Hi,
Just doing my first cook with a slow n sear on my Weber kettle.
I’m using lump wood and having some issues maintaining a consistent temperature, it keeps jumping too high even with the top vent fully closed and the bottom vent almost closed. I’m aiming for 140°C (spare ribs) but I keep sitting at 150°C. (I’ve verified the probe accuracy in boiling water).
I filled the slow n sear with lump wood and lit a fire lighter on the far end. The fire does seem to be burning from left to right as expected. It’s evaporated 2/3 of the full water trough in 2.5hrs.
What am I doing wrong to cause temperature spikes?
I have noticed the top vent on my Weber doesn’t curve with the lid, could this be causing an air leak?
Maybe I’ll try some briquettes on my next long cook to see if this improves things. As I understand the lump burns alot hotter and inconsistently. Maybe that’s the issue? I’ve cooked on a kamado Joe jr for years (I’m using my Weber as I literally don’t have space in my garden for a larger kamado!)

If you’ve been following me on here, you know I am a drop shipping veteran. I have been doing it for the past 11 years and I think I am qualified to say I know the ins and outs of the business model.
It still surprises me that Most people on YouTube (the so-called Dropshipping gurus) still promise you that you will become rich in two weeks without hardly putting in any effort. Let me give it to you straight: nothing could be further from the truth. I’ve made well over seven figures with drop shipping and I also failed a lot. So let me share with you the information that is missing from 99% of what you see on YouTube.

1. Do NOT copy what’s already working

that’s one of the phrases they tell you most often. Just copy what’s already working and you’re done. Usually the method shown is researching your competitors, look at their best selling products and sell the same stuff. But think about it. If we are all doing that, in the long run, we’re all competing, only based on price, driving our profit margin down. Customers aren’t stupid and know they have seen that product somewhere else for a cheaper price. So do not go out and sell products everyone else is selling. Instead, make sure to do proper niche research. Select a niche first (you can download a guide containing 300+ niches for free in the links section of PassionsToProfits). Then spend some solid time, researching it deeply. Join private Facebook groups around your niche, go through all the posts to get into peoples minds and how they think, how they talk about products, what they value in terms of features and benefits, etc. Do the same thing on Reddit. Then look at best selling products in your niche on Amazon and look at the NEGATIVE reviews. That will tell you what can be improved. Those are good ideas for when you go out and research products. Only when you have done your homework, go onto websites like AliExpress and try to find unique products that hardly anyone is selling already. Yes, that takes time and work. And lots of patience. I have found a few of my bestsellers hidden on page 53 in the search results. Sometimes it took me two weeks before finding a really good product I could attempt to sell.

1. Advertise your products properly

By that I mean do not rip off someone else’s product video or image and run with it. Order a sample or two, analyze the product, use it yourself and shoot your own product video. Again, that takes work, but it will pay off. Make sure to show the main product benefits in the first few seconds of your video, followed by the characteristics/features and additionalinformation (instructions, assembly instructions, etc.).

1. You should NOT use drop shipping from China forever

It’s great for testing the validity of a product, but you should not use this business model for a long time. The main reason has to do with supply chain issues. It takes forever for products to arrive, and you can get away with it if your product is truly unique and people cannot get it elsewhere. But even then, two weeks is a long time for any product to arrive. So once you find a winning product, make sure to look for bulk order options and import it into your country to a local fulfillment warehouse. That way you can get products quickly to your customers doors, and also avoid the typical downtime during Chinese new year.

1. Not any product is suitable for drop shipping

I won’t go into too much detail about this here, because I wrote a detailed post which you can check out here: https://www.reddit.com/PassionsToProfits/s/SAg2p9JCGe
I could go on and on, but I’ll stop here for now. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments or ask questions. I’ll do my best to answer them.
Note: Nowadays, I am more focused on print on demand, because it eliminates all the supply chain headaches. The majority of suppliers and fulfillment companies are based in the US and I hardly receive any customer emails asking where their stuff is. Plus, product quality is great and I have happy customers :)

