when you want to speak without limitationsAll the way back: A phrase that refers to a long time ago in the pastTo make things worse: A phrase that is used when you were already talking about something negative, and then there's something else negativeAs a matter of fact: A phrase used to replace "actually", for when you want to explain something exact.To keep boosting your English journey, you listen to more of our episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. We’re also on YouTube, it’s Further Corporate!If there’s any other topic you’d like to know more about, send us a message on instagram! It’s @furtherlanguges.See you next time!Music and SFX:Himno Nacional Argentino from El Cancionero Patrio (https://elcancioneropatrio.com/)Music: https://www.purple-planet.com“Celtic Impulse” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Episode Transcript:Ah, the Milanesa. The classic thin cutlet of meat, washed in egg, breaded, and then fried (or baked, if you’re cutting back on oil).This is one of the most popular foods sin Argentinian cuisine. In Argentina, over 300 million kilos of milanesa are consumed every year. What is the story of this particular meal, and what can we learn about Argentinian culture thanks to it?Welcome to Further Records, the podcast where you can stay One Step Ahead with your English practice. I’m your host, Forest.Our story begins with the arrival of Italian immigrants to the shores of the La Plata River. Their travels around the year 1900 brought a great amount of culture. This included food, and in those foods was the Milanesa.The origin of the Milanesa is considered to be the “cottoletta a la milanese”, an Italian dish. Or is it? Well, according to historical documents, the true origin of the dish… is in France.I know, I know… I didn’t want to believe it either. The oldest document that can be found regarding the recipe was in a book called “La science du maitre d’hotel”.It was only later that it was taken to Italy, thanks to a woman named “Maria Luigia di Parma”, who at the time was the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. She lived longer than her husband, and then became duchess of several Italian regions. She took her French cooks with her, of course, and as they say, the rest is history. It’s called the “French revolution cutlet”. The original was fried in butter, as is usual in French cuisine. In Italy, it was changed for oil.It is not only not originally Italian but also not exclusively Argentinian. Because Italian immigrants came to a variety of countries in Latin America, it’s popular not only in Argentina but also in Uruguay, Bolivia, Venezuela, Paraguay, and Mexico. Still, Argentina makes the best ones. Sorry not sorry! You don’t have to believe me. One of our restaurants was awarded for having the Best Milanesa Napolitana in the World.That said, Milanesa Napolitana is a funny name. Milanesa means it’s from Milan, and Napolitana means it’s from Naples, right? Well, turns out it was never made in Naples. It was created in a restaurant right here in Buenos Aires, which was simply called Nápoli.Whatever the truth may be, the Milanesa is one of the most Argentinian dishes to exist. We have competitions, we’ve made it into a sandwich, we’ve created the biggest Milanesa in the world (which also required a gigantic deep-fryer, specifically for the biggest milanesa in the world, by the way). Anyway, we’ve also created veggie variations for our friends who can’t eat meat.It’s a symbol of Argentina itself: A creation inspired by neighbors, made with our personal touch. It creates community, it’s fun to make, and almost everyone has a few in their freezer, just in case they don’t know what to cook that day.And I hope you too, wherever you are, have a milanesa close by. Thank you, Milanesa.You’ve been listening to Further Records, a podcast by Further Corporate.In this episode, we used certain phrases associated with today’s topic! Have you heard of these before?Cutlet: A thin slice of meatEgg wash: The act of coating a food in egg, usually to then apply breadcrumbsBreading: Breadcrumbs which are added to the outside of a food, which is then friedCuisine: The dishes and meals which are characteristic of a specific cultureRecipe: The steps a cook needs to follow to create a mealAccording to: Used when talking about a specific source of informationRegarding: Used when talking about something specificThanks to: This means "something happened because of this"Whatever the truth may be: This phrase mean "this can be true or false, it doesn't matter.To keep boosting your English journey, you listen to more of our episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. We’re also on YouTube, it’s Further Corporate!If there’s any other topic you’d like to know more about, send us a message on instagram! It’s @furtherlanguges.See you next time!Sources:https://www.losandes.com.ar/la-verdad-de-la-milanesa-esta-es-la-receta-original-del-plato-favorito-de-los-argentinos/https://www.ambito.com/lifestyle/premiado-taste-atlas-el-restaurante-argentino-que-tiene-la-mejor-milanesa-napolitana-del-mundo-n5764663https://misionesonline.net/2024/04/26/milanesa-gigante-que-llevo-a-posadas-al-record-guinness/https://elpais.com/gastronomia/el-comidista/2019/10/16/articulo/1571235264_341430.htmlhttps://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotolettahttps://st.ilsole24ore.com/art/food/2016-10-28/la-cotoletta-milanese-regalo-rivoluzione-francese-132605.shtml?uuid=ADS4DDlBMusic and SFX:Music: “Tango de Manzana” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)“Parisian” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)“Funin and Sunin” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Further Corporate presents: Further Records!Do you want a podcast for learning English that is ACTUALLY INTERESTING? Then Further Records is for you!Learn about popular knowledge in short episodes which develop your vocabulary and learning skills! Get better at English and learn English at the same time!Every episode includes a learning section which helps you understand phrases and vocabulary. Focus on the stories and enjoy learning English!

