favorite country

According to a 2013 survey, in which participants had to pick their favorite European country (apart from their home country), Germany is the most popular choice, at least for those approximately 2000 people who gave their answers. Scandinavia, the UK, the Netherlands, France, and Germany are in the center of people's attention. One might realize, these are also the countries which occupy a central position, economically and geographically as well. The Western corners, like Ireland, Portugal, and even Spain, seem to be much less appreciated (visited?) despite the obvious beauties the countries offer (the green Irish fields, the blue coastline, and La Sacrada Familia). 

Not surprisingly, the Eastern and Southern regions are even less chosen, in spite of the breathtaking and culturally exciting sites they host (like Athens, Mostar, Istanbul, or Prague among others). It was a personally pleasant surprise, however, that Hungary appears to be standing out from the surrounding area. I must say, it helps a lot to have low-cost airlines in your country. :-)

Since I would be interested in your opinion and your preference, as teasers let me add a couple of comments others made when observing these results.

I've always thought we were the least liked country nowadays...?! Well, thanks, I guess! (X from Germany)

I love the diversity of Europe! Within one hour from my local airport I can be in Dublin, Amsterdam,  Brussels or Berlin! (Y from the UK)

Eastern Europe is too cool and complicated to be grasped by outsiders. (V from Romania)

The less central europe is undiscovered the better for us  Prague is full of american tourists, and walking through it is like walking in a theme park now. (W from the Czech Republic)

The European Union is my country...LOVE IT!! (Z from Portugal)

source: OneEurope

future of education

In our digital age, which has been considered a "pictorial" one too, there is a growing tendency (if not to replace but) to complement writing with pictures. Just think about the development of advertising, for example. In the early times, textual persuasion abounded, while today we can hardly read any verbal "anchoring" next to the gigantic tell-tale images (of a half-naked woman, a smiley family, a juicy hamburger, or a potent car).

Infographics, a collage of images and text, is a very effective means of modern story-telling. It is capturing, informative, and easy to follow. I recommend both its application and its creation, for educational and presentational purposes. As an example, take a look at the image below: an infographic illustration of the history of education.*

Do you see that future coming? Do you embrace that future coming?

* To enlarge it, either save it and zoom in, or visit this site.