Hello [F19] I’m a first year student studying BSN. As you’ve seen in the title my professor embarrassed me sa buong klase through our GC. Nagtanong lang ako sa prof ko throuh PRIVATE MESSAGE kung bakit ang binigay niyang grade saakin is 76, I asked him politely and with respect about sa computation ng grades ko, bakit ako naka-receive ng 76 eh ang quiz ko sakanya is perfect (1 quiz lang ng tinake namin sakanya ngayong finals), full attendance ako tho inaamin ko mababa ung final exam ko pero compare siya sa iba kong classmates na mataas scores ko pero mataas grades nila saakin. So nireplyan ako ni Sir sa GC!! Yes, sa gc talaga ‘yung reply niya, minention niya ung isa ko ring cmate na nag-ask din abt sa grade niya. Inexplain niya saakin ung GWA ang tinatanong ko is ung Final grade ko, Clearly hindi niya naintindihan. While explaining how to compute the GWA, pinakita niya ung grades ko from prelim to general average. He told me pa na I should study how to compute my grades and basic math lang daw un. Tatanong ko ba kung alam ko? Ang sus kasi ng mga grade naming lahat. So ayun, he disrespected me in front of everyone. I replied to him ng maayos kasi kahit katiting may respeto pa ako sakanya. Gusto niya akong i-meet with my parent/s. I’m ok with that, wala akong maling sinabi. Kung babastusin niya ulit ako, ibabalik ko sakanya.
Any advice or legal things to say if ever???? I just exercised my right to ask question. Btw, Hes a Licence Nurse and clearly he doesn’t understand what confidentiality is.

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.

I own since last October a Peugeot 308 (2009 model) 1.4 Petrol with 185.000 km. My mechanic checked it before I bought it and he said it’s in good condition, and according to its service book, it was serviced on time along all these years from the previous owner. I should mention, as well, that I bought it from a dealership and they changed the oil, filters and timing chain themselves.
This week I asked a friend, who is mechanic, to check it so we can do an oil change. He said that he noticed a gold-brownish mixture in the coolant and that it’s probably oil in the coolant. I noticed this mixture myself since I bought the car, but since I’m not mechanic I supposed it was just a mix of coolants that caused this. I also thought that the mechanic that checked it before I bought it, would have warned me if there was something wrong.
There is no coolant in oil and the car didn’t burn significant amount of oil in these 8 months I have it. I have added less than 1 lt oil in 6k km. The car drives well, with no issues, and doesn’t overheat at all.
Could it be indeed oil in coolant? Or this could be just dirty coolant or a mix of coolants? I’ve only used the blue coolant, but I don’t know what the previous owner did. What are your thoughts? Did anyone experience anything similar?
P.S. I can upload some photos with the first chance, if that would help you more.
Thanks in advance!

I've been reading this subreddit for a while, both from the grads, and the much more experienced people, who I generally agree with it (if I don't, it's usually because they've taken quite a different career path). I see an awful lot of hang-wringing about what job to take, what to study, all that kind of stuff.
Here's my advice - learn about personal finance - no, really - some of the best advice you'll find anywhere is here on reddit. You might not care now, but you'll thank me in 10-15 years, especially if you plan to buy a house. Take care of your health - once you get older, medical costs become a significant cost no matter your insurance, and worse if you don't take care of yourself.
Oh, you wanted career advice? Don't worry, that will come to you in time. Don't overthink it - it's a long road. Take care of yourself first.
P.S. You can safely ignore 100% of advice on Linkedin.

