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US FINANCIAL MARKET
Stocks Fall Amid Bank Earnings – Wall Street Journal, 1/14/2022
- U.S. stocks fell Friday following lackluster earnings reports from some of the country’s biggest banks and weaker-than-expected economic data, deepening a winter selloff.
- All three major indexes opened Friday lower, briefly recovered from their early-session lows, then fell again. The S&P 500 was recently down 0.7%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was off 1%.
- The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite retreated from earlier gains, losing 0.5%.
- The losses put all three indexes on track for another week of losses. The S&P 500 and Dow are down 1% and 1.2%, respectively, over the last five days, on pace for a second straight weekly decline. The Nasdaq, off 1.3%, is on track for its third consecutive week in the red.
- Stock futures started heading lower before the market’s open. JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup kicked off the latest quarterly earnings report season by disclosing double-digit percentage drops in profit ahead of the opening bell.
- Shares of those banks started moving lower, followed by scores of other financial stocks.
- That was followed by weak economic data, reigniting concerns about the economy’s ability to fend off inflation and what that means for the Federal Reserve’s fiscal-tightening plan. Retail sales dropped by 1.9% in December, while industrial production dipped slightly for the first time in three months.
- Financial stocks broadly fell, shedding 1.4%. Shares of JPMorgan Chase slid 5.4%, and Citigroup dropped 2.3% after both banks posted declines in quarterly profit.
- Wells Fargo added 4.2% after the bank reported that profit soared 86% in the final three months of 2021.
- Manufacturers, material firms and consumer discretionary stocks were also down at least 1.2% following the economic data.
- Besides that, Sherwin-Williams declined 3.7% after the paint maker lowered its guidance, citing a shortage of raw materials amid supply-chain and labor constraints.
- Energy stocks jumped 1.4%, getting a fresh boost from a climb in oil prices.
- Meanwhile, bond yields resumed their climb. Expectations for an interest-rate rise as soon as March have caused some investors to sell government bonds, pushing up yields. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note ticked up to 1.746% Friday, from 1.708% Thursday.
- Overseas, the pan-continental Stoxx Europe 600 fell 0.9%. EDF’s shares dropped 15.4% in Paris trading after France blocked the utility company from fully passing on soaring energy prices to consumers.
- South Korea’s central bank raised interest rates to pre-pandemic levels to fight inflation, and signaled that more increases could come this year. The country’s benchmark Kospi index declined 1.4%.
- Other major Asian stock indexes also closed lower. China’s Shanghai Composite fell 1%, and Japan’s Nikkei 225 shed 1.3%.
Supreme Court Blocks Biden’s Shot-or-Test Rule for Workers – Bloomberg, 1/14/2022
- A divided U.S. Supreme Court blocked the centerpiece of President Joe Biden’s push to get more people vaccinated amid a Covid-19 surge, rejecting an Occupational Safety and Health Administration rule that would have required 80 million workers to get shots or periodic tests.
- The court let a separate rule take effect requiring shots for workers in nursing homes, hospitals and other facilities that receive Medicare and Medicaid payments from the federal government.
- “Although Congress has indisputably given OSHA the power to regulate occupational dangers, it has not given that agency the power to regulate public health more broadly,” the court said in an unsigned opinion.
- The court’s three liberals — Justices Stephen Breyer, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor — dissented. The decision “stymies the federal government’s ability to counter the unparalleled threat that COVID–19 poses to our nation’s workers,” they said in an unusual joint opinion.
As hospitals reel, California tells coronavirus-positive medical workers to stay on the job – Los Angeles Times, 1/14/2022
- State officials are attempting to address California’s staffing shortage through a sweeping policy change that allows asymptomatic healthcare workers who have tested positive for the coronavirus to return to work immediately.
- The policy, set to remain in place through Feb. 1, is designed to keep many healthcare workers on the job at a time when hospitals are expecting more patients.
- Some experts say California’s stance is an unorthodox yet necessary solution to a difficult problem.
- Yet many healthcare workers and community members say the policy is not only ill-advised, it’s potentially dangerous.
JPMorgan’s Quarterly Profit Drops 14% – Wall Street Journal, 1/14/2022
- JPMorgan Chase’s fourth-quarter profit fell 14%, the bank said Friday.
- The slowdown in the fourth quarter didn’t stop the bank from setting a record for annual profit.
- The nation’s biggest bank earned $48.3 billion in 2021, compared with the pre-pandemic high of $36.4 billion in 2019.
- Revenue was roughly flat at $29.3 billion, compared with the $29.8 billion analysts had expected. Full-year revenue also hit a record, rising 1% to $121.6 billion, with the investment bank, commercial bank and asset and wealth management division all notching their best years ever.
- In the corporate and investment bank, fourth-quarter revenue rose 2% to $11.5 billion. Surging investment banking fees more than offset a slowdown from the boom in trading revenue.
- Fourth-quarter revenue in the consumer bank fell 4% to $12.3 billion.
- Spending on credit cards rose 29% and card loans increased 7%. Mortgage originations rose 30%.
- Net-interest margin, a measure of what the bank makes on loans minus what it pays on deposits, ticked up to 1.63% from 1.62% in the third quarter, the first increase since the pandemic began in 2020.
- In asset and wealth management, revenue rose 16% to $4.47 billion and hit an annual high of $17 billion, as assets under management climbed and clients increased borrowing.
- Loans increased from the prior year for both consumer and wholesale customers. Friday, JPMorgan said it was predicting single-digit loan growth in 2022.
- Fourth-quarter profit was $10.4 billion, or $3.33 a share, better than Wall Street’s expectation for $3.01 a share, according to FactSet.
Wells Fargo’s Quarterly Profit Soars 86% – Wall Street Journal, 1/14/2022
- Wells Fargo’s profit soared 86% in the final three months of 2021.
- The bank posted revenue of $20.86 billion, up 13% from a year ago. That beat expectations of $18.79 billion.
- Wells Fargo’s net interest income, a measure of lending profit, fell 1% to $9.26 billion.
- Outstanding loans rose 1% from a year ago and 4% from the third quarter.
- The lender reported $48.1 billion in mortgage originations in the fourth quarter, down from $53.9 billion the same time a year ago.
- Noninterest income rose 27%. The bank made money on the sale of its corporate trust and asset management businesses.
- Noninterest expenses in the fourth quarter totaled $13.2 billion, down 11% from a year earlier.
- The San Francisco-based bank said Friday that it made $5.75 billion in the fourth quarter, up from $3.09 billion a year earlier.
- Per-share profit totaled $1.38, above analyst estimates of $1.11.
- The bank released $875 million it had set aside to cover pandemic loan losses that didn’t materialize.
Citigroup’s Quarterly Profit Falls 26% – Wall Street Journal, 1/14/2022
- Citigroup’s fourth-quarter profit fell 26%, the bank said Friday.
- Revenue rose 1% to $17 billion, better than the $16.8 billion analysts had forecast.
- Revenue in the institutional clients group rose 4% to $9.9 billion.
- Trading revenue fell 17% in the quarter.
- Investment banking fees from advising companies on mergers, and underwriting stock and debt sales, rose 43%.
- On the consumer side, revenue fell 6% to $6.9 billion and profit fell 42%, hurt by low interest rates and the restructuring expenses.
- Spending on Citigroup credit cards rose 20%. But customers continued to pay off the charges, and card loans fell 1%.
- Citigroup’s lending profitability slipped again, with its net interest margin ticking down to 1.98% from 1.99% last quarter.
- The bank posted net income of $3.2 billion, or $1.46 a share, beating analyst expectations for $1.39 a share, according to FactSet.
- The bank released another $1.4 billion from reserves it had built for potential loan losses, boosting the bottom line in the quarter.
- In total for the year, the bank released almost $5 billion, after setting aside $17.5 billion in 2020, a swing that powered the big profit gain for the year.
BlackRock Now Manages Over $10 Trillion in Assets – Wall Street Journal, 1/14/2022
- BlackRock posted higher quarterly profit, and market gains lifted the investment firm’s assets under management above $10 trillion.
- Revenue rose 14% to $5.11 billion. Analysts polled by S&P Global Market Intelligence predicted $5.15 billion.
- The money manager reported net income of $1.64 billion, or $10.63 a share, in the fourth quarter, up 6% from $1.55 billion, or $10.02, in the same period a year earlier.
- BlackRock finished the year with $10.01 trillion in assets, as investment gains and new client money vaulted the firm past the milestone. The stock market’s decadelong rally, and investors’ appetite for low-cost funds that track market indexes, have fueled the firm’s growth.
- In the fourth quarter, though, BlackRock benefited from strong inflows into its actively managed investments.
- Active funds brought in nearly half of the $211.7 billion in net new client money the firm added in the period.
- For the year, BlackRock earned $5.9 billion, or $38.22 a share, on revenue of $19.37 billion.
Ford at $100 Billion Joins Rare Club With Market Cap Below Sales – Bloomberg, 1/13/2022
- Ford Motor’s rally to top $100 billion in market value places it in an odd group: that of companies that are worth less than what they generate in sales.
- Ford market cap breached the $100 billion milestone earlier on Thursday after a rally pushed the stock to a 20-year high.
- Annual sales at the 118-year old automaker though have been already above that mark for three decades.
- Only 92 other publicly traded companies are in the $100 billion club, and even fewer — just CVS Health, Walmart and Anthem — currently trade at a valuation below their sales.
- With $135 billion in sales over the past year, Ford still has a ways to go before attaining a price-to-sales ratio of one.
- By comparison, the average $100 billion company trades for seven times its sales, led by Nvidia, which currently trades for 27-times last year’s revenue, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
- Newcomer Rivian Automotive, is now valued at roughly $75 billion despite generating only about $1 million in sales.
Walgreens, CVS Shut Some Pharmacies on Weekends as Omicron Strains Staffing – Wall Street Journal, 1/14/2022
- The biggest U.S. drugstore chains are shutting some pharmacies on weekends as the spread of Covid-19 and the Omicron variant exacerbates already severe staffing shortages.
- CVS Health and Walgreens Boots Alliance said weekend shutdowns are unusual but become a reality when locations lack enough pharmacists and technicians to remain open.
- Supermarkets and U.S. retailers such as Macy’s and Walmart are also shortening hours as throngs of American workers stay home because they are sick, awaiting test results or caring for others with the virus.
- Walgreens and CVS said they are unable to quantify weekend closures, which fluctuate each week and sometimes occur without much notice.
- In places such as Washington, D.C., New Gloucester, Maine, and New Paltz, N.Y., customers have said they unexpectedly encountered closed drive-throughs and pharmacy counters in recent weeks. In some cases, people showed up for scheduled Covid-19 vaccine appointments only to find the pharmacy closed.
Exclusive: Tesla delays initial production of Cybertruck to early 2023 – source – Reuters, 1/14/2022
- Tesla aims to start initial production of its much-anticipated Cybertruck by the end of the first quarter of 2023, pushing back its plan to begin production late this year, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.
- The person said the delay comes as Tesla is changing features and functions of the electric pickup to make a compelling product as competition heats up in the segment.
- Tesla is expected to make limited production of the Cybertruck in the first quarter of 2023 before increasing output, the source said.
- CEO Elon Musk, who unveiled the futuristic vehicle in 2019, had already delayed its production from late 2021 to late 2022.
US ECONOMY & POLITICS
U.S. Retail Sales Slide Most in 10 Months on Inflation, Omicron – Bloomberg, 1/14/2022
- U.S. retail sales slumped in December by the most in 10 months, suggesting the fastest inflation in decades is taking a greater toll on consumers just as the nation confronts more coronavirus infections.
- The value of overall purchases decreased 1.9%, after a revised 0.2% gain a month earlier, Commerce Department figures showed Friday.
- The figures aren’t adjusted for inflation, suggesting price-adjusted receipts were even weaker than the headline number.
