#Dominican Beauty Products

[bestwigscollection]

The Best of Dominican Beauty Products, All in One Place

Dominican beauty products are some of the most popular in the world and for good reason. They are known for their high quality, affordability, and wide variety of options. If you are looking for the best of Dominican beauty products, then you have come to the right place.

If you're looking for high-quality, natural, and luxurious beauty products that reflect the rich and diverse culture of the Dominican Republic, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to some of the best Dominican beauty brands and products that you can find online at expressbeautyonline.com, your one-stop shop for all your beauty needs.

What are Dominican Beauty Products?

Dominican beauty products are a diverse range of products that are used to enhance the beauty of Dominican women. These products include hair care products, skin care products, makeup products, and nail care products.

Dominican hair care products are known for their ability to hydrate and nourish the hair. They often contain natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, shea butter, and avocado oil. Dominican skin care products are also known for their use of natural ingredients. These products are often used to exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturize the skin.

Dominican makeup products are known for their vibrant colors and their ability to create a sultry, exotic look. These products often contain glitter and shimmer, and they are often used to create a dramatic eye look.

Best Dominican Beauty Products

Some of the Best Dominican Beauty Products

Conditioners: Dominican leave-in conditioners are some of the best in the world. They are designed to hydrate and protect your hair, while also detangling it and making it easier to style.

Hair oils: Dominican hair oils are another great option for keeping your hair healthy and looking its best. They are made with a variety of natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil, which help to nourish and protect your hair.

Styling products: Dominican styling products are perfect for creating a variety of looks. They come in a variety of formulas, so you can find one that is right for your hair type and desired style.

Styling products: Dominican styling products are perfect for creating a variety of looks. They come in a variety of formulas, so you can find one that is right for your hair type and desired style.

Makeup: Dominican makeup is known for its vibrant colors and long-lasting formulas. It is perfect for creating a variety of looks, from natural to dramatic.

How to Use Dominican Beauty Products

The way you use Dominican beauty products will depend on the specific product you're using. However, there are a few general tips that you can follow.

If you're using a hair care product, be sure to apply it to damp hair. This will help the product to absorb better.

If you're using a skincare product, be sure to apply it to clean skin. This will help the product to work more effectively.

If you're using makeup, be sure to start with a light touch. You can always add more makeup later, but it's harder to take it away.

Tips for Using Dominican Beauty Products

When using Dominican beauty products, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, always start with a small amount of product and work your way up. Dominican beauty products are often very concentrated, so you don't need to use a lot of them. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label. This will help you to get the most out of the product and avoid any potential side effects.

Benefits of using Dominican beauty products

Here are some of the benefits of using Dominican beauty products:

They're made with natural ingredients.

They're often free of harsh chemicals.

They're affordable.

They're effective.

They smell great!

Conclusion

Dominican beauty products are some of the best in the world. They are made with high-quality ingredients, and they are designed to help you look and feel your best. If you are looking for a way to improve your hair, skin, or makeup, then you should definitely check out Dominican beauty products.If you want to check their reviews, visit Expressbeautyonline.

[piperxnoel]

PART 1: THE BASICS

• What is your full name?

Piper Noelle Harrington-Cruz

• Where and when were you born?

In Rhode Island on December 8th.

• Who are/were your parents? (Know their names, occupations, personalities, etc.)

Adoptive Parents: Deshaun(👼🏾) and Chauncey Harrington. Married 28 years. Had custody of Piper since she was born.

Biological Parents: Michael and Valencia Vergara. Married 30 years.

Deshaun was a Professor of English at NYU before retiring at 38. After which she returned to her Salon business as a stylist and owner. She also helped Piper run her business until her untimely death. Her mom was a fun loving, energetic woman with a fiery attitude and optimistic disposition. she was young at heart, supportive and an amazing mom and glamma.

Chauncey is a business owner. In his lifetime, he has owned several businesses. From a car dealership and car wash, to a barber shop, and a few fast food franchises. He has always had several sources of income. Currently his main occupation is that of a property investor. He is a quiet man with little to say, has a strong sense of humility and strives to be the best at everything he can. Around his daughters, he’s very comical, always joking and sharing stories of his past with them. He’s very protective and vigilant when it comes to his girls.

Michael is a lawyer and a doting father to his two girls. Though he’s only known Piper for the past 7 years, he has built a loving relationship with her and her children. Valencia is a doctor. She is very sweet and caring, but also no nonsense. She and Piper have struggled with building a strong bond but the two love one other very much.

• Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?

Piper has 4 siblings. 1 older sister, Lauren Vergara(strong, determined, but guarded and stubborn) and 3 younger siblings, Yessica, Annabella, and Zalena. All of her younger siblings are similar in personality. They are all quite like Piper and very close knit.

• Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place and the person/people.

Piper lives in a Modern Mansion in Los Angeles with her sister and best friend, Sarai and their 4 kids.

• What is your occupation?

Like her father, Piper is a serial entrepreneur and owns several beauty based businesses. Currently she owns and operates 2 salons, a spa, and is in the process of building her medical Spa which is set to host its grand opening in the Spring. She also owns a cosmetics company, lash extensions line and is working on her own line of hair care products and extensions. She co-owns a food truck with her ex husband and son but only manages the books for the company. The business is for her son and he is the only one of the three who profits from the company.

• Write a full physical description of yourself. You might want to consider factors such as: height, weight, race, hair and eye color, style of dress, and any tattoos, scars, or distinguishing marks.

Piper is 5’2, weighs 163, is mixed race(black, white, dominican), has long black hair and brown eyes. She likes to dress stylish, often times going through different trendy looks, but adding her own twist. She has several tattoos, the most important ones are the times of her children’s births on her ankle and arm.

• To which social class do you belong?

Piper is currently apart of the upper class but has been apart of both the lower and middle class before.

• Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?

No.

• Are you right- or left-handed?

Right.

• What does your voice sound like?

Sweet, modulated, and melodic on a normal day with a bit of raspiness when she’s sick or has been crying or yelling or overly excited.

• What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently?

Girlll, Child, love bug, babes, hey boo, bitchhhhh, and please leave me the fuck alone are the most common.

• What do you have in your pockets?

Nothing. I carry a purse. I keep my wallet, phone, make up, gloss/lipstick, and protection from weirdos with me at all times.

• Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?

None that I can think of.

PART 2: GROWING UP

* How would you describe your childhood in general?

Pipes had a great childhood. In the beginning, her parents struggled to conceive and adopted her in the years after taking in Piper, they fell on hard times, but were able to bounce back relatively quickly. Her parents never let Piper or her younger sister see their struggles. They often went back and forth between Rhode Island and New York. Her parents covered her, protecting her from seeing how bad things were. Eventually, when they were in a better postion, her parents filled her childhood with beautiful memories of family time at amusement parks, trips, and more. She was very loved and taken care of.

* What is your earliest memory?

Piper’s earliest memory is

* How much schooling have you had?

* Did you enjoy school?

* Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?

* While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.

* While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?

* As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

* As a child, what were your favorite activities?

* As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?

* As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?

* When and with whom was your first kiss?

* Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?

PART 3: PAST INFLUENCES

What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?

* Who has had the most influence on you?

* What do you consider your greatest achievement?

* What is your greatest regret?

* What is the most evil thing you have ever done?

* Do you have a criminal record of any kind?

* When was the time you were the most frightened?

* What is the most embarrassing thing ever to happen to you?

* If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?

* What is your best memory?

* What is your worst memory?

[ariel-seagull-wings]

@faintingheroine

@themousefromfantasyland @princesssarisa @the-blue-fairie @tamisdava2 @softlytowardthesun @grimoireoffolkloreandfairytales

@angelixgutz

@adarkrainbow

""Grandma, who invented people’s color?"

I asked this because I had learned that some are yellow, others white and others red. She said:

"I'll only answer if you tell me who invented the names of people's colors.""

(Histórias da Preta, Heloisa Pires Lima, 1998)

So, I read your text saying that casting a brown skinned latina diaspora actress to play a character named Snow White can be a shot on the foot because it can bring colorist implications, and I get the well meaning intention, but I will say that actually the question of naming someone after colors and racialization is way more complex outside of places like France and the US, to the point that this question of the Snow White name and casting becomes really not a big deal.

Here is turkish actress Zeynep Değirmencioğlu playing Snow White in a 1970 unauthorized turkish TV movie adaptation of the 1937 Disney Movie. Bear in mind that in Turkey, ethnic conflicts and discrimination manifest due to nationality/ethnic ancestry, but skin colour is not really a big deal in that problem.

Here is a character from a 1990 brazilian telenovela called Vamp, who was named Branca, played by black brazilian actress Aída Leiner

Two black Biancas from a 1990 and 1995 production of Othello, played by Marsha Hunt and Indra Ové

An episode of the 1995 HBO animated anthology series Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child, about retelling european tales set in non european culture, where the Grimm's Snow White was retold with native american characters from the Southwest of the US, naming the main heroine White Snow and taking inspiration from some native systems that call the child after the first thing the parents sees in nature when they are born.

The voice actors were also Native American actors.

The main female character from a 2000s brazilian TV Show called Pedro e Bianca, about two teenager twin siblings called Pedro, who was white, and Bianca (played by Heslaine Vieira), who was black.

The FX TV Series Pose, from 2020, set between in the 80s and 90s ballroom culture of the trans comunity, where a group of trans woman of collor presented the Once Upon a Time Category, and a brown dominican character was named Blanca (played by M J Rodriguez) and was who walked the ballroom as Snow White.

You can see that people in latin american cultures have been naming brown and black women with Bianca, Branca or Blanca (all meaning white) as no big deal.

