#it speaks volumes a latine person

[lunaescribe]

The anti-colonial power of Jim! What a gift to have a non-binary Latine rebel.

[hplovecraftmuseum]

Lovecraft in overview, part 1: H. P. Lovecraft was a unique, tragic, and highly intelligent individual who died in 1937 at the relatively young age of 46. He showed remarkable ability for reading, speaking, and writing long before he was old enough to attend any formal schooling. He was said to have had a remarkable memory and developed a strong sense of honor, personal dignity, and a strict moral code that would remain constant throughout his life. Though he toyed with smoking as a teen he quit the habit early. He claimed that he never tasted alcohol in his entire life. Though several characters in his stories were depicted as drug users, he himself was adament that he had never used drugs of any kind. Though Lovecraft was highly interested in the explorations of the poles made famous by men of his own time, he himself was highly allergic to cold temperatures. On at least one occasion he literally fell into a coma when he was caught outside in a cold snap. Lovecraft was a lifelong aficionado of the Classical World -Ancient Rome particularly. He taught himself Latin early in life and probably was fluent in the language by his twenties. Though a handsome and utterly normal looking boy at least until his teen years, Lovecraft developed some particularly odd facial features by adulthood. He considered himself to be particularly unattractive though he made every effort to present a look of neat and well groomed appearence at all times. He almost always wore a suit and tie wherever he went. Lovecraft had a great disfavor of facial hair and was always scrupulously clean shaven with hair cut short and neatly combed. At 5'11" HPL was tall for his day and the slender frame he maintained for most of his life (averaging 145 pounds) probably made him appear even taller. Lovecraft had a lifelong love of cats. He wrote of the with admiration often and saw in the species the values of a 'gentleperson' that he himself always aspired to. HPL was particularly fond of architecture and considered any type that reflected the Classical ideals of Ancient Greece and Rome to be the most perfect expression of the art. Bookish since childhood Lovecraft was a frequent visitor to libraries and maintained a considerable book collection of his own (at least 1400 volumes). Though his friend Robert Barlow once wrote of Lovecraft that he was the least sexual individual that he had ever known, Lovecraft was married to a highly intelligent and beautiful woman for a brief period. Still, his wife claimed that he never told her that he loved her and that she was always the one who instigated any physical relations. Despite the sometimes harsh and occasionally aggressive and generally 'manly' attitude Lovecraft projected in his letters, many who met him in person were surprised by his unguarded, boyish charm and enthusiasm when in compatible company. Dispite his odd looks, high pitched speaking voice, and the strict rules of conduct he had set for himself, HPL was reportedly the "life of the party", especially when in the company of fellow writers, poets, artists, or creative people generally. On some occasions he was actually known to sing at public gatherings! (Exhibit 574)

[zaebeecee]

“Blood and ashes” for the ask game, please?

It's maybe the most basic concept, but I care very little, because doing basic stuff in the most fun way possible is my brand. Imagine Death Note, except with vampires. Basically the Kira investigation squad from canon are a group of vampire hunters (specifically hunting down vampires who have gotten into the government), and L (along with Near and Mello) runs a cabal of vampire detectives who are dedicated to taking down other, less "ethical" vampires. (Also, Matt is in it, I would never forget Matt)

Light was clearly taking his time processing this offer. He looked around the room, meeting the eyes of every other member of the task force, ending with his father. Finally, apparently satisfied by some intangible result, he nodded. His voice was even and steady when he responded to L, not letting on even to his own compatriots how he truly felt about this arrangement. “Alright, L. We are willing to cooperate with you. The more capable hands we have on this, the sooner we can all take Yotsuba down.” “Excellent. You see? I told you that it wouldn’t be an issue.” L’s words confused Matsuda for a split second, but that was all the time it took for the two monitors to the left and the right of the largest to flicker to white. Just as the one in the center, they bore stylized Latin characters, one for M, one for N. Another electronic voice filled the room. “I still don’t like it. They’re in over their heads.” The person was speaking like they weren’t even there, listening. “Besides, Yotsuba has been operating in their country for so long and they’re only now suspicious that it’s being run by vampires? How can they be such prolific hunters if they’ve missed something so basic?” “I really, really do hate to agree but…” And there was the third voice. The digitized quality of this voice was somehow sharper than the others. “We’ve all made our assessments already, L. Why don’t we just leave them to it? We don’t need them. Especially the Yagami kid. I knew his whole reputation was a joke. He’s a pop star.” Light very nearly reacted to that, but he held his ground. It was Mogi who spoke up next. “Uhm… you all know we can still hear you… right?” “M’s right, for once,” the second voice said, immediately identifying itself as N even as Mogi went ignored. “Besides, we’ve already received permission to act in Japan. It’s not like we need to cooperate with the force.” “For once?!” M’s voice retorted just over N’s. “No nonono. You don’t get to just make a stupid-ass comment like that—” at around this point the volume of M’s voice was rapidly fading away, like he was walking away from his microphone. Then, with slowly increasing volume, the digitized quality of N’s voice apparently continued for him. “—not like I need to waste my time playing babysitter to a bunch of bumblefuck coppers either!” Aizawa voiced what was already on Matsuda’s mind. “...the hell…?” N’s digitized voice spoke again, no longer yelling, so… was it actually N this time? Had M gone into the same room as N? Were they in the same building? “M, if you find it such a waste of time, go do something else. L and I don’t strictly need you on the investigation, either.” There was a digital sigh from L. “Please forgive them. They’re always like this.” “My ass you don’t need me! You’re always so busy being a robot you can’t be bothered to truly parse something even bordering on proper profiling. I’m not a robot, and maybe if you spent more time on work and less on your hair— the bangs are uneven, by the way. NO THEY ARE NOT you’re just trying to distra— … … … distract me and it’s not gonna work!”

[fideidefenswhore]

"This Princess is not very tall, has a pretty face, and is well proportioned (disposta) with a very beautiful complexion, and is 15 years old. She speaks Spanish, French, and Latin, besides her own mother-English tongue, is well grounded in Greek, and understands Italian, but does not venture to speak it. She sings excellently, and plays on several instruments, so that she combines every accomplishment."

'Venice: August 1531', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 4, 1527-1533, ed. Rawdon Brown( London, 1871), British History Online

+

"She is a young woman, whose mind is considered no less excellent (bello) than her person, although her face is comely (gratiosa) rather than handsome, but she is tall and well formed, with a good skin, although swarthy (ancorchè olivastra); she has fine eyes and above all a beautiful hand of which she makes a display (della quale ne fa professione); and her intellect and understanding (spirito et ingegno) are wonderful, as she showed very plainly by her conduct when in danger and under suspicion. As a linguist she excels the Queen, for besides Latin she has no slight knowledge of Greek, and speaks Italian more than the Queen does, taking so much pleasure in it that from vanity (per ambitione) she will never speak any other language with Italians."

'Venice: May 1557, 11-15', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558, ed. Rawdon Brown( London, 1877), British History Online

[rigelmejo]

So I like to find older language learning textbooks, or just specific ones. I could make some posts on them if anyone would be interested. I have some weird ones, and then some genuinely useful ones, and rather old ones which are a mix.

Some of my favorites:

German Through Pictures: learn like a child, or like me and my friend in high school translated to each other (with pictures!) when we didn't speak the same language. It is a simple book, but very easy and you WILL learn some basics. Its simple, its a nice idea.

This book is very cheap used, I found it at a library book store sale for 4 dollars.

Read Japanese Kanji Today: there's an older version of this book, equally good. This book is free in a lot of digital libraries (a lot of college libraries have it in ebook form, if you are on an app like Libby or Hoopla it's worth searching). A kanji mnemonic stories book that is not dauntingly huge. Good for beginners to wrap their heads around how to start studying Kanji. Be aware, it doesn't cover much, so don't spend too much time studying it if you're trying to make progress (not like perfectionist me in college who... was too obsessed with memorizing and so I never finished reading this).

https://archive.org/details/jensen-arthur-le-francais-par-la-methode-nature

Le Francais Par Le Methode Nature: I have this book to thank for getting comfortable learning French in French, for getting comfortable reading more, and I love the teaching style. I love textbooks written in The Nature Method, where they teach entirely in the language. The Arthur Jensen books in particular (and a few others of this time period) have 3000+ common words and a good overview of grammar taught, setting you up to transition to regular daily conversations and novel/news reading after The Nature Method textbook. My ideal. I wish desperately for a book like this in chinese or japanese. I've thought for hours about how to add pinyin for hanzi, romaji and hiragana below kanji for japanese, in order to make it still equally comprehensible to start seeing regular chinese and japanese text immediately. Chinese or Japanese would need more pictures for explanation, since there's less cognates. But i really think a similarly designed textbook would be very achievable. But I do not confidently know chinese or japanese grammar enough to try to translate English by The Nature Method into Chinese or Japanese. If someone does, I'd love to talk cost for that kind of translation job. I'd need that base text translation, then I could draw pictures and add pinyin and romaji/hiragana myself... (or also do what one great person did when he wrote a tiny Comprehensible Input japanese site - use emojis).

