All posts by She Seeks Serene

My Journey of Reimagining Life, Love and Education
Analysis, Magazines, Opinion, Politics, Reviews

Opinion: A Russian Attack Looms, Giving Up Growth, French Nuclear Industry

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A selection of three essential articles read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. This week, a looming Russian offensive, why the rich world’s politicians are giving up on growth (10:00) and can the French nuclear industry avoid meltdown? (16:25),

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5l0oAFYx6tDjncRtttnkFf

A looming Russian offensive

Ukraine’s chiefs, in an unprecedented series of briefings, tell The Economist about the critical months that lie ahead

Why are the rich world’s politicians giving up on economic growth?

Even when they say they want more prosperity, they act as if they don’t

The French exception

As the world turns back to nuclear power, it should heed the lessons from France

Travel, Videos, Views

France Views: Strasbourg Christmas Market 2022

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Tourist Channel (December 2022) – Each year, nearly two million visitors flock to Strasbourg, the Alsatian capital to discover its wonders. The Strasbourg Christmas Market extends over more than ten sites, all located within the Big Island. During the four weeks of the Strasbourg Christmas market, as soon as night falls, the city is adorned with sublime illuminations that give it a magical dimension.

The big fir tree, place Kléber, is the most beautiful expression of this. Thirty meters high, wonderfully decorated, it impresses with its presence, its majesty. Symbol of an Alsatian tradition dating back five centuries, it is the ambassador of a city bathed in light.

The Christkindelsmärik, or “market of the child Jesus”, is the name given in the Alsatian language to the traditional Christmas market which has been held since 1570 in Strasbourg, Alsace, and was for a long time the only one in France. It begins on the first Saturday of Advent and ends on the evening of December 24. The Christkindelsmärik attracts two million visitors from all over the world every year.

News, Newspapers, Views

Front Page: The New York Times – December 18, 2022

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Putin’s War: The Inside Story of a Catastrophe

Secret battle plans, intercepted communications and Russian soldiers explain how a “walk in the park” became a catastrophe for Russia.

Military Spending Surges, Creating New Boom for Arms Makers

The combination of the war in Ukraine and concern about longer-term threats from Russia and China are driving a bipartisan push to increase U.S. capacity to produce weapons.

Can Child Care Be a Big Business? Private Equity Thinks So.

Some high-end chains are surprisingly profitable, and they are trying to shape child care policy in Washington.

U.S. Scrutinizes Political Donations by Sam Bankman-Fried and Allies

Federal prosecutors appear to be focusing on possible wrongdoing by cryptocurrency executives, rather than by Democratic or Republican politicians. But the inquiries widen an explosive campaign finance scandal.

Food, History, Retail, Reviews, Videos, Views

French Views: The History Of The Ladurée Macaron

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Insider Food (December 17, 2022) – From the big screen to fashion catwalks, the French macaron has become a pop culture icon. And it’s thanks to Ladurée, the French company credited with inventing the colorful cookie over 130 years ago. Today, Laudrée has turned its colorful macarons into a cookie empire.

Business, Reviews, Traditions, Travel, Videos, Views

North Africa Views: High Values In Moroccan Rugs

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Insider Business (December 17, 2022) – Moroccan rugs are valued around the world for their complex patterns and thick wool. A large rug can take months to weave, but the women who complete each step by hand usually receive the least profit. Selling directly to consumers is challenging, so artisans often rely on middlemen who sell the rugs for several times more in big cities. Online, Moroccan rugs can sell for several thousand dollars.

Culture, Magazines, Opinion, Politics, Previews, Reviews, Society

Culture: New York Times Magazine – Dec 18, 2022

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The 12.18.22 Issue – The stories of 12 children, among the thousands, killed this year by what has become the leading cause of death for American kids: gun violence. But these are not the stories of how they died. These are the stories of the lives they lived.

Why We Published a Special Project About Child Gun Deaths

Every December, The Times Magazine devotes a special project to the deaths of notable people. This year, we are telling the stories of 12 children killed by guns.

Childhood’s Greatest Danger: The Data on Kids and Gun Violence

Gun violence recently surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death for American children. No group of kids has been spared, but some have fared far worse.

What Guns Did to My Childhood

They ended my innocence even before I copped one of my own.

Financial, Investing, Magazines, Previews, Retirement, Reviews

Financial Review: Barron’s Magazine – Dec 19, 2022

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Magazine - Latest Issue - Barron's

December 19, 2022 issue:

Stocks Could Return 10% Next Year. Be Ready for a Drop First.

After a selloff in the year’s first half, equities could rebound as investors anticipate a return to economic growth, market strategists say.

Our 10 Favorite Stocks for 2023

Our 10 favorites from last year handily beat the market. Why we now like Alphabet, Bank of America, Medtronic, and seven others.

The Crypto Ice Age Is Here. It May Get Worse.

The FTX collapse has sparked a crisis of confidence just as the industry tries to burnish its reputation. What’s ahead for 2023.

How to Dodge High Medicare Premiums

Retirees need to start planning at age 60 to avoid getting blindsided by the income-related monthly adjustment amount, or IRMAA, which can get tacked on to standard Medicare premiums

News, Opinion, Politics, Videos

Politics: Trump Criminal Charges, U.S. Government Shutdown, House Speaker

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PBS NewsHour – New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post associate editor Jonathan Capehart join Judy Woodruff to discuss the week in politics, including the Jan. 6 committee prepares to vote on recommending criminal charges against Trump, Congress tries to avoid a government shutdown and the front-runner to be the next Speaker of the House still does not have a clear path to the gavel.