- Ten of the 13 retail categories showed declines in receipts last month, led by non-store retailers, which includes e-commerce.
- Those sales plummeted 8.7% from a month earlier.
- Department-store receipts decreased 7% after a 5.5% drop in November.
- Sales at furniture stores, electronics outlets and sporting goods establishments also fell.
- Receipts at restaurants and bars, the report’s only services-oriented category and a sign of omicron’s early impact, dropped 0.8% after rising the prior month.
- So-called control group sales — which are used to calculate gross domestic product and exclude food services, auto dealers, building materials stores and gasoline stations — fell 3.1% in December from a month earlier, the most since February.
U.S. Factory Output Posts Surprise Drop on Short Supplies, Labor – Bloomberg, 1/14/2022
- Growth in U.S. factory output unexpectedly declined in December, indicating a surge in Covid-19 infections exacerbated manufacturers’ ongoing struggles with material and labor shortages.
- The 0.3% decrease followed a revised 0.6% gain in November, Federal Reserve data showed Friday.
- Total industrial production, which also includes mining and utility output, fell 0.1% in December.
- In the year through December, factory production was up 3.5% while total industrial output climbed 3.7%.
- The Fed’s report showed capacity utilization at factories fell in December to 77%, the first decline in three months.
- Total industrial capacity also eased to 76.5%.
Consumer Sentiment in U.S. Drops on Inflation, Omicron Fears – Bloomberg, 1/14/2022
- U.S. consumer sentiment declined in early January by more than forecast amid mounting concerns about soaring inflation and the fast-spreading omicron variant.
- The University of Michigan’s preliminary sentiment index fell to 68.8 from 70.6 in December, the second-lowest in a decade, data released Friday showed. The figure trailed the median estimate of 70 in a Bloomberg survey of economists.
- Americans expect inflation to rise 4.9% over the next year, matching the highest since 2008, the Michigan report showed.
- They expect prices will rise at an annual rate of 3.1% over the next five to 10 years, the most since 2011.
- When asked about their finances, 33% reported being worse off than a year ago, just above the April 2020 shutdown level of 32%. It’s even starker among cash-strapped families: twice as many households with incomes in the bottom third as in the top third reported worsening finances, the report said.
- The gauge of current conditions fell to 73.2, the lowest since 2011, while a measure of future expectations declined to 65.9, the survey showed.
U.S. import prices fall in December on petroleum products – Reuters, 1/14/2022
- U.S. import prices unexpectedly fell in December amid a decline in the cost of petroleum products, adding to signs that the worst of high inflation was probably over.
- Import prices dropped 0.2% last month, the first decrease since August, after increasing 0.7% in November, the Labor Department said on Friday. In the 12 months through December, prices rose 10.4% after advancing 11.7% in November.
- Imported fuel prices declined 6.5% last month after rising 2.3% in November.
- Petroleum prices fell 6.0%, while the cost of imported food increased 0.5%.
- Excluding fuel and food, import prices rose 0.5%. These so-called core import prices advanced 0.6% in November. They increased 5.7% on a year-on-year basis in December.
- The report also showed export prices tumbled 1.8% in December after rising 0.8% in November. Prices for agricultural exports rose 0.8%. Nonagricultural export prices dropped 2.1%.
- Export prices increased 14.7% year-on-year in December. That followed a 18.2% annual surge in November.
Automobiles boost U.S. business inventories in November – Reuters, 1/14/2022
- U.S. businesses maintained a strong pace of inventory accumulation in November, with motor vehicle stocks rebounding a bit more than initially thought, suggesting the worst of global supply chain problems was likely behind.
- Business inventories rose 1.3% after a similar gain in October, the Commerce Department said on Friday.
- Inventories are a key component of gross domestic product. November’s increase was in line with economists’ expectations.
- Inventories increased 8.7% on a year-on-year basis in November.
- Retail inventories accelerated 2.0% in November as estimated in an advance report published last month.
- That followed a 0.3% rise in October. Motor vehicle inventories rebounded 4.2% instead of 4.1% as estimated last month.
- Retail inventories excluding autos, which go into the calculation of GDP, shot up 1.3% as estimated last month.
- Business sales increased 0.7% in November after rising 2.2% in October.
- At November’s sales pace, it would take 1.25 months for businesses to clear shelves, up from 1.24 months in October.
Biden Dealt Setback on Elections Bill, Filibuster – Wall Street Journal, 1/14/2022
- President Biden expressed doubts that Democrats would pass their elections legislation, bowing to political realities that left party leaders shy of any path forward in the Senate, just two days after he cited a grave threat to democracy in imploring lawmakers to approve the measure.
- “The honest-to-God answer is I don’t know if we can get this done,” Mr. Biden told reporters Thursday after a closed-door lunch with the Senate Democratic caucus.
- He said he still had hope for what the party had dubbed its top priority but added, “One thing for certain: Like every other major civil rights bill that came along, if we miss the first time, we can come back and try the second time.”
- Shortly before Mr. Biden’s scheduled lunch with Democrats, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D., Ariz.) took to the Senate floor to reiterate that she wouldn’t support rules changes that get rid of the Senate’s 60-vote threshold. Changing filibuster rules would require the support of all Democrats.
- Sen. Joe Manchin (D., W.Va.) later reiterated his own opposition to eliminating the filibuster. Democrats had pinned their chances on changing the senators’ minds, but the statements extinguished those slim hopes.
Democrats Explore Changes for Child Tax Credit to Win Manchin’s Favor – Wall Street Journal, 1/14/2022
- Some Democrats have started exploring how to pare back their proposed expansion of the child tax credit in ways that are aimed at winning the critical support of Sen. Joe Manchin (D., W.Va.), according to people familiar with the matter.
- Among the possibilities: Reducing the size of the credit’s expansion and limiting which Americans are eligible for it, according to the people.
- Now, as part of an early effort to revive the credit and the broader package known as Build Back Better, some Democrats are considering increasing the size of the credit above $2,000, but keeping it below $3,000, as well as offering the expanded credit to a smaller number of households, according to the people.
- The goal for these Democrats is to slim down the credit enough so that they can afford to fund it permanently, a key demand for Mr. Manchin, while still spending money on other priorities in a roughly $1.8 trillion package, according to the people.
Exclusive: U.S. bill would block defense contractors from using Chinese rare earths – Reuters, 1/14/2022
- A bipartisan piece of legislation to be introduced in the U.S. Senate on Friday would force defense contractors to stop buying rare earths from China by 2026 and use the Pentagon to create a permanent stockpile of the strategic minerals.
- The bill, sponsored by Senators Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, and Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat, is the latest in a string of U.S. legislation seeking to thwart China’s near control over the sector.
- It essentially uses the Pentagon’s purchase of billions of dollars worth of fighter jets, missiles and other weapons as leverage to require contractors to stop relying on China and, by extension, support the revival of U.S. rare earths production.
U.S. Will Spend $27 Billion to Repair Bridges – Wall Street Journal, 1/14/2022
- The Biden administration on Friday announced more than $27 billion in spending over the next five years to repair dilapidated bridges across the country, including full funding for structures that aren’t part of the federal highway system.
- State and local governments generally have to kick in up to 20% of the costs of bridge work to win federal funding. Administration officials said Thursday they are removing that requirement for bridges not connected to the federal highway system.
- The White House estimates the five-year funding could improve 15,000 highway bridges across the country. Under the funding plan, states and tribal governments will be awarded $5.4 billion in the current fiscal year, administration officials said.
- There are more than 45,000 bridges in poor condition nationwide, according to the Transportation Department’s 2020 National Bridge Inventory. Any bridge on the inventory is eligible for part of the $27 billion, officials said.
EUROPE & WORLD
German Slowdown Sends Global Warning Signs on Supply Chains, China – Wall Street Journal, 1/14/2022
- Germany’s economy hit the brakes at the end of last year as the export powerhouse was slammed by global supply-chain bottlenecks, surging material prices and weakness in its biggest trading partner, China.
- Germany’s economy probably shrank by between 0.5% and 1% quarter-on-quarter in the September to December quarter, the federal statistics agency said at a news conference on Friday.
- Germany is the first major economy to give a preliminary estimate of its 2021 gross domestic product.
- For 2021 as a whole, German GDP grew by about 2.7% year-over-year, leaving it 2% below its 2019 level.
- That compares with estimated growth of 5% for the wider eurozone and 5.8% for the U.S. last year, the agency said.
- At a news conference on Friday, Georg Thiel, president of the German federal statistics agency, blamed the lackluster recovery on social restrictions aimed at containing the virus, which held back consumer spending, as well as delivery bottlenecks and material shortages.
Russia Moves More Weaponry Toward Ukraine, Keeps the West Guessing – Wall Street Journal, 1/14/2022
- As diplomats were holding negotiations over the Ukraine crisis this week, Russia began moving tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, rocket launchers and other military equipment westward from their bases in its Far East, according to U.S. officials and social-media reports.
- While the equipment is still in transit, officials and analysts are debating whether it represents the next phase in the Kremlin’s buildup that has already placed more than 100,000 troops near its country’s border with Ukraine.
- Some other officials and analysts suspect, however, that Russian President Vladimir Putin is using the new military movements to pursue a strategy of keeping the West guessing about what he will do next, while simultaneously building negotiating leverage.
- If deployed near Ukraine, the officials and analysts said, the new materiel would reinforce the Kremlin’s options to use force—from large incursions to pinprick attacks—to try to weaken the pro-Western government in Kyiv, increase Russia’s control in eastern Ukraine, batter the country’s economy and prevent it from joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Maersk quarterly earnings beat expectations – Reuters, 1/14/2022
- Shipping group Maersk on Friday posted better than expected fourth-quarter revenue and earnings, fueled by record freight rates for container shipping.
- A fall in ocean-going container volumes by 4% in the last three months of the year was more than offset by freight rates improving 80% compared with a year earlier.
- Revenue stood at $18.5 billion, against $17.5 billion expected by analysts.
- Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) totaled $8 billion, above guidance given by the company in November and the $7 billion expected by analysts in a Refinitiv poll.
China posts record trade surplus in Dec and 2021 on robust exports – Reuters, 1/14/2022
- China posted a record trade surplus in December and in 2021, as exports outperformed expectations during a global pandemic, but some analysts pointed to a slowdown in international shipments in the coming months.
- The trade surplus hit $676.43 billion in 2021, the highest since records started in 1950, up from $523.99 bln in 2020, according to data from the statistics bureau.
- The trade surplus rose to $94.46 billion in December, the highest since records started in August 1994. That was up sharply from a $71.72 billion surplus in November and above a forecast for a $74.50 billion surplus in a Reuters poll.
- Exports increased 20.9% year-on-year last month, beating expectations for a 20% rise, but down from a 22% gain in November.
- Imports rose 19.5% year-on-year in December, the customs data showed, missing a forecast for a 26.3% rise and down sharply from a 31.7% gain in November.
- The United States ratified treaty with England ending the Revolutionary War. (1784)
- President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill meet at the Casablanca Conference. (1943)
- George Wallace sworn in as Alabama’s governor, promising “segregation forever.” (1963)
- The Simpsons premiered on television. (1990)