Anyway. I love these type of books. I wish more existed desperately. There's a French, English, and Italian one. There's also textbooks written with the same "all taught IN the target language" approach - a Greek one called Athenaze, and a Latin one called Lingua Latina.

Be aware because of the age of some of these, some language info is outdated. But for me the sheer VOLUME of nonstop practice reading the language makes up for a few issues of age.

French for Beginners by Charles Duff: I love the way Duff teaches, lots of practice reading immediately. He has a Beginner Spanish textbook I also got, and also love.

Chinese Grammar Self Taught by John Darroch: this book is NOT actually the nature method. I got a hard copy that's really old. Its lovely and has gold lettering on the cover. The book uses an old pronunciation system so its easier to go into this book if you already know how hanzi are pronounced or have an alternative source for that. If you're a nerd like me who Likes seeing the old pronunciation system, the older language features (like le being liao more, like the use of nin instead of ni more often), the print hanzi back then? Its really cool. The grammar lessons are also very easy to read - probably my favorite grammar explanations I've read. The section in the beginning explaining hanzi radicals and the types of hanzi, the sound+meaning type and symbolic type, on its own makes the book worth it. After reading that section, hanzi made so much more sense to me, got easier to remember and learn. I just think its a really neat book. It also has a dictionary of about 2000 hanzi in the back. Which serves as both a good vocabulary list and practice going through a/stroke order dictionary. The grammar book also teaches a decent number of words. A very useful little book.

Its the polar opposite of a chinese textbook I once had that only taught 200 words and made me so mad i donated it and forgot the name of it.

Japanese in Thirty Hours: this book is free on some univerity sites, if you search google itself or another web search. I bought a physical copy for 9 dollars. Its my favorite beginner grammar book for japanese - in particular, because it describes a few grammar points in a way that I found helpful. Also, like the chinese book above, this book pulls its weight! A lot of information in a small book. It has over 1000 words in the back vocabulary section you can study, a TON of grammar explanations and sentence drills to practice, easy to read, and the book's goal is to get you speaking (with the use of a dictionary/looking up key words you need to say) ASAP. It does it's job. The sentences are a bit unnatural, but so is Genki's sentences (like saying watashi wa so much even though in Japanese it wouldn't be explicitly stated so much).

Reading Japanese by Hamoko Ito Jordan, Eleanor Harz, Chaplin: I love learning a language by DOING. So I love this book. It's a bit slow paced for me (but only since I'm not an absolute beginner). It's a great, dense book of 624 pages. You practice reading all hiragana, katakana, 425 kanji, and a ton of example words and kanji. Even though I can read somewhat, the katana section of this book is intense even for me in that it makes me practice reading a TON of katakana words and situations in order to get the learner truly comfortable with encountering the writing system and reading it. There's also a companion grammar book by them, Beginning Japanese. Due to the very general title you'l need to search author names to find these books.

Weird bits: unique romaji system. I was fine with it, since I already knew the pronunciations of everything I saw in this book, from prior study. If you're an absolute beginner though, it would be worth it to learn the regular romaji system and hiragana/katakana romaji sound representations in it before starting this book.

Beginning Chinese Reader by John DeFrancis: note that you can find this cheap used sometimes, and very expensive other times. My copies were around 60 dollars a piece because the books were out of print and rare at the time. There's several books in the series: Beginning Chinese Reader 1 and 2, Intermediate Chinese Reader 1 and 2, and Advanced Chinese Reader. (Pdfs can be found online if you go searching).

The positive: 1200 hanzi are taught, and thousands more words (tons of combininations of the hanzi into many words). The main plus of these books is sheer volume of reading practice. Its TONS of reading practice, thousands of pages.

There's graded readers nowadays which are more entertaining with funner stories, but they are short. My mandarin companion stories were very short, my Sinolingua Books were quite thin, and most of my "beginner" reading in chinese ended up being easier novels in chinese (like tu tu da wang, xiao wang zi, sa ye and simpler written B)) because I just could not find thousands of pages of gradually increasing difficulty graded readers (although Pleco does offer a decent amount of some condensed versions of stories like Legend of the Monkey King, etc).

So yeah, the plus: huge amount of reading material to internalize hanzi and new words, and get really comfortable reading.

The negatives: its old. Old cultural details, old language things that don't all apply anymore, the technology words we have now didnt exist when it was written. And its written so dry and boring, unfortunately. For me, the elements that age it help me get interested in catching those, enough so that i can get myself to read it. But the material itself? Boring (at least in the beginning).

Regardless, I find the concept of these textbooks to be wonderful. I would love to find some modern chinese textbook series that provides over 1000 pages of graded reading, with words repeated at intervals to reinforce memory of them. If you know of any (even with just 400 pages practice reading that gradually teaches more words) please let me know.

Madrigals Magic Key to Spanish: I love this book. I have Madrigal's books for Spanish, French, and German. I read this spanish one over the course of a summer once, it probably helped me get better at reading Spanish. It works excellently in combination with Language Transfer Spanish podcast, and if you like learning materials that teach based on similarities to what you might already know in your native language (grammar similarities, cognates) and clear explanations of language patterns (showing how adjective word endings are sometimes X like -ent in english or french "intelligent") then this book's teaching style will work well for you. And, like many of my favorite books, it teaches a LOT of words.

So! That is a snippet of some of the language books I have. I've got a lot more... I love checking out textbook methods and the variety so I tend to look for them whenever I see used books.

[noamuth]

How would you describe their voice? Can they sing?

I chose Voice 1 for Dalamus in-game, as it was the closest to how I imagine he sounds in his original verse (TES), but even then not technically accurate.

Dalamus' voice is a tad deeper than the in-game voice--just enough to give a bit of rumble at lower volumes.

His accent, rather than the Fantasy English of the in-game voice, is more like Fantasy Latin or Fantasy Italian. I lean towards Latin because it does not have the same lift at the end of words that Italian often has, but for the purposes of having more reference material, Italian also works.

His accent is strongest when speaking Drowic, of course. But even when speaking Common, his accent is obvious. In most calm conversation in Common, he tones it down to make sure he is easily understood by Surfacers, but it does not take much for the accent to thicken--emotional states like anger or excitement or acute stress, sufficient tiredness, drunkenness, speaking to other drow (especially those with similar accents) or Elvish speakers, or even just being sufficiently comfortable around someone, etc.

He has no training in singing, but with vocal mimicry, he can possibly do a bit better than the average person pulled from the street. He prefers to hum, which has slight rumble to it.

[dualcastimpact]

dawntrail impressions pt. i

Back when I first started playing FFXIV, I kept up a livetweet thread of my impressions of the game all the way from A Realm Reborn to Shadowbringers, and it remains one of my favourite things online. I didn't continue the thread with Endwalker since Twitter no longer supports updating a thread with multiple tweets (and that's a serious pain in the ass, thanks Elon), so for Dawntrail I thought I'd try doing it on tumblr instead.

So here it is: my journey through Dawntrail!

Spoilers under the cut, obviously.

Fun fact: everything here so far is non-canon to Raginmar. He's already in Tuliyollal by this point, having sailed there with his father's husband's crew, so this is more me reacting to the story in general.

Ojika Tsunjika: "It seems he's managed to secure passage to Tural aboard a guildship vessel."

Erenville: "It took some persuasion, but the gleaners' guildship has granted us places aboard a vessel bound for Tural."

I've already mentioned this in another post, but this tidbit got me excited because it allowed me to explain how Raginmar got to Tural before Wuk Lamat and co. did — getting themselves on that ship probably took some time and no small amount of bureaucracy and scheduling, so it's perfectly feasible that Raginmar could have gone back home to the South Sea Isles and then sailed to Tuliyollal before they did.

———

Krile: "That's fine, Erenville. I doubt anyone expected we'd have a ship all to ourselves."

