/* ============================================================
   USAtheme — EaglePress
   Red, White & Blue — Crimson & Stars Edition
   A bold American publishing theme with red as the dominant
   color, navy as accent, and gold for star decorations.
   ============================================================ */

/* ── Variables ───────────────────────────────────────────── */
:root {
  --usa-red:          #B22234;   /* Flag red — dominant */
  --usa-red-mid:      #8B0E1C;   /* Deeper crimson */
  --usa-red-deep:     #6A0A15;   /* Near-black red */
  --usa-red-hover:    #96101F;   /* Button/link hover */
  --usa-navy:         #0A2463;   /* Navy blue — accent */
  --usa-navy-hover:   #071847;   /* Darker navy */
  --usa-gold:         #D4AF37;   /* Star gold */
  --usa-gold-light:   #EDD46A;   /* Lighter gold */
  --usa-white:        #FFFFFF;
  --usa-cream:        #FEFAF5;   /* Warm parchment */
  --usa-off-white:    #F7F4EF;
  --usa-light:        #EDE8E0;
  --usa-text:         #1A1A2E;
  --usa-text-muted:   #5A5F72;
  --usa-border:       #D8D0C5;
  --usa-shadow:       rgba(178, 34, 52, 0.12);
  --usa-radius:       6px;
  --usa-radius-lg:    10px;
  --usa-font-head:    'Oswald', 'Arial Narrow', Arial, sans-serif;
  --usa-font-body:    'Merriweather', Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;
  --usa-font-mono:    'SFMono-Regular', Consolas, 'Courier New', monospace;
  --usa-transition:   all 0.2s ease;
}

/* ── Reset & Base ────────────────────────────────────────── */
*, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
html { scroll-behavior: smooth; }

body.ep-site-body {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-body);
  font-size: 16px;
  line-height: 1.75;
  color: var(--usa-text);
  background: var(--usa-cream);
}

img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; }
a   { color: var(--usa-navy); text-decoration: none; transition: var(--usa-transition); }
a:hover { color: var(--usa-red); }

.ep-container {
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 0 24px;
}
.ep-site-wrapper { display: flex; flex-direction: column; min-height: 100vh; }
.ep-main { flex: 1; }

/* ── Reading Progress Bar ────────────────────────────────── */
#ep-reading-progress {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  height: 4px;
  width: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(to right, var(--usa-gold), var(--usa-white), var(--usa-gold));
  z-index: 9999;
  transition: width 0.1s linear;
  box-shadow: 0 0 8px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.6);
}

/* ── Header ──────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-header {
  background: var(--usa-red);
  /* Subtle diagonal texture — flag-stripe echo */
  background-image:
    repeating-linear-gradient(
      -55deg,
      transparent 0px,
      transparent 14px,
      rgba(255,255,255,0.03) 14px,
      rgba(255,255,255,0.03) 28px
    );
  position: sticky;
  top: 0;
  z-index: 1000;
  box-shadow: 0 2px 16px rgba(100, 0, 10, 0.35);
  border-bottom: 4px solid var(--usa-gold);
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
}
.ep-header.ep-scrolled {
  box-shadow: 0 4px 24px rgba(100, 0, 10, 0.45);
}
.ep-header-inner {
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 0 24px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  height: 70px;
  gap: 20px;
}

/* Logo */
.ep-header-logo {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  gap: 1px;
}
.ep-logo-link {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  text-decoration: none;
}
.ep-logo-link::before {
  content: '★';
  color: var(--usa-gold);
  font-size: 1.4rem;
  line-height: 1;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(212,175,55,0.5);
}
.ep-logo-text {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 1.8rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--usa-white);
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  line-height: 1;
  text-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);
}
.ep-logo-text:hover { color: var(--usa-gold-light); }
.ep-tagline {
  font-size: 0.60rem;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.50);
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  padding-left: 34px;
}

/* Nav */
.ep-primary-nav {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 2px;
  margin-left: auto;
}
.ep-nav-link {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.09em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85);
  padding: 8px 13px;
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius);
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
  white-space: nowrap;
}
.ep-nav-link:hover {
  color: var(--usa-white);
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.14);
}
.ep-nav-user { color: var(--usa-gold-light) !important; }
.ep-nav-user:hover { color: #fff !important; background: rgba(212,175,55,0.2) !important; }

.ep-header-actions {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.ep-search-icon-btn,
.ep-hamburger {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.22);
  color: var(--usa-white);
  width: 38px;
  height: 38px;
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius);
  cursor: pointer;
  font-size: 1rem;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
}
.ep-search-icon-btn:hover,
.ep-hamburger:hover { background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.26); }
.ep-hamburger { display: none; }

