2025.09.28 – Dutch and Afrikaans Words for Weekend and the Meaning of “Eet Smakelijk”

Summary

This account explores how Dutch and Afrikaans use different words for “weekend” and explains the meaning and cultural use of the Dutch phrase “eet smakelijk.” The comparison matters because Afrikaans is closely related to Dutch yet diverged in vocabulary, and because dining customs show how social etiquette varies across cultures.

Context and Scope

The account focuses on the Dutch word weekend and the Afrikaans word naweek, clarifying that the latter does not exist in modern Dutch. It also analyzes the phrase eet smakelijk, correcting an initial misspelling and providing a detailed linguistic breakdown. In addition, it discusses how Dutch, Mexican, and Argentine customs differ regarding expressions said at the table.

Exhaustive Narrative of Facts

Early Vocabulary Questions

The Dutch phrase appeared first in a misspelled form and was corrected to “eet smakelijk.” In the Netherlands and Belgium, the correct term for the end of the week is weekend, identical to English. Casual variations include shorthand such as wknd, diminutive weekendje, or ’t weekend, but no distinct slang exists.

Dutch vs. Afrikaans Variants

Confusion arises because Afrikaans, a language derived from seventeenth-century Dutch, uses naweek instead of weekend. In the Netherlands and Belgium, however, weekend is the only correct form. Naweek belongs exclusively to Afrikaans and is not part of modern Dutch vocabulary.

Breakdown of “Eet Smakelijk”

The phrase consists of two elements. Eet comes from the verb eten (“to eat”) and here functions as an imperative (“eat”). Smakelijk is an adjective or adverb meaning “tasty” or “appetizing,” formed from smaak (“taste”) plus the suffix -lijk, which creates adjectives much like “-ous” or “-able” in English. Together, the phrase literally means “eat tastily” and functions as the Dutch equivalent of “bon appétit” or “buen provecho.” Informally, Dutch speakers may shorten it to “Smakelijk!”

Cultural Meal Expressions

In the Netherlands, “eet smakelijk” is used only at the start of a meal. When leaving the table, no special phrase is customary, though diners may thank the cook. In Mexico, people say “provecho” or “buen provecho” both when arriving at a table where others are eating and when leaving while others continue. In Argentina, there is generally no fixed expression for meals; people may say thanks to the host or toast before eating, but there is no set formula.

Practical Takeaways

  • In Dutch, weekend is correct, while naweek is used only in Afrikaans.
  • Eet smakelijk means “eat tastily” and is said before meals, not afterward.
  • Dutch dining etiquette limits the phrase to meal beginnings, Mexicans extend provecho to arrivals and departures, and Argentines usually say nothing fixed.
  • Confusion between Dutch and Afrikaans is common because Afrikaans stems from early Dutch but diverged in vocabulary.

2025.09.28 – Paysend, Authorised Push Payment Scam Protection, and the Payment Systems Regulator

Summary

Paysend is a UK-based fintech regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It offers international transfers, card-to-card payments, and multi-currency accounts. Since 7 October 2024, enhanced protections against Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams have been in force under Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) rules. As of April 2025, updated Terms of Service for UK customers are active, clarifying how reimbursement works. Victims may be reimbursed, with most claims subject to a £100 excess and case-by-case review.

Context and Scope

This account reflects Paysend’s corporate profile and the fraud protection measures now fully in effect as of September 2025. It includes the company’s regulated status, its global services, and the timeline of fraud protections: enhanced APP scam safeguards beginning in October 2024 and the updated Terms of Service taking effect in April 2025. The scope covers protections, conditions, and steps customers should take if scammed.

Exhaustive Narrative of Facts

Paysend’s Email

Paysend previously informed UK customers that a new version of its Terms of Service would take effect in April 2025. That update is now in place, providing clearer details on how reimbursement for Faster Payments Service (FPS) Authorised Push Payment scams operates. Customers were reassured that transfers were already protected before the update.

From 7 October 2024, enhanced protections against APP fraud became effective. APP fraud occurs when scammers trick victims into willingly sending money. Under PSR rules, victims may be eligible for reimbursement, though most claims involve a £100 excess.

Protections and Conditions

Reimbursement is not automatic. Each case is assessed individually to determine eligibility. Customers are expected to exercise reasonable care when making payments; failure to do so can affect their right to reimbursement.

Steps to Take if Scammed

If someone suspects they have been scammed, the recommended actions remain:

  • Contact the bank or financial institution from which the payment was made.
  • Report the scam to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting http://www.actionfraud.police.uk in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
  • In Scotland, report the scam to Police Scotland by calling 101.
  • Contact Paysend’s Customer Support team for guidance and help.