I'm being a little nitpicky here but why even feel the need to mention that in the first place? Any traveller wouldn't expect that, so why did Erenville have to apologetically mention that they'd have to be travelling with other people as if that isn't how everyone travels? I'm not dissing the writing, mind — more that I think it speaks volumes about Sharlayan society in general, probably, that they maybe subconsciously expect to travel privately because they're the elite or what have you.

———

Wuk Lamat: "I'm sure there'll be a chance to speak with Papa. You can get your answers right from the source!"

This is an interesting localisation choice because in Japanese, she doesn't say パパ. She says おやじ, which you can probably roughly localise into "old man" and showcases a very different charm than "papa". Wuk Lamat is a very genki character, she's pretty much the closest thing this game's got to a shōnen manga protagonist, so I feel her saying "papa" feels a bit off for her character. Maybe it's more in line with the Latin American-inspired setting and localisation?

———

Erenville: "The golden city is a children's bedtime story. I am part of this expedition only because the Third Promise has commanded that I serve as guide."

You tsundere, you. But also who the Third Promise is became clearer as you go through the game, but I have to admit it threw me for a loop because I don't remember Wuk Lamat ever being mentioned with that title in 6.55?

———

This is non-canon, as previously mentioned, but the incongruity of Raginmar standing there in his summer vacation clothes while everyone else is in their travelling and/or battle garbs with weapons had me laughing for a good while.

———

Alisaie: "Well, for once the fate of the world doesn't rest on our shoulders. We might even get a chance to enjoy ourselves!"

Don't jinx it, Alisaie.

———

Erenville: "Though Tural may seem but a short sail away on a map, the vast seas between brim with peril. The treacherous waters of Shades' Triangle alone have claimed countless vessels."

Wuk Lamat: "Perhaps, but my voyage here was uneventful enough. Disappointingly so!"

WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT NOT JINXING IT, WUK LAMAT?

———

Hello, person garbed in custom clothing who's suspiciously focused on in this frame. I'm sure you'll be important to the plot sooner or later.

———

Alisaie: "I can feel my edge start to dull on these long sea voyages. How about some light sparring later?"

Good thing this isn't canon — and even if it was, Raginmar wouldn't have indulged her because Raginmar? He doesn't know how to spar. He takes combat too seriously to hold back, so if he ever fights in a duel you know it's going to be at least until someone has to yield from heavy injuries, if not to the death.

Also I like how they repeatedly mention this is a long voyage, which again supports my headcanon from before! It's such a mundane thing but I really like it.

———

Retired Mercenary: "...Gah, I've had enough of playing the simpleton. There was a time when we took great pains to maintain the deception, but with more of you Eorzeans coming to Tural, it's become impractical."

Wait, what do you mean deception? What even did you need to pretend to be simpletons for?? I'm halfway through the main story quest by the time of writing this and I still don't know why they thought they needed to pretend to be simpletons while they're in Eorzea.

Retired Mercenary: "I look forward to a long soak in the hot springs of Urqopacha. And no complaints when I dance the bathing dance."

WAIT, are you the Mamool Ja from that one fate in Upper La Noscea?? Outside the Warmwine Sanitorium????

———

Swarthy Sailor: "Wait, I recognize you—you're the champion of Eorzea! If the Third Promise has you on her side, then that shifts the odds a fair bit! I might have to change my bet..."

Man's a literal gamechanger at this point, that's incredible.

———

Self-assured Trader: "I'm a merchant myself, based in Ul'dah. Specially imports and exports, Eorzean and Turali both."

More confirmation that it is indeed possible for merchants and traders to sail to and from Tural! Raginmar's father's husband is the captain of a trading vessel primarily sailing between the South Sea Isles, but they do occasionally make the voyage to other continents.

———

Erenville's narration: "What an extraordinary life he must lead to be able to operate such a device with practiced ease."

There was a storm and all manner of shenanigans including the Warrior of Light rushing to operate the elemental shielding devices on the ship to protect them from lightning strikes, and this comment just absolutely had me in stitches because yeah! Yeah, you sure do get used to it when you have to keep battling the likes of Leviathan and Bismarck! It sure is an extraordinary life, yes sirree!

———

Erenville's narration: "In retrospect, of course, that battle against the storm would prove a fitting prelude to the coming contest for the throne."

Ooooh, how predictably ominous.

———

Wuk Lamat: "You'll find much here you never knew existed! There may be a sea route now, but visitors to Tuliyollal are still few and far between."

Wuk Lamat: "And as we don't build seafaring ships, only a handful of Turali ever venture abroad."

This was interesting to me because it highlights how isolated Tural is from the rest of the world, but when you really think about it — so was the Far East from Eorzea. Most Eorzeans had never seen an Au Ri person until Yugiri, and even Ilsabardians would rarely be found in Eorzea despite the continent being relatively nearby and I think connected by land? Travelling extensively between continents like the Warrior of Light is capable of just wasn't done.

More importantly, this reinforced my headcanon that Wuk Lamat has never met an Arkasodara so as open-minded as she'd be about it, she'd still be pretty surprised when she meets them in Thavnair.

———

Erenville: "Mamool Ja sellswords, mostly. Those willing to play the fool sail with Lominsan merchants to secure employment in Eorzea."

Why do they have to be willing to play the fool in the first place? This isn't explained anywhere! I think it might be explained in a sidequest somewhere but I haven't gotten round to them yet — I really hope there's an explanation for this somewhere because it's driving me nuts.

———

Mamool Ja Landsguard: "We will not abide interference from foreign agents seeking to foment trouble. What brings you to Tuliyollal?"

This made me laugh because we're not exactly seeking to forment trouble, but we sure are foreign agents, yeah!

———

Mamool Ja Landsguard: "The Third Promise! If you vouch for them, then all is well, of course!"

Sure is nice to have someone influential on our side for once, instead of having to prove ourselves at every turn!

———

Wuk Lamat: "N-No, not at all! Couldn't be better! The Third Promise does not get sick, no sir!"

That's a suspiciously specific denial there, Wuk Lamat.

———

And that's it for this round of impressions! Next up: Tuliyollal and meeting the Dawnservant.

[runwayrunway]

No. 26 - Copa Airlines

Over this weekend, I had you all fill out a questionnaire. Now, every question that's on there was on there for a reason, but some of those reasons are a bit more straightforward than others.

This one, for example, was something I had already been using a survey for, and I figured using my followers would meet a higher standard of science than using my coworkers and a few discord chats. If anything, it is needlessly biased in favor of the airline in question, since my followers include many Airplane People. And boy do the results speak volumes.

I removed the wordmark from this picture of an airplane and asked you all what airline she flies for. (Let's pretend the title of this post doesn't spoil the answer.) The answers were overwhelmingly consistent.

32 out of 77 responses, a stunning 45%, identified this plane as flying for United Airlines.

I mean, not hard to understand why. The only things that are different are a slightly darker shade of blue, minor tweaks to the logo on the tail, and the easy-to-miss detail that the mystery plane is registered in Panama. (In fact, the only way to recognize what airline it flies for, in my own opinion, is that the airline's ICAO code is in the registration. Again, not something the average person would spot, or indeed should be expected to.)

The second most common response was either not responding, or saying that you don't know. (Actually, a lot of people expressed unsureness, but these people outright refused to guess.) The third most common response was AT&T. The phone company. In a similar vein, another respondent guessed Euronews, the news show.

Then we have four people who guessed Continental.

This is completely reasonable, since their livery is just the old United livery - rather, United's old livery is stolen from Continental during their merger. I get the sense that the difference between people who immediately assume United and people who immediately assume Continental is whether they were over or under a certain age in 2012.

A handful of other specific airlines were guessed. I'm not going to touch on all of them, including the ones I've already reviewed - I'll just leave a little collage of the miscellaneous guesses.

Okay. So the answer is obviously that this is, as it says in the title, Copa Airlines.

Three people actually guessed this correctly, and two of them live in Latin America. Copa (Compañía Panameña de Aviación) is the flag carrier of Panama and one of the largest carriers in Latin America. I find Copa's livery to be almost powerful in how tragic it is. It wasn't always like this.

Back in the day Copa had its own livery, its own branding. And I'm not going to linger on the fact that these are Iberia colors, because a lot of airlines use similar colors but this says COPA on it in huge text in two places.

This might seem like a weird case of self-sabotaging plagiarism, but it actually came about in a way I find far worse. Copa and Continental had a marketing alliance, with Continental having a 49% stake in the company until 1999, when it was increased to 51%. Immediately, Copa, in addition to partnering with Continental, began to use the same frequent flier program and - what I care about - the same livery.