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اپیدمیولوژی اختلال پانیک و موقعیت هراسی در اروپا
|کد مقاله||سال انتشار||مقاله انگلیسی||ترجمه فارسی||تعداد کلمات|
|32834||2005||9 صفحه PDF||سفارش دهید||6328 کلمه|
Publisher : Elsevier - Science Direct (الزویر - ساینس دایرکت)
Journal : European Neuropsychopharmacology, Volume 15, Issue 4, August 2005, Pages 435–443
A literature search, in addition to expert survey, was performed to estimate the size and burden of panic disorder in the European Union (EU). Epidemiologic data from EU countries were critically reviewed to determine the consistency of prevalence estimates across studies and to identify the most pressing questions for future research. A comprehensive literature search focusing on epidemiological studies in community and clinical settings in European countries since 1980 was conducted (Medline, Web of Science, Psychinfo). Only studies using established diagnostic instruments on the basis of DSM-III-R or DSM-IV, or ICD-10 were considered. Thirteen studies from a total of 14 countries were identified. Epidemiological findings are relatively consistent across the EU. The 12-month prevalence of panic disorder and agoraphobia without history of panic were estimated to be 1.8% (0.7–2.2) and 1.3% (0.7–2.0) respectively across studies. Rates are twice as high in females and age of first onset for both disorders is in adolescence or early adulthood. In addition to comorbidity with agoraphobia, panic disorder is strongly associated with other anxiety disorders, and a wide range of somatoform, affective and substance use disorders. Even subclinical forms of panic disorder (i.e., panic attacks) are associated with substantial distress, psychiatric comorbidity and functional impairment. In general health primary care settings, there appears to be substantial underdiagnosis and undertreatment of panic disorder. Moreover, panic disorder and agoraphobia are poorly recognized and rarely treated in mental health settings, despite high health care utilization rates and substantial long-term disability.

