Discover the World's Hidden Gems: 10 Surprising Facts About Countries You Never Knew Before

Are you ready to be amazed by some surprising facts about countries around the world? As someone who loves to learn about different cultures and histories, I am always on the lookout for new and interesting information about the world we live in. That's why I am excited to share with you some of the most fascinating facts about countries that you may have never known before!

1. Did you know that Iceland is one of the most peaceful countries in the world? It has no standing army, and the police don't carry guns.
2. The small country of Bhutan measures its success in terms of Gross National Happiness, rather than Gross Domestic Product.
3. In Japan, it is considered rude to blow your nose in public.
4. The African country of Angola is home to the world's largest population of giant sable antelope.
5. In Saudi Arabia, there are no movie theaters, and public cinemas were only recently allowed to operate.
6. The capital of Greenland, Nuuk, is the smallest capital city in the world by population.
7. The national symbol of Scotland, the unicorn, is often depicted with a chain around its neck, which is said to represent its untameable nature.
8. In Ukraine, it is customary to bring an odd number of flowers to someone's home, as even numbers are associated with funerals.
9. The island country of Dominica has more rivers per square kilometer than any other country in the world.
10. The national dish of South Africa, bobotie, is a sweet and savory dish made with spiced minced meat and topped with a custard-like topping.

Buy it here

These are just a few of the many surprising and interesting facts about countries around the world. If you are interested in learning even more about the fascinating cultures and histories of different nations, my book "The World in Your Hands: A Guide to Every Nation" is the perfect resource for you. With information on the history, language, nature, and more of every country in the world, it is an engaging and informative way to take a world tour from the comfort of your own home.

If you want to get your hands on a copy of my book, you can purchase it through this link [https://yellowcornbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/collection-world-in-your-hands.html]. Don't miss out on the opportunity to expand your knowledge and explore the incredible diversity of our world!

 

See more posts like this:

https://yellowcornbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/travel-world-from-your-living-room-with.html

https://mgameirobookdeals.wordpress.com/2023/04/10/uncover-the-hidden-gems-of-the-world-with-the-world-in-your-hands-a-guide-to-every-nation/

https://tesol103-pedagogyii-mgg.blogspot.com/2023/04/unlock-world-power-of-language-and.html

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 10 Apr 2023

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Importance of Paying Attention in English Language Class

Today, I had a surprise class I had promise to the students do to their bad behavior last class, but many students were absent (I don’t know, maybe they were afraid of what I was going to do). Instead of conducting a regular class, I wrote the answers on the blackboard and provided sound clips so they could study independently since they weren't paying attention during the previous class. Next, I called one student from each group and interviewed them individually about the homework. If students were proficient in English, I wouldn't mind them not paying attention, but since many were struggling, it was apparent that their lack of attention was a problem. They couldn't hold a good conversation with me about their homework, which reflected in their low grades. I admit that I was tough on them.

At the end of the class, I asked them if they preferred continuing with today's approach or going back to the old method. Previously, I would give them maximum points for attempting the homework, but today they received poor grades because of their performance. While it isn't their fault if they don't speak English well, it is their responsibility to pay attention in class. They promised to behave better during the next class, so I agreed to return to the old method.

YouTube

During the second half of the class, we used music to practice pronunciation and had fun singing together. I hoped that they understood that I wasn't their enemy and that I only wanted what was best for them, which in this case meant learning English well.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 06 Apr 2023

 

Accepting the Good with the Bad: Learning to Appreciate Life's Ups and Downs

Life is full of ups and downs. There are times when everything seems to go well, and then there are times when everything seems to go wrong. We often focus on the negative aspects of life and forget to appreciate the good. Accepting the good with the bad is a crucial part of life. It is about accepting the fact that there will be both good and bad things in life, and we need to learn to deal with both.

One of the most common examples of accepting the good with the bad is relationships. Relationships are not always perfect, and there will be times when things get tough. But it is important to remember that there are also good times. Accepting the bad times and working through them with your partner is crucial for a healthy relationship. Recognizing and appreciating the good times can also help to strengthen the bond between partners.