Hello, English learners, and welcome to Further Shorts.Let me tell you a little about my home. I live in a giant mansion on the beach. It has 10 bedrooms, a garden, and a swimming pool. I also have a butler, a maid, and an au pair.Just kidding! My home is much smaller. But you know what? It’s perfect for me.It’s a small apartment with three main spaces: a kitchen, a living room, and a bedroom. The kitchen is… tiny. But it’s modern! I love cooking but… let’s be honest, do you have the time to cook every single day? Me neither. Sometimes, ordering pizza is perfectly OK!The living room is my favorite place. There’s a big sofa that feels like a cloud. When I sit down to read a book, five minutes later… I’m asleep. My TV is on a small table, there’s lamp next to the sofa, and of course, my shoes are always next to the entrance. No dirt inside the house!My bedroom is special because of the big window. Every morning the sun shines right in. It’s lovely to wake up with the smell of fresh air and warm light on my face.That’s my home: small, sunny, comfortable, and with no dirt!Did you know that in Europe, 46 percent of people live in apartments? What kind of place is your home? Send us an email or leave us a comment! You’ll find our links in the podcast description.That’s all for today. Now… I think it’s time to relax on the sofa! If you want more English to talk about your home and your world, follow us at Further Corporate. See you soon!"Funin and Sunin" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hello, English learners, and welcome to Further Shorts.Today, let’s talk about shopping.My relationship with shopping is simple: I like to be efficient. For example, at the supermarket, my mission is always clear. I go in with a list. This week I need one litre of milk, three loaves of bread, and two sticks of butter. Ten minutes, and I'm done. I pay with my card, get the receipt, and leave. Easy.But clothing stores? That’s a different world. My style is very simple: black t-shirts and blue jeans. But when I go into a store, I see hundreds of options: Silk, cotton, linen, wool? 2 for one, oversized, patterns, draping? And then the price is expensive, and the workers are always very insistent. It’s too much!That’s why I prefer online shopping.It's faster, it’s cheaper, and there’s no pressure. Click, click, click… and two days later, the delivery arrives at my door. No crowds, no boring music, no strange perfumes.Everybody loves shopping online, but did you know that e-commerce is only 20 percent of purchases worldwide?What about you? Do you shop more online or in person? Send us an email or leave us a comment! You’ll find our links in the podcast description.And that’s the end of today’s episode. No receipt needed! If you want more English for everyday life, follow us at Further Corporate. See you next time!Message us on instagram @furthercorporateSend us an email at comunicacioncorporativa@furtherenglish.com

This is the Argentine sweet by excellence. Countless desserts, afternoon teas, and quick breakfasts have been supported by this confection which is as symbolic of the country as the flag itself.Two soft cookies sandwiching a generous dollop of dulce de leche, covered in chocolate, that is the quintessential presentation of the world-famous alfajor. But, it didn’t always have that characteristic shape.Welcome to Further Records, I’m your host, Forest. Grab a sweet treat and check out our extra material on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube!It all started over 1000 years ago. Around the year 700, Arabic conquerors reached the coast of Spain, and of course they took their delicious recipes. One of these dishes was called al-hasú. It was a paste made of almond, honey, and other nuts, in the shape of a tube, similar to a toffee (if you know Mantecol, it looks like that!).“But wait,” you may be saying, “there’s no cookies or dulce de leche in that recipe!”. You would be correct! Over the course of many many years, the al-hasú evolved. The paste was placed between two wafers so that it could be easily transported on Spanish ships. Those sweet sandwiches reached the shores of America during the Spanish colonisation.Thanks to this, the al-hasú reached Argentina. If you remember our previous episodes, you’ll know that during colonial times, our famous dulce de leche was invented. If you know a little about Argentine history, you’ll know that it happened very shortly after the wars of independence. After decades of battles, tragedy, and hardship, the government of the newly created Argentine Republic was ready to create the first Constitution in 1853.Why is this important? Isn’t this an alfajor episode? Well, you see, the creation of the Constitution was happening in the province of Santa Fe. Not all of the representatives were from that province, and some of them had to rent rooms to sleep in. Some of the