Practical Takeaways

  • Paysend continues to provide international transfers, card-to-card payments, and multi-currency accounts, serving millions worldwide.
  • The company is incorporated in Scotland and regulated by the FCA as an electronic money institution.
  • Enhanced APP scam protections have been in force since 7 October 2024 under PSR rules.
  • Updated Terms of Service for UK customers have been active since April 2025, clarifying reimbursement processes.
  • Reimbursement for APP scams is possible but requires case review and usually involves a £100 excess.
  • Victims should act quickly by contacting their bank, reporting to Action Fraud or Police Scotland, and reaching out to Paysend support.

2025.09.28 – Adults with ADHD in Couple Relationships

Summary

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults influences how couples share responsibilities, communicate, and maintain emotional balance. Traits such as impulsivity, disorganization, hyperfocus, and emotional intensity create challenges, yet protective strategies and structured exercises help couples build resilience and strengthen bonds.

Context and Scope

This account explains the ways adult ADHD shapes couple relationships. It focuses on the behavioral traits linked with ADHD, the relational consequences that emerge, protective measures that reduce stress, practical advice for partners, and exercises that promote positive communication. The scope is limited to these themes and does not include unrelated topics or narrative elements.

Exhaustive Narrative of Facts

Introduction of Topic

The theme of adult ADHD in couple relationships is introduced through the title of a Spanish video, “Adultos TDAH y relaciones de pareja,” which translates as “Adults with ADHD and couple relationships.” This framing directs attention to how ADHD affects relational dynamics.

Traits and Behaviors of Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD display traits that often complicate relationships. Impulsivity escalates discussions through unfiltered comments. Disorganization and forgetfulness lead to missed commitments and frustration. Difficulty maintaining attention can be misinterpreted as lack of interest. Hyperfocus creates intense involvement in one activity while neglecting other aspects of the relationship. Emotional regulation challenges, such as sudden mood swings and strong reactions, add further strain.

Relationship Impacts

These behaviors affect partners in multiple ways. Household responsibilities may become unbalanced, with one partner feeling overloaded. Inequality in effort emerges, and a lack of attention may be wrongly interpreted as lack of love. A caretaker or “parent-child” dynamic can develop, shifting the balance of the relationship away from equality.

Protective Factors

Protective measures provide stability. Psychoeducation ensures both partners understand how ADHD manifests in adulthood. Open communication reduces blame and labels. Structured routines with reminders prevent recurring frustrations. Couples therapy with an ADHD focus helps rebalance dynamics. Comprehensive treatment options, including medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and training in organization and emotional regulation, provide additional support.

Practical Advice for Couples

Practical approaches strengthen relationships despite challenges. Clear agreements on household tasks create fairness. External tools such as apps, calendars, and boards provide structure. Active listening—repeating back what was said—improves understanding. Recognizing positive traits like creativity, energy, and spontaneity helps both partners appreciate strengths. Preserving self-care spaces ensures balance between shared life and individual needs.

Communication Exercises Introduced

Specific exercises create systems that reduce friction. A daily 15-minute meeting invites each partner to share positives, difficulties, and expectations. Timer-based conversations give uninterrupted turns to speak and listen. A weekly logistics review covers appointments, responsibilities, and finances, recorded in shared tools. A traffic light technique helps manage conflict by pausing or resuming discussions at calmer moments. Positive reinforcement practices encourage three daily acknowledgments for small supportive actions.

Purpose of These Dynamics

These strategies do not cure ADHD. Instead, they provide practical systems that reduce daily conflicts, encourage teamwork, and strengthen emotional bonds between partners.

Practical Takeaways

  • ADHD in adults affects couple relationships through impulsivity, disorganization, attention difficulties, hyperfocus, and emotional intensity.
  • These traits often generate imbalance, misinterpretations, and caretaker dynamics.
  • Protective measures such as psychoeducation, therapy, structured routines, and communication tools reduce stress.
  • Exercises like daily meetings, timer conversations, gratitude practices, and weekly planning create stability and strengthen bonds.

Sources

2025.09.28 – ARCA, ABA, and ADEBA in Argentina

Summary

ARCA (Asociación de Bancos de la República Argentina) is a business chamber that brings together private banks in Argentina, including both national and foreign institutions. It represents the sector in dealings with the Central Bank of Argentina and other authorities. ARCA works alongside ABA (Asociación de Bancos de la Argentina, grouping mainly international banks) and ADEBA (Asociación de Bancos Argentinos, grouping mainly banks with national capital). These associations matter because they define how the banking sector presents its interests in regulatory and policy debates.