Well, yesterday I (15f) was at a birthday for my friend (16f) who turned 16. She wanted to celebrate from the evening before her birthday, up to the morning of her birthday, so we all came to her house at around 6 to 8pm. I arrived at her place at 7pm, just like some of our mutual friends. For the first hour, we just sat around talking, and joking around like always, just chilling and not really doing much. My friends family was also there, because she wanted to celebrate with her friends and family at the same time, which was alright, but a bit weird, because one of her uncles kept coming to me and one of my friends, getting very close, and he was obviously already pretty drunk. We just went somewhere else, so that was okay.
Now for context, I am 15 years old and I live in Germany, so its not illegal and not uncommon for people my age to drink alcohol. I am not much of a party person, I do attend parties, but I never drank alcohol and I am not getting drunk. My friends on the other hand are completely different, drinking so much, they dont even know where they are or whats going on.
Yesterday was no different. By 11pm, everyone, including my friends family was drunk. Most people seemed fine, the music was loud and everyone seemed happy and I was having fun with my friends too. The whole evening my friends have been offering me alcohol, and I dont mean like beer of stuff, they were trying to make me drink things like vodka shots. I always declined and people seemed fine with that at first, but the more drunk they got, the extremer they were trying to make me drink. Even the family of the friend began to try and force me to drink. I always politely said no, but they kept getting more and more forcefully. I eventually walked away from them and hung out with some of my friends and it was fine. They were really drunk, but still seemed to have normal cognitive functions and didn’t fall over everytime they get up.
One of my friends that was sitting next to me already had like 3 cups of a drink one of our friends mixed with contained a LOT of alcohol. She didn’t seem to well, so I asked her if she was okay and she told me, that she didn’t feel to well and probably had to throw up. I was already used to stuff like that, because usually I am the one caring for my friends at parties if they cant get home by themselves or feel sick. If grabbed her arm and pulled her up, pulling her with me into the house, going to the bathroom and pulling her inside, and sat her down next to the toilet, while grabbing a cup of water from the sink, so she could drink some. She immediately began throwing up into the toilet and I just stayed there, not really knowing what else to do but sit there and wait for it to he over and then clean her up a little and call her parents to come pick her up. When she was finished, I cleaned her face a little and gave her something to drink.
It was 2am by now, everyone was wasted by now, people were laying around the lawn and I didn’t really know what to do. I was the youngest one there and I‘m not very tall or strong, so I couldn’t really help anyone up. My friends were wasted and came over to me, kind of making fun of me for not drinking. I dont even know why they would say that? I know they probably only acted like that, because they were really drunk, but them constantly making fun of me in their drunken state was really annoying, especially because I was gonna have to be the one getting them into bed and the walking home by myself, which is dangerous as it is, because it was late at night and as I said, I am a shorter girl. They kept laughing at me, and I eventually had enough and just left.
I didn’t really tell anyone I left, because they were too drunk and wouldn’t notice anyways. I walked home and went to bed. The next morning I woke up to texts from my friends, asking where I was, telling me they didn’t feel well and asking me if I could come help them. I feel kinda bad, because I knew that they were probably really intoxicated. I also got a text from the friends whose birthday party it was and she told me, that I was an A-hole for just disappeared, because everyone was drunk and she thought I was gonna help a bit, because she knew I didn’t drink. I understand why she thought that, but I dont think its my responsibility to take care of anyone, because I was invited just like everyone else and its not my responsibility to take care of our older friends and her drunk family members. I feel a bit bad though, because they are still my friends and probably all felt really bad and no one could help them, because everyone else was just as drunk. Should I apologize now and AITAH?

(By no means am I the expert, title is referring to the videos)
I'm seeing and hearing so many people say "Oh, we're completely fucked. This is the end". To those, did you really expect the DA to go over 30% or even get majority?
The vast majority of this country is uneducated and lack rational reasoning. That said, there is a shift, in whatever form or shape it might be. People are tired of the party that has been in power for 30 years and for the first time it's changing.
I really think this has been the best we could've & can hope for - a coalition type agreement with DA and ANC, and put the MK and EFF in the trash where they belong.
These 2 videos are rather long but it does shine some light on the "why's":
Cronje on Election’24: SA’s historic opportunity - if ANC avoids Chernobyl option
Dr Frans Cronje Talks South Africa and its upcoming elections and who his bets are on. PART 2

