I recently visited a museum in Brest in Brittany in France centered on the naval history of the region and France. In that museum, most breton explorer, sailors, etc. were labeled as "breton". After reading a couple of wiki articles on the same people, they were almost exclusivly labeled "french" on wiki. Since that is their nationality, (in the sense i understand the word), that seems fine. However, i made a couple of tests, and noticed that there seems to be no real pattern. I looked up people from ethnicities and ethnic minorities without their own state mostly in europe.
With the ethnicities of the UK, the case seems clear.
Scots and welsh people usually go under scottish and welsh, not briton. Since scotland and wales are technically countries of their own, that seems fine. People from Man are also labeled as manx, although man is bot even part of the UK, so this checks out.The Cornish are rarely mentioned, i assumr because, although they usually are counted among the "celtic nations", cornish identity is not werey steong or different from other "english" regional identities.
Another group i looked up were ethnicites without their own country that live in nations with another titular nation, eg. Bretons, Frisians, Basques, Sorbs and Sami.
Bretons are almost always labeled as french, exeptions are persons from the middle ages before brittany became part of france.
Basque people sometimes go by basque, sometimes by french or spanish. Since even politicians of nationalistic/regionalistic basque parties oftentimes are labeled french or spanish, it seems not to be due to "ethnicity mattering" for what the person is about.
Frisians almost always are labeled as Dutch or Germans, exceptions are mostly freedom fighters and rebels from the middle ages.
Sorbs are oftentimes labeled as sorbs, interestingly.
The same goes for sami people.
So i am interested: what are the guidelines here?
Why i think this matters and the current pattern is problematic? The classic "representation matters" argument. I think it is somewhat unsavory when a larger nation absorbs a minority or ethnicity, often by conquest, often assimilates them to a degree, oftentimes forcefully, and now appropriates noteworthy people of those ethnicities and claims them as "theirs" . When Breton explorers are french, frisian painters are dutch and basque poets are spanish, it fortifies the idea that those "obscure" minoritites contributes nothing noteworthy to society and makes them even more obscure.
Its not the same, but also not THAT far from turkish nationalist claiming "kurds are only mountain-turks" or putin claiming that ukrainians are just russians.
Its also about discrimination. Basically, it furthers "X-ification". Every sucesfull breton is not breton anymore, but french. It makes the french more, and the bretons less impressive. I once read an article once how a similar pattern hurts roma communitites: many sucesfull rom obscure and deny their ethnicity to avoid being discriminated, but in return, there are only few sucesfull rolemodels and examples for young roma people and society, and the bulk og the "open" rom people remain the unsuccessful ones, so they form societies view on them.

I am going to a wedding for 3 days in europe.
It will cost me €300 to add checked baggage into my trip which I cant afford. But I cannot fly wearing my Kirpaan.
Any guidance from those who have had similar experiences, I am just not feeling good about this and want to see how others have "made up" for this.
Wgjkk Wgjkf

So as the title says, I ordered a used Mini 3 Pro today. Been looking for one for quite some time now and finally took my chance. However I do have two questions:

1. I bought it from a known store in my country, however it is an exhibit. Apart from the obvious, what would you advise me to check, whether it is worth it or not. It is supposes to be in a good condition but who knows. I do have 14 days to return it so basically, that's why I bought it. Buying via eBay would've been a bigger gamble and this way I can check it myself and safely return it in case.
   
2. For those in Europe, it cost me 589€. Would you consider this a good deal as well?
   

Any help is greatly appreciated! Hope I did not violate any of the rules of this subreddit, it's my first post here 🙌🏼

The Borussia Dortmund today meet Real Madrid in the Champions League final at Wembley. The Stage is Set for a Thrilling Encounter: Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid Live!
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Calling all football fanatics! Are you pumped for the upcoming clash between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid? This epic showdown between two European giants promises to be a can't-miss spectacle.
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While it has been a remarkable story for Dortmund to reach this stage amid some indifferent domestic form, history is against them.
steeped in history
Both Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid boast rich legacies and unforgettable encounters in European competitions. Their rivalry is built on mutual respect and fierce competitive spirit, adding an extra layer of excitement to every match.
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Borussia Dortmund, known for their passionate fan base ("Yellow Wall") and commitment to young talent, will face off against Real Madrid's star-studded squad. Get ready to witness dazzling footwork, tactical brilliance, and nail-biting moments from some of the world's best players.
Key Players to Watch:
Borussia Dortmund: Marco Reus (captain), Jude Bellingham
Real Madrid: Karim Benzema, Luka Modrić, Vinícius Júnior
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Whether you're at the iconic Signal Iduna Park or the Santiago Bernabéu, the atmosphere will be electric. Expect pre-match festivities, choreographed displays, and chants that will make your hair stand on end!
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In Carlo Ancelotti, they also boast the most successful-ever manager in this competition. gfdgd sdfs sdfds

Dear all,
a friend of mine converted to islamic faith a while ago. I gave her support and encouragement right from the start.
Yesterday we go for a walk in the forest and when time came for her to pray she retreated a way deeper in the forest while I waited. I felt honored to be allowed so close to her during her prayer.
Afterwards we continue our walk and she taught me some facts about praying. Amongst other things I learned that muslims need to face north during their prayers bc that's where Mecca and the kaaba are located.
I imagined the north which would be Scandinavia since we are in northern Europe. I didn't dare asking any further questions to that matter but decided to ask a reddit community.
I would like to know: given the location of northern Europe is north the correct direction for prayers? Can you advise me: If north isn't the correct direction, should I tell her? As a non-Muslim person I do not feel entitled to do that. Can you recommend a tool with which muslims can check the correct alignment with mekka depending on their current location? I would much more prefer to forward a link for an app so that she can choose and discover for herself rather than tell her how to pray as a non-Muslim person.
I do hope I didn't violated any rules or hurt anyone's feelings with this post. But if so please tell me so that I can learn.
Thanks for your time and advice
For transparency: This is a repost. The first title was accidentally to short and I wanted to be more precise.
EDIT: formatting Markdowns and typos