And Shakespeare plays have started a long tradition of color blind casting that have been critically aclaimed.

And when it comes to variants of the tale and how they treat beauty patterns regarding racialization... the Grimm's Snow White is surprisingly one of the least racialized variants there is. The main princess is only named Snow White, and praised as beautiful, but there is no dark skinned character to be mocked as ugly in contrast to her, or mentions of an ethnic minority that is put down as uglier while Snow White can be presented as "an example of anglo saxon, aryan beauty."

If you mean to specifically search for Brothers Grimm where race is a deal, The Jew Among Thorns is right there for your suffering read.

In case of other fairy tales that talk about "white skin = good and beauty, while dark/black/brown skin = evil", you can choose several variants of The Love of Three Oranges.

As for specificaly variants of Snow White with the weight of racial prejudices included in their narrative, you can read Marigo and the 40 Dragons, The World's Beautiful Woman, Romana, The Little Sister of the Giants, The Maiden with a Rose in her Forehead and Udea and Her Seven Brothers.

So the Disney Company is least likely to get in controversy over colorism for casting a mixed latina diaspora actress into the role of a princess named Snow White who is considered the fairest of them all.

They can get in controvery over other things (mainly bad marketing choices), but not over this.

Resuming:

Sometimes colors are just the name we give to them;

Not every racial conflict in the world emphasizes skin colour discrimination, in fact this can be considered a recent adition to pre existing problems of racism in certain countries, specially in the west;

Culturally, black and brown women received names like Blanca, Branca and Bianca as a common name in Latin American cultures;

There are other international variants of Snow White where racialized beauty standards play an important role, but the Grimm's fairy tale is not really one of them;

Disney can get trouble for their Snow White remake being a cash grab with bad marketing, but casting a latina actress for a character named Snow White will not really be a big deal for panic over colorism.

In fact, HBO's Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child experimented in 1995 with keeping the name while portraying the character as a brown native american woman, and it worked with great aclaim that makes the series a cult classic to this day.

[mask131]

Fragments of fright (10)

This translation comes from a small witch-and-occult centered section in a French magazine entirely dedicated to the Middle-Ages (Histoire et Images Médiévales, Medieval History and Images). It was the issue 51, August-September 2013). Written by Claire Goumot.

The Belladona

The Belladona, or Atropa belladonna, is a black-berried plant well known in the Middle Ages. It was nicknamed the Devil's Cherry or "Belle Dame", the Beautiful Lady, because of its incredible properties. Its botanical name, "Atropa", is from the same root as the name of the last of the three Parcae/Moirai - Atropos she who cuts the thread of mortal life. This was because eating belladona caused hallucinations, and could be deadly. This is why it was considered a a "plant of witches", and witches used it as an oinment to either poison people or fly all the way to their sabbath. But its common name comes from the cosmetic use Italian women had for this plant during the Renaissance (the "bella domna", beautiful ladies) - a few drops of belladona juice in their eyes dilated their pupils, which made their gaze more shiny and intense. As with all plants, when well-dosed, it as benevolent properties: it is appeased, can be an anesthetic, prevents spasms. It is still used by modern medecine to treat skin and eyes.

Salt

Since Antiquity, salt is a divine and magical element in many societies. It is believed that it can protect people from bad luck, evil spells, and that it can unveil the truth. Men of the Middle-Ages spread salt inside their house, and placed some on their doorsteps or in their pockets. Salt was a mark of wealth, because it was a rare and costly product in the Middle-Ages, that had its own tax. People who accidentally spilled their salt-pot took the habt of throwing a pinch of salt over their shoulder, as a way to mock Fortune and to show that they still had plenty more salt to throw around... With time, as witch trials were on the rise, salt became a protection against the Fiend. The one who spilled the salt-shaker could be accused of being a sorcerer, because it meant he couldn't actually grasp the holy salt. He then was forced to grab a pinch of it and throw it over his shoulder to prove that he did not fear the salt. A variation of this rite had the person throwing salt over their shoulder to blind the demon haunting them, and thus prevent any kind of misfortune or curse it could have caused. Today, to spill the salt-shaker is still believed to be a bad omen, and this is why people try to avoid passing it from hand to hand. By putting it on the table and letting the over person take it, you limited the risks of the salt spilling AND placed the next person to the test. It should also be remembered that ever since Antiquity, poisoners had the habit of putting their poison inside the salt - as such, not giving the salt container from hand to hand made you less of a suspect, and made the victim more "responsible" for their death, since they took the salt off the table on their own.

The book against witches: the Malleus Maleficarum

The Malleus Maleficarum, also known as the Witches Hammer, is a book of the 15th century written by two German Dominicans: Heinrich Kramer "Institoris" and Jacques Sprender. This manual for inquisitors and jurists detailed the process to identify, interrogate and punish witches. The first part of the book defines the "seal of the devil", aka the marks to recognize a witch (birthmarks, warts, beauty marks, parts of the body that do not feel anything, extreme skinniness, unbridled sexuality, presence of a familiar). Some details are quite... something, since the book details the most extavagant powers of the witches : they could use charms and tie knots to make men infertile, or they could steal men's penises to hide it in birds nests. The two other parts of the book are less amusing, since they are "practical" parts detailling several cases of witch trials, witch interrogations and witch executions. All those were done by the use of trials and tortures that harmed the flesh, "by fire or by water", "under the eye of God", to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. One of the most famous accusations of witchcraft of history stays the one of Joan of Arc, who ultimately was proven innocent of witchcraft... But still condemned as a heretic and burned at the stake for this. The witch hunt will only end in Europe in the 18th century - with a total number of victims estimated between 50 000 and 100 000.

The witch's broom

The broom is the most iconic emblem of the witch, and this since the Middle-Ages. Why attach such a usual and banal item to the figure of the witch? First, because women were deeply associated with the broom - just like the cauldron or the spindle, this was one of the tools of the woman's domestic work, and the cauldron and the spindle in fact would also go on to become magical items in folklore and fairytales. In the Middle-Ages, feminity and domestic work only make one. Then, we also have to recall that brooms were made of Genisteae, aka "brooms" (broom shrubs, broom trees), a plant usually used in magical potions or medicinal brew to fight venom or lower tension. It was this same Genisteae that the witches used in the skin-ointment that allowed them to fly and to go to the sabbath (though sometimes the ointment serves to cover the broom rather than the witch's body).

The broom-shrub has a strong symbolical meaning : according to the Bible, the broom plant's rigidity is a cuse because the shrub refused to open its branches before the Holy Family as they fled king Herodus. Witches thus use a plant cursed by God to get closer to the Devil. Outside of the witches domain, the broom-plant had better connotations: it was the emblem of Charles VI, and the one of Goffrey Plantagenet, who always wore some of it on him, hence his name (the "broom plant" is known in French as "genêt").

[stuckinthe00s]

How to: Maintain a traditional sew-in

I don't like wigs. I tried them over and over to try and get the concept of it but it never clicked with me. I didn't like maintaining them everyday, I didn't like the dramatic baby hairs, I didn't like the glue sticking on my forehead/hairline, it was just a big NO for me. Once I switched back to traditional sew-ins, I knew I had found my go-to hairstyle. I usually go to the Dominicans to get my sew-ins and they come out bomb each and every time. The upkeep is what keeps it looking new & fresh and in this post, I'm going to tell you exactly how to do that.

For those who don't know, a traditional sew-in is when you have a portion of your hair left out to cover the tracks. This could be done in a middle or left/right side part. The first thing you want to do when you get your sew-in is to make sure you wrap it down at night, this could be done with a paddle brush, a velcro wrap or a silk scarf. This will ensure that the sew-in doesn't tangle when you wake up or sweat out.

I personally like to put a serum on my natural hair & the extensions before wrapping, the 2 serums I usually use are BioSilk & Chi Silk Infusion, both can be found on their official websites, your local or professional beauty supply stores, Amazon, or Ulta. These 2 products will make your hair manageable & silky when unwrapping it in the morning.

Sew-ins typically lasts me a month and a half before having to wash it from product and/or natural hair oils. When doing this, I use products from the same line as the Chi Silk Infusion, so that'll be the Chi Infra Shampoo & the Infra Treatment (which is a conditioner with a built-in heat protectant).

After shampooing comes blow drying. I do however use a thermal blow dry protectant by Kenra (found at Ulta or online) because I like my hair to feel and look as natural as possible, and using the right products will do so. Depending on my mood determines the style of my hair after I blow dry it. I'll usually go for the easy silk press style, or if I'm feeling fancy I will curl & flexi rod the hair. It depends. After styling, I add a little more of that Chi Silk Infusion for shine, not too much or your hair will literally be oily again, just a drop the size of a crumb.

By following these steps, your sew-in could last for a maximum of 3 months, no later than that because we still have to take care of our natural hair.

Thanks for reading!

XOXO

[cyarskaren52]

Best Albums of 2023

Many of the LPs that made an impact this year, including SZA’s “SOS” and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Guts,” came from looking inward.

| | 

Jon Pareles

The Personal Is Powerful

Personal reflections, not grand statements, filled my most memorable albums of 2023. It was a year when many of the best songs came from looking inward: at tricky relationships, at memories, at individual hopes and fears. Yet in the music, introspection led to exploration: expanding and toying with sonic possibilities, enjoying the way every note is now an infinitely flexible digital choice. For me, there was no overwhelming, year-defining album; this list could just as well be alphabetical. Instead, 2023 was a year of artists going in decidedly individual (and group) directions to grapple with their own questions, risks and rewards.