I’m the youngest sibling and life has always kind of felt like following my oldest siblings steps in one way or another, being constantly compared to them whether it was to point out how bad or how good I was. “You’re so stubborn just like a”. “You’re smart just like b”. “You should be more like c”.
As a child I was really scared of my siblings as a whole because they would find something to nitpick about me or to make fun of. I never followed particular trends, straying away from getting to passionate about things because I strongly disliked getting their opinions about it. I didn’t want to be a fan of any band/singer or hang up posters because I didn’t want to care a lot about something and it being seen as ridiculous and made fun of, something some of my siblings would do immediately if I showed interests like those. I just stuck to following what they liked so I could feel safe and like a was a part of a family that would otherwise tell me that I was different from them, that I somehow didn’t belong.
While my relationships with my siblings have drastically improved and they have grown as people (they don’t make fun of me and have asked for forgiveness for the bullying-like relationships we use to have when I was younger) I still feel like all that made me really “stuck”, like I haven’t grown at all as a person and I’m still that 12 yo scared of everything. I feel that not being able to experiment with anything that could be considered cringy by them has left me as a shell of a person with no personality or passion.
When I graduated from High School I learned that my country’s financial aid wouldn’t cover my college tuition for reasons I will not explain in detail. My parents weren’t able to help either and the pairing of college tuition being very expensive in my country while the minimum wage being really low basically meant that I would have to go into debt for a college career in a major I wasn’t even sure about since I’m not passionate about anything.
One of my siblings is living abroad in a first world country with a high paying job and they gave me the amazing opportunity to study there, telling me they would help me finance a degree and could stay with them and their spouse until I finished. I was really happy about everything and felt like it was a huge blessing.
But now I’m soon to graduate and feel really miserable inside every day.
I hate my major and only chose it because I was convinced by everyone else that it was the best option because it had the biggest chance to get a good salary. Although they didn’t say it directly, my sibling made some passing comments alluding to their money not going to a good place if it was being spent on studying “something useless” which made me feel guilty so I ended up caving in and studying that for 4 years. I don’t feel like I’m competent enough at what I studied nor do I feel like I even like it enough to feel motivated to get better at it. I’m just angry and miserable anytime I think of getting a job in my field.
Furthermore, when I’ve tried to discuss a future in which I move out after I get a job, I’ve gotten shut down by my sibling and their spouse. As “there’s no reason to do that, you can just stay with us. Once you start making money after college it will be even better because we’ll have a triple income household and will get a bigger place for all of us”. I said that I really would like to be independent and live on my own after that. They just said again in a jokey way that they didn’t spend all that money on me just for me to leave. That just makes me feel guilty. I feel regret every day, like I wish I would I’ve turned down this opportunity just so I didn’t owe them so much and felt so obligated to follow whatever plan that have for me, or met every expectation they have.
I feel bad for sounding so whiny when I recognize they have done a lot for me and they’re actually really great people in general. I know they have done everything having my wellbeing and best interest in mind. I just don’t know how to stop feeling like my life isn’t mine and like if I make one wrong step or go against their wishes I would lose all the support system I have. As graduation approaches I can’t even feel excited for my future and just feel numb and disconnected, like it doesn’t belong to me and it just a movie of somebody else’s life. I feel like I took someone else’s identity and it doesn’t fit at all. I don’t know what to do.

I may be diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease soon. I’m in the process of testing and hopefully will have a diagnosis after a scope coming in a couple weeks.
My question is- do I have a case against the doctor that scoped me in 2021? I was having all of the same symptoms (diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, weight loss, fever, as well as strong family history) and when he scoped me he found nothing and sent me on my way. From what I know, not all of the intestines can be visualized from a colonoscopy and there are other diagnostic measures he could have taken. He wrote in the scope report that he would recommend a follow up scope based on pathology results. He never did do that, and in fact he signed off my care at some point without telling me.
I’ve now had several doctor visits, procedures, and even a surgery on my stomach that all may have been completely unnecessary had I been diagnosed properly in ‘21. My stomach’s anatomy is permanently altered now (bottom sphincter has been cut open permanently.)
Left untreated, IBD has the potential to cause scarring and strictures in the bowel which can require surgical intervention/removal.
Thank you for reading.
TLDR: doc wasn’t thorough a few years ago and may have missed a diagnosis. My body is now permanently altered and possibly will need further surgeries. Do I have a case against the first doc who did my scope in ‘21?

