Image linked from AJC1's Flickr page
has changed the layout of the home/landing page — yet again. As expected, you see quite a number of statuses and posts talking about how they don’t like the new layout. When Facebook changed it prior to this one, there were several groups created like
this.
Like any other software, there are people at Facebook who continuously reviews the usability elements of this product. In this most recent change, they told us that they wanted the front page to be simpler and clutter-free. Personally, I agree. But there could be other reasons why they did what they have done.
Thing is, Facebook is free. They get the bulk of their revenue through advertising. It makes more sense that they optimise the pages to address the requirements of these advertisers. Of course, I think that Zuckerberg and co listens to the likes of you and me but I believe that the people who brings in the bagful of cash have a very influential position on how things should look like. If not directly, the product managers at Facebook would certainly have their interest.
It’s quite simple really. If you want Facebook to accommodate your every whim, then you better be prepared to pay.
Updated on 06 Feb with corrections and clarifications. See amends in bold italics below.
Ever since I became independent, I’ve managed to learn how to cook for myself and for other people, too. I wouldn’t say I’m good enough to compete in Masterchef but I could certainly prepare a decent meal. The same was not true, in my opinion, with baking. Flour was certainly one of the ingredients that I dreaded.
I first tried my hand at baking when my mum visited me in Madrid back in 1997 (methinks, not sure). My mum is such an excellent baker — she baked all of my birthday cakes when I was growing up — that it was such a pressure. My initial attempt (and the only one till now) was a chocolate cake, which ended up as chocolate brownies. In other words, it flopped. Since then, I never owned any of the tools or equipment associated to baking.
Two weeks ago, while I was cleaning my flat, I chanced upon a baking recipe book in my book shelf. I began to browse the pages and saw a recipe that seemed quite easy — cappuccino cake. Most of the ingredients are already in my cupboard. The only one missing is the mascarpone so I went out to get some. I followed the recipe, adjusting and improvising along the way especially with the quantities since I don’t own kitchen scales. Half an hour later, I had overcome the chocolate cake (cum brownies) disaster and pulled out some gorgeous cakes, which turned out to be quite delicious, too. Well, according to the boyfriend, at least.
I know you expert bakers out there would consider this feat as rather mundane now but it was such an achievement for me. It definitely marks a new beginning in my kitchen.
Yummy cappuccino cakes
Here is the recipe for these yummy cappuccino cakes.
- Pre-heat oven at 190 degrees C at least 10 minutes before.
- Mix 125g (4oz) of caster sugar and 125g (4oz) of butter into a large bowl.
- Beat 2 medium eggs into a smaller bowl and slowly add into the butter and sugar mixture. If it curdles, add a teaspoon of
all-purpose self-raising flour.
- Add a tablespoon of ground coffee into the mix. Yes, you can use instant coffee. Mix until smooth.
- Sift 5oz of all-purpose flour and fold into the mix.
- Scoop a spoonful of mix into the cake holders. These quantities yielded about 18 cakes.
- Place into oven to bake for 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool before serving, although that didn’t stop the boyfriend from stuffing one into his mouth shortly after they came out from the oven.
- Enjoy! Sharing optional.