/* Search bar dropdown */
.ep-search-bar {
  background: var(--usa-red-mid);
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.10);
  padding: 14px 24px;
}
.ep-search-bar-form {
  max-width: 600px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  display: flex;
  gap: 8px;
}
.ep-search-bar-input {
  flex: 1;
  padding: 10px 16px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.20);
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius);
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.10);
  color: var(--usa-white);
  font-family: var(--usa-font-body);
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  outline: none;
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
}
.ep-search-bar-input::placeholder { color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.42); }
.ep-search-bar-input:focus {
  border-color: var(--usa-gold);
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.16);
}
.ep-search-bar-form button {
  padding: 10px 22px;
  background: var(--usa-navy);
  color: var(--usa-white);
  border: none;
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius);
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.07em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
}
.ep-search-bar-form button:hover { background: var(--usa-navy-hover); }

/* ── Hero Section ────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-hero {
  position: relative;
  min-height: 560px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-end;
  background: var(--usa-red) no-repeat center center / cover;
  overflow: hidden;
}
/* Deep red-to-transparent gradient from left */
.ep-hero::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(
    108deg,
    rgba(107, 10, 21, 0.94) 0%,
    rgba(178, 34, 52, 0.65) 50%,
    rgba(178, 34, 52, 0.12) 100%
  );
  z-index: 1;
}
/* Stars watermark — top right */
.ep-hero::after {
  content: '★  ★  ★  ★  ★';
  position: absolute;
  top: 28px;
  right: 38px;
  color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.30);
  font-size: 1.3rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.55em;
  z-index: 2;
  pointer-events: none;
}
.ep-hero-overlay {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(107, 10, 21, 0.90) 0%, transparent 55%);
  z-index: 1;
}
.ep-hero-content {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 3;
  width: 100%;
  padding-bottom: 64px;
}
.ep-hero-inner {
  max-width: 720px;
  padding: 0 52px;
}
.ep-hero-cats {
  display: flex;
  gap: 8px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  margin-bottom: 18px;
}
.ep-hero-cat {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--usa-white);
  background: var(--usa-navy);
  padding: 4px 12px;
  border-radius: 3px;
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
}
.ep-hero-cat:hover { background: var(--usa-navy-hover); color: var(--usa-white); }
.ep-hero-title {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: clamp(2.1rem, 5.2vw, 3.7rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--usa-white);
  line-height: 1.1;
  margin-bottom: 18px;
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
  text-shadow: 0 2px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.45);
}
.ep-hero-title a { color: var(--usa-white); }
.ep-hero-title a:hover { color: var(--usa-gold); }
.ep-hero-excerpt {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.84);
  font-size: 1.07rem;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
  max-width: 550px;
  line-height: 1.68;
}
.ep-hero-meta {
  display: flex;
  gap: 18px;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.62);
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  margin-bottom: 28px;
}
.ep-hero-btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 0.86rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.13em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--usa-white);
  background: var(--usa-navy);
  padding: 14px 32px;
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius);
  border: 2px solid var(--usa-navy);
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
}
.ep-hero-btn::before { content: '★'; font-size: 0.75rem; color: var(--usa-gold); }
.ep-hero-btn:hover {
  background: transparent;
  color: var(--usa-white);
  border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.65);
}

/* ── Gold divider bar (between hero and content) ─────────── */
.ep-main {
  flex: 1;
  position: relative;
}
.ep-main::before {
  content: '';
  display: block;
  height: 5px;
  background: linear-gradient(
    to right,
    var(--usa-red)    0%,
    var(--usa-red)    33%,
    var(--usa-white)  33%,
    var(--usa-white)  66%,
    var(--usa-navy)   66%,
    var(--usa-navy)   100%
  );
}

/* ── Main Layout ─────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-main-layout {
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 52px 24px;
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 300px;
  gap: 48px;
  align-items: start;
}
.ep-posts-area { min-width: 0; }

/* ── Posts Grid ──────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-posts-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(300px, 1fr));
  gap: 28px;
}
.ep-no-posts {
  grid-column: 1 / -1;
  text-align: center;
  padding: 64px 20px;
  color: var(--usa-text-muted);
  font-style: italic;
}