Ok so first things first, I am well acquainted with abuse and abusers, grew up in a very abusive family, except for s*xual abuse I went through everything else with them, of course this led me to see abuse as normal behavior, most kids bullied me, some close friends took advantage of my spineless behavior, and later on, I had abusive romantic partners.
Not all of them were, of course, but the ones that were I can think back and see the red flags I missed, eventually I went to therapy and kind of learned how to see them better, all that stuff.
Then comes my last ex. He was, well, great. He was attentive, kind, generous, his family welcomed me as a new addition from the first day, it all seemed too good to be true. The thing is, with other abusers, this façade would soon collapse, they weren't able to sustain it for long, but my ex seemed to really be like this, the only shady thing I can think of his past self it that he's always been very secretive about his emotions and repressed them way too much.
After about a year and a half of dating, several things happened, quarantine was one of them, my mental health decline was the other. I tried meds for the first time, it backfired and left me su*cidal for months, I had agoraphobia and went back to being terrified of people. That's when the silent treatment and refusing to get intimate with me and all the arguing began. His point was that he was okay with supporting me with my mental health stuff, as long as it got better and not worse, I tried to explain to him that sometimes things do get worse and there's nothing I can possibly do about it, he would get angrier and say that either I got "cured" or he would leave.
You can imagine how fragile I was back then, terrified of my friends,of going outside, I went back to my mom's house because of covid and had to deal with her abuse again, he felt like the only person I could trust. Even if I knew everything he was saying about mental illnesses was plain wrong, I chose to stick with him because he genuinely sounded like he wanted the best for me.
But everything only got worse, of course, his own life got harder, he was a sheltered kid that never worked or lived on his own, I on the other hand have been working ever since I was 17, we moved in together and you guessed it, it got even worse.
He was doing an unpaid internship where he would mostly observe others work instead of doing something himself, I worked part time because I wanted a little break from working 7am to 4pm for so long, so he was basically living off me and his parents, I also did most of the housework because he'd be there for so long, he didn't even have to, but he was there all day. Not only he never thanked me but he would belittle me for working part time and criticized my cooking, he was a picky eater and was used to his mom adapting to him so I had no idea this was a thing, he hated all veggies and everything that wasn't basically soup or meat and rice/potatoes. We both got folic acid deficiency from this btw, so I'm not exaggerating.
At some point my brain just gave up, I was so incredibly exhausted all the time, physically and mentally. Thank goodness I had the decision to go on a solo vacation with friends after being isolated for years and that's when I realized how badly I was being treated, by being around people who didn't treat me badly. This was last summer, as soon as I got home, the first thing I did was trying to talk to him, and knowing he wouldn't be reasonable, I knew I would have to leave him.
At this point we hadn't gotten intimate in over a year, he refused sleeping with me and would only talk to me to berate me. We argued very often, he was angry all the time, I was on edge all the time, I constantly had panic and anxiety attacks, he would treat me specially bad during these, and when I begged him for a hug sometimes he even hit me.
This was almost a year ago and I'm still broken. My memory is broken, my cognitive functions are half there, I am numb most days, can't feel a thing, not good nor bad, just can't feel, no matter what I do. I am incredibly depressed and don't have the will to do anything. I found someone great who is supportive and amazing in more ways than I can count, found great friends and rekindled friendships I left unattended because of my ex, and still I can't be there for them, not really, because I am not really here most of the time, went to therapy but can't yet afford trying EMDR (will be able soon, after I move from here) and I can't learn anything more from my therapist, it's also expensive. I quit my job and am living off my savings and unemployment, went back to one of my hobbies he used to belittle and criticize so much, I've been hired for collaborations right away and I am in several projects and I can't give my all and feel like I am disappointing people and most importantly myself all the time.
I miss the old me so bad, the one that's trapped beneath this impenetrable armor, and even though things have gotten kind of better, I hate being this fragile, quiet, soft person, when I used to be the polar opposite, I have nothing against quiet and soft people, I love them, it just feels wrong for me.
It took me a lot of work but before dating this idiot for almost 5 years, I got to be this extroverted, fun and warm person that had a million friends and was incredibly energetic, I used to be super physically active, went to a lot of social events, I had so many hobbies and was starting to carve wood. He took it all, and I have no idea how.
As I said at the start of this post, abuse is my whole life. No matter how much my family told me I sucked, they never took the fun out of things for me, if anything, it gave me that spark, that "I'll do what I want!" inner Cartman. No matter how much I was bullied or belittled by others, it never broke me, I was pretty much used to it. But this guy did.
Whenever I talk about toxic relationships with friends or people I meet, it's always kind of the same, "oh we were not compatible at all and refused to accept it haha" or "they were abusive from the start I just didn't know how abuse worked!" but I haven't found someone that went through the same thing as me, someone who's ex was perfect and then became abusive and disgusting, I left a lot out of it for the sake of brevity but his political views and overall morality changed a lot during all this.
I don't know how coherent this is, kinda need to vent , thanks to whoever read it at all, good luck with your own struggles ♥

Hey yall :) this is a throwaway btw. I’m 20M on summer break from college. My uncle is an alcoholic, his issues have gone on for around 5-6 years (as far as I know). He went to rehab 4 years ago and seemed to improve but got back into his bad habits this year. He’s currently in the hospital due to damage on his body for heavy alcohol consumption. When he’s discharged he’s due to renter rehab.
I’m staying with my aunt for a little while to help her care for my 9 yo cousin. I was wondering if anyone can offer advice on how I can support her. I know that childcare is a big thing that probably helps. Is there anything I can say that would help? I already plan to have a conversation to help her come up with plan for the future in general but I don’t want to come across as too logical or insist on that in a highly emotional time. I’ll take any input I can get. Thanks in advance :)

Currently I’ve a chromecast and in general terms, I’m happy with it, but it’s some slow when I change between apps and in addition, each time I want to use my AirPods with it, I gotta go to the settings and pair.
I want to buy an Apple TV but I’ve been reading that some rumors aim to the release of the new generation would be in the first half of this year, and this generation would be even cheaper than the previous one.
My use is only for streaming platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, hbo… nothing more.