1. SZA, ‘SOS’

Released in December 2022, too late for last year’s best-of lists, SZA’s “SOS” ended a five-year gap between albums with a sprawling collection of 23 songs. Across all sorts of productions, her melodies blur any difference between rapping and singing, in casually acrobatic phrases full of jazzy syncopations and startling leaps. SZA sings about relationships from multiple angles: raunchy, devoted, betrayed, spiteful, injured, supercilious, insecure, regretful, sardonic, blithely murderous. And she makes her insights sound as natural as if she’d just thought of them on the spot.

2. Karol G, ‘Mañana Será Bonito’

Karol G turns heartache into ear candy on “Mañana Será Bonito” (“Tomorrow Will Be Beautiful”), 17 songs that work their way through a breakup to find a new start. Her voice sounds utterly guileless as she sings about lust, betrayal, revenge and healing. With an international assortment of guests, the Colombian songwriter brings pop tunefulness to reggaeton and also makes forays into rock, Dominican dembow, Afrobeats and regional Mexican music — claiming an ever-expanding territory in global pop.

3. boygenius, ‘The Record’

Synergy reigns in boygenius, the alliance of the singer-songwriters Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. On “The Record,”they seem to dare one another to rev up the music and sing candidly, or at least believably, about the many ways relationships — romances, friendships, mentorships — can go sideways. Meanwhile, their harmonies promise to carry them through all the setbacks together.

4. Paul Simon, ‘Seven Psalms’

“Seven Psalms” comes across as a farewell album from Paul Simon, 82. It’s also an artistic leap, expanding his mastery of the three-minute song into an unbroken 33-minute suite that traverses folk, blues and jazz. Simon sings about mortality as a “great migration” and extols the presence and purpose of “The Lord,” as the biblical psalms do. He also ponders music, love, family and eternity. The tone is conversational and quizzical; the implications are deep.

5. Olivia Rodrigo, ‘Guts’

Adolescence is complicated enough. Throw in celebrity, social-media scrutiny, headline touring and musical productivity, and it’s remarkable that Oliva Rodrigo, now 20, has kept not only a clear head but a sense of humor. The songs on her second album, “Guts,” combine pop’s concision and melody with rock’s potential to erupt. The production riffles through decades of crafty allusions as she deals with self-confidence and insecurity, misjudgments and comeuppances, and the relentless, contradictory expectations placed on a teenage female star.

6. Feist, ‘Multitudes’

Feist explores sorrow, longing, solace, new motherhood and the future of the Earth on “Multitudes.” Her latest songs are mostly quiet, but not always. They can take startling dynamic leaps: between unadorned acoustic close-ups and forays into orchestration or electronics, between lullaby and clatter, between intimacy and mystery, always seeking a compassionate path.

7. Everything but the Girl, ‘Fuse’

Despite a 24-year gap between albums by Everything but the Girl, “Fuse” isn’t exactly a reunion. Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt have been married the whole time. But “Fuse” reawakens and revises what they created together on their 1990s albums: a melancholy wee-hours ambience, with electronics pulsing behind Thorne’s contralto, where yearning meets experience and there’s always a chance at an epiphany.

8. Danny Brown, ‘Quaranta’

Early in 2023, Danny Brown collaborated with the avant-hip-hop producer Jpegmafia on the bristling, manic, bawdy album “Scaring the Hoes.” But “Quaranta” is a reckoning with maturity; “quaranta” means 40 in Italian, and Brown is now 42. The tracks veer from relaxed and retro to head-spinning and abstract. Brown raps about growing up in Detroit, coping with the ups and downs of a hip-hop career, and dealing with gentrification and change. On “Quaranta,” he’s an unabashed hip-hop grown-up.

9. Speedy Ortiz, ‘Rabbit Rabbit’

Rock could hardly get denser or spikier than it does on “Rabbit Rabbit” from Speedy Ortiz, the band led by Sadie Dupuis. Guitar lines race, collide, tangle and distort; Dupuis lofts blithe pop melodies above them. The lyrics are sometimes cryptic, sometimes glaringly exposed, as she sings about trauma, power and growing self-knowledge about dark moments. But the momentum is exultant, noisily overcoming the past.

10. Vijay Iyer, Arooj Aftab, Shahzad Ismaily, ‘Love in Exile’

Ambient, jazz, world music: “Love in Exile” partakes of them all. Its three collaborators share South Asian roots and American musical practice. Their improvised pieces draw on deep traditions — especially the singer Arooj Aftab’s ancient melodies and Urdu poetry — along with Shazad Ismaily’s liminal synthesizer drones and penumbras and Vijay Iyer’s patient but mutable piano patterns. They start with simplicity, then listen to one another; things happen.

Another 20 worthwhile albums, alphabetically:

100 gecs, “10,000 gecs”

André 3000, “New Blue Sun”

Corinne Bailey Rae, “Black Rainbows”

Geese, “3D Country”

Margaret Glaspy, “Echo the Diamond”

Irreversible Entanglements, “Protect Your Light”

Hannah Jadagu, “Aperture”

Kelela, “Raven”

Mitski, “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We”

Janelle Monáe, “The Age of Pleasure”

L’Rain, “I Killed Your Dog”

Nkosazana Daughter, “Uthingo Le Nkosazana”

Noname, “Sundial”

Peso Pluma, “Génesis”

Raye, “My 21st Century Blues”

The Rolling Stones, “Hackney Diamonds”

Allison Russell, “The Returner”

Jorja Smith, “Falling or Flying”

Kali Uchis, “Red Moon in Venus”

Water From Your Eyes, “Everyone’s Crushed”

Jon Caramanica

Listening Widely, Feeling Deeply

The excellent albums that expanded the sound and idea of what pop music can be this year came from all over the globe, in all styles, and in many cases captured the beauty and unexpected creative shocks of cross-genre optimism. And the excellent albums about feelings this year were uncommonly direct, sparse, unbowed and sometimes whispered.

1. Asake, ‘Work of Art’

The second album by the Nigerian singer Asake captures the sound of exultant celebration. Rooted in the South African dance style amapiano, and playing with a range of more traditional Nigerian styles, it is elegant, careful and precious; as crisp as sunshine hitting skin, a restoration and a renewal.

2. Ice Spice, ‘Like..?’

As a rapper, Ice Spice is sturdy, terse, poised, cool — a virtuoso of delivering tough talk with a whisper. This EP, her first, is a primer on how to reconcile drill’s pugnacity with the sweetness of pop — no one since Pop Smoke has done it better.

3. SZA, ‘SOS’

SZA sings as if she’s revealing confidences, viciously detailing how perceptible flaws lead to imperceptible holes that gnaw away at you until they’re filled. Her second album — actually released in late 2022, after list-making season — is an aching catalog of letdowns, recriminations and, ever so rarely, relief.

4. NewJeans, ‘Get Up’

The most modern, most progressive and most slick pop release of the year is this futurist delight of an EP from the Korean girl group NewJeans, who are adaptable to a host of styles, including sultry R&B and pop-jungle.

5. 100 gecs, ‘10,000 gecs’

The maligned, the overlooked, the caustic, the cheeky — 100 gecs loves them all, and builds undeniably jubilant songs from these deeply shattered parts. This is the duo’s second album, and trades some of the debut’s shock for a kind of twisted tunefulness. The punishment continues; morale improves.

6. Megan Moroney, ‘Lucky’

Don’t let the inherent perkiness in the country singer Megan Moroney’s voice fool you — she’s an acute conveyor of what it feels like to hold it together while your insides shatter. This debut album has plenty of moving heartbreak songs, but also a few that detail how the person most likely to let you down is … you.

7. Peso Pluma, ‘Génesis’

For the last few years, traditional Mexican music has been updating rapidly, with a legion of younger stars indebted to hip-hop’s swagger taking the baton. Peso Pluma is this generation’s truest synthesist, and this album is his most ambitious yet, a blend of woozy and proud.

8. Zach Bryan, ‘Zach Bryan’

Another year, another album of songs written with a disarmingly pointillist perspective delivered with the ease and beauty of a rumpled pile of brown leaves on a crisp late-fall evening.

9. Sexyy Red, ‘Hood Hottest Princess’

It’s uncanny how unfinished but inevitable the songs on Sexyy Red’s breakout album sound, as if the way to navigate the space between casual smack talk and rap’s biggest stages wasn’t a crazy leap, but a practically indifferent saunter.

10. Bailey Zimmerman, ‘Religiously. The Album.’

A bruising collection of post-Morgan Wallen/Luke Combs power country, Bailey Zimmerman’s debut album has the straight-faced grandeur of anthemic 2000s arena rock overlaid with heartbroken lyrics descended from multiple generations of young men, in various genres, given to shouting their feelings at top volume.

11. Olivia Rodrigo, ‘Guts’

A snarling turn for the most important new pop starlet of the last few years, “Guts” is the sort of album you make when you experience enormous success and immediately sense the hollowness within. These songs are salted with some pop-punk, a dash of riot grrrl and a withering opinion of everyone fame has put in her path.

12. Drake, ‘For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition’

The rare case of a bonus edition of an album deepening the meaning of the original version. The six additional songs added to the deluxe collection make Drake’s most recent album less about midcareer meandering and more about throne-sitting

13. Tanner Adell, ‘Buckle Bunny’

A pop-oriented singer who has an easy way with twang (but doesn’t over-rely on it), Tanner Adell casually traverses oozy R&B, barroom country, tsk-tsking hip-hop and disconsolate balladry on this winning debut. Her take on country music is uncanny, provocative and — if only Nashville would relax its borders — feels somewhat inevitable.

14. Troye Sivan, ‘Something to Give Each Other’

The best and most assured album Troye Sivanhas made is full of horny-on-main flirtation, high-viscosity production, and lyrics that reckon with the way that sweat on the dance floor can actually be a damp cover for tenderness.