I don't even have it in me to care about how the livery is boring and the font is ugly, how it's a far worse version of it than what Continental and then United wore. That is like seeing a corpse and being disturbed that it has a bad haircut. This airline is wearing a livery almost universally recognized to be that of a different airline. What is even the point of painting your planes with your name if you care this little about having an identity? You might as well be operating as United Express.

The worst thing is that United has changed their livery now. They don't have a majority stake in Copa, and haven't for well over a decade. Copa has its own fleet, its own routes, its own holding company, its own frequent flyer program, its own history, its own name. So why is it still wearing a livery that was never its own to begin with?

Maybe they don't want to commit fully to the retro look. But there is so much room in the world for this vibrant color scheme, this large legible wordmark, and this adorable little airplane underline logo. If only they hadn't committed to having planes that, if identifiable, are identifiable as a completely different airline.

And that makes me angry. That defeats the entire point. It makes me feel a potent mix of disgust and pity. This is an empty, broken thing. Not even a husk. A little shriveled creature inside of a very large, empty, cold jar. Any life would be better than this, if it could just be alive again.

F.

I have opinions on its overall appearance, sure. And I am not factoring them into this final rating. You copy Continental's homework and change it a bit, you get failed for plagiarism.

Just...you're allowed to do more than breathing. You've had Continental's livery for decades. At any moment, you could say 'no more', and you could decide that you care about being Copa Airlines. I really hope you do that soon.

[immortalmuses]

Just having myself a re-watch of The Old Guard for comfort purposes, and doodling headcanons like some stream-of-consciousness DVD commentary

Some Random Nicky Headcanons

Expression

Nicky does not have an ease with words that Joe does. He is silent more often than not, soft spoken when he does voice a thought, and rarely elaborates beyond the point he intends to make. But for all that silence, his eyes speak in volumes. Every look he directs at Joseph is akin to a 100 page sonnet, more effusive and poetic than anything Lord Byron might have penned. Not everyone sees this, but Yusuf does.

Caretaker

Nicky has a compulsion to care for others. He does so in a thousand small gestures, preferring acts that do not call attention. If someone comments on his giving nature, he will brush it off as nothing.

Languages

In the beginning of their shared lives together, Nicolò struggled to learn written languages. He was semi-literate in Latin, sure, but his penmanship skills were utilized only for copying holy texts and not for personal leisure or with particularly great understanding. Beyond Latin, the vernacular Genoese regional dialect he primarily spoke at the time wouldn’t have had a written component, so the only other language he might have learned to read would have been (possibly?) Florentine. But Nicky has always loved stories. It is perhaps his favorite pastime, to lose himself in a retelling, whether spoken aloud or written down or demonstrated through performance. And more than that, he loves Music. He might not have the level of comfort with writing or drawing tools that Yusuf has, but the same cannot be said about melody. Nicolò collected songs when they traveled, gathering the sounds in his head and using them to match words with meaning, to improve his education about the languages around them. Depending on the language, this means that the way Nicky speaks often sounds musical.

[researchreview]

Reusable Water Bottle Market Outlook 2032: The Next Big Opportunity in Sustainable Consumer Goods

The global reusable water bottle market is witnessing significant growth and transformation as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, health, and cost-efficiency. As concerns surrounding plastic pollution and environmental degradation intensify, the shift from single-use plastic bottles to reusable alternatives is gaining momentum across developed and developing economies alike. By 2032, the reusable water bottle market is expected to experience substantial expansion, fueled by shifting consumer behavior, innovation in materials and design, and supportive government policies.

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Reusable water bottles, made from materials such as stainless steel, glass, silicone, and BPA-free plastic, have evolved beyond a functional hydration accessory into lifestyle products that reflect personal values and style. The market's expansion is largely driven by an eco-conscious consumer base and an increasing awareness of the health risks associated with single-use plastics.

In recent years, reusable bottles have become popular across demographics—from students and professionals to athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. This wide appeal, combined with an ongoing global effort to reduce plastic waste, positions the reusable water bottle market for sustained long-term growth.

Market Size and Share

The global reusable water bottle market size was valued at USD 9.31 Billion in 2024 to USD 13.28 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period (2025-2032). Stainless steel bottles currently dominate the market in terms of revenue, owing to their durability, thermal insulation properties, and sleek aesthetics. Plastic bottles still hold a significant volume share due to their affordability and lightweight design, but they face increasing scrutiny from environmentally conscious consumers.

North America and Europe have traditionally led the market, supported by robust environmental regulations, high consumer awareness, and well-established retail and e-commerce infrastructure. However, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a key growth driver, driven by urbanization, a rising middle class, and growing concerns about water quality and pollution.

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Reusable Water Bottle Market Segments Analysis

Global Reusable Water Bottle Market is segmented by Material, Primary Usage, Distribution Channel and region.

- Based on Material, the market is segmented into Glass, Metal, Polymer, Silicone, Plastic, Stainless Steel, and Others.

- Based on Primary Usage, the market is segmented into Every day, Sports, Travel, and Others.

- Based on Distribution Channel, the market is segmented into Hyper/Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, Online Sales, and Others.

- Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.

Key Growth Drivers

1. Environmental Awareness: Increasing awareness about climate change and plastic pollution has encouraged consumers to seek sustainable alternatives. Governments and NGOs are also promoting plastic-free campaigns, which indirectly benefit the reusable bottle sector.

2. Health and Safety Concerns: Concerns over chemicals leaching from single-use plastics, especially when exposed to heat, have prompted many consumers to switch to safer, non-toxic options like stainless steel and glass bottles.

3. Product Innovation and Customization: Companies are continuously innovating to meet consumer preferences. Features such as built-in filters, temperature retention, collapsibility, and ergonomic designs are becoming standard. Customization and branding are also enhancing the appeal of reusable bottles.

4. Corporate Sustainability Initiatives: Businesses are increasingly distributing branded reusable bottles to employees and customers as part of sustainability initiatives, contributing to market growth and increased brand visibility for manufacturers.

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Top Players in the Global Reusable Water Bottle Market

ProBott (India)

Brita GmbH (Germany)

Klean Kanteen, Inc. (USA)

Newell Brands (USA)

Can’t Live Without It, LLC (USA)

Thermos LLC (USA)

A.O. Smith Corporation (USA)

Bulletin Brands LLC (USA)

Fisher Scientific International Inc. (USA)

Zhejiang Haers Vacuum Containers Co. Ltd. (China)

Tupperware Brands Corporation (USA)

SIGG Switzerland AG, GmbH (Switzerland)

Contigo (USA)

Hydaway (USA)

Nalgene (USA)

Memo Bottle (Australia)

CamelBak Products, LLC (USA)

Hydro Flask (a division of Helen of Troy Limited) (USA)

S’well (USA)

Milton (India)

Challenges

Despite its growth, the market faces several challenges. High upfront costs compared to disposable bottles may deter some consumers. Furthermore, low-quality knockoffs flooding the market can damage consumer trust. In emerging economies, a lack of awareness and affordability still limits penetration.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead to 2032, the reusable water bottle market is expected to be shaped by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. Smart bottles with hydration tracking, UV sterilization, and integration with health apps are likely to become more prevalent. Circular economy models, including bottle return and reuse systems, may also gain traction.

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As sustainability continues to drive global consumption patterns, the reusable water bottle market is poised not only for quantitative growth but also for qualitative transformation. With increasing alignment between consumer values, technological innovation, and regulatory support, the sector is set to play a critical role in shaping a more sustainable future.

[dvin-jewels]

Elegance in Every Hue: Discover the Charm of Aquamarine Earrings by D’vin Jewels

In the world of fine jewelry, some gemstones transcend time and trend with their ethereal beauty and timeless elegance. One such gem is aquamarine—a stone of the sea, cherished for its calming hues and sophisticated sparkle. At D’vin Jewels, we celebrate this gemstone’s understated luxury through our exclusive collection of aquamarine earrings, thoughtfully crafted to bring elegance and meaning to every occasion.

The Allure of Aquamarine

Aquamarine, derived from the Latin words aqua (water) and marina (sea), is known for its cool, serene color—ranging from icy sky blue to deep teal. Symbolizing tranquility, courage, and clarity, it has long been a favorite of royalty and romantics alike. Believed to calm the soul and enhance communication, aquamarine is more than just a beautiful gem—it is a timeless expression of inner peace and elegance.