This is a paper I wrote for my genre class. Thought you guys might appreciate it.
​
A Soulja Boy interpolation and unabashed, blaring computerized synths drives That Kid’s track “Kiss Me Thru the Phone” where he relies on the nostalgic interpolation singing, “I just wanna kiss you / But I can't right now / So baby kiss me thru the phone.” Lyrics likes these and glitchy, distorted vocals and beats provide a unique listening experience that asks little of the listener in terms of content and expression while asking for contemplation and reflection regarding form. Hyperpop has become a community-based genre, and a space, for independent queer artists to express themselves and develop culture from the sidelines. The genre is attractive because of the tension between its queerly-nostalgic, kitsch lyrical content and avant-garde musical production.
​
What is Hyperpop?
The microgenre has been covered by The New York Times and The Atlantic with the latter’s article title reading, “Noisy, Ugly, and Addictive.” Hyperpop as a genre began as a Spotify playlist whose relatively small following of about 450,000 currently that, according to The New York Times, followers add to their library at a rate rivaling that of some of the biggest playlists on the platform like “RapCaviar.” WXPN, a non-commercial, member-supported radio service of the University of Pennsylvania, describes hyperpop as “…a genre that takes modern mainstream pop concepts, crushes them up, spits them out, ingests them again, and spits them out again. Perhaps that’s an exaggeration. But not an egregious one.” Maximalist and exaggerative, hyperpop takes the conventions of the pop genre and pushes them to its extreme. Resulting in “surrealist lyrics, overblown bass and high pitch vocals” and “Glitches, metallic sound synths and distorted vocals” (Lucas De Lellis da Silva). Hyperpop is a genre that defies the genre label in its transformation of other genres such as hip-hop, trap, rock, and punk. Its punk influence can also be seen with “its alignment with queerness, anti-capitalist and environmentalist beliefs raises questions on our current notions of technology and issues of representation.”
​
The Paradox
Hyperpop music production is where it is most avant-garde. The genre imitates pop music and exaggerates it, pop music being an imitation in itself. In his essay, “Avant-Garde and Kitsch,” Clement Greenberg on the avant-garde says, “[According to] Aristotle, all art and literature are imitation, then what we have here is the imitation of imitating.” Greenberg describes Picasso paintings as avant-garde, where the reflection of the painting, the interpretation and deliberation on part of the audience, “are not immediately or externally present in Picasso's painting but must be projected into it by the spectator sensitive enough to react sufficiently to plastic qualities.” On the other hand, Greenberg (misattributing a painting to Repin) describes Repin as a kitsch artist. Greenberg says “the “reflected” effect having already been included in the picture, ready for the spectator's unreflective enjoyment.” Greenberg summarizes this point when he says, “If the avant-garde imitates the processes of art, kitsch, we now see, imitates its effects.” Both avant-garde and kitsch can be seen in hyperpop where the production is avant-garde, glitchy, distorted and experimental and the lyrics are kitsch, overt, and cliché.
There are class biases regarding high art (e.g. avant-garde) and low art (e.g. kitsch). On the material importance of class and aesthetics, Greenberg claims that

“No culture can develop without a social basis, without a source of stable income. And in the case of the avant-garde, this was provided by an elite among the ruling class of that society from which it assumed itself to be cut off, but to which it has always remained attached by an umbilical cord of gold. The paradox is real. And now this elite is rapidly shrinking” (8).