domain: medical


French service provider Iliad Telecom/Free has held back on unveiling its much-hyped new TV and internet box as the company reported significant subscriber losses and reduced fixed and mobile revenues in its core French market.
Iliad Telecom CEO Thomas Reynaud told Reuters that the new box would be “at the foot of the Christmas tree” but declined to comment on earlier reports that the operator had planned to unveil the new device – seen as key to revitalising its sales in France – on November 20.
Iliad had 6.459 million fixed customers in France at the end of September, down from 6.495 million a year earlier. However the company increased the number of subscribers to its FTTH network from 483,000 to 835,000. Iliad said it had reduced the number of fixed-line losses in the third quarter to 14,000.
Iliad lost 90,000 mobile customers in France, with losses concentrated in its low-cost tier. The company said it had experienced a negative impact from the introduction of low-cost offerings by rivals. Mobile losses in France were however offset by the company’s success in attracting customers in Italy, where its recently launched mobile offering had attracted 2.23 million customers by the end of September.
Iliad posted revenues of €3.64 million for the nine months to September, up 0.7%, with mobile revenues offsetting a 2.7% decline in fixed revenues.
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From gathering all the fitness equipment and packing for the trip to finding the best yoga retreat and more. Here’s everything you need to know about how to make the most of your yoga holiday on Corfu Island.
As countries gradually ease the travel restrictions, it’s no wonder why many people are considering going on a yoga retreat. A yoga holiday gives you an instant and intimate sense of rejuvenation, health, and happiness. Isn’t that just what we all need these days? Especially since the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns seem to have taken a toll on everyone’s mental and physical health. However, finding the best destination for yoga vacation can be quite a challenge. The sheer amount of choice out there can confuse you easily. But believe it when we say that Corfu Island is the perfect stop for a yoga retreat.
Well, because no other place on this planet can offer the experience that awaits at the Greek Island of Corfu.
Cradling rich cultural history in a serene and picturesque setting, Corfu island is a natural treat to the senses. There are various reasons why it’s particularly popular among yogis planning to go on a retreat. But before we list those down, here’s a brief overview of the place.
Located off Greece’s northwest coast, Corfu is a small yet majestic island with origins dating back to the Greek Mythology. This exotic landmass is situated amid the Ionian Sea. Right where the warm and glittering water from Albania envelop it in a misty charm.
Here, you can revel in the natural beauty that comes with a side of history. Corfu, also called Kerkyra or the emerald island, is famous for its pristine white sand beaches bordering a diverse landscape. Its relaxed way of life, coupled with impressive tourist attractions, make it a popular holiday destination all around the year.
However, even when abuzz with visitors, there’s no place that can rival Corfu in terms of serenity and natural tranquility. In fact, most of the people touring Corfu are here to elevate their senses on a yoga retreat. And rightly so.
Take a look at the top reasons why Corfu Island is the ideal destination for a yoga holiday.
A yoga holiday is different from your average vacation. Unlike regular holidays where you may do random fun activities, a retreat is about stepping back and journeying inwards. A retreat should give you the chance to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with yourself. And that’s precisely what you get on a yoga holiday on Corfu Island.
Nature’s Gem – Corfu is a large island with historic sites, including city and temple ruins, plus museums, resorts, and beaches. Together, they make for a rich tapestry that will uplift your energy the moment you set foot on it.
A Real Sanctuary – This Ionian island has plenty of stunning beaches perfect for lounging, swimming, or simply soaking up the sun. If you don’t like doing yoga by the sea, you can trek up the lush green valleys instead. Breathe in the fresh air and perfect your poses perched atop the rugged mountains.
Delve in the Mediterranean Diet – Corfu is not just packed with outdoor restaurants offering stunning views. Corfiot cuisine is packed with flavor and nutrition too. Here, most chefs rely solely on using fresh produce, such as home-grown herbs and seasonal fruits, to create unique dishes. Staying fit isn’t synonymous with starving yourself. And yogis know that all too well. You will want to satisfy your appetite after all that exercising. What better way to please your palate than with fresh and healthy Corfiot dishes.?
A Balanced Climate – Corfu’s weather that stays pleasant year-round is another endearing feature of this place. The summer season remains dry for the most part. So, visitors can enjoy the tranquil sea breeze under the clear blue sky. Similarly, winters are also mild. There’s little rainfall, but the temperatures don’t drop below the comfort level. In other words, vacationing in Corfu allows you to remain out and about at all times. You can make the most of your vacation here.
Yoga Festivals – You have seen all the factors that make Corfu a prized wellness destination. So, it should not come as a surprise why numerous yoga resorts populate this island. From boutique BnBs with yoga instructors onboard to fitness studios organizing yoga retreats themselves, there’s something for every yogi here. It doesn’t matter whether you are a newbie or a skilled yogi looking to advance their practice. You can easily find a retreat that meets your needs and preference.
A yoga holiday on Corfu Island makes you feel refreshed and deeply rested. Plus, it gives you peace of mind with respect to the expenses too. Worried about accommodation, food, or hiring a car rental in Corfu? All services and products on this island are available at highly competitive prices. You can enjoy a luxurious experience on all fronts without burning a hole in your pocket.
A yoga holiday can refresh you to the core. The key is to prepare well because a poorly organized trip is likely to end in a disaster. Following is a simple guide discussing basic tips and tricks to make your retreat a trip of a lifetime.
The first step to a memorable, life-altering retreat is to find a vacation that suits your needs. Pay attention to how much yoga you wish to do. Some retreats are strictly yoga-only, whereas others combine yoga with recreational activities.
Your yoga retreat should be professional, responsive, and well-organized. But at the same time, it should offer a sociable setting for all guests to interact with each other. After all, yoga retreats provide the perfect opportunity for making like-minded friends.
Before you book a retreat, make sure you have a complete idea of what you are paying for. Check whether the package includes accommodation, food, transportation, airport transfers, the cost for add-on activities, and so on.
As with most trips in general, it’s best to travel light when going on a yoga holiday in Corfu. The basic items you will need include:
They say yoga trips can change lives. But finding a retreat that’s best for you can sap your core strength before you have even started. Corfu has plenty of yoga retreats that often leave visitors confused for choice. However, you need not worry because we have sorted it all out for you.
The following are some of the most popular places for yoga on Corfu that will be worth your while. We include general locations as well as yoga BnBs, travel clubs, and more. See which one best meets your needs and preference.
Arillas is an expanse of calm blue waters at the north-western part of the island. Its sandy shore separates it from the rugged terrain covered in a carpet of green. This quiet, safe, and family-friendly beach has plenty of resorts for all types of tourists. If your children are accompanying you on the vacay, they’d love swimming in the shallow crystal waters. Or you can let them frolic on the beach while you relax and unwind.
In the mood for some socializing? Walk through the paths that lead to the nearby small villages. There, you will find a range of locally owned small taverns and shops. Stop for chit chat or grab a quick snack. And maybe shop for some souvenirs too? The options are many.
All in all, Arillas is the perfect spot to enjoy most of Corfu’s features in a limited time.
Agios Stefano is also called San Stefanos. It’s a dazzling beach located on the northwest coast of Corfu. The water here is clean, shallow, and suitable for taking a dip regardless of what the weather might be. Since it’s off the beaten track, San Stefano is not overly busy. You can easily find a comfortable place to stay and a lovely restaurant to dine out. There are a few gift shops in the area and numerous bars and accommodation to suit all budgets.
If your idea of a yoga retreat is simplicity, originality, and closeness to nature, this is the place to be. But if you want a place with touristy attractions and a bit of hype, you may want to avoid it. In that case, consider heading out to a Corfu village like Kavadades or Magoulades.
The Kavadades is a traditional Greek village awash with beauty. It has only a few inhabitants. Nonetheless, there are lots of noteworthy spots to dine, drink, and feast that you just can’t miss.
At a distance of about 30 km from Corfu Town, this place also boasts incredibly unique countryside views. Visiting in winter will give you a glimpse of the snow-covered Albanian mountain lining the horizon.
Magoulades is a large village on the island’s north-western side. It extends from Sidari to the Arillas beach. A steep hill shelters it from the Ionian Sea, making it an ancient treasure in many ways. Magoulades has a quiet and amiable environment that is typical of the Greek islands. However, it is also bustling with activity at the same time. Accommodation facilities in this village usually come with amenities like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, private garden, barbeque pits, etc. You can book a regular room and go for yoga on your own. Or directly book one of the yoga BnBs in the village to save the hassle of finding a wellness center later on.
Corfu Buddha Hall is an extremely beautiful, purpose-built group space for meditative arts. It is located on top of a small, inland hill in the village of Magoulades. You can travel here via bus or by hiring a car rental in Corfu. The Corfu Buddha Hall is one of the most sought-after yoga retreats on the island for its VIP member treatment.
It does not offer room to stay. But the large hall and the kitchen located beneath it offer outstanding food for the body and soul. Their team understands how important it is for the guests to eat well and stay energized. This is why a feast of delicious and nutritious food items await after you complete the meditative activities.
The UK tour operator, Inner Travel Ltd, organizes and schedules all events at the Corfu Buddha Hall. This includes a range of workshops, training sessions, fitness talks, and other programs on meditative practices.
Experience the magic of Greece and the rejuvenating power yoga done right by visiting Mandala Yoga B&B. Sitting on the edge of a small hill in Magoulades, this boutique accommodation facility is designed exclusively for yogis. You can choose from different room styles starting from as low as EUR 25. All the rooms offer spectacular views of the mountains, village, and olive groves. There is a communal kitchen equipped with all the necessary equipment. However, depending on the room you book, you might get access to a private kitchenette too.
The property has two beautiful gardens where you can practice yoga, mantra singing, and other mind and wellness techniques.
In the middle of centuries-old olive groves, lies Ouranos Club, a wellness center prized for its unparalleled experience. The Arillas beach and bay of San Stefanos provide a stunning view on either side of the retreat. But it’s not just the stunning surroundings that make it a must-visit for your yoga holiday.
Ouranos Club is popular for the freedom it gives to its guests to shape their everyday activities. You can select from a variety of meditative programs that are suitable for yogis of all skill and experience levels. From yoga and Tai Chi to singing, dancing, and more, their programs are versatile and change every week. Ouranos Club also holds creative workshops for those who wish to awaken their inner artist. Participants can work with different materials, such as wood, stone, fabric, marble, etc.
The food is exclusively vegetarian and packed with flavor that will leave you craving for more. The center has two housing options. You can stay in an accommodation close to the action in the main hall. Or you can stay in a nearby BnB that is reachable by a small footpath.
The Gayatri Mandir is a unique outdoor temple. How so? Because it’s specially designed to help people find their inner peace and develop a deeper sense of awareness. It is located just a couple of minutes’ drive away from the beach. The Gayatri Mandir, therefore, offers a panoramic view of the Ionian Sea with olive trees sheltering the open platform. A group of three travel-slash-fitness enthusiasts often hold an annual mantra-singing workshop here. It’s main aim is to help the participants get rid of negative energy.
This year’s Gayatri Festival was canceled due to COVID-19 measures. But the organizers will be holding the event next year. So, book your spot now. You may receive an early bird discount.
Holidaymakers love the Alexis Zorbas Center for its Greek hospitality and way of life. Here, you get an ample amount of space to relax and rejuvenate in a number of different ways. Its strategic location in the village of Arillas makes your retreat truly magical and transforming. Soak up the Mediterranean sun lying idly on the soft sand beach. Or dive in the clear waters to refresh yourself almost instantly. The silent olive groves also welcome you to declutter your mind on a leisurely stroll.
The Alexis Zorbas Center holds a chanting seminar in the morning and Satsang in the evening. You can also bring your little ones along. The Center conducts a special children program for parents ‘busy’ relaxing. The program consists of fun yet purposeful activities to awaken the young minds.
Are you going for a yoga holiday on Corfu Island during the summer season? Don’t miss out on the Agape Zoe festival. It’s a sweet gathering of yogis, dancers, healers, musicians, and visionaries who wish to celebrate the journey of life.
The festival begins at the open-air temple of Gayatri Mandir, where participants chant and dance to create magic together. The line-up activities include yoga, music sessions, and other therapies for opening up your heart in a natural setting.
Yoga on Corfu is a holiday group that arranges yoga retreats in the wonderful bay of Agios Georgios. Registering with this group will take you to a seminar house that has eight studios, each equipped with a kitchenette and wet room. The founder, Julia Figge, plans each activity very carefully and thoughtfully. After the seminar, you can head out for walking, snorkeling, painting, horse-riding, and more. Most of the group work takes place in idyllic spots that refresh you instantly. The best part? Julia will be serving you freshly cooked food made from local produce!
Going on a yoga retreat has many benefits. It’s the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate. Plus, it can help you re-start a fallen yoga practice or strengthen an existing one. A yoga holiday on Corfu Island can be a wonderfully rewarding experience on so many levels. We hope that with all the aforementioned information, you now know how to arrange a trip that restores serenity to the mind, body, and spirit.

domain: geography


Haim: Don’t Save Me
Shades of Cyndi Lauper and Stevie Nicks at their droopy-eyed best in the latest from the spunky Californian sister trio, winners of the BBC Sound of 2013 award.
Villagers: The Bell
Sonorous piano thumps and swirling organ sounds turn this track, from the gifted Dublin songwriter Conor J. O’Brien’s second album, into something from a John Barry film score.
Low: Just Make It Stop
The first single from the Minnesota slowcore kings’ tenth studio album, The Invisible Way (due in March, produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy), is a dark folk song with evocative harmonies.
Azealia Banks: BBD
The Harlem rapper has been deservedly chastised for her homophobic remarks about Perez Hilton. She should stick to making brilliant electro hip-hop like this.…


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Posted June 03, 2019 07:53:30 Apple’s new iPhones, 6, 6 plus and 6s have received a significant update.
While the new phones have gotten a lot of attention, Apple has also been working on a few new features.
The newest phones, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, are expected to arrive at retail stores in late summer.
There are a few key features that are coming to these devices, and here’s a quick breakdown of what they are.
Apple has introduced a new adhesive glue adhesive that will allow users to glue up iPhones, iPads, and other devices to a surface.
The adhesive glue will not work on the iPhone 5s or iPhone 5c, however, so owners of the newer devices may want to check the software and warranty before making a purchase.
A new “casing material” for iPhone 6 and 6 PlusAccording to Apple, the new adhesive material for the iPhone 6 Plus will be “a more durable material with a very low water and dust resistance.”
The material will be made from polyurethane and is called “Premium Apple-made Polymer.”
A new version of this material was used for the previous iPhone, so this new material is likely to be better.
A few other details are also expected, including a new design that will fit into the larger, thinner iPhone 6.
The iPhone 6 will get the new material in two sizes, and the iPhone 7 will be getting it in a smaller, more flexible material.
The new material for iPhone 7 is called a “polyurethanesplash,” which is similar to the one that was used in the iPhone 4.
It is a lighter, softer material that is more likely to work with the new iPhone.
A lot of people who have been using iPhone cases for years are likely to want to keep that in mind, but if you want to get the best results from your case, we recommend that you check out Apple’s tutorial for how to get your iPhone case to last longer.
A larger camera for the new iPhonesiPhone 6 and iPhone 6Plus will come with a larger 5.5-inch screen, which is the same size as the iPhone 8 Plus.
The iPhone 6 is also expected to get a new TrueDepth camera for more detail.
There’s also a new 5MP camera on the back of the iPhone, but it is not a selfie camera.
Apple also released a new iOS 8 update that will include a new iPhone 6 design.
The new design is said to be lighter and more comfortable to hold.
This new design will likely be released as an iOS 9 update, but you should keep an eye on Apple’s blog for a release date.