rooms were on top floors, located above the now legendary Merengo sweets shop.It’s unclear exactly how it happened, but in this shop worked the Piedrabuena sisters, creating all kinds of sweets and pastries. That was the birthplace of the alfajor we know and love today. The traditional Santafesine alfajor was created with dulce de leche between two flakey cookies, covered in meringue.The Argentine politicians were delighted with this new treat, and many of them took several boxes back home. The rest is history. Immediately, the alfajor became immensely popular and began to be produced in cities all across the country!At this point, the story becomes somewhat unclear. However, we know that the company Havanna was created in the 1940’s, and Balcarce was founded in the 1950’s. The two most important factories in Mar del Plata were the ones who popularised the modern alfajor: Soft cookies, a layer of dulce de leche, and chocolate covering.Since then, the basic alfajor hasn’t changed much. Traditional flavours include dulce de leche, fruit jams, and mousse. Alfajores may be covered in white or dark chocolate, or meringue, or sometimes not at all! Maicena alfajores famously include cookies made from corn starch, no coating, and coconut shavings on the edges.Alfajores come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, coatings and fillings! In recent years, the cultural significance of Mar del Plata, a beach city, has been celebrated with new “sea salt alfajores”. Other new flavours include spicy alfajores, and the luxurious Dubai flavor, which includes a modern pistachio filling.Still, these sweet treats need no innovation. After all, 6 million of them are sold every day! They’re a wonderful companion for any time of the day, and truly, how can it not be? The rich cultural importance only makes it more delicious. Have you tried alfajores? Which flavour is your favourite?Thank you for listening to Further Records. Remember our other resources! We have tips on YouTube, funny videos on TikTok, and extra learning material on Instagram! In this podcast, we used the following phrases:Confection: This is a more formal word for a sweet food or candy.Quintessential: This adjective means "the most typical or classic example of something." For example, "A black leather jacket is the quintessential rockstar look."Toffee: A hard, chewy candy made from sugar or molasses and butter.Wafer: A thin, light, crisp cookie.Shores: This is a more poetic or formal word for the land along the edge of a sea, the coast!Hardship: This noun refers to severe suffering or difficulty.Now legendary: The use of "now" here shows that the place became famous over time. It's a way to add extra detail to the description.Keep boosting your English journey with us! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Comments? Questions? Concerns? Send us an email! We’d love to hear from you. See you next time!Music & SFX:"Cumbia No Frills" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Desert City" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Bossa Bossa" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Funky Boxstep" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Piano Romantisme" by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com"Savour the Moment" by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Have you ever seen Ocean’s 11? Or maybe The Italian Job? Have you ever wondered if anything like that has actually happened before? Well, today’s story feels something straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster.In this podcast, we’ll be talking about one of the most famous and creative bank robberies EVER — and it took place right here in Argentina. It’s known as The Banco Río Heist, and it happened in January 2006 in San Isidro, a leafy, affluent suburb just north of Buenos Aires.When you think of a bank heist, what comes to mind? Guns, violence, maybe chaos, even death! Well, in this story, that couldn’t be further from the truth.The Banco Río Heist was meticulously planned, carried out calmly, and executed almost flawlessly, in what was a plan that fooled the entire country.Welcome to Further Records. I’m your host, Forest.The story begins on a warm Friday afternoon. A group of men walked into the Banco Río branch in San Isidro, Buenos Aires. They carried weapons, but they weren’t violent. In fact these weapons were merely toys. They told the customers and staff to stay calm, and then in what seemed like a strange twist they ordered pizza, cracked jokes, and even celebrated with an employee when they learned it was their birthday!Outside, the police quickly surrounded the building. Negotiators tried to contact the thieves, believing they were in control. But the truth was very different.While everyone was distracted by the scene inside, the real escape plan was happening underground. Months earlier, the