D’vin Jewels: Crafting Stories in Stone

At D’vin Jewels, we don’t just design jewelry—we craft stories. Every pair of aquamarine earrings in our collection is the result of meticulous craftsmanship, artistic vision, and a deep reverence for natural beauty. Our artisans carefully select each gemstone for its purity, brilliance, and hue, ensuring every piece meets our exacting standards of excellence.

From classic studs to contemporary drops and vintage-inspired chandeliers, our aquamarine earrings are designed to suit diverse styles and occasions. Whether you’re looking for something subtle for everyday wear or a bold statement for a special event, there is a D’vin creation waiting to be yours.

Elegance That Speaks Volumes

The beauty of aquamarine earrings lies in their versatility. They pair effortlessly with everything—from casual chic to formal evening wear—making them a must-have in any jewelry collection. At D’vin Jewels, we take this a step further by combining aquamarine with fine metals like 18K white gold, yellow gold, and platinum, often accented with diamonds or complementary gemstones to enhance their brilliance.

Our most loved designs include delicate aquamarine and diamond halo studs—perfect for a refined, feminine look—as well as elongated aquamarine drop earrings that add graceful movement and shine. Each piece is crafted not only to be beautiful but to feel personal and empowering.

The D’vin Experience

When you choose D’vin Jewels, you're not just buying jewelry; you're investing in an experience. Our commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and exceptional design ensures that every customer walks away with a piece that feels as special as it looks.

We also offer bespoke services, allowing clients to co-create one-of-a-kind aquamarine earrings that reflect their unique story, personality, and taste. It’s our way of making luxury personal—because you deserve jewelry that’s as unforgettable as you are.

A Timeless Treasure

Aquamarine has captivated hearts for centuries, and at D’vin Jewels, we honor that legacy with modern designs that will be cherished for generations. Whether you’re gifting a loved one or indulging in a personal treat, our aquamarine earrings offer a beautiful reminder that true elegance is always in style.

D’vin Jewels��Where Every Sparkle Tells a Story.

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[rigelmejo]

Tour of Old Language Learning Textbooks

So I find old books fascinating, and I've collected a fair number of old language learning textbooks (from 1800s to 1980s, along with some modern ones).

The Nature Method textbooks teach language in my absolute favorite way of studying, and I wish there were more modern textbooks still teaching in this way (Lingua Latina for Latin is one nature method style textbook still used by some). There are also textbooks in this style found on archive.org and sometimes on youtube for: English, French, Italian, German (incomplete copy found), Latin (as mentioned, multiple volumes, newer versions available for purchase), Greek, and Spanish (Poco a Poco and All Spanish Method part 1 and part 2 are both not written as in-depth in this 'nature method' lesson style, but if you either know a similar language with some cognates like English or French, or have a teacher then they can still be used like the other nature method books), and supposedly there was a Russian version (I've found similarly-made lessons on youtube) but I have not found the old textbook yet. I used the French one to learn most of my basic vocabulary and grammar, and go from reading graded readers to regular novels in French. A warning that some grammar and vocabulary is out of date, and there could be racist undertones in some of the texts, due to the time they were written. I've seen some questionable vocabulary in a couple of them, so just be aware if you use these as a resource of the possibility of those issues.

There is someone who's recently been trying to design a similar 'nature method' learning material for japanese (their first 60ish lessons are edited by a japanese speaker, the later lessons are still being worked on), and I think this person did a fairly good job using emojis for the pictures. A basic understanding of japanese hiragana and katakana is necessary beforehand, along with knowing the language is subject object verb. Unfortunately I think the person has only taught 200-500 words so far, and a material for japanese would probably want to teach 2000-5000 words to get the learner to the point they could try to read other things (which was the official Nature Method's goal - to get learners to B1-B2, at least B1 in speaking and some intermediate level high enough to pick up novels and read to acquire further language).

There's a textbook called Chinese Self-Taught by the Nature Method (NOT actually in the nature method lessons style though) and Chinese Grammar Self Taught by John Darroch, and even though they're from 1930s, the Grammar Self Taught by Darroch is one of my favorite chinese learning books. The book explains radicals and hanzi in a way I found very easy to grasp, and although the grammar and vocabulary has aged (some of it is out of date now) the explanations FOR grammar in the book are very clear and easy to grasp. I've read modern online grammar explanations and like some, understood mostly, but this book's explanations just click well. The book also teaches over 2000 hanzi (I think it might even be 3000 or more - it's in a box right now or I'd check), has a hanzi dictionary in the back (and you can practice searching by strokes), and teaches a bit more vocabulary than that. It's shining point is the grammar explanations, but the clear presentation of hanzi used in those explanations is also nice. Pronunciations for the hanzi are an old system, not the current pinyin system, so if you ever learn from this book then I would recommend knowing common hanzi pinyin already, or at least not trying to learn pronunciations from this book. The hanzi are also traditional, and the biggest initial grammar differences I have seen in the book are le often being written as pronounced 'liao' even when it would be 'le' in most modern sentences, and ni being pronounced as 'nin' far more than it is in modern speech. I purchased a copy of this book years ago on ebay. This book can be found in OpenLibrary, Princeton link: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101067640563&seq=5

Another chinese textbook that's always seemed useful have been the DeFrancis Chinese books, in particular the Beginner Chinese Reader (2 volumes), Intermediate Reader (2 volumes), and Advanced Reader (1 volume). I haven't checked in a while, but recent searches say anecdotally that the Beginner Reader covers 400 hanzi in 1200 combinations (words), Intermediate covers 400, and Advanced covers 400, leaving the learner with 1200 hanzi learned (and 3600 2-hanzi words known, as the books attempt teach a TON of compound words). However some people are saying each book volume contains 400 hanzi taught and 1200 combinations, which would mean 2400 hanzi total taught and 7200 words total. As these books are dense (and I've got them), I'd say they teach closer to the higher amount estimated. I've not completed them, but they are VERY information dense. These books are out of print so buying a physical copy had to be done on abebooks or thriftbooks or ebay, and they often expensive. But there are free pdf copies floating around online if you want to get the digital copy free and browse them. The audio files for the book are also online, from the organization with the rights, so just search 'DeFrancis Beginner Chinese Reader audio files' and you should find them on itunes and the official site for free. These books are extremely dry reading (as some old textbooks are) akin to FSI courses, and they're very repetitive, but they do work and they do suit learners who prefer to learn by reading and reading a LOT to solidify knowledge. You WILL get tons of graded reading practice from the book, pick up tons of words in an organized and structured way, and get reading-review practice built into future chapters so you can simply read a chapter then progress to the next one (instead of constantly needing to review). These books do have some out of date vocabulary, and use traditional characters with only shorter simplified character reading sections at the end. However: if you've learned 1000 characters by now (or intend to) then you know how many simplified and traditional characters overlap, or are the same except for 1 radical being simplified or traditional, and you may be aware that the common hanzi which ARE significantly different in traditional may be worth learning to you if you plan to eventually read both simplified and traditional materials. I buy books from China and Taiwan so learning both is useful to me. (And a fun fact if you're a nerd who explores parallel-text reading options like me: mtlnovels.com is a site to read machine translated webnovels, with the option to display original chinese IN traditional as the only option, and I spent a lot of my first couple years learning chinese using that site to compare Modu by Priest chinese with the MTL and learn new words, since mtl often made mistakes I needed to see the chinese to look up words and get a bit closer to the actual sentences meaning... and the wonderful E Danglars translation of Silent Reading did not exist yet, so I was desperate to read and understand as much of the novel as I could. My point with this anecodote is: you may not realize how useful getting used to both traditional and simplified characters can be - from browsing online sites and not needing to worry, or buying books, or picking shows to watch, texting with people, etc).

For the learners out there who cannot suffer through DeFrancis's dry writing: fair enough, I struggled to as well which is why I never completed the textbooks. The modern Mandarin Companion graded readers are an adequate place for a beginner learner (knowing 50-300 hanzi) to start learning by reading, then you can move on to Sinolingua graded readers (or just get Pleco app and browse graded readers sold through them by unique word count, as Pleco's Reading tools will help you look up words and listen), and then around when you know HSK 4 level vocabulary and grammar (so 1000-1500 hanzi you know, and around that many words) go to Heavenly Path's notion site and browse their beginner recommendations. Around HSK 4 you should be able to start reading easier texts for native speakers, like the 1000-1500 unique words novel recommendations on Heavenly Path's site.