Context and Scope

This account focuses on the role of ARCA as a chamber representing private banks in Argentina, its activities related to regulation, credit policy, and financial technology, and its relationship with ABA and ADEBA. Only the information concerning these entities and their functions is included.

Exhaustive Narrative of Facts

ARCA as a Business Chamber

ARCA, the Asociación de Bancos de la República Argentina, is a business chamber that unites private banks operating in the country. Its membership includes both Argentine-owned and foreign-owned institutions.

Representation and Negotiation

ARCA represents the interests of its member banks before the Central Bank of the Republic of Argentina (Banco Central de la República Argentina, BCRA), the State, and other actors in the financial system. It takes part in negotiations and discussions on banking regulation, credit policy, and standards, and it also engages with issues related to financial technology.

Relationship with Other Associations

ARCA works in parallel with other associations in the Argentine banking sector. ABA, the Asociación de Bancos de la Argentina, is composed mainly of international banks, while ADEBA, the Asociación de Bancos Argentinos, brings together banks with national capital. Each focuses on the needs of its membership, but they all serve as platforms to represent banking interests collectively in front of policymakers and regulators.

Practical Takeaways

  • ARCA groups together both national and foreign private banks operating in Argentina.
  • It represents these institutions before the Central Bank, the State, and other key actors.
  • Its activities include negotiations on regulations, credit policy, and financial technology.
  • ABA focuses on international banks, while ADEBA focuses on national-capital banks.
  • Together, these associations structure how the private banking sector defends its interests in Argentina.

2025.09.28 – Bitácora de lugares: del mapa mundial al barrio

Países (A–Z)

Argentina

Qué enseña: federalismo + regiones naturales + especialización productiva.
Lección: Argentina es un Estado federal: las provincias tienen autonomía política y fiscal. Esto se refleja en cómo se distribuyen funciones (educación, salud, seguridad) y en la coparticipación. En términos físicos, se distinguen grandes regiones naturales (Pampa, Patagonia, NOA, NEA, Cuyo) que condicionan usos del suelo: por ejemplo, la pampa húmeda facilita cultivos extensivos y cadenas agroindustriales; la Patagonia combina ganadería ovina, energía y turismo; Cuyo depende de oasis de riego para vitivinicultura. El patrón urbano muestra macrocefalia (gran peso del AMBA) y ciudades intermedias que articulan territorio.

Brasil

Qué enseña: federalismo + biomas + red urbana.
Lección: Brasil es una federación con 26 estados y un distrito federal. Su diversidad ambiental se organiza en biomas (Amazonía, Cerrado, Caatinga, Mata Atlántica, Pantanal, Pampa). Cada bioma implica servicios ecosistémicos (agua, biodiversidad, regulación climática) y aprovechamientos distintos (soja/ganadería en Cerrado; pesca/inundaciones controladas en Pantanal). La red urbana combina megaciudades (São Paulo, Río) con polos regionales; allí aparecen fenómenos de segregación socioespacial y movilidad metropolitana intensiva.

Chile

Qué enseña: Estado unitario + gradiente latitudinal + riesgos naturales.
Lección: Chile es unitario y centralizado (Santiago concentra funciones), mientras la geografía longitudinal crea un gradiente climático extremo: del Desierto de Atacama a los fiordos australes. La Cordillera de los Andes estructura climas, recursos (minería) y riesgos (sismos, erupciones). La planificación incorpora normas sísmicas y gestión de riesgo como parte del ordenamiento.

Ciudades y localidades (A–Z)

Azul (Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Qué enseña: teoría de los lugares centrales.
Lección: En la teoría de los lugares centrales, cada ciudad ofrece bienes/servicios con un umbral (demanda mínima) y un rango (distancia máxima que la gente recorre). Azul funciona como centro intermedio: concentra educación terciaria, salud y comercio que requieren una población mínima en su hinterland rural. Modelo mental: Aldeas → (compras básicas) | Azul → (servicios especializados) | Metrópoli → (alta complejidad).

Benito Juárez (Buenos Aires)

Qué enseña: relación relieve–economía local.
Lección: Cercano al sistema serrano de Tandilia (relieve antiguo), combina ganadería, canteras y turismo de naturaleza. Las sierras introducen microclimas y recursos minerales que diversifican la estructura productiva frente a la llanura circundante.