And 10 more:

Natanael Cano, “Nata Montana”

Lana Del Rey, “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd”

Jung Kook, “Golden”

Le Sserafim, “Unforgiven”

Mandy, Indiana, “I’ve Seen a Way”

Saint Levant, “From Gaza, With Love”

Skrillex, “Quest for Fire”

Uncle Waffles, “Asylum”

Morgan Wade, “Psychopath”

Morgan Wallen, “One Thing at a Time”

Lindsay Zoladz

Smart, Stupid and Fully Alive

My favorite albums of the year tended to be acts of aural world building: finely detailed utopias (or dystopias) that invited temporary immersion into other psyches and sounds. Some of these reflected on the brokenness of the planet, others indulged in abstract absurdism. But all offered a needed respite from reality, using the musical imagination as an escape route.

1. 100 gecs, ‘10,000 gecs’

So much great pop music walks a tightrope between stupidity and brilliance. 100 gecs see that tightrope and, in the opening moments of their kaleidoscopically anarchic second album “10,000 gecs,” light it on fire. “If you think I’m stupid now, you should see me when I’m high,” the digitally manipulated voice of Laura Les sings. “And I’m smarter than I look; I’m the dumbest girl alive.”

100 gecs — Les and the producer Dylan Brady — are garbage collectors of modern cultural detritus who fashion pummeling pop-rock from the junkyard of our collective unconscious. (On one song on this album, they rhyme Cheetos, Doritos, Fritos, mosquitoes, burritos and Danny DeVito.) But as nonsensical as these songs appear to be — and on some level, absolutely are — meaning and emotion trickle through. What seems like a novelty song about a frog at a kegger becomes, somehow, a poignant plea to accept social awkwardness in others.

When Les and Brady released their self-titled debut in 2019, they seemed like digital-era jesters, thumbing their noses at good taste in their quest to make hyperactive music of the future. On “10,000 gecs,” though, they wisely look back to a seemingly dead genre — rock music — and enliven it with genuinely appreciative, sonically studious tributes to pop-punk, metal, gonzo alt-rock and yes, even ska. The result is loud, brash, jubilant and unsentimentally inclusive in a way that so much of the music from which they borrow was not. “10,000 gecs” is a 27-minute blast of joy that speaks the language of our broken brains. They’re even dumber than they sound. They’re the smartest band alive.

2. Caroline Polachek, ‘Desire, I Want to Turn Into You’

“Welcome to my island,” the art-pop auteur Caroline Polachek proclaims at the beginning of this twisty travelogue through her own musical mind, before letting loose one of the most towering choruses of the year. This follow-up to the underrated “Pang” from 2019 explores Polachek’s sonic obsessions including opera, flamenco, Celtic music, Y2K-era soft rock (Dido makes a fitting cameo) and the outer limits of experimental pop. Welcome to La Isla de Polachek, population: One.

3. Olivia Rodrigo, ‘Guts’

Olivia Rodrigo has a knack for capturing the visceral ache of growing pains, the physical recoil of cringe. It’s all over “Guts,” her chatty, triumphant “yeah, right” to the sophomore slump. Notice the way her voice breaks when she recounts her social faux pas or the romantic mistakes of her recent past: “How could I be so stupid?” she sings, practically retching that last word. Rodrigo may be a Gen Z heroine, but the irresistible rockers on “Guts” prove that the ’90s mean something more specific to her than mass-produced Nirvana shirts and borrowed nostalgia. If anything, she’s a home-schooled riot grrrl, waking up from the teenage dream and stumbling into an admirably messy young adulthood.

4. Lana Del Rey, ‘Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd’

Pop’s divisive princess swings for the heavens on her sprawling ninth album, and even at her most meandering, you have to admire the ambition. Throughout this dizzying, 78-minute swirl of the sacred and the profane, Lana Del Rey pays tribute to her own hodgepodge canon of Americana: Harry Nilsson, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Forensic Files,” John Denver, Angelina Jolie and — finally, provocatively, deservedly — herself.

5. Debby Friday, ‘Good Luck’

With perhaps the most confident and promising debut album of the year, the Toronto-based electronic musician Debby Friday creates an alluringly dark, industrial backdrop for her slinky self-mythologizing and galvanizing pep talks to herself. “Speak up, speak up, Friday Child,” she intones on the intention-setting opener. “Say what you came to say.” Does she ever.

6. Fever Ray, ‘Radical Romantics’

Karin Dreijer, formerly of the Knife, injects an enlivening jolt of vulnerability into their long-running solo project Fever Ray on this bold exploration of desire, seduction and midlife romance. “Looking for a person with a special kind of smile/Teeth like razors, fingers like spice,” they sing, summing up an album that sounds, thrillingly, like the world’s weirdest personal ad.

7. Water From Your Eyes, ‘Everyone’s Crushed’

Like Sonic Youth if it had been raised on memes, flavored vape cartridges and forced Zoom hangouts, the Brooklyn-based duo Water From Your Eyes (Rachel Brown and Nate Amos) mold dissonant guitars and deadpan vocals into hypnotic art rock that obliquely reflects the absurdity — and at times, the stubborn compassion — of the world in which it was created.

8. Jamila Woods, ‘Water Made Us’

On her third album, Chicago’s Jamila Woods, one of contemporary R&B’s sharpest observers, turns her gaze inward and — in a voice at once plain-spoken and poetic — charts the insight and self-discovery she’s gained in the process of her patient search for love.

9. Jessie Ware, ‘That! Feels Good!’

The British pop musician Jessie Warecontinues her midcareer transformation into a liberated disco diva with a killer record collection — ESG, Grace Jones, Donna Summer — on this fizzy, appropriately exclamatory ode to the pleasure principle.

10. Anohni and the Johnsons:, ‘My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross’

For the first time in over a decade, Anohnireunited with her band the Johnsons, inspiring her to push her forcefully tender voice in a new direction and craft a loose, soulful and casually virtuosic album that updates Marvin Gaye’s classic 1971 query for an age of climate grief, selective listening and hardening hearts. Let Anohni melt yours.

And 5 more:

L’Rain, “I Killed Your Dog”

Sufjan Stevens, “Javelin”

Mitski, “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We”

Spencer Zahn, “Statues I & II”

Jana Horn, “The Window Is the Dream”

Jon Pareles has been The Times’s chief pop music critic since 1988. A musician, he has played in rock bands, jazz groups and classical ensembles. He majored in music at Yale University. More about Jon Pareles

Sent from my iPhone

[fantomcomics]

What’s Out This Week? 5/3

Free Comic Book Day is THIS WEEK!! 

The Amazing Camel Toe GN -  Claire Duplan

Constance, a modern, young illustrator, takes revenge for the thousands of attacks suffered daily by women with a comic of her own, titled The Amazing Camel Toe, celebrating the adventures of an anti-macho vigilante in tight, panther leggings: A hero who battles against sexism, harassment, slut-shaming, and unrealistic standards of beauty. A form of release that could materialize in a publishing deal for Constance... But in order for that to happen, the author, often full of doubt, must dare to assert herself more. Luckily, she's supported by her gang of girlfriends, her boyfriend, her favorite band, and not to mention Camel Toe herself: who says this comic-book bombshell can't exist in real life?

Ariel & The Curse Of The Sea Witches HC   

 This new kids graphic novel stars Princess Ariel from Disney's The Little Mermaid! Princess Ariel joins Prince Eric on his trip to the Arctic to oversee the construction of a new port. But when Ariel discovers that the project is endangering the coral reefs below-and the merfolk who live there-can she convince the team to stop work before the merfolk take matters into their own hands? This hardcover graphic novel contains exciting full-color comic panels, as well as pages taken from the princess's very own journals from their adventures.

The Art Of Haikyu!!: Endings And Beginnings HC -  Haruichi Furudate

The Art of Haikyu!! collects the dynamic and lush color art from the hit manga series, including chapter title pages, illustrations, bonus sketches, and more from creator Haruichi Furudate!

Astrobots #1 (of 5) -  Simon Furman, Hector Trunnec & Phillip Knott

Pathfinders, Pioneers...breaking new ground in the furthest reaches of the galaxy...they are - ASTROBOTS.

The clock is ticking for planet Earth and the race is on to find a new world capable of sustaining human life. New, sophisticated machine lifeforms called Astrobots are dispatched to scout far-flung worlds in the hope of crafting a new home. With food and raw materials running out and climate disasters escalating, the evacuation of the entire human population is the only slender hope remaining. On Colony World 1, a catastrophic power struggle forges a new - all-Astrobot - society, and presiding over this nascent civilization is Atlas, an evolved mech with a futureproof plan. A plan that does not include humankind.

Bandita: A Dominican Superhero GN -  Kayden Phoenix & Ari Navarette 

Bandita is the Dominican gunslinger from New York. When Bandita hears about a Broadway theatre gang taking advantage of the talent, she tryouts for them and lands a job as a custodian. There, she befriends Chyanne, the new lead singer, and learns all about the Cientificos abusive ways. On opening night, Bandita faces off against the boss of the Cientificos, Luna Loca.

Basil & Oregano TP -  Melissa Capriglione

Porta Bella Magiculinary Academy is the finest school for the art of cooking with magic, and Basil Eyres is determined to be the top student. On the first day of her senior year, Arabella Oregano, the daughter of a renowned chef, joins the academy for her senior year as well. The two are instantly smitten with each other, but Basil senses there's something Arabella is hiding from her. Still, the two work together to stand out from the class as the end of year culinary festival approaches. But when Arabella's secret is reveled, Basil is faced with the hardest decision of her life, which has the potential to throw her future aspirations in jeopardy.