There are some Japanese textbooks made to learn by reading a lot, and by now you may realize I love and prefer to learn by reading. A Japanese Reader: Graded Lessons for Mastering the Written Language (Tuttle Language Library) by Roy Andrew Miller is a beast of an option. Reviews include people mentioning that this book got them to the level of being able to read the news. I am not sure this book has the most extensive vocabulary (compared to what it could have), but it is: intensely informational and condensed to be informational nearly constantly, full of useful information and reading practice, and it does help you improve a LOT. It's not the steady stream of tons of easy material slowly teaching you more words from context that I wish existed more in japanese learning materials (check out the free Tadouku books for that - someone on reddit made 1000 page compilation of many of them in gradually increasing difficulty and it was very useful and enjoyable to read personally, and this site I found recently https://jgrpg-sakura.com/ which has a bit more advanced material and recorded audio and is just a lovely site). But it is a book that prepares you for real reading. I have a personal pet peeve about how some japanese language textbooks teach very little vocabulary or things until you get to intermediate level (I wish each genki volume taught 1000+ words each, instead of the 1700 words total of both volumes... and there's other beginner textbooks that likewise sort of 'slow down' the pace of learning with less material). And so I've found this particular Japanese Reader refreshing for presenting the basics (although you won't have a good time if you start this book as a beginner, it becomes STEEPLY difficult), and also working through all the way to 'functional reading skill of normal japanese texts.' Some people are like me, and have goals of reading as soon as they can, and it's nice when a book that says they'll teach you enough to start reading... actually does.

(I have similar pet peeves with some Chinese books - the college course ones appear to be great and teach 2000 or more words to beginners, but I've seen MANY self-teach chinese books that include only 200-500 words for a beginner... when they are going to need at bare minimum, with much strain and difficulty, 1000 words to even begin to start watching shows and reading very simple webnovels and manhua... or even having simple survival conversations, that's why HSK 4 expects 1200 words known! I think some language teaching companies just think english speakers will give up at the difference in languages, the increase in vocabulary that isn't cognates, and so instead of giving learners all they need to know - and the same amount of information they'd give say a english speaker learning spanish - they instead just design materials that teach less so it doesn't 'feel' like more work. Then the students feel screwed when they finished material labelled 'beginner' just like the spanish learner, only to realize they can do MUCH less and understand much less than the spanish learner who supposedly studied the same level of material - but actually got to study more vocabulary and grammar points. Ignore me... I could go on about my issues with some of the self-learner materials I've found for ages.)

There is also a simpler Japanese Reader textbook, 400 pages each and 2 volumes, that is fairly similar to the DeFrancis chinese reader books in terms of teaching style. I have the pdfs on an old computer, and the hard copy books in a box. I'll need to go look up the author another time (the book title was something very generic like Beginning Japanese and it's 20-30 years old, so newer books show up in searches instead of the books I have). It teaches only 500 kanji per volume, and the first volume mainly goes over how to read hiragana and katakana (and many loan words) with EXTENSIVE practice and repetition. It's designed to make you VERY COMFORTABLE reading japanese and parsing sentences and words, with lots and lots of practice. I'll find what box it's in and post more information on it if anyone is particularly curious for extensive reading practice as a beginner. The print copies sold for 20 dollars a piece when I bought them, and free pdfs can be found online if you search. However: I think if you already have hiragana and katakana grasped at least to a basic degree, the Tadouku free books may be more appealing to you. The Tadouku books are: free, written to be somewhat interesting, use pictures to help you read extensively and look up less, get you used to japanese grammar and sentences, and introduce kanji at a reasonable pace that is easy to get used to.

Finally, Japanese in 30 Hours. Free on archive.org, I also have a print copy. A slim textbook, and an incredibly useful one. Someone also posted the lessons with their own audio recording read through on youtube. What these lessons are: a true basic grammar summary of japanese. This book has some of the usual flaws of japanese lessons made for english speakers: they're entirely in romaji, they include watakushi Wa or X wa as the intro to MOST sentences even though in natural japanese those would often be omitted, the -masu polite form is in most lessons and casual verb forms are only covered in the later lessons, and the distinction between wa and ga seems to not be understood by the author. This book also has some flaws usual of much older textbooks: the grammar is somewhat out of date (arimasen in modern japanese is not used NEARLY as much as this textbook, yoi "good" is now "ii" in modern japanese much more often), and the author has this somewhat racist somewhat touristic somewhat english-centered peculiar way of framing things. I am not sure if at the time it was how an author was supposed to 'make the student entertained' during the lesson, to sell the 'mystique' of learning another language or to try and make another language seem more like english to placate an egotistical learner or what. From a historical standpoint it's interesting to see how differently things were discussed, but from a modern learner perspective it gets in the way and can be frustrating. (I would suspect some other old Japanese textbooks I've found from the late 1800s and 1900-1920s would display similar qualities depending on the authors). The reason this book is useful, despite the romaji only aspect and it's extremely dated way of framing some topics: it truly does tackle covering summarizing basic grammar of VERBS quite well. This books explanation for te-imasu, strings of connected verbs, compound verbs turning into new verb meanings, rareru, sareru, and -shou verb situations, and is still probably the explanation I understand the most when trying to read and understand sentences.

I suspect the modern Tae Kim's Grammar Guide also has good explanations for these, but the explanations are NOT in the beginner section (despite these verb types being SO common in everyday japanese you'll read or hear), and while I like Tae Kim's guide I find the written explanations a bit hard to personally 'get' and usually just rely on the example sentences/translations and compare until I *think* I understand. Like I love that Tae Kim's guide DOES explain difference between wa and ga... and yet I didn't understand his explanation enough to decide when to use wa myself, only that now I grasped the difference between wa 'a topic' (As for students - students in general - I am one) and ga "the thing THAT IS" (THE student - you're looking for specifically - is me). But I still don't know when one would pick to use wa, and why. As for Japanese in Thirty Hours: the rareru and te-imasu explanation really helped me grasp a lot of reading materials where those forms are frequently found. If you do struggle with understanding some verb form explanations, this free book may help you look at the forms in a way you may grasp better. (Or not, everyone is different). The book also has a vocabulary of over 1000 words in the back, and was designed for students to do speaking drills in different sentence patterns, to learn to speak quickly (although in a learner-type way similar to Genki sentences and the 'watashi wa' start). I never learned the vocabulary in the back, and I suspect some of it is out of date while other parts may be useful. Regardless, as it's only romaji, you would likely benefit more from using a hiragana/katakana/kanji resource for vocabulary study.

[newfashion01]

Fayetteville Woodpeckers “Los Guerreros de Fayetteville” Special Edition Jersey

Link Product: https://inspirdg.com/product/fayetteville-woodpeckers-los-guerreros-de-fayetteville-special-baseball-jersey/

THE SPIRIT OF RESILIENCE IN FULL COLOR: PRAISING THE FAYETTEVILLE WOODPECKERS “LOS GUERREROS DE FAYETTEVILLE” SPECIAL EDITION JERSEY

A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, COMMUNITY, AND COURAGE

In the world of Minor League Baseball, few teams express their community connections and cultural pride quite like the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. With the release of their “Los Guerreros de Fayetteville” Special Edition Jersey, the franchise transcends the sport to deliver a heartfelt tribute to Hispanic heritage, unity, and the indomitable spirit of warriors. This isn’t just a uniform—it’s a wearable anthem of empowerment, meticulously crafted to honor tradition while igniting excitement in every corner of the ballpark.

More than a garment, this jersey represents the vibrancy, the struggle, and the soul of a people who have long been warriors in both name and essence. "Guerreros" means “warriors”, and this bold design does justice to every layer of that powerful word—from history to hustle, from cultural roots to modern-day resilience.

A MASTERPIECE IN MOTION: THE DESIGN SPEAKS VOLUMES

What immediately catches the eye is the brilliant blue base, adorned with indigenous-inspired geometric patterns that subtly echo ancient Latin American textiles. These repeating motifs give the jersey texture and narrative depth, creating a sense of time and legacy woven directly into the fabric. It's a jersey that feels ceremonial, as if each thread carries a story, a victory, or a promise.

The “Guerreros” script across the chest explodes with flair—sharp, dynamic, and shadowed to pop against the vibrant backdrop. Trimmed in black and white with a fiery red core, it’s visually arresting without being overpowering. Beneath the script lies an emblem as rich in symbolism as it is in artistry: a stylized, culturally-rooted warbird with feathers and iconography rendered in bold red, yellow, black, and turquoise. This powerful centerpiece fuses the team’s namesake—the Woodpecker—with Latin visual storytelling, creating a logo that soars above the rest.