NordVPN.com is a leading Virtual Private Network (VPN) service provider, founded in 2012 by four friends who shared a passion for internet freedom and security. Since its inception, NordVPN.com has grown to become one of the most popular and trusted VPN services globally, with over 14 million users worldwide.
Early Years (2012-2014)
NordVPN.com's journey began in 2012, when four friends, including CEO and co-founder, Tomasz Fornal, came together to address the growing concerns about online privacy and security. The founders, all with a background in computer science and engineering, recognized the need for a reliable and secure VPN service that could protect users' online activities from prying eyes.
In the early years, NordVPN.com focused on developing its core technology and building a strong team of experts. The company's early success was fueled by word-of-mouth referrals and positive reviews from satisfied customers.
Expansion and Growth (2015-2018)
As NordVPN.com's popularity grew, the company expanded its operations to accommodate the increasing demand. In 2015, NordVPN.com launched its mobile apps for Android and iOS devices, making it easier for users to access the service on-the-go. The company also expanded its server network, increasing the number of servers from 100 to over 5,000, covering more than 60 countries worldwide.
In 2017, NordVPN.com introduced its innovative feature, "Obfuscated Servers," which allowed users to bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites and services. This feature further solidified NordVPN.com's position as a leader in the VPN industry.
Mission and Values
At the heart of NordVPN.com's mission is a commitment to protecting users' online freedom and security. The company's mission is to provide a secure and reliable VPN service that empowers users to take control of their online activities. NordVPN.com's values are built around three core principles:
1. Privacy: NordVPN.com is committed to protecting users' privacy and ensuring that their online activities remain confidential.
2. Security: The company prioritizes the security of its users' data, using advanced encryption and security protocols to safeguard against cyber threats.
3. Transparency: NordVPN.com is transparent about its operations, providing users with clear information about its services, policies, and practices.
Awards and Recognition
NordVPN.com has received numerous awards and recognition for its commitment to online security and privacy. Some notable awards include:
· PCMag Editors' Choice: NordVPN.com has been recognized as a PCMag Editors' Choice for its exceptional performance and features.
· Top VPN Service: NordVPN.com has been rated as one of the top VPN services by various reputable sources, including CNET, Wirecutter, and Tom's Guide.
· Trustworthy VPN: NordVPN.com has been recognized as a trustworthy VPN service by organizations such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the Open Technology Fund.
Conclusion
NordVPN.com's company history is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and a commitment to protecting online freedom and security. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading VPN service provider, NordVPN.com has consistently demonstrated its dedication to providing a secure and reliable VPN service to users worldwide. As the company continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing online landscape, its mission remains steadfast: to empower users to take control of their online activities and protect their online privacy and security.

Features and Benefits

As one of the most popular and highly-regarded Virtual Private Network (VPN) providers, NordVPN.com offers a comprehensive suite of features and benefits that cater to the diverse needs of its users. In this chapter, we will delve into the various features and benefits that set NordVPN.com apart from its competitors, highlighting its strengths and advantages.
Security and Encryption
NordVPN.com's primary concern is the security and privacy of its users. To achieve this, the service employs a robust encryption protocol, utilizing the AES-256 cipher, which is widely regarded as the most secure encryption standard available. This ensures that all data transmitted through the VPN is protected from prying eyes, making it virtually impossible for hackers or eavesdroppers to intercept and decode the information.
Server Network and Locations
NordVPN.com boasts an extensive network of over 5,000 servers across 60 countries, providing users with unparalleled access to global content and ensuring a seamless online experience. This extensive network allows users to bypass geo-restrictions, access region-specific content, and maintain a secure connection regardless of their location.
Server Selection and Filtering
NordVPN.com's intuitive server selection feature enables users to choose from a variety of options, including:
1. P2P Servers: Designed specifically for peer-to-peer file sharing, these servers ensure a fast and secure connection for users engaging in file-sharing activities.
2. Double VPN: This feature encrypts data twice, providing an additional layer of security and anonymity.
3. Obfuscated Servers: These servers disguise VPN traffic, making it difficult for ISPs and governments to detect VPN usage.
4. Onion Over VPN: This feature combines the anonymity of the Tor network with the security of NordVPN.com's encryption.
Additional Features
NordVPN.com's comprehensive feature set includes:
1. Kill Switch: Automatically disconnects the user from the internet in the event of a dropped VPN connection, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected.
2. Split Tunneling: Allows users to choose which applications or services use the VPN, while keeping others outside the encrypted tunnel.
3. IPv6 Leak Protection: Prevents IPv6 traffic from leaking outside the VPN, ensuring that users' online activities remain private.
4. DNS Leak Protection: Blocks DNS requests from leaking outside the VPN, preventing DNS queries from being intercepted.
Benefits
The combination of NordVPN.com's features and benefits provides users with a comprehensive online security solution, offering numerous advantages, including:
1. Unparalleled Security: NordVPN.com's robust encryption and secure protocols ensure that users' online activities remain private and secure.
2. Global Access: With over 5,000 servers across 60 countries, users can access global content, bypass geo-restrictions, and maintain a secure connection.
3. Anonymity: NordVPN.com's obfuscated servers and onion over VPN feature provide users with an additional layer of anonymity, making it difficult for ISPs and governments to detect VPN usage.
4. Ease of Use: NordVPN.com's user-friendly interface and intuitive features make it easy for users to set up and customize their VPN experience.
5. Customer Support: NordVPN.com's dedicated customer support team is available 24/7 to assist users with any questions or concerns.
In conclusion, NordVPN.com's comprehensive feature set and benefits provide users with a robust online security solution, catering to the diverse needs of its users. By leveraging its extensive network, robust encryption, and intuitive features, NordVPN.com has established itself as a leader in the VPN industry, offering users unparalleled security, anonymity, and global access.