thieves had secretly dug a tunnel around 30 meters long connecting the bank’s vault to the city’s sewer system. It was an engineering masterpiece with reinforced walls, ventilation, even lighting.One by one, the robbers carried bags of money, jewelry, and valuables through the tunnel. Then, they vanished into the drains beneath the city where they had a getaway car waiting above one of the storm drains.Hours later, when the police finally stormed the bank, they were shocked. The robbers were gone. The vaults were empty. And on the wall, the thieves left a note that said: “In a neighborhood, without weapons or grudges, it’s just money, not love.”It was a message that turned the crime into a legendary story that people would remember for a long time and adapted into multiple novels and even a blockbuster movie.What's also important to note is the context of… why was such a treasure trove of wealth stored in the safety boxes? Well… ‘Argentines are uniquely distrustful of their banks, and for good reason. They've been betrayed by them, over and over. Most famously in 2001, when the collapse of the national banking system, known as the corralito, erased entire fortunes, affecting millions. With no faith in accounts, bank customers began tucking their savings—their cash, jewelry, and other valuables—into safe-deposit boxes. And this particular bank, situated in one of the most richest enclaves of Argentina, must have seemed especially enticing, flush as its deposit boxes were sure to be with the fortunes of the city's most well-to-do.’The robbers escaped with an estimated 20 million dollars in cash, jewels, and safety deposit boxes. The media quickly called it “the robbery of the century,” and the entire country was glued to the story. How could this happen in a secure, well-guarded bank?After the dazzling escape, the gang managed to stay hidden… at first! Their plan had been executed with precision and left almost no obvious clues. But human mistakes, personal conflicts, and careless behavior eventually brought them down. About five weeks after the heist, one of the thieves, Beto de la Torre, was pulled over by police while driving with his girlfriend. His wife, Alicia di Tullio, had tipped off police, she recognized items and saw suspicious activity at their home, including the preparation of the getaway vehicle. She also saw Beto with part of the stolen loot. That gave the police the lead they needed. From that tip, investigators identified other crew members, and arrests soon followed.A simple domestic dispute finally broke the case. How careless!Eventually, most of the gang members were caught. The mastermind was a man named Fernando Araujo, an artist and martial arts teacher with a fascination for strategy. He treated the heist like an art project that was carefully designed, perfectly timed, and carried out with style.Over time, the Banco Río Heist became part of Argentine culture. People admired how smart the plan was, and how the robbers avoided violence. Of course, it was still a crime, and the hostages that day were frightened, but compared to other robberies, it almost felt like a movie script brought to life.The Banco Río Heist stands out — for its creativity, its calm execution, and the unforgettable message left on the wall.Thank you for listening to Further Records. Remember our other resources! We have tips on YouTube, funny videos on TikTok, and extra learning material on Instagram! In this podcast, we used the following phrases:Heist: This is an informal term for “robbery”, especially a daring one of a bank or a museum. It's often heard in crime movies.Blockbuster: An informal term for a movie, book, or product that is extremely successful.Meticulously: Meaning "in a way that shows great attention to detail; very carefully and precisely." For example, "The plan was meticulously prepared."Flawlessly: Meaning "without any mistakes or imperfections." If something is done flawlessly, it's perfect.That couldn't be further from the truth: This phrase is used to strongly emphasize that a statement or idea is completely false.Vanished into the drains/thin air: This means to disappear completely and mysteriously.Mastermind: A person who plans and directs an intricate and typically clever scheme, often a criminal one.Keep boosting your English journey with us! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Comments? Questions? Concerns? Send us an email! We’d love to hear from you. See you next time!Sources:https://americanguardservices.com/news/the-greatest-heists-in-history-10-the-banco-rio-robbery/ https://www.gq.com/story/the-great-buenos-aires-bank-heist (also the source for the quote on why Argentinians are distrustful of banks)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUXG_p64LzoMusic:"Modern Jazz Samba" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Basement Floor" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Funky Boxstep" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Bossy Boots" by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com"Savour the Moment" by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