Blood Of The Virgin HC -  Sammy Harkham

Set in and around 1971 in Los Angeles, Blood of the Virgin follows an immigrant film editor named Seymour who is desperate to make his own movies. Without money or clout, he has no choice but to spend his days slumming it for the worst and most exploitative production company in town. When Seymour is given the chance to make a film of his own, his unbending principles and relentless drive violently clash with an industry that rewards everything but these traits. As Seymour's blind ambition pushes the movie along, his home life grows increasingly fraught. Using the film's production as a means to spiral out into time and space, Harkham creates an epic novel that explores the intersection of parenthood, 20th-century America, sex, the immigrant experience, and the era of grindhouse movies. Like a kaleidoscope, Blood of the Virgin shifts and evolves with each frame, allowing the reader to zoom out and see that at its core, this book is about the making of a man.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Lost Summer One-Shot -  Casey Gilly, Lauren Knight & Mirka Andolfo

Spike is determined to keep the last copy of his embarrassing poetry from being discovered, sending Buffy and the Scooby Gang on a faux-supernatural goose chase to New Orleans to cover his tracks. At an antiques fair, the group is fascinated by The Casquette Girls' clothes on display. When Dawn utters a wish she most likely should have kept to herself, the gang gains a firsthand account of the sisters' identities... beyond what they could have imagined.

Desegregating Comics: Debating Blackness In The Golden Age Of American Comics -  Qiana Whitted

Some comics fans view the industry's Golden Age (1930s-1950s) as a challenging time when it comes to representations of race, an era when the few black characters appeared as brutal savages, devious witch doctors, or unintelligible minstrels. Desegregating Comics assembles a team of leading scholars to explore how debates about the representation of blackness shaped both the production and reception of Golden Age comics. Some essays showcase rare titles like Negro Romance and consider the formal innovations introduced by black comics creators like Matt Baker and Alvin Hollingsworth, while others examine the treatment of race in the work of such canonical cartoonists as George Herriman and Will Eisner. Golden Age comics artists, writers, editors, distributors, and readers engaged in heated negotiations over how blackness should be portrayed, and the outcomes of those debates continue to shape popular culture today.

Every Day GN -  David Levithan & Dion MBD

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl. There's never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that-even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere. It's all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin's girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone they want to be with-day in, day out, day after day. But can Rhiannon love someone who is destined to change every day? For the first time on the page, A's epic story will be brought to life as a graphic novel with illustrations by Dion MBD.

Fairest Of All GN -  Serena Valentino & Fiona Marchbank

Disney's New York Times-bestselling Villains series comes to life in this graphic novel adaptation of the book that started it all! The tale of the young princess, Snow White, and her evil stepmother, the Wicked Queen, is widely known-the Queen was jealous of the girl's beauty, and this jealousy culminated in the Queen's attempt on the sweet, naive girl's life. But what caused the Queen to become so, well, wicked? Perhaps the Queen hated her stepdaughter for her resemblance to the King's first wife. Perhaps she resented the girl for her beauty. Could the Queen simply have been born that cruel? Or does it have to do with a mysterious mirror, gifted to her upon her wedding and swirling with dark magic? And who is the man in the mirror? Is he the reason for the Queen's downfall?

George’s Run: A Writer’s Journey Through The Twilight Zone GN -  Henry Chamberlain

George Clayton Johnson was an up-and-coming short story writer who broke into Hollywood in a big way when he co-wrote the screenplay for Ocean's Eleven. More legendary works followed, including Logan's Run and classic scripts for shows like The Twilight Zone and Star Trek. Late in life, Johnson befriended comics journalist and artist Henry Chamberlain, and the two had long chats about his amazing life and career. Now Chamberlain pays tribute to his late friend in the graphic novel George's Run, which brings Johnson's creative milieu to life in vividly illustrated color panels. The result feels less like reading a conventional biography and more like sitting in on an intimate conversation between friends as they recollect key moments in pop culture history.

Haunthology GN -  Jeremy Haun

From creatures of the night to even more terrifying creatures of the day, HAUNTHOLOGY is an anxiety-inducing collection of 28 short stories and vignettes from the mind of JEREMY HAUN, the writer and artist behind THE BEAUTY, THE REALM, The Red Mother, The Approach and other nightmarish mindscapes. Whether exploring a claustrophobic old house full of nefarious entities or the heavy thoughts one has during the pending end of the world, this very personal project was written and drawn entirely during the COVID lockdowns.

Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story GN -  Julia Wertz

In her keenly observed graphic memoir, celebrated cartoonist Julia Wertz chronicles her haphazard attempts at sobriety and the relentlessly challenging, surprisingly funny, and occasionally absurd cycle of addiction and recovery. Opening at the culmination of a disastrous trip to Puerto Rico, Julia stands stupefied in the middle of the jungle beside a rental Jeep she's just crashed. From this moment, the story flashes back to the beginning of her five-year journey towards sobriety that includes group therapy sessions, relapses, an ill-fated relationship, terrible dates, and an unceremonious eviction from her New York City apartment. Impossible People portrays the lesser told but more common story of addiction: That the road to recovers is not always linear.

Lo & Behold GN -  Wendy Mass & Gabi Mendez

When you're named after a 250-year-old tortoise, you grow up believing life is full of possibilities and wonder. But ever since Addie's family got turned upside down, those things have been harder for her to see. The last thing Addie wants to do is make a new friend, but when her dad's summer job takes them across the country, she meets Mateo and finds herself caught up in an exciting project. With the help of a virtual reality headset, she's suddenly scaling castle walls, dodging angry kittens, and seeing the world in whole new ways. Plus, she has an idea that could be bigger than anything she's imagined before, but can she right some wrongs first... or is it too late?

Lovely Muco! GN Vol 1 -  Takayuki Mizushina

Lovely Muco! is a story that depicts the lovely everyday life of Komatsu-san, a glassmith, and his pet dog Muco. Shiba breed Muco's wish is that Komatsu-san could become a dog!

Maple Terrace: Tales From One Dirty Tree #1 (of 3) -  Noah Van Sciver

From a multiple-award-winning cartoonist, Noah Van Sciver comes the brand new three-part autobiographical comic series, Maple Terrace. Hilarious and forlorn stories from the author's childhood, surrounded by 90s comics, cartoons, toys, deprivation, and painful nostalgia. Noah was a regular contributor to MAD Magazine and has written and drawn numerous bestselling graphic novels including One Dirty Tree (Uncivilized), the Fante Bukowski: Struggling Writer (Fantagraphics), and Joseph Smith and The Mormons (Abrams).

Monomyth #1 (of 6) -  David Hazan & Cecillia Lo Valvo

Magic is all but extinct. When the last ailing wizard casts a final desperate spell to summon the descendants of ancient bloodlines to a school for magic now in disrepair...those chosen ones find a horror of the likes they've never experienced. They will have to confront the deepest parts of themselves, their tragic pasts, and defeat each other to survive the ordeal.

The Princess & The Grilled Cheese Sandwich GN -  Deya Muniz

Lady Camembert wants to live life on her own terms, without marriage. Well, without marrying a man, that is. But the law of the land is that women cannot inherit. So when her father passes away, she does the only thing she can: She disguises herself as a man and moves to the capital city of the Kingdom of Fromage to start over as Count Camembert. But it's hard to keep a low profile when the beautiful Princess Brie, with her fierce activism and great sense of fashion, catches her attention. Camembert can't resist getting to know the princess, but as the two grow closer, will she be able to keep her secret?

Quality Assurance In Another World GN Vol 1 -  Masamichi Sato

You think you're living a quiet life in the countryside. Then, one day, a dragon shows up, and everything changes-not because of the fire-breathing serpent, but because of Haga, the man who shows up and "debugs" the situation. Can it be that your life is nothing like what you thought? And what, exactly, is "QA?" A thrilling isekai action fantasy from a fresh, new perspective!

Star Signs #1 -  Saladin Ahmed, Megan Levens & Kelly Fitzpatrick The constellations of the zodiac fall to earth, granting twelve ordinary people from very different walks of life the superhuman powers of the Starsigns. But each of them is about to learn that power always comes with a price...  

Survival #1 (of 5) -  Sean Lewis, Bryndon Everett & Tom Coker

When Emma Reed journeyed back to her hometown in Alaska, she was expecting little more than a tense family reunion at the annual military alumni get together. But early that morning, a plane crash landed in the thick woods near the mountain. And the creature within brings an ancient terror to the last American frontier, and will turn this unspoiled wilderness into a killing ground.

The Twilight Man: Rod Sterling & The Birth Of Television HC -  Koren Shadmi

We recognize him as our sharply dressed and charming guide to The Twilight Zone, but the entertainment business Rod Sterling got his start in saw him as something very different. This "angry young man" pushed the boundaries of television through the lens of science fiction stories that explored the nature of humanity while rejecting notions of war, censorship, and racism. But the monsters he crafted for the screen were far from the only ones that inhabited Sterling's life, from PTSD to the struggles of working in the entertainment industry.

Welcome To Demon School, Iruma-Kun! GN Vol 1 -  Osamu Nishi

Iruma Suzuki has always been eager to please, even at the cost of his well-being. Worst yet, he's the son of two selfish parents who end up selling him to a demon. Thanks to their totally irresponsible actions, Iruma has found himself living in the Netherworld, where he must live and attend school as the grandson of an older demon. Luckily, his new, doting grandfather is there to help, but Iruma will have to figure out how to blend in with his demonic classmates or risk getting eaten. All he needs to do is subjugate rival classmates, summon familiars, and do other typical demon things while never revealing that he's human... Piece of cake, right?