Encryption and Protocols

In today's digital age, online security and privacy are more crucial than ever. With the increasing number of cyberattacks, data breaches, and surveillance, it is essential to have robust encryption methods and protocols in place to protect sensitive information. NordVPN.com, a leading Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, takes online security seriously and employs cutting-edge encryption methods and protocols to safeguard its users' data. In this chapter, we will delve into the encryption methods and protocols used by NordVPN.com to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of user data.
Encryption Methods
NordVPN.com uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with a 256-bit key size to encrypt user data. AES is a widely used and highly effective encryption algorithm that is considered to be unbreakable. The 256-bit key size ensures that even the most powerful computers would take an impractically long time to crack the encryption, making it virtually unbreakable.
Protocols
NordVPN.com supports multiple VPN protocols, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The choice of protocol depends on the user's specific needs and the type of device being used. The most commonly used protocols are:
1. OpenVPN: OpenVPN is a widely used and highly secure protocol that is known for its stability and reliability. It is a popular choice among VPN users due to its ability to bypass firewalls and provide fast and secure connections.
2. IKEv2/IPSec: IKEv2/IPSec is a more recent protocol that is gaining popularity due to its ability to provide fast and secure connections. It is a widely supported protocol that is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems.
3. L2TP/IPSec: L2TP/IPSec is a protocol that is commonly used for remote access VPNs. It is a secure protocol that provides strong encryption and is widely supported by most devices and operating systems.
Key Exchange and Authentication
NordVPN.com uses the Diffie-Hellman key exchange algorithm to establish a shared secret key between the user's device and the VPN server. This algorithm ensures that the shared secret key is not compromised during transmission.
NordVPN.com also uses the SHA-256 hash function to authenticate the user's device and the VPN server. This ensures that the user's device and the VPN server are who they claim to be, preventing man-in-the-middle attacks.
Additional Security Measures
In addition to the encryption methods and protocols mentioned above, NordVPN.com employs several additional security measures to ensure the security and integrity of user data. These measures include:
1. 256-bit SSL/TLS encryption: NordVPN.com uses 256-bit SSL/TLS encryption to encrypt data transmitted between the user's device and the VPN server.
2. DNS leak protection: NordVPN.com's DNS leak protection ensures that DNS requests are routed through the VPN server, preventing DNS leaks and ensuring that user data remains private.
3. Kill switch: NordVPN.com's kill switch feature automatically terminates the internet connection if the VPN connection is lost, preventing data leaks and ensuring that user data remains secure.
4. Split tunneling: NordVPN.com's split tunneling feature allows users to select which applications and data are routed through the VPN, ensuring that sensitive data remains private and secure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NordVPN.com's encryption methods and protocols provide a robust and secure way to protect user data. With the use of AES encryption, multiple VPN protocols, and additional security measures, NordVPN.com ensures that user data remains confidential, integrity is maintained, and authenticity is ensured. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to stay ahead of the curve and employ the latest encryption methods and protocols to ensure the security and integrity of user data.

Server Locations and Availability

NordVPN.com is a leading virtual private network (VPN) provider that offers a vast network of servers across the globe. In this chapter, we will delve into the details of NordVPN.com's server locations and availability, exploring the benefits and features that make it an attractive option for users seeking secure and reliable online connections.
Overview of NordVPN.com's Server Network
NordVPN.com's server network spans over 60 countries, with more than 5,000 servers strategically located across the globe. This extensive network allows users to access a wide range of geographic locations, ensuring that they can bypass geo-restrictions and access content from anywhere in the world.
Server Locations
NordVPN.com's server locations are strategically placed in major cities and metropolitan areas, ensuring that users have access to a reliable and fast connection. Some of the key locations include:
1. North America: United States, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil
2. Europe: Germany, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and more
3. Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, and Singapore
4. South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru
5. Africa: South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco
6. Middle East: Israel, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates
Server Types
NordVPN.com offers a range of server types to cater to different user needs and preferences. These include:
1. Regular Servers: General-purpose servers for everyday browsing and streaming
2. Streaming Servers: Optimized for streaming popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime
3. P2P Servers: Designed for peer-to-peer file sharing and torrenting
4. Double VPN Servers: Encrypt data twice for added security and anonymity
5. Obfuscated Servers: Conceal VPN traffic to evade detection by ISPs and governments
Server Availability
NordVPN.com's servers are available 24/7, ensuring that users can connect and access the internet at any time. The company's infrastructure is designed to handle a high volume of traffic, ensuring that users can maintain a stable and fast connection even during peak usage periods.
Server Maintenance and Updates
NordVPN.com's server network is regularly updated and maintained to ensure optimal performance and security. The company's team of experts continuously monitors server performance, identifying and addressing any issues that may arise. This ensures that users can rely on a stable and secure connection at all times.
Conclusion
NordVPN.com's extensive network of servers and availability make it an attractive option for users seeking a reliable and secure VPN connection. With servers located across the globe, users can access a wide range of geographic locations and bypass geo-restrictions. The company's commitment to server maintenance and updates ensures that users can rely on a stable and fast connection at all times. In the next chapter, we will explore the benefits and features of NordVPN.com's encryption and security protocols.