To Greenberg, and within the context of the time that his essay was published in 1961, the avant-garde belonged to the ruling class because they provided capital that allowed artists to survive and create the art that aligned with the taste of that class. However, because of the ubiquity in technology and specifically the accessibility of Digital Audio Workstations, hyperpop artists defy Greenberg’s expectations by being created and conceptualized by the working class, “a democratized option in the music industry” as Gazelle puts it.
On the effect the ruling class’s funding has on the artist, Greenberg says, “precisely because his content was determined in advance, the artist was free to concentrate on his medium. He needed not to be philosopher, or visionary, but simply artificer” (16). Being an artificer allowed artists to focus on their medium and its form. Because hyperpop music is not determined in advance by the ruling class, hyperpop artists instead must focus on form and content which has resulted in avant-garde production and a reliance on kitsch imagery in their lyrics.
Perhaps the most avant-garde, the acclaimed hyperpop song “ringtone remix [feat. Charli XCX, Rico Nasty, Kero Kero Bonito]” by 100 gecs demonstrates the paradox of being avant-garde and kitsch. The song displays a catchy hook with distorted sound effects and pitched up vocals, a rap passage over a rock instrumentation, an interlude asking Charli XCX to sing the hook again, and finally an outro that features whispers and a sparse electronic drums. The song pushes the boundaries of form. However, once again, the lyrics are kitschy; “spilling champagne” and “my boy’s got his own ringtone” which invokes the tradition of giving specific phone numbers particular ringtones popular in the 2000s.
​
Nostalgic Lyrics
Queer artists in the hyperpop genre have relied on nostalgic lyrics. This queer sensibility is not new or unique to hyperpop. In Time Binds, Elizabeth Freeman posits, “This stubborn lingering of pastness (whether it appears as anachronistic style, as the reappearance of bygone events in the symptom, or as arrested development) is a hallmark of queer affect: a ‘‘revolution’’ in the old sense of the word, as a turning back” (8). Hyperpop follows the queer tradition of expressing pastness in its references to Sidekick phones, Ronald Reagan’s 2004 death, and overall, a Year 2000 aesthetic. Freeman continues,

““Heather Love’s Feeling Backward, for instance, astutely diagnoses the ‘‘backwards’’ emotions elaborated by artists for whom the birth of the modern homosexual identity-form was constraining rather than liberating: shame, passivity, melancholy, and recoil, to name but a few, were ways of refusing the progressive logic by which becoming ever more visible was correlated with achieving ever more freedom” (8).

Hyperpop lyrics largely reminisces the 2000s, which goes against the typical notion of queerness valuing progressiveness and the striving for more freedom. The “backwards” emotions such as shame feel constraining to the modern queer-identifying person; nostalgia allows for them to escape that label to a time where things seem simpler, especially for the Gen-Z artists that make up the genre. In other words, Freeman is saying that “the discipline of ‘‘timing’’ engenders a sense of being and belonging that feels natural” (18). Because queer-identifying people face shame, they rely on a sense of time and timing that mirrors their marginalized lives which is also echoed in the glitchy vocals and musical production.
The genre also does not bend to the musical trends of the moment. A hyperpop artists does not need to constantly update their sound to match the current sonic landscapes because they are creating music that exaggerates a particular decade. Pastness allows for these artists to resist the “commodity-time of speedy manufacture and planned obsolescence,” (Freeman 9) aligning with the anti-capitalist values of the genre.
Nostalgia and kitsch are related. For example, even people that did not experience the 2000s the way Gen Z experienced it can relate and empathize with hyperpop lyrics because they are kitsch. In her essay Stephanie Brown says,

“These [kitsch] objects not only anchor the viewer's memory of a time that is past but also inspire "memories" of an era whose collective Zeitgeist has been so encapsulated as to be readily available, prepackaged, even to those whose individual experiences did not include firsthand knowledge of the phenomena of an earlier decade. The effect—to condense, flatten, and homogenize the discontinuous experiences of a heterogeneous group of people and then to sell these experiences back to them as if they were genuine—is… the inevitable result of the late-capitalist predilection for periodization…” (40).