Whatcha picking up this week, Fantom Fam? 

[travelingue]

North Sea Scotland (4): Perth

The previous entry ended with our departure from Dundee, which was ugly and wet.

Perth, a short drive away, was just wet.  The rain eased, revealing the beauty of this old royal burgh.

It occupies a choice spot on the River Tay where it is both easy to cross and tidal, allowing ships to moor.

This, an information panel revealed, made the city a trade hub in the Middle Ages. It was also designated as a "craftis toun" because of its top-quality products.

Glovers, we learned, were the most influential guild in medieval Perth.  The industry naturally attracted tanners.  The panel included a depiction of their quarter circa 1440:

Leather-making apparently involved soaking hides into a mix of urine and dogs' faeces. 

This, I thought, provided interesting historical background to the Spinal Tap album Smell the Glove.

The oldest house in Perth is said to be "Fair Maid's House".  But the inscription "1393"was suspiciously legible.

The plaque said the habitation drew its name from Sir Walter Scott's novel The Fair Maid of Perth - which was published in 1828!

In short the house looked to me as medieval as Deep Purple's Book of Taliesyn album (I don't know why walking in Perth put vintage rock into my head.)

But if you're into faux medieval, nothing beats the real thing: Victorian arts-and-crafts architecture.

Perth has plenty of wonderful specimens.  Many, I noted, have been taken over by the food-and-drink industry.

The above buildings – all from the 1890s – now house Perth's Pizza Express (left), an Indian restaurant (centre) and a pub (right).

The river front is lined with glorious Gothic-revival erections.

The County Buildings (1881, above) initially a natural history museum is now, predictably, a fancy eatery.

My favourite building is the 1840s police HQ (below).

Carved into these stern stones is the inscription: "This house hates knaves, crimes punisheth, preserves the laws and good men honoureth."

Contrast that with the "transformative vision" for Scottish justice set out in 2022 "with a focus on creating safer communities and shifting societal attitudes and circumstances which perpetuate crime and harm".

The Tay, the longest river in Scotland, can be fierce in Perth. In days of old, a panel explained, people dealt with flooding by demolishing damaged structures and building new ones on top until the ground was raised to a safe level.

The above picture was taken from a spot where Perth Castle once stood. It was washed away in 1209.

It was not the last traumatic event to occur at this site.  Dominicans built a monastery on the ruins of the castle. Two centuries later, James I of Scotland died there in unusual circumstances.

James had a habit of dealing ruthlessly with rivals.  But what did for him was not so much his love of power as his love of tennis.   In 1436, he decided to spend Christmas at the monastery.  It had great traveller reviews, as well as an indoor court where he could practice his favourite sport.

Knowing plotters were after him, James familiarised himself with escape routes before settling down for a nice extended holiday.  But there was a problem with the tennis: his balls kept falling down a drain pipe.

The king got so frustrated that he ordered the drain to be blocked.  Three days later his enemies reached the monastery.  He disappeared down a hatch.  The tunnel, however, led to the drain that had been filled with stone.  He was swiftly slaughtered by his pursuers.

Fast forward 122 years.  As a previous post explained, mid-16th century Scotland was ruled by Catholics but ripe for Protestantism.  Knowing which way the wind was blowing, the Calvinist preacher John Knox returned home after 11 years in exile.

In May 1559 he headed to Perth and commandeered St John's Kirk (top image).

From a pulpit surrounded by the paraphernalia of Popish superstition (relics, stained glass windows, painted walls, etc.), Knox inveighed against idolatry.  Whipped into an iconoclastic frenzy, the crowd trashed the church.

The crowds then headed for the Dominican priory and ransacked it.  Perth's three other monasteries – as well all 40 altars in the city - were destroyed in two days of rioting.  Knox went on to repeat the feat at St Andrews cathedral 50 miles away. The Scottish Church fell like a house of cards.

Perth these days is endearingly unthreatening.  During our wanderings we came across a parade.  A crowd cheered as bagpipe players in kilts, aldermen in suits, Scots Guards in Jeeps and Star Warriors in costumes filed past.

Towards the end a brass band played the vintage hit Gimme Some Lovin'.

[finishinglinepress]

FLP CHAPBOOK OF THE DAY: All the Pretty Things Are Dying by Laurel Maxwell

On SALE: https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/all-the-pretty-things-are-dying-by-laurel-maxwell/

All the Pretty Things Are Dying includes #poems that speak to #environmental #loss, longing for the heart’s desires to be seen and recognized, beauty in life’s everyday moments, and questions that reach into the soul. Many poems rely on close observation of the #natural #world in order to make sense of our place in the universe and grapple with how to exist while living within a constant state of change and uncertainty.

Laurel Maxwell is a writer and poet from Santa Cruz, CA. Her work draws inspiration from the natural world and is moved by the ways people interact with a changing climate. Her work has appeared at baseballballard.com, coffecontrails, phren-z, Verse-Virtual, Tulip Tree Review, and Yellow Arrow Vignette. She also blogs about travel, and teaching. She holds a B.A from Whitworth University and served as Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic. She works in education and loves to get lost in bookshops.

PRAISE FOR All the Pretty Things Are Dying by Laurel Maxwell

In her collection, All the Pretty Things are Dying, Laurel Maxwell asks her readers to engage with the work by asking questions. In “Eight”: “What about those unbelieving believers who hunger?/What about the waves that continually somersault onto the shore?” In “Bottled Hearts”: “Is that how the heart keeps from grieving?/Continually remaking itself until it has become something else altogether?” And then answers, which aren’t meant to be the answers, bur rather a means to provoke deeper reflection. In “Warning”: “The ocean only wants to whisper to sand/…Trees want to root and shoot like arrows in the azure sky.” After Pablo Neruda, after Mary Oliver, Maxwell asks us again and again, “And what is it we desire in the world?” speaking to longing, heart and destruction, inviting readers into a dialogue which includes Ilya Kaminsky, Naomi Shihab Nye, Aida Limon, ocean, monarchs, redwoods, worms and potatoes. In one of the final poems, “What I Carry,” Maxwell queries “Then how do you live?/Unfolding like a flower that turns its head to the sun.” As these poems unfold with keen observation, piquant language, understated elegance and deep wisdom.

–Magdalena Montagne, Author Earth My Witness

Please share/please repost #flpauthor #preorder #AwesomeCoverArt #poetry #chapbook #read #poems #life #nature #environment #world

[yahidominicanhairsalon]

Top Dominican hair salon in Brooklyn

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If you want silky, manageable hair, the Brazilian blowout is a highly sought-after service at Yahi Dominican Hair Salon. Their team specializes in delivering flawless results that leave your hair feeling smooth, glossy, and easy to style. Searching for a Dominican Brazilian blowout salon in Brooklyn? Yahi is the place to go.

3. Affordable Hair Extensions in Brooklyn

Need to add length or volume? Yahi Dominican Hair Salon offers a range of hair extensions using 100% human hair. Whether you prefer tape-in hair extensions or a different method, Yahi ensures a natural look and feel. Their expertise in Dominican hair extensions is unparalleled, making them a top choice for hair transformations.

4. Balayage & Hair Coloring Services

When it comes to hair coloring, Yahi Dominican Hair Salon is known for offering the best balayage services in Brooklyn. Whether you’re looking to go bold with highlights or want a more natural look, their colorists are skilled in creating beautiful, long-lasting results. If you want inexpensive hair coloring services in Brooklyn, Yahi offers expert coloring at competitive prices.

5. Natural Hair Care & Wash and Set

Yahi Dominican Hair Salon is famous for its Dominican wash and set service, perfect for maintaining the health of natural hair. Whether you prefer a sleek straight look or defined curls, Yahi’s stylists use top-quality products and techniques to keep your hair looking flawless. If you’re searching for a natural hair salon in Brooklyn, Yahi is an excellent choice.

6. Men's Braid Services

Yahi Dominican Hair Salon also caters to men with their specialized braid services for men. Whether you’re looking for classic braids or a more intricate style, the experienced stylists at Yahi will ensure you leave the salon looking sharp.

Why Yahi Stands Out as Brooklyn's Top Dominican Hair Salon

Dominican Expertise: At Yahi Dominican Hair Salon, their stylists specialize in traditional Dominican hair care combined with modern styling trends, ensuring every client walks out with a look they love.

Affordable Prices: Yahi offers a variety of services at competitive prices, from Dominican blowouts to professional hair coloring.

High-Quality Products: Yahi Dominican Hair Salon uses only the best products, whether you're getting a keratin treatment, a Brazilian blowout, or hair extensions.

Best Balayage Services in Brooklyn: Known for their expertise in coloring, Yahi Dominican Hair Salon is one of the top salons for balayage and creative hair coloring.

Convenient Location: With its prime spot on Fulton Street, Yahi Dominican Hair Salon is easily accessible to clients throughout Brooklyn and the surrounding areas.

Visit Yahi Dominican Hair Salon Today!

Whether you're in need of a new hairstyle, hair treatment, or color transformation, Yahi Dominican Hair Salon is your go-to spot for top-quality Dominican hair care in Brooklyn. Discover why so many clients trust Yahi for all their hair needs, from keratin treatments to hair extensions and more!

[lanleenn]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Larimar Blue Topaz 925 Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet.

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Choosing the Right Cocoa Powder for Your Needs

Dark brown cocoa powder and premium cocoa powder are essential ingredients in the production of high-quality chocolate products, baked goods, and beverages. Both types of cocoa powder offer distinct characteristics in terms of flavor, color, and processing, making them vital components for chefs, chocolatiers, and food manufacturers. Their versatility and rich cocoa flavor are cherished by consumers and professionals alike.