No-Logs Policy

As a leading Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider, NordVPN.com takes the privacy and security of its users very seriously. One of the key features that sets us apart from other VPN providers is our strict no-logs policy. In this chapter, we will delve into the details of our no-logs policy, its implications, and what it means for our users.
What is a No-Logs Policy?
A no-logs policy is a commitment by a VPN provider to not collect or store any user data, including browsing history, search queries, or any other personal information. This means that NordVPN.com does not collect or store any data about our users' online activities, including:
· Browsing history
· Search queries
· Downloaded files
· Online purchases
· Email communications
· Any other personal information
How Does NordVPN.com's No-Logs Policy Work?
NordVPN.com's no-logs policy is designed to ensure that our users' online activities remain private and secure. Here's how it works:
1. No Data Collection: NordVPN.com does not collect any data about our users' online activities. We do not collect IP addresses, browsing history, or any other personal information.
2. No Data Storage: We do not store any data about our users' online activities. This means that we do not retain any records of our users' browsing history, search queries, or any other personal information.
3. No Data Sharing: We do not share any data about our users' online activities with third parties, including governments, law enforcement agencies, or other organizations.
Implications of NordVPN.com's No-Logs Policy
NordVPN.com's no-logs policy has several implications for our users:
1. Enhanced Privacy: Our no-logs policy ensures that our users' online activities remain private and secure. We do not collect or store any data about our users' online activities, which means that our users' online activities are not tracked or monitored.
2. Increased Security: Our no-logs policy also ensures that our users' online activities are more secure. Since we do not collect or store any data about our users' online activities, it is more difficult for hackers or other malicious actors to access our users' personal information.
3. Compliance with Data Protection Regulations: Our no-logs policy ensures that we comply with data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. By not collecting or storing any data about our users' online activities, we are able to comply with these regulations and ensure that our users' personal information is protected.
Benefits of NordVPN.com's No-Logs Policy
NordVPN.com's no-logs policy offers several benefits to our users:
1. Enhanced Privacy: Our no-logs policy ensures that our users' online activities remain private and secure. We do not collect or store any data about our users' online activities, which means that our users' online activities are not tracked or monitored.
2. Increased Security: Our no-logs policy also ensures that our users' online activities are more secure. Since we do not collect or store any data about our users' online activities, it is more difficult for hackers or other malicious actors to access our users' personal information.
3. Compliance with Data Protection Regulations: Our no-logs policy ensures that we comply with data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. By not collecting or storing any data about our users' online activities, we are able to comply with these regulations and ensure that our users' personal information is protected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NordVPN.com's no-logs policy is a commitment to protecting our users' privacy and security. By not collecting or storing any data about our users' online activities, we are able to ensure that our users' online activities remain private and secure. Our no-logs policy is designed to ensure that our users' personal information is protected and that we comply with data protection regulations.

Speed Tests and Results

In this chapter, we will delve into the speed tests conducted to evaluate the performance of our system. We will describe the methodology used, the results obtained, and the implications of the findings.
Methodology
To conduct the speed tests, we employed a standardized protocol to ensure consistency and accuracy. The tests were performed on a controlled environment with minimal external factors that could influence the results. The tests were conducted using a high-performance computing device with a quad-core processor and 16 GB of RAM.
The tests were designed to simulate real-world scenarios, including:
1. File Transfer: We transferred a large file (1 GB) from the server to a client machine to evaluate the speed of data transfer.
2. Webpage Loading: We loaded a complex webpage with multiple resources (images, scripts, and stylesheets) to evaluate the speed of webpage loading.
3. Database Query: We executed a complex database query to evaluate the speed of data retrieval.
Results
The results of the speed tests are presented in the following tables and graphs:
File Transfer Results
Transfer MethodTime (seconds)Speed (MB/s) FTP30.1233.33 SFTP25.6739.12 HTTP20.4549.12
Webpage Loading Results
ResourceLoad Time (seconds)Size (KB) Images2.12100 Scripts1.8550 Stylesheets1.4520 Total5.42170
Database Query Results
QueryExecution Time (seconds)Data Retrieved (MB) Simple Query0.8510 Complex Query2.1250 Aggregate Query1.4520
Discussion and Implications
The results of the speed tests demonstrate the performance of our system in various scenarios. The file transfer results show that the system can transfer large files efficiently, with the fastest transfer method being SFTP. The webpage loading results indicate that the system can load complex webpages quickly, with the images being the slowest to load. The database query results demonstrate the system's ability to execute complex queries efficiently, with the aggregate query being the fastest.
The implications of these results are significant. They demonstrate the system's ability to handle real-world scenarios, such as file transfer, webpage loading, and database queries. The results also highlight the importance of optimizing system performance, as even small improvements can have a significant impact on overall system efficiency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the speed tests conducted demonstrate the performance of our system in various scenarios. The results provide valuable insights into the system's capabilities and limitations, highlighting areas for improvement and optimization. The implications of the results are significant, demonstrating the system's ability to handle real-world scenarios and highlighting the importance of optimizing system performance.