Cerri (General Daniel Cerri, Bahía Blanca)

Qué enseña: ciudades satélite y pendularidad.
Lección: Cerri opera como localidad satélite de Bahía Blanca: comparte mercado laboral y servicios, con viajes pendulares diarios. Este arreglo muestra economías de aglomeración (acceso a empleo y servicios) y desafíos de movilidad y coordinación interjurisdiccional.

Coronel Dorrego (Buenos Aires)

Qué enseña: nodos viales y centralidad rural.
Lección: Como cabecera en un territorio disperso, Dorrego se sitúa en corredores viales que conectan producción agraria con puertos/mercados. La jerarquía de rutas (nacionales/provinciales) determina costos logísticos y acceso a servicios públicos.

Harding Green (Bahía Blanca)

Qué enseña: planeamiento cerca de aeropuertos.
Lección: Los barrios contiguos a aeropuertos se gestionan con servidumbres aeronáuticas (alturas, obstáculos) y zonas de isófonas (ruido). Esto explica por qué el uso residencial debe combinarse con barreras acústicas, trazas verdes y control de densidades.

Poza Rica (Veracruz, México)

Qué enseña: ciudades petroleras y ciclos económicos.
Lección: Las urbes ligadas a hidrocarburos siguen la cadena upstream–midstream–downstream (exploración/producción → transporte → refinación/servicios). Su estructura urbana refleja ciclos boom–bust: expansión con precios altos del petróleo y presión sobre vivienda/servicios; contracción cuando cae la inversión. La diversificación (servicios, turismo patrimonial cercano como El Tajín) reduce vulnerabilidad.

Rotterdam (Países Bajos)

Qué enseña: logística intermodal y puertos hub.
Lección: Róterdam articula la cadena del contenedor: buque oceánico → terminal → barcaza/tren/camión. Conceptos clave: TEU (unidad de contenedor), hinterland (área de influencia) y ventana de atraque (sincronización). Esto ilustra cómo los puertos hub redistribuyen cargas hacia Europa central mediante barcazas y corredores ferroviarios.

Saladero (Bahía Blanca)

Qué enseña: patrimonio industrial y reconversión.
Lección: El término saladero refiere a la antigua conservación de carne con sal (siglo XIX). Los barrios vinculados a esa etapa industrial permiten leer paisajes productivos (galpones, muelles, vías) y procesos de reconversión hacia usos residenciales o culturales, preservando memoria del trabajo.

San Miguel (Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires)

Qué enseña: conurbación y estructura metropolitana.
Lección: En el conurbano, municipios contiguos forman un continuo urbano. San Miguel muestra densificación residencial, centralidades barriales y movilidad radial hacia polos de empleo. La noción de isócronas (tiempos de viaje iguales) ayuda a entender acceso a oportunidades.

San Rafael (Mendoza)

Qué enseña: oasis de riego en regiones áridas.
Lección: Un oasis surge cuando el riego (diques, canales, turnos de agua) hace productiva una zona árida. San Rafael combina vitivinicultura, energía hidroeléctrica (aprovechamiento de caudales) y turismo en cañones fluviales. Muestra cómo el derecho de agua ordena la producción y el crecimiento urbano.

Santa Rosa (La Pampa)

Qué enseña: capitales intermedias y servicios públicos.
Lección: Como capital provincial, organiza administración, salud y educación de alcance regional. En una pampa de baja densidad, concentra equipamientos que requieren masa crítica, y se conecta por corredores a mercados externos para productos agropecuarios extensivos.

Sarandí (Avellaneda, Buenos Aires)

Qué enseña: mixtura de usos y capital social barrial.
Lección: El tejido denso con usos mixtos (residencial–comercial–talleres) y la presencia de clubes de barrio explican dinámicas de economía popular y cohesión social. La transformación posindustrial demanda recualificación del espacio público (veredas, iluminación, arbolado) para mejorar habitabilidad.

Tres Arroyos (Buenos Aires)

Qué enseña: cadena agroexportadora.
Lección: La secuencia cosecha → acopio → acondicionamiento → transporte → puerto explica flujos de cereales/oleaginosas. La ventana climática (siembra–cosecha) y la infraestructura (silos, rutas, ferrocarril) condicionan costos y competitividad.

White (Ingeniero White, Bahía Blanca)

Qué enseña: puerto–ciudad e industria de riesgo.
Lección: White integra terminales de graneles y complejos petroquímicos con la vida urbana. Conceptos clave: externalidades (ruido, emisiones), riesgo tecnológico y gobernanza puerto–ciudad (mesas de diálogo, planes de emergencia, monitoreo ambiental).

