Scarlet Cardona, autor en thickcookie

Jan

08

2026

San José, in Costa Rica: What makes service exports scalable beyond a single market

San José, Costa Rica: Unlocking Global Service Export Potential

San José functions as the economic and institutional heart of Costa Rica and a springboard for service exports that reach global markets. A combination of human capital, institutional stability, digital infrastructure, targeted incentives, and industry clustering creates an environment where services — from software and business process outsourcing to professional and creative services — can be packaged, delivered, and scaled to many markets beyond Costa Rica’s borders.Primary strategic strengths that drive scalable growthConcentrated talent and education pipeline. San José is home to the nation’s top universities and technical institutes, which consistently turn out professionals in engineering, computer science, business administration,…

Jan

08

2026

By Scarlet Cardona

Primer plano de un profesional médico sosteniendo un catéter con precisión en un entorno estéril.

Value-Based Care: Enhancing Quality, Reducing Procedures

Science and Technology

Value-based care redirects health systems from counting how many services are provided to concentrating on the outcomes that genuinely matter to patients, built on a straightforward idea: compensation should reward value rather than volume, a shift that influences clinical choices, payment structures, evaluation methods, and patient involvement while helping curb unnecessary procedures and enhance quality, equity, and affordability.What value-based care meansValue-based care aims to maximize health outcomes per dollar spent by:Measuring outcomes: clinical results, functional status, patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), and experience rather than counting visits or procedures.Aligning payment: incentives that reward prevention, coordination, and outcomes (shared savings, bundled payments, capitation,…

Jan

08

2026

By Scarlet Cardona

Protecting Long-Term Contracts in Mexico from Currency & Inflation

Economy

Mexico offers deep trade and investment linkages with global partners and a diversified domestic market. That makes long-term contracts — infrastructure concessions, multi-year supply agreements, project finance loans, and energy offtake deals — commercially attractive. At the same time, such contracts are exposed to two related macro risks:Currency risk: shifts in the Mexican peso (MXN) relative to major billing currencies, most often the US dollar, can alter the actual worth of both payments and returns.Inflation risk: sustained increases in overall price levels gradually diminish fixed-rate income streams while pushing up local expenses tied to labor, materials, utilities, and taxes.The Bank…

Jan

08

2026

By Scarlet Cardona

‘Sell America’ returns to Wall Street after Trump ups the ante against Jerome Powell and the Fed

“Sell America” Gains Traction on Wall Street as Trump Challenges Fed

Economy

Investors reacted swiftly after news of a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, reigniting concerns over US financial stability. The announcement triggered modest sell-offs across stocks, bonds, and the dollar, highlighting fears over the independence of the Fed.US equity markets began the session in negative territory after reports surfaced that federal prosecutors were examining Powell. The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 159 points, or 0.32%, while the broader S&P 500 eased 0.14% and the tech-focused Nasdaq edged down 0.1%. The US dollar lost ground against major global currencies, with the dollar index slipping 0.35%, reflecting a cautious stance…

Jan

08

2026

By Scarlet Cardona

Michael B. Jordan said watching ‘Sinners’ made him cry

Michael B. Jordan Cried Watching ‘Sinners’: A Must-See Film

Culture and Entertainment

Few roles require such raw emotional vulnerability as embodying two lives simultaneously, and “Sinners” emerged as one of those uncommon productions whose influence reached well beyond the film itself.For Michael B. Jordan, the project evolved into a profoundly affecting journey, both in performance and later as a spectator, revealing just how deeply its narrative struck him.From the outside, “Sinners” can be viewed as another bold collaboration between Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler, a creative alliance that has already yielded some of the most widely discussed films of the last ten years. Still, beneath the polished final version rests…

Jan

08

2026

By Scarlet Cardona

Notch Lapels vs Peak Lapels: How to Choose the Right Style for ...

Decoding Fashion Fitting

Culture and Entertainment

In the realm of fashion, the concept of "fitting" transcends the mere act of trying on clothes to see if they are the right size. It is an intricate dance of style, functionality, and personal taste. This notion is deeply rooted in both the industry's historical development and the evolution of cultural aesthetics. Understanding fitting in fashion requires a comprehensive look at how garments are designed, tailored, and adjusted to align with both individual preferences and widespread trends.Why Achieving the Right Fit MattersProper fit is crucial to fashion as it ensures that garments are comfortable, flattering, and functional. A well-fitted…

Jan

03

2026

By Scarlet Cardona

Armenia: tech CSR advancing STEM education and opportunities for young talent

STEM Education in Armenia: A Tech CSR Perspective

Social Responsibility

Armenia’s technology sector has evolved into a key driver of national progress, powered by private startups, multinational hubs, diaspora-funded initiatives, academic institutions, and civil society. Corporate social responsibility within tech companies increasingly emphasizes STEM learning, talent cultivation, and broader regional access. This article explores how CSR efforts in the tech sphere are opening pathways into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for Armenian youth, highlighting illustrative examples, observable results, persistent challenges, and suggestions for expanding long-term impact.Why tech CSR matters for ArmeniaCorporate responsibility-driven investment in STEM helps address a range of national priorities:Economic diversification: By bolstering the ICT and advanced technology…

Jan

03

2026

By Scarlet Cardona

Bosnia and Herzegovina: CSR cases supporting youth employment and social cohesion

Bosnia & Herzegovina CSR: Boosting Youth Jobs & Community Bonds

Social Responsibility

Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to contend with long-standing difficulties in connecting its young population to stable employment while working to restore social cohesion after decades marked by political and economic transition. Youth joblessness has traditionally been several times higher than overall unemployment; according to international sources like the International Labour Organization and the World Bank, youth unemployment and NEET (not in employment, education or training) rates remained among the highest in the Western Balkans throughout the 2010s and early 2020s. Ongoing regional migration and the departure of skilled young workers further intensify both economic and social vulnerabilities. Within this landscape,…

Jan

02

2026

By Scarlet Cardona

Unpacking CSR in Zimbabwe: Sustainable Agriculture & Youth Employment

Economy

Overview: Why CSR plays a pivotal role in agriculture and youth employment in ZimbabweZimbabwe’s economy remains deeply connected to agriculture, a sector that underpins rural livelihoods, feeds domestic markets and drives agro‑processing. Most staple crops are grown by smallholder farmers, while commercial producers generate significant export revenue. At the same time, youth unemployment and underemployment persist as serious concerns: although figures differ by source and definition, high levels of joblessness and unstable informal work continue to affect many individuals aged 15–35. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that deliberately combine sustainable farming methods with youth employment can open pathways to strengthen…