/* ── Post Card ───────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-post-card {
  background: var(--usa-white);
  border: 1px solid var(--usa-border);
  border-top: 3px solid transparent;
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius-lg);
  overflow: hidden;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
  box-shadow: 0 2px 10px var(--usa-shadow);
}
.ep-post-card:hover {
  border-top-color: var(--usa-navy);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 32px rgba(178, 34, 52, 0.18);
  transform: translateY(-4px);
}
.ep-post-card:hover .ep-card-title a { color: var(--usa-red); }

.ep-card-image {
  overflow: hidden;
  aspect-ratio: 16 / 9;
  background: var(--usa-light);
}
.ep-card-image img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.45s ease;
}
.ep-post-card:hover .ep-card-image img { transform: scale(1.05); }

.ep-card-no-image {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--usa-red) 0%, var(--usa-red-mid) 100%);
  aspect-ratio: 16 / 9;
}
.ep-card-no-image span { font-size: 3rem; color: var(--usa-gold); opacity: 0.60; }
.ep-card-no-image a {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
}

.ep-card-body {
  padding: 22px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  flex: 1;
}
.ep-card-categories {
  display: flex;
  gap: 6px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
}
.ep-category-badge {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 0.67rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--usa-white);
  background: var(--usa-red);
  padding: 3px 10px;
  border-radius: 3px;
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
}
.ep-category-badge:hover { background: var(--usa-navy); color: var(--usa-white); }

.ep-card-title {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 1.18rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  line-height: 1.3;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
}
.ep-card-title a { color: var(--usa-text); transition: var(--usa-transition); }

.ep-card-meta {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  color: var(--usa-text-muted);
  margin-bottom: 10px;
}
.ep-meta-avatar { border-radius: 50%; border: 2px solid var(--usa-border); flex-shrink: 0; }
.ep-meta-author { color: var(--usa-red); font-weight: 600; font-size: 0.82rem; }
.ep-meta-author:hover { color: var(--usa-red-hover); }
.ep-meta-date { font-size: 0.77rem; color: var(--usa-text-muted); }

.ep-card-excerpt {
  color: var(--usa-text-muted);
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  line-height: 1.65;
  flex: 1;
  margin-bottom: 18px;
}
.ep-read-more {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 0.77rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--usa-navy);
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  padding-bottom: 2px;
  border-bottom: 2px solid transparent;
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
  align-self: flex-start;
  margin-top: auto;
}
.ep-read-more:hover { color: var(--usa-navy-hover); border-color: var(--usa-navy); }
.ep-arrow { transition: transform 0.2s ease; }
.ep-read-more:hover .ep-arrow { transform: translateX(5px); }

/* ── Fade-in animation ───────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-fade-in { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(16px); transition: opacity 0.45s ease, transform 0.45s ease; }
.ep-fade-in.visible { opacity: 1; transform: none; }

/* ── Archive Header ──────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-archive-header {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--usa-red) 0%, var(--usa-red-mid) 100%);
  padding: 64px 24px 56px;
  text-align: center;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.ep-archive-header::before {
  content: '★';
  position: absolute;
  left: 50%;
  bottom: -24px;
  transform: translateX(-50%);
  font-size: 9rem;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.04);
  pointer-events: none;
}
.ep-archive-header::after {
  content: '★  ★  ★';
  display: block;
  color: var(--usa-gold);
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.75em;
  opacity: 0.75;
  margin-top: 16px;
}
.ep-archive-title {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 2.5rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--usa-white);
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  text-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.25);
}
.ep-archive-desc   { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.68); margin-top: 10px; font-size: 1rem; }
.ep-results-count  { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.50); font-size: 0.88rem; margin-top: 6px; }

/* ── Single Post ─────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-single-area { min-width: 0; }
.ep-single-post  { background: var(--usa-white); }

.ep-post-header {
  padding: 48px 0 30px;
  border-bottom: 3px solid var(--usa-red);
  margin-bottom: 30px;
  position: relative;
}
.ep-post-header::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  bottom: -3px;
  left: 0;
  width: 72px;
  height: 3px;
  background: var(--usa-gold);
}
.ep-post-categories {
  display: flex;
  gap: 6px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  margin-bottom: 14px;
}
.ep-post-title {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 4vw, 3rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--usa-red);
  line-height: 1.16;
  margin-bottom: 18px;
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
}
.ep-post-meta {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  font-size: 0.84rem;
  color: var(--usa-text-muted);
}
.ep-meta-views    { font-size: 0.78rem; }
.ep-meta-comments { color: var(--usa-navy); font-weight: 600; }
.ep-meta-comments:hover { color: var(--usa-red); }

.ep-post-hero-image {
  margin: 0 0 32px;
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius-lg);
  overflow: hidden;
  border: 3px solid var(--usa-red);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 24px rgba(178, 34, 52, 0.2);
}
.ep-post-hero-image img { width: 100%; max-height: 500px; object-fit: cover; }