What images come to your mind when you think of a cemetery? A spooky, abandoned place? Maybe a lone, bare tree and a sky that's always gray? Well, what if I told you that some cemeteries are nothing like that? What if I told you that some are so full of history and beauty that people visit them just like they would a famous museum? Today we’ll explore two of the most distinguished funerary grounds in Buenos Aires’ city: La Recoleta and La Chacarita.Welcome to Further Records, I’m Forest. For more practice materials and fun stuff,check out our instagram, TikTok, and YouTube channels!La Recoleta cemeteryTowards the end of the 19th century, many wealthy families from Buenos Aires left their homes in the southern neighborhoods of the city. They moved north to the Recoleta neighbourhood, which quickly became the city's most exclusive area. As a result, the cemetery became the final resting place for some of Argentina’s most elite personalities— heroes, founding fathers and, of course, rich families that show off their wealth with fancy, ostentatious tombs. Built in 1822 as the city's first public graveyard, it has become one of the city’s top attractions: a blend of history, art and architecture where you can explore hidden stories and admire the artistry within.It’s considered one of the most unusual burial grounds, can you guess why? Unlike a typical cemetery, most of the graves are built above ground. These structures are called mausoleums, which are essentially astonishing buildings for burying the dead.There, you'll find the tombs of notable people, including Eva Perón, presidents of Argentina, Nobel Prize winners, the founder of the Argentine Navy, and military commanders such as Julio Argentino Roca.If you’re lucky, you might spot some other very famous residents… the cats!Yes, you heard that right. For years, La Recoleta has been home to a large group of stray cats, which have become an attraction in their own right. You’ll see them wandering through the extravagant tombs and sunbathing on top of them, oblivious to the history around them.The cemetery's beauty and historical significance have earned it international recognition. Both the BBC and CNN have praised it as one of the best and most beautiful cemeteries in the world. So, the next time you think of a funerary ground, think of La Recoleta: a stunning blend of art, architecture, and hidden stories, all waiting to be explored. It’s not just a cemetery, it’s an entire city of the dead.La Chacarita cemeteryWest of the city centre, we’ll come across another large burial ground that doesn’t get half as much recognition as La Recoleta. I’m talking about La Chacarita cemetery, which owes its existence to the yellow fever outbreak in the 1870s. During that time, it was necessary to build new graveyards since the existing ones were strained beyond capacity and La Recoleta prohibited the burial of those who had died from the epidemic.Located in the heart of the neighborhood it is named after, the Chacarita burying site is the largest in the country and it was the first place to be formally determined as a public cemetery in the city.Each year, La Chacarita welcomes hundreds of visitors and tourists who lose themselves in its tranquility and artistic memorials, walking through the graves of celebrities and prominent figures. Amongst architectural works of art, sculptures, history and illustrious figures, La Chacarita allows us to witness the lively Buenos Aires (no pun intended).Here, we’ll find a number of scientists and former presidents. But some of the most famous burials here include members of the Argentine artistic community such as writers, prominent composers and actors. One of these notorious personalities is Carlos Gardel, who you’ll remember from our Tango episode as one of the greatest artists of the genre!Believe it or not, a portion of this funerary ground was created to house a different kind of history: the British one.In the 19th century, a large number of British people moved to Argentina for work. This led to the founding of the British Cemetery, which had to be moved a couple of times. In 1892, Section 16 of La Chacarita was given in exchange for the Victoria Cemetery, which then became Plaza 1° de Mayo (not to be confused with Plaza de Mayo. Two different parks).Over time, the British and German communities grew, and in 1913, the area was divided into what we now know as the separate British and German cemeteries.Though they share a history, those areas are now independent and managed separately from the main Chacarita Cemetery.Today we went from the opulent mausoleums of Argentina's elite to the final