Dark Brown Cocoa Powder: A Rich and Intense Option

Dark brown cocoa powder is known for its deep, rich color and bold cocoa flavor. It is typically made from cocoa beans that have been roasted for a longer period or processed using the Dutch method (alkalization). The Dutch process involves treating the cocoa beans with an alkaline solution to neutralize their acidity. This method not only darkens the color of the cocoa powder but also mellows its flavor, giving it a smoother and less bitter taste compared to natural cocoa powder.

Dark brown cocoa powder is a favorite among bakers and chocolatiers for creating visually striking and flavorful products. Its intense color is perfect for creating rich chocolate cakes, brownies, and cookies, as well as for dusting over desserts and drinks. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the robust cocoa flavor of dark brown cocoa powder enhances the taste of any chocolate-based product, making it a preferred choice for recipes that call for a deep, chocolatey experience.

Its versatility extends beyond baking. Dark brown cocoa powder can also be used in beverages such as hot chocolate, milkshakes, and smoothies, adding a rich cocoa flavor and beautiful color. Its smooth, bold taste makes it an excellent addition to savory dishes like chili or mole sauce, where cocoa is used to deepen and enhance the overall flavor.

Premium Cocoa Powder: A High-Quality Ingredient

Premium cocoa powder is synonymous with high quality and superior flavor. It is made from the finest cocoa beans, carefully sourced from regions known for their exceptional cocoa production, such as Ghana, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. Premium cocoa powder is often minimally processed to retain its natural cocoa flavors and antioxidants, making it a healthier option for those seeking both flavor and nutritional benefits.

What sets premium cocoa powder apart is its depth of flavor, which ranges from fruity and nutty to earthy and rich, depending on the origin of the cocoa beans. These flavor notes are preserved during the careful processing of the beans, making premium cocoa powder an excellent choice for high-end chocolatiers and bakers who prioritize quality and flavor in their products.

Premium cocoa powder is commonly used in luxury chocolate production, artisanal baked goods, and gourmet desserts. Its smooth texture and rich taste make it ideal for creating velvety chocolate sauces, decadent mousses, and exquisite truffles. The superior quality of premium cocoa powder also makes it a popular choice for chefs and home bakers who want to elevate their chocolate creations.

Like dark brown cocoa powder, premium cocoa powder is also a great choice for beverages. Whether stirred into hot milk for a rich hot chocolate or blended into smoothies for a burst of flavor, premium cocoa powder provides an indulgent, high-quality cocoa experience. Its high concentration of cocoa solids ensures that even a small amount adds a powerful chocolate flavor to any recipe.

Choosing the Right Cocoa Powder for Your Needs

When selecting between dark brown cocoa powder and premium cocoa powder, the choice largely depends on the desired outcome of the recipe. Dark brown cocoa powder is ideal for recipes that require a deep, chocolatey color and flavor, while premium cocoa powder is best for applications that demand superior taste and quality. Both types offer rich cocoa flavors, but their unique processing methods and bean origins give them distinct characteristics.

Dark brown cocoa powder’s smooth, mellow flavor makes it perfect for creating rich, comforting desserts, while premium cocoa powder’s complex flavor profile is suited for gourmet creations that require a more refined taste. Both varieties are versatile and can be used in everything from baked goods to beverages, offering exceptional flavor and quality.

Conclusion

Dark brown cocoa powder and premium cocoa powder are both indispensable in the world of chocolate and baking. Dark brown cocoa powder, with its intense color and smooth flavor, is ideal for creating rich, visually appealing desserts and beverages. Premium cocoa powder, on the other hand, offers superior flavor and quality, making it the preferred choice for high-end culinary creations.

Both types of cocoa powder enhance the taste and appearance of a wide range of products, from baked goods and confectionery to beverages and savory dishes. Whether you’re a professional chocolatier or a home baker, incorporating dark brown or premium cocoa powder into your recipes ensures rich cocoa flavor and outstanding results.

[yahidominican]

Top best dominican beauty salon in brooklyn | Brooklynhaircuts.com

Yahi Dominican Beauty Salon: The Top Dominican Beauty Salon in Brooklyn, NY       brooklynhaircuts.com

If you're searching for the best Dominican beauty salon in Brooklyn, look no further than Yahi Dominican Beauty Salon. Located at 218 Ralph Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233, we are known for our exceptional hair services that combine traditional Dominican haircare techniques with modern trends. Our salon specializes in everything from keratin treatments to Brazilian blowouts, providing top-tier service at affordable prices.

Why Choose Yahi Dominican Beauty Salon?

At Yahi Dominican Beauty Salon, we take pride in delivering the highest-quality hair care services. Our talented and experienced stylists have over 20 years in the beauty industry, offering a wide array of treatments that cater to all hair types and styles. Whether you're looking for a new haircut, color, or an intricate style like tape-in hair extensions or balayage, we have the expertise to give you exactly what you want.

Top Services Offered at Yahi Dominican Beauty Salon

1. Keratin Treatment in Brooklyn

Keratin treatments are one of our specialties. If you're looking to achieve smooth, frizz-free hair, our Dominican keratin treatment is a must-try. We use high-quality keratin products that repair and strengthen your hair, leaving it silky and manageable.

2. Affordable Hair Coloring & Balayage in Brooklyn

Our colorists are some of the best in Brooklyn, offering beautiful and natural-looking hair color transformations. Whether you want balayage, highlights, or a full color change, Yahi Dominican Beauty Salon provides professional, affordable services that will leave your hair vibrant and healthy.

3. Brazilian Blowout in Brooklyn

A Brazilian blowout is the perfect solution for clients looking for sleek, straight hair without the damage. This popular treatment smooths and strengthens hair while maintaining body and movement.

4. Hair Extensions & 100% Human Hair

We offer a range of hair extension services, including tape-in hair extensions and 100% human hair options. Whether you're looking to add length, volume, or both, our stylists can help you choose the perfect extensions for your needs.

5. Haircuts, Styling, and More

At Yahi Dominican Beauty Salon, we don't just offer treatments – we provide complete hair transformations. Our stylists excel at haircuts, styling, braids, dreadlocks, and everything in between.

The Best Dominican Salon Experience in Brooklyn

We believe that every visit to Yahi Dominican Beauty Salon should be an enjoyable experience from start to finish. That’s why we offer:

Complimentary consultations to ensure we meet your hair goals.

Special offers from Monday to Wednesday until 5 PM.

Non-alcoholic drinks to make your visit even more enjoyable.

Why We’re The Best Choice in Brooklyn

Experienced Stylists: With over 20 years in the industry, we bring unparalleled expertise to every appointment.

High-Quality Products: We use only top-tier products like Olaplex to maintain the health and integrity of your hair.

Affordable Pricing: We believe that great hair shouldn't come at a high price, and we offer some of the most affordable Dominican salon services in Brooklyn.

Client Satisfaction: Your satisfaction is our priority, and we guarantee you'll leave our salon feeling fabulous.

Visit Yahi Dominican Beauty Salon Today!

Looking for the best Dominican hair salon in Brooklyn or nearby areas? Yahi Dominican Beauty Salon is your go-to destination. From keratin treatments to Brazilian blowouts, balayage, and hair extensions, our range of services will meet all your hair care needs.

Make an appointment today and start your journey toward stunning, healthy hair. Visit us at 218 Ralph Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233, or call to book your appointment. Let us transform your hair into a work of art!

[shadowarq]

Discover the Best of Punta Cana with XPO Tours: Airport Transfers, Excursions, and Unforgettable Tours

Punta Cana, located on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a wide range of activities that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you’re here for a relaxing getaway, an adventure-filled holiday, or to immerse yourself in the local culture, XPO Tours has you covered with the best Punta Cana Airport Transfer, Punta Cana Excursions, and Punta Cana Tours.

Seamless Punta Cana Airport Transfers: Your Journey Begins with Comfort

Arriving in a new destination can be both exciting and overwhelming. After a long flight, the last thing you want to worry about is navigating your way to your hotel. That’s where XPO Tours comes in, offering reliable and comfortable Punta Cana Airport Transfer services.

Why Choose XPO Tours for Your Punta Cana Airport Transfer?

Punctuality: We understand the importance of time, especially when you’re on vacation. Our professional drivers are always on time, ensuring that you reach your destination without any delays.

Comfort: Our fleet of vehicles is designed to provide maximum comfort, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a large group. Air-conditioned and spacious, our vehicles ensure a smooth ride to your accommodation.

Safety: Your safety is our priority. Our drivers are experienced, licensed, and familiar with the local roads, ensuring a safe journey from the airport to your destination.

Personalized Service: We offer personalized transfer services tailored to your needs. Whether you need a private transfer or a shared shuttle, we’ve got options to suit your preferences and budget.

What to Expect During Your Punta Cana Airport Transfer:

Meet and Greet: Upon your arrival at Punta Cana International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff who will assist with your luggage and escort you to your vehicle.

Comfortable Ride: Sit back and relax in our air-conditioned vehicle as we transport you to your hotel, resort, or vacation rental.

24/7 Availability: We offer round-the-clock services, so whether your flight arrives late at night or early in the morning, we’re here to ensure you get to your destination safely and comfortably.

Unleash Adventure with Punta Cana Excursions

Punta Cana is more than just beautiful beaches—it’s a gateway to thrilling adventures and cultural experiences. With XPO Tours, you can explore the best Punta Cana Tours Excursions that showcase the region’s natural beauty, wildlife, and vibrant culture.