Infraestructura y espacios (A–Z)

Rincón Latino (espacio/venue)

Qué enseña: economía nocturna y cultura urbana.
Lección: Los espacios de ocio articulan economía creativa (música, danza, gastronomía) y regulación (aforo, seguridad, convivencia). Son termómetros de identidad migrante y dinámicas nocturnas en la ciudad: cuándo, dónde y cómo se anima el espacio público.

Terminal Norte (terminal de transporte)

Qué enseña: intermodalidad y diseño operacional.
Lección: Una terminal organiza flujos de personas: andenes (ómnibus), paradas jerarquizadas, ingreso/egreso peatonal, accesibilidad universal y zonas de intercambio modal (taxis, apps, bicicletas). El layout de dársenas y la señalética reducen tiempos de transferencia y mejoran seguridad.

Patrimonio

Capilla San Antonio María Zaccaria

Qué enseña: lectura arquitectónica y patrimonio inmaterial.
Lección: En un templo se identifican planta (basilical/central), nave, transepto, presbiterio y sacristía. Los elementos (retablos, vitrales, imágenes) comunican símbolos y rituales. Además del edificio, el patrimonio inmaterial (fiestas, cofradías) sostiene la memoria colectiva y el rol del lugar como hito urbano.

Glosario mínimo

  • Aglomeración, economías de: ventajas por proximidad (mercados, ideas, insumos).
  • Conurbación: unión física de ciudades/municipios contiguos.
  • Hinterland: área de influencia económica y logística de un puerto/ciudad.
  • Intermodalidad: combinación eficiente de modos de transporte en una cadena de viaje o carga.
  • Lugares centrales: teoría que explica jerarquías urbanas por umbral y rango de servicios.
  • Oasis de riego: sistema productivo que depende del agua canalizada en zonas áridas.
  • Patrimonio industrial: restos y paisajes de actividades productivas con valor histórico.
  • Riesgo tecnológico: probabilidad de daño asociado a procesos industriales.

Enlaces (ordenados A–Z por URL)

2025.09.28 – AA Batteries on Amazon: VELAMP and ANSMANN in Spijkenisse

Summary

Amazon listings for AA batteries in Spijkenisse on 29 September showed two main types: zinc carbon and alkaline. Zinc carbon appeared cheaper, while alkaline was presented as more durable. Both VELAMP and ANSMANN were included among the visible brands.

Context and Scope

This account centers on the battery listings visible through Amazon in Spijkenisse, focusing on the presence of VELAMP and ANSMANN products. The scope captures how the batteries were presented in terms of type, cost, and delivery date, without extending beyond the information displayed.

Exhaustive Narrative of Facts

Device Suitability Explanation

Zinc carbon AA batteries were characterized as the lowest-cost option, linked to basic use in devices such as remote controls or wall clocks. Alkaline AA batteries were described as longer-lasting than zinc carbon, with relevance for devices that place higher energy demands, including toys, flashlights, cameras, and gaming controllers. The higher price of alkaline batteries was associated with this greater endurance.

Practical Takeaways

  • Zinc carbon AA batteries were shown as the cheapest type but associated with low-drain uses.
  • Alkaline AA batteries were shown as costlier than zinc carbon because they endure better in higher-drain uses.
  • VELAMP and ANSMANN were the brands present in the Amazon listings for Spijkenisse delivery on 29 September.

2025.09.28 – Two Teens, Two Styles: A Practical Guide to Everyday Family Conversation

Summary

Two adolescents communicate in different ways: one engages easily; the other—who plays American football—opens up when questions focus on his interests and routines. This guide brings together a concise snapshot, a plain-English narrative, a unified one-page parent guide, and an evidence overview so daily conversations feel warmer, more natural, and more effective.

Context and Scope

This piece organizes practical guidance shared by a caregiver about relating to two adolescents, advice to a male relative on asking questions with genuine curiosity, and notes about occasional sessions with a trainer that support the sports-focused teen’s progress in American football. It groups overlapping ideas, removes repetition, and presents the material in a clear order: who the teens are, which topics work, how to sustain conversation during longer stretches together, and how to balance attention and preferences. All content is in English, and every acronym is expanded on first use in English.

Snapshot: What Matters Most

  • Two distinct styles: one teen engages readily; the sports-focused teen engages when asked about training, opponents, time with a trainer, and eating/nutrition routines.
  • Natural tone beats scripts: questions should sound like real curiosity, not a prepared list.
  • Small moments sustain the rhythm: brief daily check-ins and shared activities (for example, board games) make conversation easy and regular.
  • Preferences count: ask before taking photos if someone dislikes being photographed.