/* ── Post Content ────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-post-content {
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  line-height: 1.84;
  color: var(--usa-text);
}
.ep-post-content h1,
.ep-post-content h2,
.ep-post-content h3,
.ep-post-content h4,
.ep-post-content h5 {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  color: var(--usa-red);
  margin: 1.9em 0 0.6em;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
  line-height: 1.25;
}
.ep-post-content h1 { font-size: 2.1rem; }
.ep-post-content h2 {
  font-size: 1.65rem;
  border-bottom: 2px solid var(--usa-red);
  padding-bottom: 7px;
}
.ep-post-content h3 { font-size: 1.32rem; }
.ep-post-content h4 { font-size: 1.1rem; }
.ep-post-content p  { margin: 1em 0; }
.ep-post-content a  { color: var(--usa-navy); border-bottom: 1px dotted var(--usa-navy); }
.ep-post-content a:hover { color: var(--usa-red); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: var(--usa-red); }
.ep-post-content ul,
.ep-post-content ol  { margin: 1em 0 1em 1.6em; }
.ep-post-content li  { margin-bottom: 0.4em; }
.ep-post-content strong { color: var(--usa-red-mid); font-weight: 700; }
.ep-post-content em  { font-style: italic; }
.ep-post-content del { color: var(--usa-text-muted); }
.ep-post-content img { border-radius: var(--usa-radius); margin: 1em 0; }
.ep-post-content hr {
  border: none;
  height: 3px;
  background: linear-gradient(to right, var(--usa-red), var(--usa-white), var(--usa-navy));
  margin: 2.2em 0;
  border-radius: 2px;
}
.ep-post-content blockquote {
  border-left: 5px solid var(--usa-navy);
  background: var(--usa-off-white);
  margin: 1.8em 0;
  padding: 20px 26px;
  border-radius: 0 var(--usa-radius) var(--usa-radius) 0;
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--usa-text-muted);
  position: relative;
}
.ep-post-content blockquote::before {
  content: '\201C';
  position: absolute;
  top: -10px;
  left: 16px;
  font-size: 3.2rem;
  color: var(--usa-navy);
  opacity: 0.28;
  line-height: 1;
  font-family: Georgia, serif;
}

/* Code in post content */
.ep-post-content code {
  background: #fdf0f0;
  border: 1px solid #f0c8cc;
  padding: 2px 6px;
  border-radius: 3px;
  font-family: var(--usa-font-mono);
  font-size: 0.87em;
  color: var(--usa-red-mid);
}
.ep-post-content pre {
  background: #fafafa;
  border: 1px solid #e9e0dc;
  border-left: 4px solid var(--usa-red);
  color: #212529;
  padding: 20px 24px;
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius);
  overflow-x: auto;
  margin: 1.5em 0;
  font-size: 0.9em;
  line-height: 1.6;
}
.ep-post-content pre code {
  background: none;
  border: none;
  padding: 0;
  color: inherit;
  font-size: inherit;
}

/* ── Post Tags ───────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-post-tags {
  margin-top: 26px;
  padding-top: 20px;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--usa-border);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 8px;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  color: var(--usa-text-muted);
}
.ep-tag-link {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.07em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--usa-navy);
  background: var(--usa-white);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--usa-navy);
  padding: 3px 10px;
  border-radius: 3px;
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
}
.ep-tag-link:hover { background: var(--usa-navy); color: var(--usa-white); }

/* ── Author Box ──────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-author-box {
  display: flex;
  gap: 22px;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--usa-red) 0%, var(--usa-red-mid) 100%);
  padding: 32px;
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius-lg);
  margin: 38px 0;
  align-items: flex-start;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: 0 6px 24px rgba(178, 34, 52, 0.28);
}
.ep-author-box::after {
  content: '★';
  position: absolute;
  right: 26px;
  top: 50%;
  transform: translateY(-50%);
  font-size: 5.5rem;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.05);
  pointer-events: none;
  line-height: 1;
}
.ep-author-avatar {
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: 3px solid var(--usa-gold);
  flex-shrink: 0;
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(212,175,55,0.3);
}
.ep-author-info { flex: 1; }
.ep-author-name {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  margin-bottom: 6px;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}
.ep-author-name a { color: var(--usa-white); }
.ep-author-name a:hover { color: var(--usa-gold); }
.ep-author-bio  { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.75); font-size: 0.93rem; margin-bottom: 12px; }
.ep-author-link {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 0.76rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.09em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--usa-gold);
}
.ep-author-link:hover { color: var(--usa-white); }