Another example is work. Work can be stressful and challenging at times, but it can also be fulfilling and rewarding. Accepting the fact that there will be difficult days and challenging tasks is important. Learning to deal with them and not letting them overshadow the good aspects of work is crucial for job satisfaction.

Health is another aspect of life where accepting the good with the bad is essential. There will be times when we get sick or injured, and we have to accept that it is part of life. However, it is also important to focus on the good aspects of health, such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, to prevent illness and stay healthy.

Finally, in life in general, we need to accept that there will be good and bad experiences. It is important to learn from the bad experiences and use them to grow and improve. But we also need to recognize and appreciate the good experiences, as they help us to find joy and happiness in life.

In conclusion, accepting the good with the bad is an essential part of life. It is about recognizing that there will be both good and bad experiences, and learning to deal with both. By focusing on the good aspects of life and learning from the bad, we can find joy and happiness in every moment.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 30 Mar 2023

 

Celebrating the Joy of Teaching: Positive Experiences with Engaged Students

As an educator, it's important to acknowledge the good along with the bad, and today I want to highlight some of the wonderful experiences I've had with my students who have been a joy to teach.

These students are attentive in class and always come prepared with their materials. They show a great interest in learning and behave well in the classroom. Although they may be a little shy at times, they always try their best to participate in class discussions and activities.

One of the challenges I have faced with these students is their shyness when it comes to speaking. However, I have found that with encouragement and guidance, they have become more confident in their abilities. I make sure to provide opportunities for them to practice speaking in a safe and supportive environment. I always incentive them to participate in the English Corner activities, it is fun and can help them practice their speaking.

It's inspiring to see how these students have grown and developed over time. They take their studies seriously and are committed to their academic progress. They also demonstrate kindness and respect towards their peers, which creates a positive and welcoming learning environment for everyone. Since I am here in China for a few years, I have seem my students go on to live abroad and be successful in their pursuits, witch brings me a lot of satisfaction, some of the write me back and share their stories with me.

I always try my best, that is why I keep receiving messages like this one below:

Overall, these students represent the majority of my classroom and I am grateful for their dedication and enthusiasm for learning. As an educator, it's important to recognize and celebrate these positive experiences and continue to encourage and support our students towards success.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 30 Mar 2023

 

Bad Things That Can Happen to Anyone

It's a well-known fact that bad things can happen to anyone, and sometimes they happen unexpectedly. However, there are instances where we knowingly put ourselves in risky situations by procrastinating and leaving things to the last moment. This is a common mistake that we all make, but it can lead to disastrous consequences if we're not careful.

Let's look at some examples of how putting things off to the last moment can lead to negative outcomes:

1. Missing a flight: Imagine you have an important flight to catch, but you decide to finish some last-minute work before heading to the airport. Unfortunately, you lose track of time and end up missing your flight. Now, you have to incur additional costs to book another flight, and you might also miss out on important opportunities that you were planning to take advantage of.
2. Late submission of assignments: As a student, you might have been guilty of leaving assignments to the last moment. However, this can backfire in many ways. For instance, you might have technical issues while submitting your assignments, or you might fall ill and not be able to complete the work on time. This could result in lower grades or even failure to complete the course.
3. Health problems: Neglecting your health can have serious consequences. If you delay going to the doctor for a check-up or ignore symptoms of an illness, it could lead to more severe health problems. It's always better to address health concerns early on rather than wait until the situation becomes critical.
4. Financial problems: Delaying paying bills or ignoring financial responsibilities can have serious consequences. It could result in late payment fees, penalties, or even legal action.

These are just a few examples of how delaying things can lead to negative outcomes. It's important to prioritize tasks and take action early on to avoid potential problems. This way, you can save yourself from a lot of unnecessary stress and problems in the long run.

As a personal anecdote, one time my kids were playing together, and one of them fell off the ground. He used some bad language and cursed his fate, but luckily, nothing was at stake, and we all ended up laughing about it.

Watch this video above in YouTube or YouKu

As a final note, I would like to advise students not to leave their assignments until the last moment. As someone who assigns work to students, I know firsthand how important it is to start early and submit work on time. There are so many unforeseen circumstances that can arise, such as computer problems, internet dropping, or personal issues, which can prevent students from delivering their work. So, it's always better to stay ahead of the game and avoid the risk of such circumstances affecting your grades or academic performance.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 25 Mar 2023

Overcoming Challenges: A Personal Story and Lesson.