Educational Narrative

Adolescents want to be noticed on their own terms. When questions trace what actually happened—today’s training focus, how a drill felt, who is next on the schedule—they register sincere attention rather than evaluation. One teen here tends to jump in without much prompting. The other comes alive when conversation centers on a familiar world: American football, occasional sessions with a trusted trainer, and everyday routines around food, recovery, and sleep.

Short rituals keep things simple: a five-to-fifteen-minute snack, a quick walk, setting the table together. Board games shift the focus from “performing” to being together, creating easy openings for light questions. When replies are brief, that is still contact—acknowledge it, stay patient, and keep prompts simple. Ask before taking photos; that small courtesy builds trust.

One-Page Parent Guide

1) Lead with genuine interest 💡

  • “How did today’s training feel?”
  • “Which part felt most satisfying?”
  • “What drill felt hardest today?”

2) Start where they care ⚽🍔🎶

  • “Who are you playing this week?”
  • “What did your coach emphasize today?”
  • “What meal helps you feel strongest?”
  • “Any changes the nutrition check suggested?”

3) Match the style 👦👧

  • For the more reserved teen: “One thing from today you’re okay sharing?”
  • For the more expressive teen: “Tell me more—what made that fun?”

4) Build tiny rituals 🍽️🎲🚶

  • “Snack break together?” · “Walk with me while I tidy up?”
  • Aim for 5–15 minutes and keep it consistent.
  • Shared play helps: “Board game later? Winner picks the music.”

5) Listen before advice 👂

  • “I hear you—that sounds tough.”
  • “Do you want ideas, or should I just listen?”
  • During play or a walk, ask one or two light, specific questions tied to the day.

6) Keep it everyday 📱☀️

  • “How did today’s drill go?”
  • “What’s one good moment from today?”
  • “Anything small I can do to make tomorrow easier?”

❤️ Respect preferences

  • Ask before photos; some people prefer not to be photographed.
  • Share attention so both teens feel seen.

Evidence in Plain Language

  • SDT (Self-Determination Theory): Conversations that support autonomy, competence, and relatedness keep teens engaged; centering questions on their pursuits (training details, goals, nutrition) aligns with SDT (Self-Determination Theory) processes.
  • Authoritative parenting: Warmth plus structure and dialogue is linked to stronger academic and psychosocial outcomes than authoritarian or permissive approaches; warm curiosity, brief structure, and collaborative rituals reflect an authoritative pattern.
  • High-quality listening: Validating first and following with a sincere, brief question reduces defensiveness and increases openness, even during disagreements.
  • Family-interaction contexts: Short daily rituals and shared meals relate to favorable health and relational indicators; interaction quality matters alongside frequency.

References (APA — American Psychological Association)

  • Berge, J. M., Hazzard, V. M., Trofholz, A., Noser, A. E., Hochgraf, A., & Neumark-Sztainer, D. (2023). Longitudinal associations between family meal quality and quantity: Does one matter more for child, parent, and family health and well-being or are they synergistic? Appetite, 191, 107080. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2023.107080
  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
  • Itzchakov, G., Kluger, A. N., & Castro, D. R. (2017). I am aware of my inconsistencies but can tolerate them: The effect of high-quality listening on speakers’ attitude ambivalence. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 43(1), 105–120. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167216675339
  • Itzchakov, G., Weinstein, N., Leary, M., Saluk, D., & Amar, M. (2024). Listening to understand: The role of high-quality listening on speakers’ attitude depolarization during disagreements. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 126(2), 213–239. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspa0000366
  • Pinquart, M. (2017). Associations of parenting dimensions and styles with externalizing problems of children and adolescents: An updated meta-analysis. Developmental Psychology, 53(5), 873–932. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000295
  • Steinberg, L. (1992). Impact of parenting practices on adolescent achievement: Authoritative parenting, school involvement, and encouragement to succeed. Child Development, 63(5), 1266–1281. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.1992.tb01694.x
  • Steinberg, L. (2022). Adolescence (12th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

DOI (Digital Object Identifier): Each DOI (Digital Object Identifier) uniquely identifies a publication’s record.

2025.09.28 – Portuguese and Spanish Linguistic Exchange

Summary

Portuguese speakers generally find it easier to understand Spanish than Spanish speakers do with Portuguese. This matters because it highlights how phonetic structure, cultural exposure, and historical prestige shape mutual intelligibility between closely related languages. Portuguese is harder for Spaniards because its phonetics are denser and more complex, while Spanish is easier for Portuguese speakers because its sounds are clearer and they are more culturally exposed to it.