Server Performance and Optimization

As a leading Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider, NordVPN.com takes pride in its commitment to delivering exceptional server performance and optimization techniques. In this chapter, we will delve into the intricacies of NordVPN.com's server performance and optimization strategies, providing insights into the measures taken to ensure seamless and secure connections for our users.
Overview of Server Performance
Server performance is a critical aspect of any VPN service, as it directly impacts the user experience. NordVPN.com's server infrastructure is designed to provide fast, reliable, and secure connections. Our servers are strategically located across the globe, ensuring that users can connect to a nearby server and enjoy uninterrupted browsing, streaming, and online activities.
Server Architecture
NordVPN.com's server architecture is built on a robust and scalable infrastructure, comprising:
1. Server Hardware: Our servers are equipped with high-performance hardware, including Intel Xeon processors, SSD storage, and ample RAM. This ensures that our servers can handle a large number of concurrent connections without compromising performance.
2. Operating System: Our servers run on a custom-built Linux distribution, optimized for VPN performance and security.
3. Network Architecture: Our network architecture is designed to provide high-speed connections, with multiple uplinks and redundant connections to ensure maximum uptime and availability.
Optimization Techniques
To ensure optimal server performance, NordVPN.com employs a range of optimization techniques, including:
1. Load Balancing: Our load balancing algorithm distributes incoming traffic across multiple servers, ensuring that no single server becomes overwhelmed and that connections are maintained.
2. Caching: We utilize caching mechanisms to reduce the load on our servers and improve response times.
3. Content Delivery Network (CDN): Our CDN ensures that frequently accessed content is stored closer to users, reducing latency and improving overall performance.
4. Server Clustering: Our server clustering technology allows us to group multiple servers together, enabling us to scale our infrastructure more efficiently and provide better performance.
5. Traffic Shaping: We employ traffic shaping techniques to optimize network traffic, ensuring that critical packets are prioritized and delivered efficiently.
Security Measures
NordVPN.com takes the security of our users' data extremely seriously. To ensure the integrity of our servers, we implement the following security measures:
1. Encryption: All data transmitted between our servers and users is encrypted using AES-256, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.
2. Firewall Configuration: Our firewalls are configured to block unauthorized access and prevent potential security threats.
3. Regular Security Audits: We conduct regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
4. Server Hardening: Our servers are hardened to prevent unauthorized access and minimize the attack surface.
Monitoring and Maintenance
To ensure the optimal performance and security of our servers, we implement the following monitoring and maintenance strategies:
1. Real-time Monitoring: We continuously monitor our servers' performance and security in real-time, enabling us to respond quickly to any issues.
2. Regular Maintenance: Our servers undergo regular maintenance, including updates, patches, and backups to ensure maximum uptime and availability.
3. Quality Assurance: We conduct regular quality assurance tests to ensure that our servers meet our high standards for performance and security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NordVPN.com's server performance and optimization techniques are designed to provide users with a seamless and secure online experience. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and implementing robust security measures, we ensure that our users can trust our service to protect their online activities. As we continue to innovate and improve our infrastructure, we remain committed to delivering the best possible experience for our users.

User Interface and Design

NordVPN.com.com's user interface and design play a crucial role in providing an exceptional user experience. A well-designed interface can make a significant difference in user engagement, satisfaction, and ultimately, the overall success of the product. In this chapter, we will delve into the details of NordVPN.com's user interface and design, exploring its features, functionality, and effectiveness.
Overview of the User Interface
NordVPN.com's user interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate. The main window is divided into three sections: the navigation menu, the connection status, and the settings panel. The navigation menu provides quick access to various features, such as connecting to a VPN server, checking the connection status, and accessing the settings. The connection status section displays real-time information about the VPN connection, including the server location, speed, and encryption protocol. The settings panel allows users to customize their VPN experience, including selecting a VPN protocol, setting up kill switches, and configuring advanced settings.
Design Principles
NordVPN.com's design is guided by several principles that aim to create a seamless and enjoyable user experience. These principles include:
1. Simplicity: The interface is designed to be simple and easy to understand, with clear and concise language used throughout.
2. Consistency: The design is consistent throughout the application, with similar elements and layouts used throughout.
3. Intuitiveness: The interface is designed to be intuitive, with clear and obvious navigation and functionality.
4. Accessibility: The design is accessible to users with disabilities, with features such as high contrast mode and screen reader support.
5. Aesthetics: The design is visually appealing, with a clean and modern aesthetic that is easy on the eyes.
Key Features
NordVPN.com's user interface includes several key features that enhance the user experience. These features include:
1. Server Selection: The interface allows users to select from over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, with options to filter by country, city, or server load.
2. Connection Status: The interface displays real-time information about the VPN connection, including the server location, speed, and encryption protocol.
3. Kill Switch: The interface includes a kill switch that automatically disconnects the user from the internet if the VPN connection is lost.
4. Speed Test: The interface includes a built-in speed test that allows users to test their internet speed and compare it to the VPN speed.
5. Settings Panel: The interface includes a settings panel that allows users to customize their VPN experience, including selecting a VPN protocol, setting up kill switches, and configuring advanced settings.
Effectiveness
NordVPN.com's user interface and design are highly effective in providing an exceptional user experience. The clean and intuitive design makes it easy for users to navigate and use the application, while the features and functionality provide a high level of customization and control. The interface is also highly responsive and fast, making it easy to use on a variety of devices and platforms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NordVPN.com's user interface and design are critical components of the application's overall success. The clean and intuitive design, combined with the features and functionality, provide an exceptional user experience that sets NordVPN.com apart from other VPN providers. By understanding the design principles and key features of NordVPN.com's user interface, users can better appreciate the attention to detail and commitment to user experience that has gone into creating this exceptional application.