/* ── Comments ────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-comments-section {
  margin-top: 48px;
  padding-top: 36px;
  border-top: 3px solid var(--usa-red);
}
.ep-comments-title {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 1.45rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--usa-red);
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 28px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
}
.ep-comments-title::before { content: '★'; color: var(--usa-gold); font-size: 1rem; }

.ep-comments-list { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 20px; margin-bottom: 40px; }
.ep-comment {
  display: flex;
  gap: 16px;
  padding: 20px;
  background: var(--usa-off-white);
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius-lg);
  border: 1px solid var(--usa-border);
  border-left: 3px solid var(--usa-red);
}
.ep-comment-depth-1 { margin-left: 44px; border-left-color: var(--usa-navy); }
.ep-comment-depth-2 { margin-left: 80px; border-left-color: var(--usa-gold); }
.ep-comment-avatar img { border-radius: 50%; border: 2px solid var(--usa-border); flex-shrink: 0; }
.ep-comment-body { flex: 1; min-width: 0; }
.ep-comment-header {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 12px;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
}
.ep-comment-author { color: var(--usa-red); font-size: 0.92rem; font-weight: 600; }
.ep-comment-date   { font-size: 0.78rem; color: var(--usa-text-muted); }
.ep-comment-content { font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.65; }
.ep-comment-actions { margin-top: 10px; }
.ep-reply-btn {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.07em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--usa-navy);
  background: none;
  border: 1.5px solid var(--usa-navy);
  padding: 4px 12px;
  border-radius: 3px;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
}
.ep-reply-btn:hover { background: var(--usa-navy); color: var(--usa-white); }
.ep-no-comments, .ep-comments-closed {
  text-align: center;
  padding: 28px;
  color: var(--usa-text-muted);
  font-style: italic;
  border: 1px dashed var(--usa-border);
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius);
}

.ep-comment-form-wrap {
  background: var(--usa-off-white);
  border: 1px solid var(--usa-border);
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius-lg);
  padding: 30px;
  border-top: 3px solid var(--usa-red);
}
.ep-comment-form-title {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--usa-red);
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.ep-reply-banner {
  background: var(--usa-light);
  border: 1px solid var(--usa-border);
  padding: 10px 16px;
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius);
  margin-bottom: 16px;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
}
.ep-cancel-reply {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  color: var(--usa-red);
  background: none;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  padding: 0;
}
.ep-logged-in-as {
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  color: var(--usa-text-muted);
  margin-bottom: 16px;
  padding: 8px 14px;
  background: var(--usa-light);
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius);
}

/* ── Forms ───────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-form-group { margin-bottom: 18px; }
.ep-form-group label {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 0.76rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--usa-red);
  margin-bottom: 6px;
}
.ep-input,
.ep-textarea {
  width: 100%;
  padding: 11px 14px;
  border: 1.5px solid var(--usa-border);
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius);
  font-family: var(--usa-font-body);
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: var(--usa-text);
  background: var(--usa-white);
  outline: none;
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
}
.ep-input:focus,
.ep-textarea:focus {
  border-color: var(--usa-red);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(178, 34, 52, 0.12);
}
.ep-textarea { resize: vertical; min-height: 130px; }
.ep-form-row { display: flex; gap: 16px; }
.ep-half     { flex: 1; min-width: 0; }

.ep-submit-btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 0.86rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--usa-white);
  background: var(--usa-navy);
  border: 2px solid var(--usa-navy);
  padding: 12px 28px;
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius);
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
  text-decoration: none;
}
.ep-submit-btn::before { content: '★'; font-size: 0.75rem; color: var(--usa-gold); }
.ep-submit-btn:hover {
  background: var(--usa-navy-hover);
  border-color: var(--usa-navy-hover);
  color: var(--usa-white);
}

.ep-form-status { margin-top: 12px; font-size: 0.88rem; padding: 8px 14px; border-radius: var(--usa-radius); }
.ep-form-status.ep-success { background: #d1fae5; color: #065f46; }
.ep-form-status.ep-error   { background: #fee2e2; color: #991b1b; }

/* ── Sidebar ─────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-sidebar { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 24px; }

.ep-widget {
  background: var(--usa-white);
  border: 1px solid var(--usa-border);
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius-lg);
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: 0 2px 8px var(--usa-shadow);
}
.ep-widget-title {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--usa-white);
  background: var(--usa-red);
  padding: 13px 18px;
  margin: 0;
  border-bottom: 3px solid var(--usa-gold);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
}
.ep-widget-title::before { content: '★'; color: var(--usa-gold-light); font-size: 0.65rem; }