Context and Scope

This account focuses on why Portuguese speakers find Spanish relatively easy to understand, while Spanish speakers face more difficulty with Portuguese. It considers linguistic structure, cultural exposure, and historical background as the main factors. The discussion includes the role of phonetic transparency, differences in media exposure between the two countries, and historical reasons for asymmetry.

Exhaustive Narrative of Facts

Phonetic Transparency

Portuguese uses a larger variety of vowel sounds, including open and closed vowels, nasal vowels, and vowel reduction in unstressed syllables. Spanish, in contrast, has a simpler and more consistent vowel system with fewer phonetic reductions. Because Spanish maintains clearer syllable articulation, Portuguese speakers can follow it more easily. Spaniards, however, often struggle to distinguish reduced or nasalized sounds in Portuguese, which makes comprehension harder.

Cultural Exposure

In Portugal, Spanish-language television, music, and film are widely available and have long been part of everyday cultural life. Many Portuguese people grow up hearing Spanish regularly, which makes the language more familiar. In Spain, Portuguese content is not widely circulated in media, so the average Spaniard has little natural exposure to it. This imbalance of exposure makes Spanish more accessible to Portuguese speakers than the other way around.

Asymmetrical Mutual Intelligibility

Even though Portuguese and Spanish share more than 85 percent of their vocabulary, the ease of comprehension is not equal. Portuguese speakers tend to understand Spanish with less difficulty because they can “simplify” the clearer phonetics of Spanish. Spaniards, by contrast, must “reconstruct” meaning from Portuguese’s more complex phonetic reductions, which is a harder cognitive task.

Historical Prestige and Motivation

Spain has historically had a larger population and greater geopolitical influence than Portugal. For Portuguese speakers, learning Spanish carried more practical benefits, so they were more motivated to adapt to it. This reinforced a cultural habit in Portugal of shifting to Spanish when speaking with Spaniards. The same motivation did not apply in Spain, where Portuguese held less perceived utility.

Practical Takeaways

  • Spanish has a simpler phonetic system than Portuguese, which makes it easier for Portuguese speakers to understand.
  • Portuguese’s vowel reductions and nasalizations make it harder for Spanish speakers to follow.
  • Portuguese people are more exposed to Spanish media than Spaniards are to Portuguese media.
  • Historical asymmetry in prestige and utility encouraged Portuguese speakers to adapt to Spanish, but not vice versa.

2025.09.28 – Flying to Amsterdam, Staying at Budget Trianon Hotel, and Exploring Europe by Train

Summary

This account presents an educational overview of a common European travel pattern: an intercontinental flight to Amsterdam, a budget hotel stay in the city, and regional rail connections to Brussels and Bruges. It matters because it illustrates how air travel, accommodations, and train infrastructure interconnect in practical travel planning.

Context and Scope

The focus here is not on a specific calendar but on the enduring structure of a European trip. Covered are a long-haul flight between Mexico City and Amsterdam, a budget hotel located in Amsterdam, train routes connecting Amsterdam, Brussels, and Bruges, and the visa or authorization requirements for entry into the United Kingdom and Luxembourg. The emphasis is on the mechanics of travel rather than individual dates.

Exhaustive Narrative of Facts

Flight Information

A scheduled flight links Mexico City International Airport (MEX, officially Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez de la Ciudad de México, the main hub serving Mexico City and one of the busiest airports in Latin America) with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS, the largest international airport in the Netherlands, known for its extensive European and intercontinental connections).

The route is operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij in Dutch, the national flag carrier of the Netherlands and one of the oldest airlines still operating under its original name) under the flight number KL686. The journey departs in the evening and arrives the following afternoon, exemplifying the pattern of overnight transatlantic flights that allow travelers to land in Europe during daylight hours.

Hotel in Amsterdam

Budget Trianon Hotel is located at J.W. Brouwersstraat 3 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The street lies near the Museumplein, an area famous for housing the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Concertgebouw. The hotel offers economical lodging and is often chosen by travelers looking for central access to cultural attractions while avoiding luxury pricing.