Top Punta Cana Excursions to Try:

Saona Island Excursion: One of the most popular excursions, Saona Island offers a day of relaxation on pristine beaches, swimming in turquoise waters, and enjoying a Dominican-style buffet. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the island’s natural pools and observe marine life.

Scape Park: For adventure enthusiasts, Scape Park is a must-visit. This eco-adventure park offers a variety of activities, including zip-lining, cave exploration, and swimming in the famous Hoyo Azul, a natural cenote with crystal-clear waters.

Hoyo Azul and Cave Expedition: Combine adventure and exploration in this exciting excursion that takes you to the hidden gems of Punta Cana’s natural wonders.

Catamaran Cruises: Sail along the Punta Cana coastline on a catamaran cruise. Enjoy snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, dancing to local music, and sipping on tropical cocktails as you soak in the breathtaking views.

Monkeyland and Plantation Safari: Immerse yourself in Dominican culture with a visit to a local plantation where you’ll learn about coffee, cacao, and other native products. The highlight of this tour is a visit to Monkeyland, where you can interact with friendly squirrel monkeys in a natural habitat.

Dolphin Encounters: Get up close and personal with dolphins in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Swim alongside these intelligent creatures and learn about their behavior from professional trainers.

Buggy Adventure: Take a thrilling ride through the rugged terrain of Punta Cana on a buggy adventure. This excursion takes you off the beaten path, through villages and lush landscapes, with stops at hidden beaches and natural caves.

Why Book Punta Cana Excursions with XPO Tours?

Diverse Options: Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, we offer a wide range of excursions to suit every traveler’s interests.

Expert Guides: Our excursions are led by knowledgeable and friendly guides who are passionate about sharing the beauty and culture of Punta Cana with you.

Convenient Booking: Booking your excursions with XPO Tours is easy and hassle-free. Simply choose the excursion that excites you the most, and we’ll handle the rest.

Affordable Prices: We believe that unforgettable experiences shouldn’t break the bank. That’s why we offer competitive pricing on all our Punta Cana excursions.

Explore the Best of Punta Cana with Our Tailored Tours

For those looking for a more immersive experience, XPO Tours offers a variety of Punta Cana Tours that allow you to dive deeper into the history, culture, and natural wonders of the Dominican Republic. Our tours are designed to provide a well-rounded experience, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler.

Popular Punta Cana Tours:

Santo Domingo City Tour: Explore the capital city of the Dominican Republic, known for its rich history and colonial architecture. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Columbus Lighthouse, Alcazar de Colón, and the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor. Wander through the Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about the country’s history and culture.

Los Haitises National Park Tour: Discover the untouched beauty of Los Haitises National Park, a protected area known for its lush mangroves, limestone caves, and diverse wildlife. This tour is perfect for nature lovers and those interested in eco-tourism.

Cultural Tour of Higüey: Immerse yourself in Dominican culture with a visit to Higüey, a city known for its vibrant markets and the famous Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, a significant religious site in the country.

Zipline Canopy Adventure: Experience the thrill of soaring above the lush landscapes of Punta Cana on a zipline canopy tour. This tour offers breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush that adventure seekers won’t want to miss.

El Limon Waterfall Tour: Embark on a journey to El Limon Waterfall, located in the Samaná Peninsula. This tour combines horseback riding and hiking, culminating in a refreshing swim at the base of the stunning waterfall.

Coco Bongo Nightlife Tour: Experience Punta Cana’s vibrant nightlife with a visit to Coco Bongo, a world-renowned entertainment venue known for its electrifying shows, music, and dancing.

Why Choose XPO Tours for Your Punta Cana Tours?

Customized Experiences: We understand that every traveler is unique, which is why we offer customizable tours that cater to your interests and preferences.

Small Group Tours: For a more personalized experience, we offer small group tours that allow you to explore Punta Cana at your own pace.

Local Expertise: Our tours are led by local guides who are passionate about sharing the history, culture, and hidden gems of Punta Cana with you.

Convenient Pick-Up and Drop-Off: All our tours include pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

Making the Most of Your Punta Cana Vacation with XPO Tours

At XPO Tours, we believe that your vacation should be nothing short of extraordinary. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of services to ensure that your time in Punta Cana is filled with unforgettable moments. From the moment you arrive at the airport to your last day in this tropical paradise, we’re here to take care of all your travel needs.

Why XPO Tours Stands Out:

Customer-Centric Approach: Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. We go above and beyond to ensure that your experience with us is smooth, enjoyable, and memorable.

Hassle-Free Booking: Whether you’re booking an airport transfer, excursion, or tour, our easy-to-use website and responsive customer service team make the process simple and stress-free.

Value for Money: We offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. With XPO Tours, you’ll get the best value for your money, ensuring that you can make the most of your vacation budget.

Flexibility: We understand that travel plans can change. That’s why we offer flexible booking options, allowing you to adjust your plans as needed.

Tips for Planning Your Punta Cana Adventure

Book Early: To ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons, it’s a good idea to book your airport transfers, excursions, and tours in advance.

Pack Accordingly: Punta Cana’s tropical climate means warm weather year-round. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and swimwear for all the water activities.

Stay Hydrated: With so many outdoor activities, it’s important to stay hydrated. Always carry a water bottle with you, especially during excursions and tours.

Embrace the Local Culture: While Punta Cana is a popular tourist destination, it’s also a place rich in culture and history. Take the time to interact with locals, try traditional Dominican dishes, and learn about the customs and traditions of the region.

[travelsbliss]

Best Places to Visit in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic: A Guide for U.S. Travelers Are you interested in discovering the heart of the Dominican Republic? Santiago de los Caballeros, known for its rich culture, tobacco production, and beautiful landscapes, offers a unique experience for travelers. This guide is tailored for U.S. travelers looking to explore the best places in Santiago. Whether you're visiting the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration, exploring the tobacco fields, or enjoying the vibrant arts scene, Santiago provides a deep connection to Dominican heritage. 🏞️🇩🇴 📍 Discover Santiago: Best Places to Visit in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic - A Guide for U.S. Travelers

[thebusinessmagnate]

Nicaragua’s Lucrative Industries: Driving Economic Growth and Development

The Business Magnate. Nicaragua, located below Guatemala and above Costa Rica, is the largest Central American country. Nicaragua has a powerful economic landscape that contributes to its growth and development. The country has a diverse range of industries like Agriculture, Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, and Tourism that have been lucrative to the country’s economic growth and development. By playing significant roles in their economic contributions, this article will delve into each aspect of the country’s progression for better understanding. 

The Agriculture Industry:

Being the backbone industry like any other country, Nicaragua’s Agriculture Industry contributes significantly to the country’s growth and development in its economy. This industry is popular for its robust productions in Coffee, Tobacco, and other Commercial Crops. 

Nicaragua’s Coffee production is the highest-produced crop in the country and mainly offers a certain coffee bean variation called Arabica. Sourced from specific locations like Jinotega, Nueva Segovia, and Matagalpa, Arabica coffee is produced in high quality. This agricultural sector contributes to the economy with its steady production and job opportunities that sustain thousands of Nicaraguan families in rural areas. Additionally, the country brings in quite a significant revenue through exports from coffee production enhancing rural developments and facilitating required farmer support. Tobacco is another crop grown in the industry and is especially recognized for manufacturing and producing cigars. In the same way, Nicaragua benefits from cigar exports, job creation for its local population, and fosters foreign exchanges. Here, the agriculture and manufacturing sectors work together. 

Various other Commercial Crops that are grown in Nicaragua are Bananas, Sugarcane, Cacao, Peanuts, Sesame Seeds, and more. The products are increased in added value through different stages of milling, packaging, and exporting. This way, the country sees better economic profits and a much wider market reach due to its inclusion of diverse crops in the agriculture industry. 

The Manufacturing Industry and The Renewable Energy Industry:

Nicaragua’s Manufacturing Industry is focused on textiles and apparel, thereby boosting international markets, exports, and the country’s economic growth. Foreign investments grow rapidly due to free trade zones and agreements like the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement – CAFTA-DR. 

The country’s Renewable Energy Industry leads the way into a sustainable future for a cleaner and greener Earth. Using its active volcanoes, the country invests in geothermal energy production. Reducing the use of non-renewable fossil fuels, Nicaragua also invests in solar and wind energy power projects near its Lake Nicaragua bringing renewable energy to rural areas, thereby sustainably contributing to the country’s national energy grid, and its economic growth and development.

The Tourism Industry:

The Tourism Industry is famous for Nicaragua’s scenic tourist destinations, colonial-era cities, sustainable tourist practices, and engaging tourist activities that contribute to Nicaragua’s economic growth and development. 

Some of the country’s landscapes and tourist destinations are San Juan del Sur, the Pacific and Caribbean beaches, and the Corn Islands. But it doesn’t end there, as the country also has both active and dormant volcanoes like Cerro Negro and Mombacho. These volcano sites are a hotspot for exciting and adventuristic activities for the much perkier tourists. León and Granada are cities that attract thousands of tourists and travelers for its beautiful colonial architecture. These cities are rich in culture and heritage and tourists take part in festivals for an even better tourism and travel experience. All such locations that see many tourists are hives for economic contributions. 

Ecotourism is a sustainable initiative and practice adopted and established by Nicaragua for its locals and tourists. Aimed at protecting and conserving the country’s ecosystem and wildlife, places like the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve and the Bosawás Biosphere Reserve are well-guarded and protected year-round while also allowing tourists to visit such places thereby generating a high revenue. Therefore,  Nicaragua’s lucrative industries are its largest in Agriculture, Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, and Tourism for its economic contributions to its growth and development.

Source Link : https://thebusinessmagnate.com/nicaraguas-lucrative-industries-driving-economic-growth-and-development/