.ep-widget .ep-search-form { padding: 16px; }
.ep-widget .ep-search-wrap { display: flex; gap: 8px; }
.ep-search-input {
  flex: 1;
  padding: 9px 12px;
  border: 1.5px solid var(--usa-border);
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius);
  font-family: var(--usa-font-body);
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  outline: none;
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
}
.ep-search-input:focus { border-color: var(--usa-red); }
.ep-search-btn {
  padding: 9px 15px;
  background: var(--usa-navy);
  color: var(--usa-white);
  border: none;
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius);
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 0.76rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.07em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
}
.ep-search-btn:hover { background: var(--usa-navy-hover); }

.ep-recent-list { list-style: none; padding: 10px 0; }
.ep-recent-list li {
  padding: 9px 18px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--usa-border);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 3px;
}
.ep-recent-list li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
.ep-recent-list a { font-size: 0.9rem; color: var(--usa-text); font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.35; }
.ep-recent-list a:hover { color: var(--usa-red); }
.ep-post-date-small { font-size: 0.74rem; color: var(--usa-text-muted); }

.ep-cats-widget-list { list-style: none; padding: 10px 0; }
.ep-cats-widget-list li {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: center;
  padding: 9px 18px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--usa-border);
}
.ep-cats-widget-list li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
.ep-cats-widget-list a { font-size: 0.9rem; color: var(--usa-text); }
.ep-cats-widget-list a:hover { color: var(--usa-red); }
.ep-cat-count { font-size: 0.75rem; color: var(--usa-text-muted); }
.ep-tag-cloud { padding: 14px 18px; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 7px; }

/* ── Pagination ──────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-pagination-nav {
  margin: 44px 0;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
}
.ep-pagination { display: flex; gap: 6px; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; }
.ep-page-link {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  color: var(--usa-red);
  background: var(--usa-white);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--usa-border);
  padding: 8px 15px;
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius);
  transition: var(--usa-transition);
  min-width: 42px;
  text-align: center;
}
.ep-page-link:hover { background: var(--usa-red); color: var(--usa-white); border-color: var(--usa-red); }
.ep-page-active { background: var(--usa-navy) !important; color: var(--usa-white) !important; border-color: var(--usa-navy) !important; }
.ep-page-ellipsis { color: var(--usa-text-muted); padding: 0 4px; }

/* ── Profile Page ────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-profile-hero {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--usa-red) 0%, var(--usa-red-mid) 100%);
  padding: 64px 24px;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.ep-profile-hero::before {
  content: '★  ★  ★  ★  ★  ★  ★  ★  ★  ★';
  position: absolute;
  bottom: -12px;
  left: 50%;
  transform: translateX(-50%);
  font-size: 2.6rem;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.04);
  white-space: nowrap;
  letter-spacing: 1em;
  pointer-events: none;
}
.ep-profile-hero-inner {
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  display: flex;
  gap: 30px;
  align-items: flex-start;
}
.ep-profile-avatar {
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: 4px solid var(--usa-gold);
  flex-shrink: 0;
  display: block;
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px rgba(212,175,55,0.25);
}

.ep-profile-avatar-wrap {
  position: relative;
  display: inline-block;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  border-radius: 50%;
}
.ep-profile-avatar-wrap .ep-own-avatar { cursor: pointer; }
.ep-avatar-overlay {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: rgba(107, 10, 21, 0.65);
  border-radius: 50%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 26px;
  opacity: 0;
  transition: opacity 0.2s;
  pointer-events: none;
}
.ep-profile-avatar-wrap:hover .ep-avatar-overlay { opacity: 1; }
.ep-avatar-upload-btn {
  display: block;
  width: 100%;
  margin-top: 10px;
  padding: 5px 12px;
  font-size: 12px;
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  background: transparent;
  border: 1px solid var(--usa-gold);
  border-radius: 3px;
  cursor: pointer;
  color: var(--usa-gold);
  transition: background 0.2s, color 0.2s;
  text-align: center;
  white-space: nowrap;
}
.ep-avatar-upload-btn:hover { background: var(--usa-gold); color: var(--usa-red); }
.ep-avatar-upload-btn:disabled { opacity: 0.6; cursor: default; }