domain: news


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Central bank governor György Matolcsy and prime minister Viktor Orbán announcing the bad news in December.
A bank purchased by the government of Hungary in September for EUR 55 million may end up costing Hungarian taxpayers EUR 700-800 million to “reorganize” according to weekly business news magazine Figyelő.
In September the government acquired the Hungarian Trade Bank (MKB) from BayernLB for a reported EUR 55 million. Prior to that the bank’s previous owners reportedly increased the bank’s capital by some EUR 270 million.
Three weeks ago Hungary central bank governor György Matolcsy and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held a joint press conference to announce that, while there were problems with the MKB’s loan portfolio, the National Bank of Hungary (MNB) intended to extend a “protective net” to MKB and “stand behind it with all the assets of its balance sheet”.
Over the course of the press conference Orbán announced that the government was “not suited to operate banks” and should only own them “for the purpose of reorganizing them”. This was a stunning revelation considering only two weeks earlier Minister for National Economy Mihály Varga announced that Hungary had entered into an agreement to acquire the Budapest Bank from GE Capital for an undisclosed amount.
Only at the end of December did the central bank “announce” on its website that, in fact, it had taken over the ailing bank and ordered its reorganization on December 18.
According to Figyelő, when Hungary paid EUR 55 million for MKB, it effectively bought an obligation to spend EUR 700-800 million reorganizing and recapitalizing the bank. As 444.hu ironically puts it
“MKB was so worth buying that it generates some HUF 400-500 million worth of losses daily”.
The online daily notes that MKB is threatened with pending insolvency, “except now instead of the Bavarians making up the losses, we are making them up”.
The business weekly writes that the government has agreed to pay an extra USD 300 million over its current market value of USD 400 million due to the “synergistic effect” of yet another state-owned bank, despite there being an oversupply of bank branches on the Hungarian market.
The actual price of the bank will not be determined until January or February of 2015.
444.hu concludes that
“The purchase of the two banks will succeed in causing HUF 240 billion worth of losses – roughly ten years worth of internet tax receipts – to the tax payers. And this is not the end as the appetite for buying banks is increasing. Erste, Raiffeisen, CIB, K&H and Unicredit are still on the market, the purchase of any one of which might cause many hundreds of billions of forints in losses.”

domain: finance


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Gallery and Outdoor Session: Drawing and Mindfulness Meditation
Adult: Gallery & Outdoor Session
Five Sundays: February 22, March 1, 8, 22, and 29 | 10 am–1 pm
Discover what drawing and mindfulness meditation have in common. Through short exercises in mindfulness-awareness practice and guided meditation, students naturally develop the skills for drawing from observation. Each class includes instruction in mindfulness meditation, viewing of the collection, and sketching from the museum's artworks, unique architecture, and outdoor gardens. With artist Lisa Oxley.
LACMA, classes meet on the Los Angeles Times Central Court
$160 LACMA members; $180 general public
Tickets: 323 857-6010 or purchase online
Note: Art materials and parking fees included in tuition; limited enrollment.
Plan Your Visit
Image: Buddha Shakyamuni, Central Tibet, c. 11th century, gift of the 1996 Collectors Committee

domain: hobby


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The last time I was on Cluan Place, everyone I spoke to wanted the same two things.
It was 2015, not long after Belfast’s flag protests. Young Loyalists would throw rocks at Catholic kids, flee down the nearest alleyway on their home turf, hop over a garden wall, and hide from the police. The people I was talking with – whose houses backed onto this alleyway – would open their curtains and find a riotous teenager in their backyard. The first thing they wanted was a gate, guarding the close behind their homes. I’ll come to the second later.
I returned to Cluan Place last week. The back alleyway is now blocked by a ten foot steel gate. “It’s great,” said a woman steering a pushchair down the cul-de-sac “so long as people remember to shut it”.
In a sense, it is a good thing. A community wanted something, and they got it. That’s how democracy is meant to work. But in another sense, it’s deeply worrying: twenty years after the Good Friday Agreement, people are still relying on defensive architecture to protect them from sectarian violence.
And this corner of East Belfast is not unusual. For all of the progress since the Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland is still a country decorated by flags divided by fences. For all of the talk that these so-called “peace walls” will come down, there are as many miles of metal and barbed wire dividing Catholic and Protestant communities from each other as there were when Tony Blair declared in 1997 that he could feel the hand of history on his shoulder.
But this article isn’t about Northern Ireland. Because, the main thing which struck me when I revisited Belfast last week was not how different it was, but how familiar it has become.
Since I had last been in Belfast, I’ve been trying to get my head around another one of the nations of the UK: with Civil Society Futures, the inquiry into how English civil society can flourish in a fast changing world, my colleagues and I have been visiting and talking to people in towns and cities across England. And one worrying trend consistently strikes me.
Walk around urban areas from the Newcastle to Surrey and you find new blocks of flats huddled behind high walls and locked gates and decorated with snarling CCTV gargoyles. Whether they’re whole gated communities, or individual homes which people have chosen to fortify with astounding arrays of defensive architecture, people seem to be more and more comfortable with locking themselves away from the world.
And – as with Northern Ireland – not all of the divides have fences down them. Often, you have to talk to people to know where their boundaries are. In Penzance, we were told about children who live on council estates in the town but have never visited the beach: they don’t see it as ‘theirs’ to go to. Seaside Cornwall is pockmarked with ghettos for white, middle-class second-homers, and its working-class residents are being forced out.
At the same time, another strand of what you might call the Ulsterification of England has unfolded. Wandering around the housing estates of central Oldham, there were more flags – George Crosses, Union Flags and even a Royal Standard flying high over someone’s front garden – than I saw on the famous streets of West Belfast last week. Across much of England, it’s become normal to fly the national standard in a way it never used to be.
In some ways, of course, there is no comparison between the two countries. The people either side of England’s gates didn’t live through a generation of civil war. Most have never heard gunfire or bomb blasts. Unlike Belfast or Derry, you don’t often meet drinkers in pubs in central Sunderland with bullet-dented skulls or tales of being tortured by the British army. In fact, quite the reverse.
Between 1995 and 2016, the number of recorded incidents of violent crime fell in England and Wales fell from 3.8 million to 1.3 million. The number of burglaries has collapsed through the floor – from 2,445,000 in 1993 to 650,000 in 2017. The total number of reported crimes fell from 19 million in 1994 to 6.7 million in 2014. As with most of the Western world, England has become notably safer over the last twenty years, with potential reasons ranging from the banning of leaded petrol to the rise of computer games and of the increased cost of alcohol.
And yet, as the country has become safer, we’ve become more and more inclined to cut ourselves off from each other, much more fearful of our neighbours. (And it seems unlikely that the rise of defensive architecture has caused the fall in violent crime or burglaries – academic research has “consistently failed to show that defended enclaves are less vulnerable to crime than ungated neighbourhoods” according to Sheffield University’s Sarah Blandy).
Of course, some of this is because perceptions and reality often differ. In 2016, 60% of adults believed that crime rates had gone up in recent years. But it seems to me that there is another answer for this division.
Measured by income, the UK is currently the sixth most unequal country in the OECD rich countries club. Look across the other countries at the top of the table, and most – Israel, the USA, South Africa, Turkey – are also living through democratic crises – and most are also known for their gated enclaves where the white and powerful prune their hedges without having to look at the world outside.
Measure inequality by asset wealth, and things are even worse. Because the UK and its Overseas Territories and Crown Protectorates is by far the most important network of tax havens and secrecy areas on Earth – and the money laundering capital of the world – it’s very hard to get accurate figures for the wealth of our richest residents. But even using official information on the assets that people do actually declare, the richest 10% now own 1,154 times what the poorest 10% own. And that’s before we consider the difference between the richest 0.1% and the rest of us.
But we don’t just divide ourselves by wealth. It’s not an original observation to say that, while migrant communities have got better at mixing with each other in recent years, middle class white people of English origin continue to huddle together in suburban ghettos. Research from Demos in 2015 showed that “ethnic minority children, who now represent 26 per cent of all school students in England, are substantially more likely than White British children to attend schools in which ethnic minorities are in the majority.”
But what has perhaps surprised us more is how much we divide ourselves by generation: ever more students live in city-centre accommodation blocks with security guards and swipe-access key-cards. Ever more pensioners are locked away in old folks’ homes in coastal towns which increasingly become retirement villages. In much of the country, the young people we spoke to wanted more than anything else to leave: it’s normal for Northern Ireland to talk about its brain drain, but the youth is being sucked out of huge swathes of England, too. For people in a huge number of places, success in life is seen to mean leaving your community. As one person in Penzance told us “I have got a 20 year old now, he is in uni up in Bristol and where he goes from there, he doesn’t know. It’s probably, it’s like everyone else. He isn’t likely to take a step back and coming back to his community.”
And then we’re cut into smaller units too. Communities have dissolved as homes have become commodities. “Flexible” working and freelance culture have broken down work-place solidarity and trade union membership has collapsed. As public assets have been sold off, ever more decisions are made through the market – one pound one vote. And so we built an online architecture through which we can meet each other – but only those we wish to be ‘friends’ with, or to shout abuse at. It’s no wonder that we struggle with democratic processes. It wasn’t Brexit that divided us, it’s just the lens through which we saw how divided we had already become.
Looked at this way, the fences and defensive architecture of modern England are just one visible rip in a society being torn apart. Differences in wealth make it harder and harder for us to talk to each other, and to build genuine communities across ever-greater difference. Atomised and often lonely individuals hide behind ever higher walls, shouting at each other online.
But we’ve found something else too, something much more hopeful. Because the second thing that everyone I spoke to on Belfast’s Cluan Place wanted was an end to the division. And travelling around England, that’s what we found too. People don’t like living behind fences. They don’t like being divided by walls.
In Mansfield, we met the ‘welcome committee’, who help people settle into the area whether they’ve moved there from Sunderland or Somalia. At Hack Oldham – a new space on a resurrected high street – a young self-identifying geek taught an octogenarian how to use the community laser-cutter to make the dolls houses that her increasingly shaky hands had prevented her from continuing to build. CoLab in Exeter connects people who would otherwise be isolated.
Talk to protest groups across the country and they tell you that – whether they’re campaigning for or against a new housing development, opposing cuts or fighting off fracking – that organising against power has helped them build lifelong connections with those around them.
Everywhere we’ve been, people have talked about a desire to break down the barriers they see springing up between them and their neighbours. But often, they tell us, they don’t know how. For English civil society to flourish in our fast changing world, we must begin to answer that question.