CULTURAL INTEGRITY MEETS MODERN STREET AESTHETIC

This jersey walks the line beautifully between tradition and modernity. The azul patrón design (blue pattern) conjures images of woven artisan cloths passed down through generations, while the angular, contemporary typography of "Guerreros" screams modern streetwear energy. It’s an intersection of pride and performance—one that will resonate on and off the field.

Small touches—like the red piping along the button placket, or the clean symmetry of the shoulder seams—further elevate the craftsmanship. The sleeve cuffs trimmed in red offer a vibrant pop, framing the overall palette with authority. Meanwhile, the accompanying cap, split between a scarlet dome and sky-blue brim, completes the look with urban polish, featuring the warrior bird logo front and center like a badge of honor.

It’s worth noting that the back of the jersey is fully customizable, inviting fans to inscribe their own identity within this cultural celebration. With the bold “00” number field and a space for ANY NAME, this becomes not just a jersey, but a canvas for personal pride.

SYMBOLS OF STRENGTH: MORE THAN JUST A GAME

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers’ “Los Guerreros” jersey is a reminder that baseball is more than a sport—it’s a reflection of community, history, and heart. By leaning into Hispanic Heritage with authenticity, not tokenism, this jersey becomes a beacon of inclusion.

The symbolism goes deeper than color and logo. It’s about recognizing the “guerreros” in all of us—immigrants who crossed borders with dreams and courage, families who sacrificed for generations to thrive, athletes who fight through adversity, and fans who show up through every inning, rain or shine.

Every stitch in this jersey whispers stories of hard-fought victories, whether they’re on the field or in everyday life. It honors the resilience, beauty, and pride of Hispanic culture while celebrating the joyous collision of baseball and identity.

PERFORMANCE-READY, FAN-APPROVED

Beyond the aesthetics and symbolism, the jersey is also built to perform. With its lightweight poly-blend construction, it’s made for movement and comfort—whether you're sliding into second or dancing at a community festival. The breathable fabric and athletic cut ensure a fit that flatters all, while standing up to the heat of summer and the emotion of every inning.

This is not a jersey that fades into the background. It demands attention. It starts conversations. And most of all, it inspires pride.

CONCLUSION: WEARING YOUR HERITAGE WITH HONOR

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers “Los Guerreros de Fayetteville” Special Edition Jersey is everything a great jersey should be: meaningful, magnificent, and memorable. It succeeds not only as a uniform but as a cultural artifact, honoring the past while boldly stepping into the future.

In every detail—from the tribal motifs to the vibrant color palette to the fierce bird of prey—there is a message: we are warriors, we are proud, and we belong. This jersey isn’t just for the fans in the stands—it’s for the generations who made the game possible and the future who will wear it with pride.

This isn’t merch. It’s a movement. It’s a mural in motion. And it deserves to be seen, celebrated, and cherished.

[royalroseboquet]

Elegant Flower Choices for Memorable Moments

Flowers have a timeless charm that speaks volumes without saying a word. Whether it's a romantic gesture or a heartfelt celebration, the right floral arrangement makes all the difference. In recent years, luxurious bouquets like the queen 24 roses bouquet for special occasions and the distinctive ramos buchones flower arrangement have become highly sought-after for their bold design and expressive beauty.

Why Choose a Queen 24 Roses Bouquet for Special Occasions

The queen 24 roses bouquet for special occasions is a symbol of refined love and admiration. Featuring two dozen premium roses, this bouquet captures elegance, passion, and thoughtfulness in every stem. What makes it a standout choice is not just the number of roses, but how they’re arranged with precision and care to create a regal aesthetic.

This bouquet is ideal for marking life’s most cherished events such as anniversaries, proposals, graduations, or milestone birthdays. The presentation alone turns heads, but it’s the message behind each bloom that truly touches the heart. Whether you opt for classic red, romantic pink, or elegant white, each color conveys a unique sentiment that makes your gift even more meaningful.

The Bold Statement of a Ramos Buchones Flower Arrangement

For those who want to make a grand impression, the ramos buchones flower arrangement is the ultimate showstopper. Originating from Latin American floral trends, this style is known for its extravagant and lavish design. Typically featuring lush roses combined with unique textures and rich colors, a ramos buchones bouquet transforms any ordinary moment into a luxurious celebration.

This flower arrangement is especially popular among those who want to go beyond traditional gifting. The ramos buchones style often includes an abundant number of roses wrapped in custom designer paper or arranged in unique structures that make them look like works of art. They are perfect for romantic gestures, public declarations of love, or surprise events that require something extraordinary.

Flowers That Speak Louder Than Words

Both the queen 24 roses bouquet for special occasions and the ramos buchones flower arrangement are designed to make lasting impressions. These floral styles are not about quantity alone but about delivering an experience that blends elegance, creativity, and heartfelt intention.

Unlike generic bouquets, these arrangements offer a deeper emotional connection. Whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or success, flowers become an extension of your message. The careful selection of colors, quality of blooms, and expert craftsmanship all contribute to a moment that feels unforgettable.

When and Where to Give These Iconic Bouquets

There are no limits to when you can give these stunning bouquets. Birthdays, weddings, engagements, Valentine’s Day, and even corporate events are all fitting occasions. The queen 24 roses bouquet for special occasions suits more classic and romantic settings, while the ramos buchones flower arrangement is ideal for bold personalities and festive events where you want to make a strong impact.

These floral gifts also serve as excellent photo props for events. Their large size and eye-catching design can elevate the aesthetic of any venue or celebration. Whether it's an intimate dinner or a lavish party, the right bouquet turns the setting into something magical.

Where to Find Your Perfect Flower Arrangement

When it comes to finding luxurious and meaningful floral arrangements, quality and design matter. That’s why choosing the right florist is essential. 

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Baby Names: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Name for Your Child

Selecting baby names is one of the first meaningful choices parents make for their child. A name becomes part of a child’s identity and legacy. It reflects cultural background, personal taste, and sometimes even future hopes. In this guide, we will explore everything from naming tips to global trends to help you choose the perfect baby name for your little one.

Why Baby Names Are So Important

Names are more than just words. They shape identity, influence personality, and can affect social interactions. A well-chosen name helps a child feel confident and accepted. On the other hand, names that are hard to pronounce or spell may cause lifelong inconvenience.

Baby names also reflect the values of parents. Whether it’s honoring family heritage, spiritual beliefs, or a meaningful story, a name speaks volumes about a family's priorities and style.

Unique Fact: In Denmark, parents can only choose baby names from a government-approved list of around 7,000 names. If they want to choose a name outside of this list, it must be reviewed and approved by officials.

Modern Baby Name Trends

Naming trends evolve over time, often influenced by culture, media, and even current events. In 2025, some clear patterns are emerging.

Top Trends:

Nature-Inspired Names: Names like Ivy, Ocean, and Forrest reflect a growing interest in the natural world.

Minimalist Names: Short and simple names like Eli, Kai, and Ava are favored for their elegance and ease.

Vintage Comebacks: Old-fashioned names like Edith, Walter, and Mabel are making a surprising return.

These trends show that parents are becoming more intentional with baby names—looking for meaning, uniqueness, and emotional resonance.

Baby Names by Origin

One of the best ways to explore baby names is by looking at their cultural roots. This not only helps find names with deeper significance but also maintains a connection to heritage.

Popular Origins:

Hebrew: Noah, Sarah, Elijah, Hannah

Latin: Amelia, Maximus, Clara, Felix

Sanskrit: Arya, Anaya, Aarav, Isha

Greek: Zoe, Theo, Daphne, Alexander

Understanding the history behind a name adds to its charm and can help you find the right fit for your family’s background and values.

Choosing Baby Names: What to Consider

Picking the right baby name involves balancing personal taste with practical considerations. Here are several tips to guide your decision.

1. Meaning

Choose a name that means something significant—whether it's strength, peace, light, or love. A powerful meaning can inspire your child and reflect your hopes for them.

2. Pronunciation

Make sure the name is easy to say in the language(s) your family uses. Complicated or ambiguous pronunciations may cause constant corrections.

3. Uniqueness vs. Familiarity

Do you want your child to stand out, or blend in with their peers? A unique name can be special, but familiar names offer the comfort of recognition.

4. Compatibility

Say the full name aloud with your surname. Does it sound smooth? Are there awkward pauses or unintended rhymes?

5. Initials and Nicknames

Check the initials for any accidental word formations. Also, consider common nicknames—some may be unavoidable.

Unique Fact: In Hungary, all baby names must be approved by the country's Research Institute for Linguistics to ensure that they follow cultural norms and are not offensive.