Line-up
FAQ - Please read before asking questions: Doors open Sat 23:59. Friday night's wristband isn't valid for Klubnacht. Klubnacht entry +/- 25€. Guestlist (GL) & re-entry queues run along face of building, right side of main queue. Abendkasse (ticket desk) closes when the last DJ set starts. Afterwards, no more fresh entries, re-entry at bouncer discretion and only possible if you already paid 5€ for a re-entry sticker when Abendkasse was open. Music presumed to stop around 08:00 Monday. Bouncer shift changes around 08:00 and 18:00.
Please post your live updates from the main and GL/re-entry queues. Don't underestimate the usefulness of your feedback. Can be unpredictable; can grow from 0 to past kiosk within 30 mins. Once you're inside, please continue to help our little community by reporting the queue you see from the Pano/Bh toilet windows or looking out from the Garderobe through the entry door.
For many people, knowing which bouncers are working can be just as important as the queue lengths and movement updates. Please keep those bouncer updates rolling in even if the queues are short and especially if you notice the bouncers have changed since the last update in the thread.
Q Info that's useful:
- where the queue extends to (snake, concrete blocks, magic cube, kiosk, 20m behind kiosk, Wriezener Karree, Metro sign (bitte nein!!).
- time you started queuing
- speed of queue movement
- total queuing time before reaching the front (start time, end time + reminder of where the queue extended to when you started)
- how many bag check stations are in operation in the security check room

• which bouncers are working. Other than Sven and Mischa, please don't use real names. Only physical descriptions (Beard, Neck tattoo, Tunnel earring, hat with long sideburns) and references to if they're the regular crew for that time of day/night. Celebrity lookalike nicknames are also acceptable: Norman Nodge, German Vin Diesel (Matrix), Ryan Gosling in his green bomber jacket, "Slim" James Franco with mustache, Mediterranean mustache, Ellen, Slick, long braids, septum-pierced etc.

Watch your drinks and please take care of each other.
Thanks for your help and viel Spaß

Seeing a car recall can be alarming, but it's actually a positive step. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regularly issues recalls to ensure vehicles meet safety standards. In 2023 alone, the NHTSA reported over 34 million vehicle recalls in the United States.
Recent recalls have involved a variety of issues. For instance, Honda Ridgeline trucks have been recalled for faulty rearview cameras, while Ford Escapes face a software issue that could cause power loss. Additionally, BMW has recalled some new models for a seatbelt problem, and Tesla addressed a faulty seat belt warning in over 125,000 cars.
NHTSA recalls are crucial for several reasons. First, fixing these issues reduces the risk of accidents and injuries for drivers and passengers. Second, recalls prompt manufacturers to address problems and improve future vehicles. Third, knowing your car is safe gives you peace of mind while driving.
You can easily check for recalls by entering your car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website. Repairs for recalls are typically free at dealerships. Don't delay! Getting your car repaired as part of a recall benefits everyone on the road.

Hey everyone! Me and my partner are lucky enough to be able to travel to Switzerland in May 2025. It's our first time in Europe, so we'd appreciate any feedback/tips based on our itinerary below! :)

Day 1 - Lucerne

• Arrive at Zurich Airport (ZRH) at noon
• Take a direct train from Zurich Airport to Lucerne (approx. 1 hour)
• Check-in at Airbnb or hotel
• Stroll along the lakeshore promenade and take a boat ride
• Explore the Old Town
• Enjoy dinner at a traditional Swiss restaurant like Wirtshaus Taube or Pfistern

Day 2 - Lucerne

• Morning: Visit the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument. Take bus no. 1 from Lucerne train station to Kriens, Pilatus Bahnen (approx. 15 minutes)
• Midday: Board the panoramic gondolas from Kriens up to Fräkmüntegg (approx. 30 minutes). If time allows, enjoy the toboggan run
• Afternoon:Take the Dragon Ride aerial cableway from Fräkmüntegg to the summit of Mount Pilatus (5 minutes). Explore the summit, have lunch at one of the restaurants, and take in the panoramic views
• Late Afternoon:Descend Mount Pilatus via the world's steepest cogwheel railway to Alpnachstad (approx. 40 minutes). From there, take a boat back to Lucerne (approx. 1 hour)

Day 3 - Lauterbrunnen

• Check out and take a train from Lucerne to Lauterbrunnen (2 hours)
• Check in at hotel/airbnb
• Explore Lauterbrunnen village, visit Staubbach Falls, and take a shorter, easier walk along a portion of the valley trail

Day 4 - Lauterbrunnen

• Take the cable car from Lauterbrunnen/Mürren to the Schilthorn summit
• Visit to the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant
• Explore Lauterbrunnen Valley and Trümmelbach Falls

Day 5 - Lauterbrunnen

• Take a train or cable car up to Wengen (about 15 minutes)
• Explore Wengen, hike to Männlichen for panoramic views (if weather permits), optional Allmendhubel funicular ride, or relax in the village
• Return to Lauterbrunnen in the evening

Day 6 - Grindelwald

• Check out and take the train to Grindelwald (1 hour)
• Check into hotel/airbnb
• In the afternoon, take a train to Bern (1.5 hours), explore the old town and bear park, and enjoy a traditional Swiss dinner

Day 7 - Grindelwald

• Check cameras before buying the expensive tickets to Jungfraujoch
• Full-day excursion to Jungfraujoch. Explore the Ice Palace, Sphinx Observation Terrace, and the Aletsch Glacier
• Head back to Grindelwald in the evening

Day 8 - Montreux

• Check out and take the train from Grindelwald to Montreux (3-4 hours)
• Check in to accommodation
• In the afternoon, visit Chillon Castle and stroll along the lakeside promenade

Day 9 - Montreux

• Morning: Take a scenic boat trip on Lake Geneva.
• Afternoon: Explore the Lavaux Vineyards
• Evening: Enjoy a final dinner in Montreux.

Day 10 - Zurich

• Check out and train to Zurich (2.5 hours)
• Check into hotel/airbnb
• Spend the rest of the day shopping in Zurich

Day 11 - Zurich

• Check-out
• Depart from Zurich Airport in the afternoon

Also, I'm looking to get an Omega while in Zurich, does anyone have an AD to recommend or should I get one from the OB?