domain: sociology


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Regan Daley’s Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies
After weeks of poring over new cookbooks and testing out new recipes, I suddenly felt the urge to do something simple and familiar. Maybe it’s the increasingly nippy fall mornings, the grey clouds trundling across the sky like a soft cuddly blanket being unrolled, but I felt like making something warm and comforting…like chocolate chip cookies. No fancy twiddling around or exotic ingredients, just fresh, fragrant promises of happiness from the oven.
That was what I intended, anyway. Then I decided I might want to take a look at my tried-and-true cookie recipe and compare to some of the other recipes in my new cookbooks. Maybe do a taste comparison of recipes. And while I was at it, maybe I could see if I could incorporate any of the lessons I’d learned while working in a professional bakery to improve my cookies at home.
What was supposed to be a quick batch of cookies turned into a marathon bakeoff between four cookie recipes, along with a compilation of all the little cookie-making tips I’d accumulated over the years. Although I really (seriously!) wish I could share all the fruits of my oven’s labor with you, I figure I could at least share what I discovered (not the least realization being that you really can eat too many cookies in one sitting, no matter how delicious they are). So following I present some of my cookie-baking tips, along with an analysis of how many ways you can make a chocolate chip cookie.
Measure accurately – I’m sure that most home bakers by now know the importance of careful and consistent measurement of ingredients, so I won’t dwell on the basics. I will note that I do just about all my measuring on a scale, foregoing the imprecision of measuring cups (I do still use measuring spoons for small amounts). With so many inexpensive digital scales available these days, I would really recommend that anyone who is even a halfway avid baker invest in one – you’ll be amazed at how much easier it makes measuring ingredients and how much more confident you’ll feel about getting the quantities correct. I’m trying to post all my recipes on Dessert First with both imperial and metric measurements, and I’m also planning on putting up some standard conversions as well, although there are plenty of excellent converters on the internet already if you take a look around.
Have ingredients at the right temperature: It’s best for all the ingredients in a recipe to be at around the same temperature (unless otherwise specified) – usually this means having butter and eggs out of the refrigerator and at room temperature. What does room temperature mean, though? For butter, this means between 65 to 70 degrees F: soft enough for you to make an impression in the surface when you press firmly, but not melting, squishy, or oily. If it’s too firm, you won’t be able to cream it properly because the sugar will be unable to work into the butter and aerate it. If it’s too soft, it will be unable to retain as much air and fluff up, leading to heavy, dense, greasy product. Eggs will also incorporate into batter better if they are at room temperature; if you’ve neglected to take them out of the refrigerator soon enough, you can place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to warm them up.
Sherry Yard’s Quintessential Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cream butter and sugar together properly – How can the words "light and fluffy" strike fear into the hearts of so many? If you’re practical-minded like me, finding out the science behind light and fluffy will help you figure out what to look for. When you are creaming butter and sugar together, you are cutting the sugar into the butter, creating little pockets of air in the fat – aerating it. It’s this incorporation of air into butter that determines if you will get a tender, light cookie or a dense, leaden one. So how do you know if you’ve done it right? The creamed butter and sugar should increase in volume and lighten in color to almost white. You should not be able to see sugar particles in the butter. It is possible to overcream butter – it will become shiny and eventually break down – but hopefully you won’t have neglected the mixer for that long! Also, using butter at the proper temperature as discussed above will ensure you can get your mixture light and fluffy in no time at all.
Practice uniform cookie size – Of course, the size you make your balls of cookie dough will determine how fast they bake, but it’s also important to try keep the size as uniform as possible so all the cookies will bake the same. For the truly meticulous, the best method is to weigh out blobs of dough on a scale and aim for the same weight each time – this might be an interesting exercise if you’re trying to figure out how much dough goes into your ideal cookie size. If that seems like too much trouble for you, using a cookie scoop works just fine as well.
Know the difference between your baking pans – Sometimes when I’m short of sheets I want to grab any flat surface in the kitchen. But it helps to know how different types of pans affect the baking of cookies. Cookie sheets, or baking sheets, are rimless on two or three sides and allow excellent circulation of air around the dough. Jelly roll pans are rimmed and work nicely for cookie baking, but you should be aware that baking time might be longer because the rim will block some of the heat from the cookie dough. I have some professional grade half-sheet pans made of heavy-gauge aluminum that are 12"x18" in size; they work wonderfully as cookie sheets. Regardless of what you use, it’s best if it is as sturdy and durable as possible; flimsy lightweight cookie sheets may warp in the oven and lead to uneven baking. Also avoid dark colored surfaces as they may overcook the bottoms of your cookies before the tops are done. Aluminum sheets are ideal.
Dorie Greenspan’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Know your oven – Every oven is different, so get to know yours and its lovable or not so lovable idiosyncrasies. Does the temperature run high or low? Where are the hot spots? In order to ensure even baking of all cookies, I usually rotate my sheets halfway through the baking time, both from back and from top to bottom rack so all the cookies get even heating.
Always check before the specified time – Even if I think I’ve figured out my oven’s quirks, I still look in on my cookies a minute or so before they’re supposed to be done. This is to account for any variances on my part in making the batter; after working in a bakery and making cookies day after day, it’s surprising how you may think you’re making the same recipe in exactly the same way each time, but a little change in the temperature of the ingredients, how long you beat the batter, how big you shape the cookies, can lead to very different results. It’s tempting to just set the timer and forget about it, but I like to err on the side of caution and check in to see how the cookies are doing. Don’t open the oven during the first few minutes of baking though, and don’t open the oven too many times or you’ll lower the temperature of the interior too much and prevent the cookies from baking properly.
Pull out cookies before they are completely done – This was the hardest lesson for me to learn back when I first started making cookies in the kitchen. I would pull out a sheet of golden brown cookies, nice and firm to the touch, only to have them turn into rock-hard pucks as they cooled down. Since cookies will continue to bake as they sit on the sheets, if it’s that soft chewiness you’re looking for, you’ll need to pull them out when the edges are just turning brown at the edges and are lightly golden on top. They shouldn’t look raw in the center, but if they still soft to the touch they will stay soft after cooling. If you’re looking for crisp cookies, you can leave them in the oven for a few minutes longer, but I’ve found that some recipes work better for thin crispy cookies than others – see below.
Don’t reuse hot sheets – I know it’s tempting, especially because most of us only have a few cookie sheets and usually a lot of dough, but reusing hot sheets right out of the oven will melt the dough before it can bake properly. Instead, rinse the sheets off in the sink with cold water to cool them down before reusing them.
Kate Zuckerman’s Crispy, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
All right, now that I’ve gotten past general tips on perfecting your cookie-baking technique, on to the specifics. I compared chocolate chip cookie recipes from four of my favorite cookbook authors: Kate Zuckerman, Dorie Greenspan, Sherry Yard, and Regan Daley. Since the amounts of butter, eggs, baking soda, and salt were pretty much the same, as well as the methods of making and baking the dough, I used these similarities as a baseline to see the difference varying amounts of sugar and flour would make.
Ingredients Kate Dorie Sherry Regan
Butter 4 oz 4 oz 4 oz 4 oz
(113g) (113g) (113g) (113g)
Eggs 1/2* 1 1 1
Flour 7/8 cup 1 cup 3/4 cup 1 1/2 cup + 1
(120g) (140g) (100g) (222g)
Sugar none 1/2 cup 3/8 cup 1/4 cup
(100g) (74g) (52g)
Brown sugar 3/4 cup 1/3 cup 1/8 cup 1/2 cup
(170g) (72g) (28g) (110g)
Baking soda 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp 1/4 tsp 1/2 tsp
Salt   ; 1/8 tsp 1/2 tsp 1/8 tsp 1/4 tsp
Vanilla 1/4 tsp 1 tsp 1/2 tsp 3/4 tsp
Choc. chips 4 oz 6 oz 4 oz 8 oz
(116g) (174g) (116g) (232g)
* plus 1/2 egg white
How were the results? Well, the first and most noticeable difference is that Daley’s recipe uses almost twice as much flour as any of the other recipes. This led to a firmer, cakey texture and a cookie that held its shape the best of all four – it hardly spread at all in the oven and retained its roundness and heft (see top photo). This is definitely for those who like to bite into a thick and substantial cookie. I’ve used this cookie several times before and it was always well received.
Zuckerman’s recipe is the only one made with just brown sugar, and it baked up exactly as she described: flat, chewy, with strong, addictive caramelly-butterscotchy flavor. All that brown sugar also means this cookie will stay moist for a while in the cookie jar. Greenspan’s cookie is pretty similar to Zuckerman’s but not quite as thin or chewy – these two cookies were the most similar to each other of the four, and most like what I consider the current trend for chocolate chip cookies: flattish, craggy-surfaced with chips, crisp at the edges and chewy to very slightly underbaked at the center. In short, delicious. It was very interesting to see how varying proportions of sugar affected the texture of the cookie.
Yard’s cookie is an interesting middle road between the other three: it uses the least flour and sugar, and the resulting cookie is very light and airy, almost like a madeleine. It also uses the least amount of brown sugar, so it has the least caramel flavor; compared to the other three it tasted more of vanilla cookie laced with chocolate chips. This is lovely, delicate little cookie – I don’t think I’ve ever had a chocolate chip cookie like this one before.
Using the same ingredients for four seemingly similar recipes, it was amazing to compare how differently they came out. So what’s the conclusion? That there is room out there for many fabulous chocolate chip cookies, and plenty of freedom for you to experiment in your kitchen and find your perfect recipe. I liked all four of the cookies, but I’m thinking of tweaking the proportions of flour and sugar a little more to get the cookie I’m envisioning. Fortunately for me, there appears to quite the eager audience for the also-rans; otherwise I’d be awash in all the cookies from my experiments!
Oh, I almost forgot one last cookie-making tip: chocolate chip cookie dough freezes beautifully. So if you don’t think you’ll be able to finish off a batch of cookies in one day, scoop the leftover dough into balls, place securely in a plastic bag, and store in the freezer. You can then enjoy fresh-baked cookies whenever you desire!
Tagged with: chocolate chip cookie + cookie making tips + Kate Zuckerman + Dorie Greenspan+ Sherry Yard+ Regan Daley
Lisa D. says
If you can bear one more round, I have a recipe that I have tweaked for years, combining hints from Yard, Alton Brown, and Shirley Corriher, and also adding the secret, revelatory ingredient of cashew butter, and I swear it is mindblowing. The cashew butter lends it an incredible chewiness in the center. The dough is also not quite so sweet, so you can really taste the chocolate (break out the Callebaut for these!!) PLEASE try it out, I think you’ll be amazed:
— 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and cooled to tepid
— scant 2/3 cup cashew butter (grind salted cashews until they’re like peanut butter)
— 1 egg plus 1 yolk
— 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
— 1/3 cup white sugar
— 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
— 2 tsp vanilla
— 1/2 tsp salt (use a bit more if you used unsalted cashews)
— 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour (measured using dip and sweep method)
— 1/2 tsp baking soda
— 1 1/2 cups chocolate chunks (chunks are WAY better than chips, use more if you’re a chocolate addict
— optional : 1 cup walnut hunks