Baby Names for Girls

Looking for ideas for a baby girl? Here are some trending and timeless options:

Classic Names:

Charlotte

Grace

Eleanor

Rose

Modern Favorites:

Luna

Harper

Isla

Nova

Unique Picks:

Zaria

Amara

Indigo

Solene

Each of these names offers something different, from elegance to modern flair to creative originality.

Baby Names for Boys

For a baby boy, the right name should feel strong, meaningful, and versatile.

Traditional Choices:

Benjamin

Henry

Samuel

Daniel

Trendy Options:

Jaxon

Ezra

Leo

Silas

Distinctive Names:

Orion

Bodhi

Cassian

Koa

Whether you prefer something timeless or something fresh, these options reflect a wide variety of naming styles.

Gender-Neutral Baby Names

More parents are turning to unisex baby names that don’t conform to traditional gender roles. These names are inclusive and adaptable, making them increasingly popular.

Gender-Neutral Ideas:

Riley

Skyler

Quinn

Avery

Jordan

Morgan

These names are perfect for parents who want their child’s name to be flexible and modern.

Baby Name Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, parents sometimes make mistakes when naming their child. Here’s how to avoid the most common ones.

1. Overcomplicating the Name

Unusual spellings might seem creative, but they can cause confusion. Simpler versions are often easier for others to accept and remember.

2. Following Fads Too Closely

Trendy names may feel outdated in a few years. Try to find a name that feels timeless rather than overly fashionable.

3. Not Considering How the Name Ages

A cute baby name might not work well for an adult. Say the name aloud and imagine it being used in different stages of life.

4. Ignoring Cultural Context

A name may sound beautiful but carry unintended meanings in other languages. It’s wise to do a quick check before finalizing.

Unique Fact: In Malaysia, names that are considered too odd or carry negative meanings (such as “Snake” or “Chow Tow,” which means “Smelly Head”) can be officially rejected by the government.

Using Technology to Find Baby Names

Technology can make the naming process more fun and efficient. Several tools and platforms offer inspiration and personalization.

Helpful Tools:

BabyName App: Allows couples to swipe on names together, like a dating app.

Nameberry: A comprehensive database with meanings, popularity trends, and pronunciation guides.

Behind the Name: Offers detailed historical and cultural backgrounds for thousands of names.

These resources can help you discover names you’ve never thought of and refine your favorites.

Getting Inspired: Where to Look

Sometimes the perfect name doesn’t come from a list—it comes from your life. Look for inspiration in:

Books and literature

Travel experiences

Languages you admire

Nature and seasons

Family history and ancestry

Baby names can tell a story, carry a memory, or mark a milestone. Personal inspiration often leads to the most meaningful choices.

Final Thoughts

Choosing baby names is both exciting and meaningful. Whether you’re drawn to something timeless, trendy, or completely unique, the best name is one that resonates with your heart. Trust your instincts, do your research, and enjoy the journey of naming your little one.

Unique Fact: In Argentina, first-born children of presidents are legally allowed to have the same name as the current sitting president—regardless of naming trends or public opinion.

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Future of Christian Rap: Faith Meets Flow in the Years Ahead

Step into a scene for a moment: the air’s thick with anticipation, a beat drops hard enough to shake the floor, and a rapper grabs the mic, spitting lines that weave faith into every syllable. This isn’t just another hip-hop night—it’s Christian rap, a genre that’s already carved its name into the music world with a mix of soul and swagger. 

But hold up—what’s on the horizon? Where’s this sound headed as tech races forward, culture twists, and listeners crave something deeper? Christian rap’s journey from the sidelines to the spotlight has been wild, but the future? That’s where things get really interesting. 

It’s not just about keeping the faith alive; it’s about amplifying it through beats, bars, and a whole new playbook. Let’s dive into four ways this genre’s set to evolve—and why it’s worth keeping on your radar.

How Technology Will Boost Christian Rap’s Global Reach?

Christian rap’s already made waves, but technology’s about to crank the volume even higher. Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have been game-changers, and they’re not done yet. As algorithms get smarter and playlists get more personal, these tracks could land in front of listeners who’d never search “Christian rap” on their own. 

Imagine a gym rat stumbling on NF or a TikTok scroll introducing Lecrae to a teen who’s never stepped into a church.

Social media’s another big player. Short-form video platforms thrive on quick, punchy audio clips—perfect for rap’s sharp hooks. Artists can drop snippets, spark trends, and watch their message spread like wildfire. Plus, virtual concerts and augmented reality experiences might let fans “attend” shows from anywhere, breaking down geographic walls. 

The genre’s reach isn’t just growing—it’s about to go global in ways we haven’t seen before. Tech’s handing Christian rap a megaphone, and it’s ready to shout.

What’s Next for Christian Rap’s Evolving Sound and Style?

What’s Christian rap gonna sound like in ten years? One thing’s for sure—it won’t stay static. The genre’s always been a mash-up of hip-hop’s grit and faith’s heart, but the future’s set to mix in even more flavors. 

Think trap beats getting funkier, lo-fi vibes sneaking in, or even some Afrobeat rhythms joining the party. Artists aren’t afraid to experiment, and that’s gonna keep the sound fresh.

Here’s what might shape the evolution:

Cross-genre collabs. Picture a Christian rapper spitting bars over a synth-pop track or teaming up with a jazz saxophonist—unexpected combos could blow minds.

Cultural fusion. As the genre goes global, influences from Latin, Asian, or African music scenes might weave in, reflecting a wider fanbase.

Tech tricks. Auto-tune, AI-generated beats, or virtual production could add new layers without losing the raw edge.

The beauty here is balance—staying true to rap’s roots while nodding to faith’s timeless vibe. It’s not about chasing trends for clout; it’s about keeping ears perked and spirits lifted. The future sound of Christian rap could be a sonic buffet, and fans are gonna eat it up.

Tackling Big Issues with Bolder Lyrics

Christian rap’s never shied away from the tough stuff—doubt, justice, redemption—and that’s not changing. If anything, the future’s gonna turn up the heat. As the world wrestles with division, climate chaos, and mental health struggles, these artists have a chance to step up and speak out. 

Their lyrics could hit harder, digging into issues that matter to a generation craving real talk.

Expect bars that don’t just reflect personal faith but wrestle with global messes. Think rhymes about healing racial divides, navigating tech overload, or finding hope in a warming world—all with that signature mix of grit and grace. Here’s how it might play out:

Social commentary. More tracks could call out systems gone wrong, echoing hip-hop’s protest roots.

Mental health anthems. Songs tackling anxiety or burnout could connect with listeners feeling the weight of modern life.

Unfiltered faith. Lyrics might get rawer about doubt and belief, meeting people where they’re at.

This isn’t preachy—it’s real. Christian rap’s future could cement it as a voice for the restless, blending street-level honesty with a higher perspective. That’s a combo that could resonate deeper than ever.

Building Community Beyond the Music

The future of Christian rap isn’t just about tracks—it’s about tribes. This genre’s got a knack for pulling people together, and that’s only gonna grow. Fans aren’t just passive listeners; they’re part of a movement. 

Online forums, live events, and even grassroots meetups could turn casual streamers into tight-knit crews. Artists might lean into this, using their platforms to spark conversations, not just drop albums.

Imagine rap collectives hosting workshops—think lyric-writing sessions with a faith twist—or virtual hangouts where fans swap stories about how a song hit home. Some might even tie in activism, like community cleanups or mental health drives, giving the music a real-world pulse. 

The genre’s future could be less about solo stardom and more about shared vibes, turning beats into bonds. It’s not just a playlist; it’s a place to belong.

Wrapping It Up

So, what’s the takeaway on the future of Christian rap? It’s a genre with its eyes wide open, ready to leap into whatever’s next. From tech slingshotting it across borders to sounds morphing with bold new twists, this movement’s got momentum—and it’s not hitting the brakes. 

It’s poised to wrestle with the world’s chaos, stitch fans into communities, and keep dropping bars that hit both the head and the heart. Christian rap’s not just surviving; it’s thriving, with a trajectory that promises more than just noise—it’s a force with staying power.

Looking ahead, this isn’t about clinging to the past or cashing in on hype. It’s about a sound that’s alive, adapting, and connecting in ways that matter. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, the road ahead for Christian rap feels like an open invitation—to listen, to feel, to join in. 

As the beats evolve and the stories unfold, one thing’s clear: this genre’s got a pulse, a purpose, and a future that’s gonna echo far beyond the speakers. Keep your ears peeled—it’s only getting louder from here.