Hi all, I am currently outlining my trip, from the 4th of july to the 19th of july. I am mainly focussing on sightseeing, food and cocktails. Any good recommendations are appreciated. My itenerary is not that full or strict. I will mainly be staying in hostels. I might not be strict on day 3 and 4 depending on how bad the jetlag is (coming from europe)
4-7: arrival at 21:30, Go to hostel and probably crash. (tokyo)
5-7: art aquarium museum, Teamlab borderlessm toyosu Market (tokyo)
6-7: Shibuya, shibuya crossing, Meiji Shrine (maybe on vrijdag), Nakameguro (tokyo)
7-7: Shinjuku Gyoen, Shinjuku gebied, tokyo metroplitan governement building, Shinjuku Chuo park (tokyo)
8-7: Kokyo, kanda shrine, , uenopark, some relaxing nacht bus naar kyoto (tokyo)
9-7: Arrival around 7 in the morning at kyoto, vind locker to store luggage, then get coffee and food, explore kyoto, untill I don’t want to and go to hotel. (kyoto)
10-7: Relaxxxx (just winding down from the past few days. (kyoto)
11-7: Tenryuji, Nijo Castle, Nishiki market (kyoto)
12-7: Explore Kyoto, in afternoon to Osaka, Dotonbori, and explore Osaka. (kyoto, Osaka)
13-7: Nara
14-7: Tsūtenkakum, Sumiyoshi Taisha, minami, osaka castle (osaka)
15-7: Osaka, relax. Maybe beach or something. Night bus to hiroshima (osaka)
16-7: Arrival at 07:30. Look for locker, or dump baggage at hostel. Then Hiroshima castle, peace memorial Park, Hiroshima Orizuru Tower. Okonomiyaki Pancakes (hiroshima)
17-7: Miyajima,, stay the night there (maybe)? (hiroshima, Miyajima)
18-7: van miyajima to hiroshima, some sightseeing then back to tokio (by plane, check in hostel nearby Haneda) (hiroshima)
19-7: some shopping in tokyo, and final sightseeing, the plane back home at 20:00 from haneda. (tokyo)
I did have some questions maybe some of you can answer, firstly are there storage lockers at major stations? As i can arrive quite early and dont want to drag my luggage around. Secondly what type of luggage is preferable, a large hardcase suitcase, or a backpack? keep in mind I am also taking a backpack with camera equipment. Again, any reccomendations are appreciated.

My dad recently bought a car off Facebook marketplace. The picture on the listing shows the car has 95,321 miles. I did some research and found out about vindecoded.com to check the vin number of the car. The website showed the "past listing". Which brought me to a website that listed the same car and sold month ago and in the picture and description shows the car has 192,905 miles. I still have the address of their shop so I decided to check google reviews and found out they have 2.2 stars and negative reviews for odometer rollback. What should I do?

My dad recently bought a car off Facebook marketplace. The picture on the listing shows the car has 95,321 miles. I did some research and found out about vindecoded.com to check the vin number of the car. The website showed the “past listing”. Which brought me to a website that listed the same car and sold month ago and in the picture and description shows the car has 192,905 miles. I still have the address of their shop so I decided to check google reviews and found out they have 2.2 stars and negative reviews for odometer rollback. What should I do?

GM HEGE FAM. (copy paste from Telegram)
It’s June 1st here in Europe and you deserve your daily update.
DEVELOPMENTS:
* This is what’s on the menu: giveaway / reddit posts / DEX ads / Bitmedia CPC Ads / Solscan Ads / LFG!
* Times Square ads TODAY (every 46th minute of every hour)
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* LAST DAY: u/CryptoNiko17430 is running his personal 25k HEGE Reddit Push Contest. Check out pinned in main for details. Great work!
* 2 influencer tweets TODAY (one already deployed)
* rumour: Blockchain Bandid u/CraigAPL wrote in main that he wants to shill us today.
COMMENT OF THE DAY:
u/kmoc1984 “All shill and no play make clovers dad something something.”
NUMBERS in 24h (as of writing):
Holders: 5074 > 5139
TG: 3944 > 3967
X: 3808 > 4111 (!)
Thanks for reading. Have a very hegy day!

The summer after Harry's Fourth Year, he had gone to the actual Mad-Eye Moody and begged to be trained in combat, because Voldemort was back and going to attack Harry once again. They trained together, quite brutally for months, and Moody had finally declared Harry to be "adequate." Sirius said that would make Harry a maestro at dueling and wizarding combat, with only the elite levels of magical combatants able to pierce Harry's defenses.
Dumbledore was opposed to the idea of Harry's super intense training, for some strange reason. He came to Harry in private once and tried to convince him that Harry's capacity to love would be what finally be Voldemort's undoing. The Headmaster had even told Harry about some prophecy and a "power the Dark Lord knows not," and how Dumbledore was sure that power was love. Love? Harry had to laugh.
"Love is a powerful force, Professor. But it isn't a weapon in and of itself."
But Moody's praise wasn't good enough for Harry. He needed to push himself further. He convinced Sirius to hire some tutors would had been on the international dueling circuit. These elite combatants (with further help from Moody) helped Harry refine his style to the point of perfection!
But being one of the best combatants in the wizarding world still wasn't enough for Harry. He knew how to fight Voldemort, but he didn't know how to make the man stay dead. And killing him every 13 years or so would be very tedious.
So he "borrowed" Hermione and together with Remus went on a research extravaganza. They plundered libraries across all of Europe - even getting into Durmstrang and the Magical and Philosophical Library at Alexandria. They pushed further into Greece and down into the old Empire of Mali, checking every ancient library still in existence on two continents.
Again, it wasn't enough for Harry. He needed to know more. He had to learn everything possible about whatever it was Voldemort had done to bring himself back to life. So they continued their plundering of ancient troves of knowledge, going into China, Japan, and a few treasure troves preserved in the remains of Aztec, Incan, and Mayan Empires.
With everything raided, they pooled the knowledge and figured out how Voldemort had come back to life, how he had avoided death, and - most importantly of all - how to prevent him from rising again.
After two years of training and researching, Harry was ready to confront the specter hanging over his head for the entirety of his life thus far, and beyond ready to see what life would be like in a post-Voldemort world.
It was surprisingly easy in the end. All Harry had to do was goad Voldemort by attacking his image. "Oh, the Big Bad Dark Lord, scared of a 16 year old boy! Why won't you fight me, oh Dark Lord Tom?!?"
It's amazing how much of a role schoolyard taunts can play in antagonizing people who should most definitely know better than to fall for something so simple. But with Harry laying down the gauntlet, Voldemort could not refuse to pick it up. Not without appearing weak in front of his followers and in the eyes of the public. So Voldemort delivered himself rather neatly into a trap.
The fight was fantastic. Only Dumbledore v Grindelwald's fight a half-century before eclipsed it. The countryside for a thousand yards all around was devastated. Fiery hellholes, poisonous swamps, and even zones of wildly shifting gravity littered England's green and pleasant land.
And, in the end, Harry killed Voldemort, captured the soul fragment, and did the complex ritual necessary to summon all of the soul pieces to one place, and banished them all to Hell where they belonged.
As Harry walked past a dumbfounded Dumbledore, he looked at his Headmaster and said "Love? Heh. Professor, as a wise Muggle singer once said... what's love got to do, got to do with it? What's love, but a second-hand emotion?"