.ep-profile-info { flex: 1; }
.ep-profile-name {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 2.2rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--usa-white);
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  margin-bottom: 4px;
  text-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.2);
}
.ep-profile-username { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55); font-size: 0.9rem; margin-bottom: 10px; }
.ep-profile-bio      { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.80); font-size: 0.95rem; margin-bottom: 8px; }
.ep-profile-website  { color: var(--usa-gold); font-size: 0.88rem; margin-bottom: 6px; display: inline-block; }
.ep-profile-joined   { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.45); font-size: 0.82rem; }
.ep-profile-stats { display: flex; gap: 16px; }
.ep-stat {
  text-align: center;
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.10);
  padding: 14px 22px;
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius-lg);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.14);
  min-width: 84px;
}
.ep-stat strong { display: block; font-family: var(--usa-font-head); font-size: 1.7rem; color: var(--usa-white); }
.ep-stat span { font-size: 0.72rem; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55); text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.07em; }

.ep-container { max-width: 1200px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 48px 24px; }
.ep-section-title {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 1.35rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--usa-red);
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 26px;
  padding-bottom: 10px;
  border-bottom: 3px solid var(--usa-red);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
}
.ep-section-title::before { content: '★'; color: var(--usa-gold); font-size: 0.9rem; }

/* ── Auth Pages ──────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-auth-page {
  min-height: 80vh;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  padding: 48px 24px;
  background: var(--usa-off-white);
}
.ep-auth-card {
  background: var(--usa-white);
  border: 1px solid var(--usa-border);
  border-top: 5px solid var(--usa-red);
  border-radius: var(--usa-radius-lg);
  padding: 44px 38px;
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 420px;
  box-shadow: 0 12px 44px rgba(178, 34, 52, 0.15);
}
.ep-auth-logo {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 1.95rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--usa-red);
  text-align: center;
  margin-bottom: 4px;
}
.ep-auth-logo::before { content: '★ '; color: var(--usa-gold); }
.ep-auth-logo::after  { content: ' ★'; color: var(--usa-gold); }
.ep-auth-logo span    { color: var(--usa-navy); }
.ep-auth-title {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--usa-text);
  text-align: center;
  letter-spacing: 0.07em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 26px;
  padding-bottom: 18px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--usa-border);
}
.ep-auth-link { text-align: center; font-size: 0.88rem; color: var(--usa-text-muted); margin-top: 20px; }
.ep-auth-link a { color: var(--usa-navy); font-weight: 600; }
.ep-auth-link a:hover { color: var(--usa-red); }

/* ── 404 Page ────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-error-page, .ep-404-page {
  min-height: 70vh;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  padding: 48px 24px;
  background: var(--usa-off-white);
}
.ep-error-inner { text-align: center; max-width: 520px; }
.ep-404-number {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: clamp(6rem, 18vw, 10rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1;
  letter-spacing: -0.04em;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--usa-red) 0%, var(--usa-navy) 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
  background-clip: text;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}
.ep-404-title {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 1.8rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--usa-red);
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.ep-404-message { color: var(--usa-text-muted); margin-bottom: 30px; }

/* ── Image Alignment ─────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-img        { max-width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: var(--usa-radius); }
.ep-img-left   { float: left;  margin: 0.4em 1.4em 0.8em 0; }
.ep-img-right  { float: right; margin: 0.4em 0 0.8em 1.4em; }
.ep-img-center { display: block; margin: 1em auto; }

/* ── Back To Top ─────────────────────────────────────────── */
#ep-back-to-top {
  position: fixed;
  bottom: 28px;
  right: 28px;
  width: 46px;
  height: 46px;
  background: var(--usa-navy);
  color: var(--usa-white);
  border: none;
  border-radius: 50%;
  font-size: 1.3rem;
  cursor: pointer;
  z-index: 999;
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(12px);
  transition: opacity 0.3s, transform 0.3s, background 0.2s;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(10, 36, 99, 0.35);
}
#ep-back-to-top.visible { opacity: 1; transform: none; }
#ep-back-to-top:hover   { background: var(--usa-red); box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(178, 34, 52, 0.4); }