Overcoming Challenges: A Personal Story and Lesson.

Let me share with you a story about my father, who was a successful entrepreneur in the computer industry. He had built his own company from scratch with a few more associates and together they were doing exceedingly well. Despite this, he received an unexpected invitation from a prestigious technology university in Londrina to teach a course in his field. Being the first expert in computer programming from outside the state capital, my father could refuse the offer because he did not need that job.

However, things took an unexpected turn when a student threw a paper at him while he was writing on the blackboard during the first semester. This incident left my father unable to identify the culprit, and as a result, he stopped writing on the board altogether. This led to students losing access to his notes, and it eventually led them learning every action has its consequences.

It's often said that "students have the teacher they deserve," implying that a teacher's effectiveness is a direct reflection of their students' attitudes and behavior. However, as a teacher myself, I know that this isn't always the case. Despite teaching in China for nearly five years and loving every minute of it, I've encountered a few classes that haven't quite lived up to my expectations. While these situations are few and far between, they can be just as challenging as the one my father faced years ago.

Here is some evidence of my challenge:

That's why I've decided to do something different for this class. I have a surprise planned for them in the next week class, and I'm hoping it will change their attitude towards learning. I'm excited to see the impact it will have on the class, and I'll definitely be sharing the results with you in a follow-up post. Stay tuned!

Article by Marcelo Gameiro Published 23 Mar 2023 

https://mgameirollc.uteach.io/blog/overcoming-challenges-as-a-teacher

 

Join our English Corner to Improve Your Language Skills and Make New Friends.

Today marked the start of our inaugural English corner activities, and what an exciting time it was! It was the beginning of an exciting journey for all English language enthusiasts as our inaugural English Corner activities were held. It was an amazing experience filled with fun and excitement that left everyone with a smile on their faces.

If you are looking for opportunities to practice English, look no more! Our English Corner provides the perfect platform for anyone who wishes to improve their language skills. The activities are designed to be engaging and interactive, allowing participants to practice their English skills in a relaxed and informal environment.

One of the most significant benefits of attending the English Corner is that you get to make new friends and expand your social circles. It is a great way to connect with people who share similar interests, make new acquaintances, and strengthen existing relationships. The English Corner offers a diverse and inclusive community where everyone is welcome.

It is often said that this is where boys meet girls, and this is where girls meet boys. The English Corner offers a comfortable setting where participants can interact and get to know each other. It is a perfect place for anyone who wants to socialize and improve their language skills at the same time.

Learning is fun and engaging at the English Corner. The activities are designed to be informative, educational, and enjoyable. Participants are encouraged to share their opinions and ideas, which promotes a healthy exchange of knowledge and fosters intellectual growth.

Attending the English Corner is going to be one of your best memories from your college years. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn, socialize, and have fun all at the same time. You will make lasting friendships, improve your English skills, and develop a sense of belonging.

Lastly, attending the English Corner is how smart students improve their English without studying. The activities are designed to be fun and engaging, allowing students to improve their language skills without feeling like they are studying. It is an excellent way to learn while having fun.

I am not the organizer of today's English Corner activities, but I am pleased to announce that I have formed a WeChat group with almost 100 students who participated in the event. This group will serve as a platform for students to stay connected and engage with each other as they continue to improve their English language skills. As part of this effort, I also shared my book "The Key to Learn English" in the group to help students have access to valuable insights and practical tips that can aid them in their language learning journey. I believe that by sharing resources like this book, we can make the learning process more accessible and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Link to Buy this book.

In conclusion, our inaugural English Corner activities were a resounding success. It was an exciting experience filled with fun, laughter, and learning. If you are looking for opportunities to improve your English language skills, make new friends, and have fun, the English Corner is the perfect place for you. Join us, and you won't be disappointed!

Before today English corner activity was me trying (begging) students who were passing by, to come and talk to me, you can see that here in this other post.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 22 Mar 2023

https://mgameirollc.uteach.io/blog/english-corner-to-improve-your-english