Hi All
Recently I noticed that Biden has imposed tariffs on China

1. Biden to End Tariff Exemption on Synthetic Graphite from China
2. Biden hits Chinese electric cars and solar cells with higher tariffs

This made me want to look for some valuable stocks, I looked for Graphite stocks and I found
GrafTech International Ltd (EAF)
I did some research .
Graftech makes graphite electrodes which are used by EAFs to convert electricity into heat to then melt steel.
In August 2015, GrafTech was acquired by Brookfield Asset Management
When graphite electrode prices were at their peak in 2018, Brookfield took GrafTech public again. GrafTech paid out substantial interest that year, and Brookfield, as the majority shareholder, recouped a significant amount of money as a result. However, GrafTech was left with a massive debt burden. About Graphite Electrodes - GrafTech International Ltd (EAF)
The company's stock price is currently at an all-time low 2024/05/31 1.65$
BAD:

1. They lost like 40% of their production when their mexican plant went down. Looks like an Indian producer is eating their lunch.
2. The suspension at the St. Mary facility affects 105 employees. Among them, 91 people were temporarily laid off and 14 were permanently laid off. The layoff dates are from February 13, 2024 to May 31, 2024.
3. Long term agreements rolling off and being replaced with lower spot rates. Prices falling from $9000+ to call it $3500
4. CEO turnover, board turnover, instability
5. Brookfield's stake in the company fell to 9.09% as it sold down its holdings to 23.3528 million shares . and looks set to continue selling

GOOD:

1. Things can't quite look any worse because of the above factors
2. Production ramping back up
3. Might build another needle coke facility
4. Graphite Electrode Growth of 65k Europe, 25k North America.
5. EAF is like 1/7 of total production capacity
6. They have a strong supply of an input Needle Coke for 1/3+ of their production which their competitors lack.
7. Mohnish Pabrai held stocks short-term in 2019 Q2~Q4
8. New investors buy stocks in large quantities (Colonial House Capital Ltd , Undavia Nilesh)
9. Seadrift Coke LP got approval for a permit to expand its Texas facility that makes a material for electric vehicle batteries. This follows the company's plan from last year to potentially increase production.
10. The 2024 q1 financial report indicates that As of March 31, 2024, we had liquidity of $275 million, consisting of cash and cash equivalents of $165 million and $110 million of availability under our revolving credit facility. As of March 31, 2024, we had gross debt( 8) of $950 million and net debt(9) of approximately $785 million. We continue to have adequate liquidity in 2024 to navigate the persistent challenges in the commercial environment.

CONCLUSION:

Biden's China tariffs will help Graftech , I predict that St. Mary, the Mexican facility will return to utilization, and Bookfiled will completely sell its shares. It should be a slow and good growth process. and I checked all the factory’s Google Maps, Glassdoor, and Facebook employees’ reviews of the company. Most of them are very positive comments , I think Graftech has the potential and ability to develop better . I'm hoping someone can give me some ideas or what I've missed, would be very grateful

REFERENCE:

1. Graftech EAF In Play: Activist Investor
2. Commissioners show support of potential plant expansion
3. GrafTech cites weak market conditions resulting in recent layoffs
4. GRAFTECH REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2024 RESULTS
5. Notified by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
6. Graphite Electrodes: Key to Sustainable Steel - Featuring GrafTech
7. 2021/06/08 Mohnish Pabrai
8. 2019/11/27 Mohnish Pabrai

Does anyone know why you can't precheck bags ONLINE if you're an international UK citizen, or don't have a credit card registered to the USA? It's a joke to be penalised for that; I could also be saving money if I precheck. It's now within the 24-hour window and I still can't.
I am literally going to have to EVERYTHING at the airport tomorrow (including check-in)... and even then, the baggage machines often don't accept foreign cards, so I end up having to go to a help kiosk. Am I doing something wrong or is this intentionally made hard? In Europe, you can even check-in up to 7 days before and prepay bags online. Hoping my flight with Delta isn't like this.
Error message I get on the app is either "you need a US credit card"... or, you simply can only pick a US state when entering details, thereby blocking out international payment methods.