resting places of its most celebrated artists. As we have seen in this episode, these cemeteries reveal the history, culture, and unique identity of Buenos Aires, proving that even in death, a city's story can continue to be told.Thank you for listening to Further Records. Remember our other resources! We have tips on YouTube, funny videos on TikTok, and extra learning material on Instagram! In this podcast, we used Spooky: This is an informal adjective meaning "frightening or eerie." It's often used to describe things related to ghosts or Halloween.Bare: An adjective meaning "not covered or decorated; exposed." For example, a "bare tree" has no leaves.Show off: A phrasal verb meaning "to display something in a proud way to get attention." It often has a slightly negative connotation, like being arrogant. Another similar word in today’s episode is Opulent.Strained beyond capacity: It means that something was used so much that it could no longer handle the pressure or demand.No pun intended: An idiomatic phrase used after making a joke or a play on words to show that the humor was intentional. In this case, "lively Buenos Aires."Illustrious: An adjective meaning "well-known, respected, and admired for past achievements." It's a good synonym for famous or prominent.Opulent: An adjective meaning "rich and luxurious," often used to describe things that are very expensive and fancy.Keep boosting your English journey with us! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Comments? Questions? Concerns? Send us an email! We’d love to hear from you. See you next time!MUSIC & SFX:Waltz - Tchaikovsky Op. 40 Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Savour the Moment" by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

In 1931, during the Great Depression in the United States, the term “American Dream was coined. James Truslow Adams was the man who wrote about it in a book called “The Epic of America”.As you can tell, that was almost 100 years ago! Life is very different in 2025. The meaning of the American Dream has changed dramatically, so how can we even understand it?Let’s explain it in a simple way.Welcome to Further Records. I’m your host, Forest.Defining the American Dream has always been very difficult and unique for every person. We don’t have the same mentality as people in 1930, so what does The Dream mean for people in the present?When developing the definition of the American Dream, Adams explained: “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement.”Part of the message is that not all opportunities are the same for everyone. The Dream doesn’t mean you’ll be super mega rich and live in a mansion, but you can improve your circumstances if you work hard enough.In the past, people had some specific factors of success such as getting married, having children, and owning a home.Today, young people think other things are important. Happiness and freedom of decision are the most important points.Like always, the importance of hard work remains strong, but other factors like discrimination and inequality make the American Dream more difficult for young people.They also believe family and friends have helped them achieve their dreams, but the decisions of the government have hindered them.Nowadays, only 53% of people believe that the American Dream is possible. Still, that's a majority!So what does all this mean? It seems that the more things change, the more they stay the same.The American Dream has always been a tale of effort and of individual work. It’s also always been a little bit critical of current social conditions. And that’s good, because it makes you really think about what you want in your country and what you can do to get it.What has really changed is what people consider to be “rich” and “successful”. Depending on what you think, the Dream can be possible or not, but most people consider it to be real.What is really interesting is that more people consider their community to be important today. And yeah, how can anybody reach their dreams without a little help! And of course, helping others is important as well.So, what is YOUR American Dream? What is your definition of success? What do you think you need to make it possible?You’ve been listening to Further Records, a podcast by Further Corporate. In this episode, we used expressions you may not know. Have you heard of these before?Coined: To coin a phrase means to use a phrase for the first time.“There’s a lot of talk about”: This phrase means that a certain topic is very popular.Inequality: This means a situation is not the same for different people.Hindered: The opposite of helping. To hinder is to make something more difficult.“The more things change, the more they stay the same”: A popular phrase which means that even though a lot of time may pass, situations continue to be similar.Keep boosting your English journey with us! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Comments? Questions? Concerns? Get in touch with us on instagram, @furthercorporate.MUSIC:"1930s Big Band Swing Jazz" by Nicholas Panek from PixabayWagner Bridal Chorus Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Happy Birthday Crowd by theuned -- https://freesound.org/s/391869/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Savour the Moment by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Hello English Learners! This is Further Shorts: English Practice in less than 5 minutes. Today’s topic is: Morning routines.We all have one. Some are fast. Some are slow. Mine? Well... it’s a little crazy, but it works.I wake up at 7:00. Well... I try to wake up at 7. But I press the snooze button. Once. Twice. Okay, maybe three times. So... I usually get out of bed around 7:30.Then I go to the bathroom. I brush my teeth. I wash my face. Sometimes I take a shower. Cold water helps me wake up! If I don’t take a shower, I just splash water on my face. That helps too.After that, I go to the kitchen and I make coffee. I always drink coffee in the morning. Sometimes I eat breakfast. I like toast with butter and milk with cereal. If I have more time, I make eggs. But not every day. When I’m late... I just drink my coffee and run!At 8:15, I get dressed. I wear something simple: a shirt, trousers, and sneakers. I check my phone, answer a few messages, and check my email. And then… I look at the time and say, “Oh no! I'm late again!”At 8:40, I leave home. I take the bus to work. There is usually a lot of traffic in the morning. I really don’t like all the cars, the buses, and the honking. The city is very noisy. But I listen to music or podcasts on the way. That helps me relax.I arrive at the office at 9:15. I say “Good morning” to my team. Then I sit down, open my laptop, and start working.That’s my routine. Not perfect — but it’s mine. Now it’s your turn! What time do you wake up? Do you eat breakfast? How do you get to work?Try to say your morning routine in English. Practice is the best way to improve.See you in the next episode — and have a great morning!Message us on instagram @furthercorporateSend us an email at comunicacioncorporativa@furtherenglish.com

Hello, English learners! This is Further Shorts, easy English practice in less than 5 minutes. Today, the topic is delicious. And personal. We’re talking about... my favorite food.Can you guess? It’s round. It’s hot. It’s cheesy... Yes — pizza!I love pizza. I think pizza is always a good idea. It can be simple, complex, or fancy. You can eat it at home, at a party, or on the street.Let’s talk about ingredients. The classic pizza has four things: Dough — the bread base. Tomato sauce. Cheese. And oregano.But that’s not all. You can put anything on pizza! Do you like mushrooms? Great. Onion? Sure. Pepperoni? Popular. Pineapple? …Well, some people say yes. Others say no. That’s the big pizza debate! Personally, I really like pineapple on my pizza!Now, why do I love pizza? First — it’s easy to prepare. You can even buy it frozen. Second — it’s perfect for sharing. I love eating pizza with my friends. Third — every time I eat pizza, I simply feel good! Maybe it’s the cheese, maybe it’s the memories... Pizza is the star of birthday parties, family reunions, and even romantic dates!Here’s a fun fact: The word “pizza” is Italian — but it’s the same word in many languages! In English, French, Spanish, even Japanese! That’s how famous it is. So, now you know my favorite food.What’s yours?Do you like pizza too? Or do you prefer burgers, sushi, pasta, or salad?Try to say 2 or 3 sentences about your favorite food in English. Use: “My favorite food is…”, “I like it because…”, and some ingredients.Thanks for listening — and remember, the best practice... is fun practice! See you next time.Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comMessage us on instagram @furthercorporateSend us an email at comunicacioncorporativa@furtherenglish.com

Hello, listeners! Thank you so much for supporting Further Records. We have a lot of fun making these episodes, and the feedback we get from you is always excellent, keep it coming!We have big news! Further Records is always a podcast for English Learners, but sometimes the episodes are complex and the level is too high. Now, we have Further Shorts! This new series is shorter than the usual Further Records, designed for beginner level students, A1 and A2.Learn how to communicate, and master your first steps of English with this new series. Then, when you level up, listen to Further Records!Further Shorts is available now, listen to the next episode to begin!Thanks for listening! See you in Further Shorts!Music: Savour The Moment by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comMessage us on instagram @furthercorporateSend us an email at comunicacioncorporativa@furtherenglish.com