Preheat to 375. Sift together dry ingredients. Stir the sugars, corn syrup, and vanilla into the melted and cooled butter until well blended. Add the cashew butter, then the eggs and yolk, mixing after each addition. Lastly, add the dry ingredients, mix until almost incorporated, then add the chips and nuts. Mix just until incorporated (by the way, I find this recipe comes together much better with a wooden spoon than a mixer. Overmixing does not suit this recipe well). Let the dough sit about 10 minutes to let the flour fully absorb the water in the butter. Then make LARGE, rough, craggy lumps (I can usually only fit 9 or 10 per sheet) and bake until just turning golden brown (probably around 14 minutes, but everyone’s oven is different so just look for that golden brown hue, which is enhanced by the corn syrup. I’m a big fan of doing one “test cookie” to nail down the right baking time before you risk a whole batch).
Hi Anita! We must be on the same brain waves as I had done some marathon bakeoff with macarons. I also mentioned measuring ingredients carefully. I love that you did the comparisons and describe how one cookie turned out against the other. I think I like Kate’s flat chewy cookies too. Now I wanna make me a batch!
I just made and blogged about chocolate chip cookies as well, but your post has so much information in it!! I have decided that the Original Toll House cookie recipe is the one for me, but how interesting it is to see how these recipes compare to each other!
What a wonderful, extraordinarily thorough post. And in passing you’ve given us 4 cookie recipes! I think I love you.
“happiness from the oven”…all look lovely!
What an incredibly awesome and informative post! Much appreciated. I’ve been trying to find the perfect cookie recipes (ie. the best oatmeal cookie, the best shortbread, the best choco chip, etc). It’s so hard to find a “best” when there are so many variations on one type of cookie, especially the chocolate chip cookie. Now I feel the need to try out all the cookies you just mentioned! The cookies in that first picture are my favourite.
Thank you for taking the time to write and post this. It answers many questions I’ve had over the years about baking cookies but I don’t get to do it all that often so this was a great read.
Thank you so much for such an informative post. You answered a lot of questions that I have had for years, but felt stupid asking. I never could figure out when my butter and sugar was light and fluffy!
I just put up a chocolate chip cookie post as well, I used an Anna Olson recipe! There’s always room for another chocolate chip cookie…
I am going to bookmark this post, because it’s like a cookie reference guide! I know all too well the temptation to use hot cookie sheets, but know that you’re right…just don’t do it! For the sake of the cookies!
foodie froggy says
Wow, I am impressed with all the information provided in that post ! Now, no more excuses for making bad cookies !!
Now that was a very cool/helpful post for the home baker! I’m sure it will be greatly appreciated.
Love the tips and information. And of course love the pictures of the delicious cookies. What a yummy experiment.
There is nothing better than a warm chocolate chip cookie! Thanks for testing out four different recipes, they all sound great! Also, thanks for the basic tips, great reminders!
I have a recipe I’ve come up with over the years (which I’m sure I’ll post at some point) that is closest to Dorie’s but slightly different. However, I’ve *always* wanted to make Regan Daley’s because the huge amount of flour intrigued me. They look just like the cookies I used to get at a local bakery as a kid! Thanks for the inspiration — I’ll have to try them!
I loved this post! I am such a chocolate chip cookie snob that I was actually fascinated by the differences. I searched for years for the perfect recipe and ended up settling on Cook’s Illustrated’s version. But I think the Greenspan one here might be exactly the kind I love. Can I just follow the ingredient amounts in your chart with the standard methods, or are there weird steps?
Laura Rebecca says
Terrific post — I love seeing the differences between these undoubtedly delicious chocolate chip cookies.
maninas: food matters says
i’m in awe! this is amazing! a much appreciated guide to baking! i’m a novice baker, and was astonished to read some of the above! i didn’t even know how important it is to have the right cookie sheet…
You’ve pegged the amazingness of chocolate chip cookies in this post. Thanks for the compilation!
well done! thank you for a wonderful cookie checklist!
thank you for bringing the best of chocolate chip cookies amongst the cooks, Anita. sometimes we need this type of post once in a while 🙂
Big Boys Oven says
This is so exciting…..enormous!
It must just be the time of year. I also made chocolate chip cookies last night and posted about it. 🙂
I’m happy it’s the time of year to fire up the oven again.
Beautiful photographs…I’m such a sucker for desserts tied in pretty ribbon 🙂
One of the best blog posts ever. Period.
So do you have a favorite cookie recipe? I agree – this is a terrific post. I’ve been hunting for the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe too!
Excellent post. I’m always surprised to see the differences in similar recipes. I even did one of these on macarons and had the same sort of revelations.
It’s nice to see the results and be able to more accurately come up with your own recipes from experiments like this one. Keep up the good work!
this is the best article ever. Makes me want to do bake-offs more often on my blog. Hmmm, don’t know what I’m going to start with…
ps. thanks for the get-well wishes. I really appreciate it.
A very impressive project. Keep up the good work. Nothing seems to warm the heart like a hot, fresh from the oven, chocolate chip cookie.
Wow – thanks! This is huge! Wonderful!
What a fabulous post! I will be saving this for future reference!
Thank you so much for the recipe – it sounds enticing and I can’t wait to try it out!
I loved your macaron marathon too! The lengths we go to in pursuit of the perfect recipe!
Chocolate chip cookies is something I can never get tired of! The Toll House recipe is definitely a classic!
Thank you! I totally believe everyone has their own personal best cookie; you can try them out and find your own!
Thank you! There was a lot of happiness coming from my oven!
Thank you! It is true, there are so many things to consider – I didn’t even do things like adding oatmeal or other nuts to the recipe. I think sometimes we need a “wardrobe” of cookies to pick out the best one for our mood!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it; I thought it would be helpful for myself as well to compile all the lessons I’ve learned!
Thanks! It took me the longest time to figure out light and fluffy too – such a vague term!
Your recipe sounds great! There are always more recipes to try- the quest never ends!
Thank you! I’m glad you found the post helpful, it’s the result of many batches of cookies – some good, some burned!
Thank you! Well, hopefully no completely messed up cookies – I’ve just learned to keep a better watch on mine!
Thank you! I’m glad you thought it was helpful! It sure was a big project though – might be a while before I tackle another “comprehensive” post like that!
Thank you! I do love that in baking, your experiments are so delicious!
Thank you! I hope you enjoying tetsing them out yourself and choosing your favorite!
Thank you! Both Dorie’s and Regan’s are great – I used Regan’s for years but now I think I might decrease the flour a bit to make it a little chewier. The perfect recipe is always changing!
Thanks! And you keep reminding me that there are all these other recipes I didn’t get to try! The method for all them is pretty much the same: cream butter, add sugar, then eggs and vanilla, and then sifted dries and chips. Baking is 325 degrees F for about 10 minutes. You can e-mail me for more specifics if you like!
Thank you! it is amazing how many different ways a chocolate chip cookie can come out and still be delicious!
Thank you and I’m glad you found it helpful! I learned a lot of this over the years through trial and error!
Thank you! Chocolate chip cookies are indeed something I will never get tired of!
Thank you! I had fun researching and documenting the results, glad you found it useful!
Thank you! Sometimes the simplest baked good can become the most challenging! I’d love to do another post like this – maybe in a while after I recover from all the cookie baking:)
Thank you! It was a enormous baking effort to test all those recipes!
I think chocolate chip cookie moods do go around – glad your batch came out so beautifully!
Thank you! It was an interesting challenge to think up four different ways to present the cookies!
Aw, thanks! It makes all that marathon baking session all worthwhile:)
I think my favorite depends on my mood. Right now I think it’s Dorie’s, although I’m aiming to create a cross between hers and Regan’s – more experimenting to come!
Thanks so much! Macarons are a great one to experiment with too – I’ve seen a lot of amazing posts on them in the blogosphere!
I wish I had time to do more bake-offs too, I love the experimenting and refining of recipes. Can’t wait to see what you’ll do:) Hope you are feeling better too and all recovered:)
Thank you! It was a fun project, got a little out of control, but results were well worth it!
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it, I had fun doing it!
Thanks, I’m glad you found it helpful! Happy baking to you!
After reading this post i felt like eating cookies!!! i just couldn’t wait to get home to bake some!!!
And after reading alll this tips of you the cookies where great! (used original Toll House chocolate chips cookies)
I’m about to post on chocolate chip cookies… And it’s interested to see your ‘experiment’. I’m sure all were worth eating, if for no other reason than to compare.
I use a recipe that uses melted butter and a 2:1 brown sugar to white sugar ratio. Most parts are similar, but it’s interesting how the same ingredients in different ratios and states can make such a difference.
Hooray for the great cookie comparison! I love this post, and all the results look so fabulous. I’ve been testing chocolate chip cookie recipes for a long time, but never all at once. I’ve just sort of taken what I liked from here and there. At one point, I had what I thought was my favorite recipe, then I tried one with aspects I liked even better. Thank you for such a good description of how these batches came out!
I’ve just made Dorie’s cookies and they sooo good. Very different from my usual choc chip cookie recipes but equally yummy.
Just love how thin and chewy they get.
Great analysis. I did something like that on sugar cookies once. I have discovered that shortening will also produce cookies that don’t go flat. But I’m a die-hard butter lover, and I like my cookies flat and chewy. I didn’t realize that using just brown sugar would make the cookie chewier. I’m keen to make Kate’s and Dorie’s versions.
I’m so glad you got some great chocolate chip cookies out of this!
I think I might have tried a recipe with melted butter before but I forgot how it turned out. Can’t wait to see how your experiments turn out!
thank you! The cookie quest seems neverending- I find a recipe I like and then I try another one and it’s good too. I guess that’s the fun part!
So glad to hear you liked the cookies! I think it’s great to have many different recipes for different moods:)
Wow, it’s great to hear what others have discovered about cookies too! I’d love to hear what you think of Kate and Dorie’s cookies!
Julie O'Hara says
I’m a little late commenting here, but I wanted to say what a great, informative post this is. I’ve always wanted to do a comparison with CC cookies, but never have. You organized it so well. Thanks for all the tips too!
Just discovered this…well done. I have a question regarding mailing chocolate chip cookies and which type of plastic bag works best. I use cello bags but they often arrive too soft and crumbly. Any suggestions? Thanks.
linda macdonald says
Lisa: My sister sent me your recipe, and we both LOVE it. What a fabulous taste and texture! I bought a jar of Cashew Nut Butter rather than messing up my grinder, and I used Chocolate Chips and Toasted Pecans. TO DIE FOR. Thank you for sharing!
Jesse Hake says
Making the perfect chocolate chip cookies is one hard task for everyone who decides to make them, but it will be good once they’ve succeeded in doing it. No one can resist the sweetness and crunchiness of chocolate chip cookies. My kids love them so much that they always want me to make one for them. The only condition I gave them, for me to continue baking one, is they should always brush their teeth properly.
Just discovered this blog post last night and I loved it! I’m a comparative cookie baker, because everyone I know likes their perfect chocolate chip cookie a little bit different. Seeing the side-by-side comparisons was awesome, and even better, the recipes you picked are great ones! I made Kate Zuckerman’s cookies today and they are definitely MY perfect chocolate chip cookie. Thanks for the post!
Debi @ Life Currents says
These cookies look great! Thanks for all the info and the recipe!
This is so helpful! I can’t wait to make these! Also really enjoy the travel section here! Can’t wait to try some west coast desserts!!!!