/* ── Footer ──────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-footer {
  background: var(--usa-red-mid);
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.75);
  margin-top: auto;
  position: relative;
  background-image:
    repeating-linear-gradient(
      -55deg,
      transparent 0px,
      transparent 18px,
      rgba(255,255,255,0.02) 18px,
      rgba(255,255,255,0.02) 36px
    );
}
/* Navy / white / red tricolor stripe at top */
.ep-footer::before {
  content: '';
  display: block;
  height: 6px;
  background: linear-gradient(
    to right,
    var(--usa-navy)      0%,
    var(--usa-navy)      33.3%,
    var(--usa-white)     33.3%,
    var(--usa-white)     66.6%,
    var(--usa-red)       66.6%,
    var(--usa-red)       100%
  );
}
.ep-footer-inner {
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 60px 24px 44px;
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  gap: 44px;
}
.ep-footer-heading {
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--usa-gold);
  margin-bottom: 18px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
}
.ep-footer-heading::before { content: '★'; font-size: 0.62rem; }
.ep-footer-about { font-size: 0.88rem; line-height: 1.65; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.56); margin-bottom: 8px; }
.ep-footer-links { list-style: none; }
.ep-footer-links li {
  padding: 6px 0;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.06);
}
.ep-footer-links li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
.ep-footer-links a { font-size: 0.88rem; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.62); line-height: 1.45; }
.ep-footer-links a:hover { color: var(--usa-gold); }
.ep-footer .ep-tag-cloud { padding: 0; }
.ep-footer .ep-tag-link {
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.56);
  border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.20);
  background: transparent;
}
.ep-footer .ep-tag-link:hover {
  color: var(--usa-white);
  background: var(--usa-navy);
  border-color: var(--usa-navy);
}
.ep-footer-bottom {
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.10);
  padding: 20px 24px;
  text-align: center;
  font-size: 0.80rem;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.38);
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
}
.ep-footer-bottom strong { color: var(--usa-gold); }

/* ── Responsive ──────────────────────────────────────────── */
@media (max-width: 960px) {
  .ep-main-layout { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .ep-sidebar { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(280px, 1fr)); }
  .ep-footer-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
}

@media (max-width: 680px) {
  .ep-header-inner { height: 58px; }
  .ep-primary-nav {
    display: none;
    position: absolute;
    top: 100%;
    left: 0;
    right: 0;
    background: var(--usa-red-mid);
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: stretch;
    padding: 12px 16px;
    gap: 2px;
    border-top: 3px solid var(--usa-gold);
    box-shadow: 0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.28);
    z-index: 999;
  }
  .ep-primary-nav.ep-nav-open { display: flex; }
  .ep-hamburger { display: flex; }
  .ep-logo-text { font-size: 1.45rem; }
  .ep-hero { min-height: 420px; }
  .ep-hero-inner { padding-left: 24px; }
  .ep-footer-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 30px; }
  .ep-auth-card { padding: 28px 20px; }
  .ep-form-row { flex-direction: column; gap: 0; }
  .ep-profile-hero-inner { flex-direction: column; }
  .ep-author-box { flex-direction: column; }
  .ep-posts-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .ep-comment-depth-1 { margin-left: 20px; }
}

/* ── Download Button ──────────────────────────────────────── */
.ep-download-btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 14px;
  padding: 14px 20px;
  background: var(--usa-off-white);
  border: 1px solid var(--usa-border);
  border-left: 4px solid var(--usa-red);
  border-radius: 4px;
  text-decoration: none;
  color: var(--usa-red-mid);
  margin: 1.2em 0;
  max-width: 420px;
  width: 100%;
  box-sizing: border-box;
  font-family: var(--usa-font-head);
  transition: background 0.2s, border-left-color 0.2s;
}
.ep-download-btn:hover {
  background: var(--usa-light);
  border-left-color: var(--usa-navy);
  color: var(--usa-navy);
  text-decoration: none;
}
.ep-download-icon {
  font-size: 1.8em;
  color: var(--usa-navy);
  line-height: 1;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.ep-download-info {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 2px;
  min-width: 0;
}
.ep-download-label {
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 0.95em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  white-space: nowrap;
  overflow: hidden;
  text-overflow: ellipsis;
}
.ep-download-filename {
  font-size: 0.78em;
  color: #6c757d;
  font-family: monospace;
  white-space: nowrap;
  overflow: hidden;
  text-overflow: ellipsis;
}

/* ── Syntax Highlight: override .ep-post-content pre/code inside blocks ── */
.ep-post-content .ep-code-block pre {
  background: transparent;
  border: none;
  border-left: none;
  padding: 1em 1.2em;
  margin: 0;
  font-size: 0.9em;
  border-radius: 0;
}
.ep-post-content .ep-code-block pre code {
  background: transparent !important;
  border: none;
  padding: 0;
  color: var(--cb-code-text, #e6edf3);
  font-size: inherit;
}
.ep-post-content .ep-inline-code-wrap code {
  background: rgba(178, 34, 52, 0.08);
  border: 1px solid rgba(178, 34, 52, 0.18);
  padding: 0.1em 0.4em;
  color: inherit;
}