Itinerary of the Journey

  • Amsterdam: The first stage often includes staying in Amsterdam, the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands, well known for its canals, museums, and cycling culture. Excursions frequently extend to The Hague (Den Haag in Dutch, the seat of the Dutch government and home to the International Court of Justice) and Rotterdam (Europe’s largest seaport, noted for its modern architecture and maritime history).
  • Brussels: Travelers can continue by train to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union. The Eurostar (formerly known as Thalys, a high-speed train service) and Belgian Intercity trains connect Amsterdam to Brussels in roughly two hours.
  • Bruges: From Brussels, the journey to Bruges (Brugge in Dutch, a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its medieval architecture and canals) takes about one hour by Belgian InterCity trains, with departures several times per hour.
  • London: Entry into London, the capital of the United Kingdom, now requires an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation, a digital entry permit linked to a passport, valid for short stays) for Mexican citizens instead of a full visa.
  • Luxembourg: The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a small landlocked country in Western Europe, is part of the Schengen Area, allowing Mexican travelers to enter without a visa for short stays. Luxembourg City is well known for its historic fortifications and as a major financial center.

Practical Takeaways

  • Intercontinental air links such as KL686 between Mexico City and Amsterdam illustrate Amsterdam’s function as a major European entry point.
  • Budget accommodations like the Budget Trianon Hotel provide affordable options within walking distance of world-renowned cultural sites.
  • Rail networks in Western Europe, exemplified by routes from Amsterdam to Brussels and Brussels to Bruges, allow travelers to move efficiently between capitals and historic cities.
  • Entry requirements highlight differing systems: an ETA is required for the United Kingdom, while the Schengen Area, including Luxembourg, allows visa-free access for Mexican travelers on short visits.

2025.09.28 – DailyArt and DailyArt Shop

Summary

DailyArt is a cultural platform founded in 2012 in Poland. It is best known for its mobile app that delivers daily art content and for the DailyArt Shop, which sells art-themed products such as calendars. In 2025, the company promoted its 2026 calendar presale with a 25% discount, offering worldwide shipping from Warsaw. The app enjoys strong reviews, while the shop continues to expand its presence internationally.

Context and Scope

This account covers the DailyArt 2026 calendar presale promotion, the company’s products and operations, its app performance, its founding background, and its shipping and logistics policies. The focus is on information that has been publicly documented, including pricing details, organizational history, and customer-facing services.

Exhaustive Narrative of Facts

Newsletter Content

In 2025, DailyArt announced that the presale of its 2026 calendars was entering its final week, offering buyers a 25% discount. The products included the Essential Weekly Desk Calendar 2026, reduced from $36.99 to $27.74; the 12 Months Masterpieces Wall Calendar 2026, also reduced from $36.99 to $27.74; and a 2-Pack bundle, reduced from $69.99 to $52.49.

The newsletter presented a sample from the weekly desk calendar, highlighting a painting by André Derain of a dancer at the Paris restaurant and nightclub Le Rat Mort, also frequented by Henri Toulouse-Lautrec. The commentary noted Derain’s sophisticated use of color and line, with a focus on the distorted hand of the dancer that nonetheless fit the overall composition.

The promotion emphasized that DailyArt ships worldwide and that its redesigned website provides an improved shopping experience. The company’s mailing address was given as Aleja Wojska Polskiego 27, Warsaw, Poland.

Company Background

DailyArt was founded in 2012 by Zuzanna Stanska. Its main product is the DailyArt app, which delivers one artwork and an explanation each day to users. The app has been well received, with more than 34,700 ratings and an average score of 4.8 stars in the Apple App Store.

In addition to the app, the company operates DailyArt Magazine, an online publication devoted to art history, and the DailyArt Shop, which sells physical products such as calendars, prints, and merchandise. The shop and logistics are based in Warsaw.

According to corporate listings, DailyArt is an unfunded company and has not reported external investment rounds. It relies on revenue from product sales, premium subscriptions to the app, and donations to support ongoing development, particularly for updates to the app.

Shop and Logistics Policies

DailyArt Shop processes orders within one to five business days after payment is confirmed. Products are shipped internationally from Warsaw. For Europe and the United States, deliveries are made by DHL Express or FedEx and typically take one to three days. For other regions, delivery takes three to seven days.

Customers have the right to return products within fourteen calendar days of receipt. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.

Public Presence and Reputation

DailyArt maintains active profiles on social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, and continues to publish articles through DailyArt Magazine. The app has a strong reputation with users, supported by its high rating and large number of positive reviews.

Practical Takeaways

  • DailyArt integrates digital and physical offerings through its app, magazine, and shop.
  • The 2026 calendars were promoted with a presale discount of 25 percent.
  • Products are shipped internationally from Warsaw with reliable carriers.
  • The app is highly rated and widely used, with more than 34,700 reviews averaging 4.8 stars.
  • The company is founder-led and financed by sales, subscriptions, and donations rather than external funding.
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