domain: food


text:
|| Some Remarks
Other Books Read By This Author (3)
- The System of the World
|02.05.13|| A collection of Neal Stephenson's various magazine articles, short fiction, newspaper columns, and printed interviews. It sounds like a lot but really most of them are pretty short with the exception of a piece he did for Wired in the 90s called Mother Earth Mother Board where he travels across Asia following the installation of the (then) World's longest cable. It sits right in the middle of the table of contents and easily defines the book for me. All the other stuff is varying degrees of interesting and readable (the Salon interview reminded me how much good stuff there was in the Baroque Cycle, the article about Liebniz's Monadology vs. Newton's physics reminded me how impenetrable the prose was), but really my takeaway from the book is that Wired article.
It's about as long as his OS essay which they sold as a small book, and must've taken up the majority of its issue in Wired. I think I still have the issue somewhere in my parents' basement so someday I'll have to dig it up to look at the photos that originally accompanied because the book describes some exotic locales and really intricate technology that photographic reinforcement would really go a long way for. Even without the pretty pictures though, this essay kind of represents Stephenson at his best (or at least most Archetypal): heavy on technology, unafraid of deep scientific detail, intelligently funny, and ultimately remarkably rewarding. Some of the deeper bits make for a bit of a slog to get through but the sheer amount of information presented coupled with the masterful way in which he makes such a subject interesting had me walking away interested and knowledgeable in a subject I'd never given a single thought to before. Great stuff.
As mentioned, the rest of the book is pretty good too.|

domain: library


text:
There are 10 kinds of writers. Those who can read binary code, and those who can’t.
Heh heh…okay, for serious…There are two kinds of writers. There are Planners and Seat-Of-The-Pantsers.
The writers who must have an outline. If there’s no outline, the story doesn’t happen. Doesn’t happen logically, at least. Without an outline, the writer will either get stuck, or give up completely on the story, deeming it “Stupid,” “Confusing,” or “Going nowhere.”
The downside to planners is that they can’t just sit down and write. The upside to planners is that they know exactly what is going to happen before they write it, increasing their productivity and preventing writers’ block.
An interesting breed. These are the creatives who like to watch the story unfold before them, learning about their characters as they go, gasping with amazement at every plot turn as it happens. Sure, they may have a pretty good idea of how things are going to play out in their head, but a written outline might just slow them down, so they have to get on top of it and start writing NOW!
The downside to SOP’ers is that if they get stuck in their story, there’s no telling how long it will take them before creativity strikes. They can’t go back and look at a roadmap to see where to go next, they have to just go for it and see which road works best. The upside to SOP’ers is that they can write anywhere, any time, and can start a project immediately without worrying about formal planning.
WHAT ARE YOU?
I’m a planner. I just spent the past two days plotting an outline for a project (Which will be heretofore known as “The Tower WIP”). I feel pretty confident in the directions its taken, and I know exactly where it’s going to go from beginning to end. If I get stuck, I can just write the next part, come back to the point I left off at later. And I really won’t get stuck, as long as I stick to the outline to tell me where to go next.
Typically what happens is, I get three quarters through my written outline when I decide to take the story in a different direction. I guess I do have a little bit of SOP in me, but planning is definitely dominant.
But how about you? Have you tried different methods, Planning and SOPing? Do you enjoy the element of surprise, or like to be in control?

domain: artistic


text:
PandaHall Tutorial on Christmas Epoxy Brooch
Summary: Nice to see you all again. It will be Christmas soon, today I am going to make a Christmas style brooch. You can easily make this by following the tutorial below. Let's get it started.
Materials and tools needed:
Zinc Alloy Open Back Bezel Pendants : PALLOY-F242-02G-07
Single Face Polyester Printed Satin Ribbon : SRIB-CJC0001-02
Hard UV Resin Glue : TOOL-L009-01
Flat Round Brass Brooch Findings : KK-F371-79G
You can search the code and buy all materials on PandaHall.com.
Instructions on how to make this:
Step 1 :
Prepare a metal framework in the shape of Christmas bell as the basic component, and put it on a plastic board to keep your desk clean.
Pour the resin glue into the frame, add the pigment and mix them adequately.
Step 2 :
Repeat the operation with different color of pigmeng to fill in the whole bell. Wait for a minute to let the glue become fully dry.
Tie the ribbon into a bow, connect it to the bell with a jump ring. Stick the brooch findings to the bow.
This lovely brooch is completed! Isn’t it interesting? Come and give it a try! You can use the same method to make other colorful brooches which fit Chritmas!
Can’t wait to share other jewelry making tutorials with you. See you next time!
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2.PandaHall Annual Promotion, UP to 65% OFF
*You can also follow us and get more jewelry making tutorials and ideas.


1) ELLYN GELSON, pictured here with her grandchildren, was honored by Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles at the Chaverim Shining Star ... Read More
1) ZELDA KLEIN, 92, seated in center, was surrounded by family at the Los Angeles Jewish Home’s annual Mother’s Day ... Read More
1) A PAGEANT PUPPET, inspired by Igor Stravinsky’s “The Firebird,” entertained a young girl at the Skirball Cultural Center’s annual ... Read More
1) THE LOS ANGELES JEWISH SYMPHONY’S 20th anniversary celebration included a clarinet performance by klezmer master Zinovy Goro on March 9 at ... Read More
1) OWAIN YEOMAN, star of the TV show “The Mentalist,” was a guest judge for the Milken Community Schools talent show on March 1 that raised ... Read More
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text:
Each of these African-American chick-lit romance book covers features an illustration of a black woman. Each woman has no face. In place of the face is the title. The background color is different for each one. Have more than 3 books? I have additional illustrations I could use if you want more books in the series.
This country contemporary romance book cover features a man and a woman leaning on opposite sides of a tree. Their heads are not visible. The man is wearing a brown and black plaid shirt and dark blue jeans. The woman is wearing a light blue (almost white) dress. There’s an orange gradient at the bottom of the cover. Note: the color of the gradient can be changed to a different color at no additional cost.
This country contemporary romance book cover features a couple standing in the middle of a straw field. In the distance is a house with a roll of hay beside it. The man has his arms around the woman and the woman is laying her head on the man’s chest.
This country contemporary romance book cover features a man and a woman pulling a piece of string (or grass) between their teeth. The woman is wearing a cowboy hat. The top of the man’s face is not visible. They are both wearing plaid shirts. There’s a dark magenta gradient at the bottom half of the cover.
This women’s fiction book cover features a woman wearing an orange dress and holding a child. You can only see the woman from the waist down and the child’s bare feet. There’s a lake or river behind them in the background.
This illustrated fiction book cover features an illustration of a black haired woman sitting on the ground with her knees to her chest and her head resting on her knees. She’s wearing a yellow sweater and blue pants. The background is blue with a latin pattern in the background.
Each of these chick-lit romance book covers features a different woman holding a lollipop in front of her face, covering one eye. Each cover has a different color background. All of the women are smiling.
This African-American fiction book cover features a beautiful black woman with an afro, sitting down against a blue background. She’s looking straight at the viewer. She’s wearing a heather gray tank top.
This African-American fiction book cover features a beautiful young black woman dressed in street clothes and walking. She has long braids tied up with a red bandanna. She has a black leather jacket slung across one arm. She’s wearing sunglasses and wearing big hoop earrings.
This Christmas chick-lit fiction book cover features a digital illustration of a woman sitting at a table and writing a letter. There’s a cat sleeping beside her. There are candles, a small Christmas tree, a potted plant, and a drink on the table.
This winter romance book cover features a couple laying down in the snow kissing. The woman has short blond hair and is wearing a grey scarf. The man is holding a red cup. There’s a big dog right next to the man, sniffing at the cup.
This Christmas romance book cover features a couple wearing Santa Claus hats. The man has dark brown hair and the woman has long blond hair. The man has one hand over the woman’s eyes and he’s holding a large present in front of her.
This Christmas romance book cover features a couple wearing Santa Claus hats. The man is shirtless and the woman is wearing a red dress. In the background is a snowy tree. The cover is covered with falling snow.
This young adult Christmas book cover features a young woman laying down on a carpeted ground. She’s smiling up at the viewer. There are gifts, Christmas lights and Christmas tree branches all around her.

domain: literature