This analysis reveals that kitsch is context dependent. For example, profile avatars, big computers, the “blue screen of death” are all imagery that one may find in cover art for a hyperpop album that also represent a 2000s aesthetic. One may find this flavor of American 2000s memorabilia nostalgic, and another may find them completely meaningless if they are not aware of the context that those objects existed in, the connotation they carry for the artists, or the effect that these depictions have on its intended audience.
​
Hyperpop’s Attraction
The hyperpop genre has a tension that can be stated as a capitalist predilection for its kitschy lyrics and an anti-capitalist predilection for its musical production. An example of this is Charli XCX’s recent song “Club classics” whose vapid lyrics convey little to nothing making it easy to consume, with a chorus repeating the lines “When I go to the club, I wanna hear those club classics / Club classics, club, club classics.” However, the production exaggerates the production conventions of traditional pop through minimalist moments of technologic vocals overlaid on a wobbling bass sound effect, a stuttering vocal in the background with orchestral synths at another moment, and shrill harmonies dotting the backend of the track.
Perhaps these lyrics are attractive exactly because they are “beyond the realm of “good taste.”” Paralleling kitsch, camp provides a supplementary set of standards to view art, not as good or bad, but as having meaning or being pure artifice. Brown states, “Camp is a sly celebration of bad taste and vulgarity from a position of privilege” (50). Brown gives an example of a position of privilege as men doing drag; them being men, even if queer, gives them the ability to dress as women and remain men and “enjoy a hegemonic superiority” (50). Perpendicular to camp, kitsch allows a consumer to enjoy art from the position of the underprivileged. Brown also states that enjoying kitsch is like it “is there to entertain us on the basest, most compromised of levels… Junk, like the drunk at the wedding, can get away with doing or saying anything because, by its very appearance, it is already in disgrace.”
The other relational dimension of the attraction to the genre is the rebellion that it provides listeners. Brown writes, “today's consumers look to kitsch consumption as a way of rejecting an aesthetic hierarchy forced upon them by economically determined and class-bound interests.” Listening and enjoying hyperpop for its lyrical content is a kind of revolt from the ruling class’s distinctions of what high and low art are. Hyperpop is both high and low art according to the ruling class. It is preoccupied, plays, and breaks form; in Greenberg’s words, it imitates the processes of art. It also is cliché and overt in its lyrical content, imitating effect. It is through the ambiguation that allows listeners to commit to appreciating it for its high art value, its low art value, or both.
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The Future of Hyperpop
However, as the genre grows and opportunities befall hyperpop artists, it has been exploited. Greenberg says, “Capitalism in decline finds that whatever of quality is still capable of producing becomes almost invariably a threat to its own existence” (21). This is evident with artists like Camila Cabello (one of the most listened to artists of today with a powerful label backing her) making a genre switch from pop/Latin pop to hyperpop with her first single “I LUV IT” featuring Playboi Carti off her upcoming album. Other than being poorly received and deemed a Charli XCX rip off by hyperpop fans, Camila Cabello capitalizes and therefore, strips the genre of its underground roots, making even the production of the track redundant. “I LUV IT” is an imitation of an imitation of an imitation. If we were to take this song as a sign, an omen, for the genre, hope for hyperpop shall remain elusive.

English: for section 1 question a on paper 1 use pqe, point quote explain, nake one point use a quote to back it up and explain, leave extra space after each point incase you have extra time to spend on it
Question b of that same question make sure if you write the text of a speech the whole text is said speech and if you have to for example write the text of a speech from a famous person you never step out of character. Your opening line should be basically a rephrasing of the question eg:write an article for the local newspaper, you should say "I am writing for the x newspaper to tell you about...", even if its unrealistic they still look for this in regard to your purpose mark.
For the composing:make sure there are famous people you can talk about a lot, also just a few topics that youve got some bit of knowledge on e.g ai might be handy
personal essay: use anecdotes even if they're made up
Short story:I'm avoiding this personally but make sure you show don't tell and alsondont leave plot holes, from what I've heard people who do this already have things like settings, characters and storylines planned out before the exam
Opinion essay: chose for or against and be strongly for or against, if im not mistaken you can be neutral but it's a lot harder
For the single text your first quote shouldn't be from act 1 scene 1 or your texts equivalent,your answer shouldn't be a summary
For hamlet: have lots of quotes, back in as many points as possible with quotes, remember the word regicide and antic-disposition, if the question asks about Claudius' role as villain if must only be his direct wrong doings (laertes, elder hamlet) and not the ones he indirectly caused by making hamlet mad (ophelia, polonius etc).
Comparative:constantly compare your 3 texts,(this next tip only applies if parf of your comparative course is never let me go) MOST of the time if you are doing the question 1 which is split up into a and b where a is in relation to 1 text and b is 2, never let me go will be in part a as it is hard to compare to other texts, this obviously depends on the question but if in doubt do that
Unseen poetry:I'm absolutely useless at this but on my mock I completely misunderstood the poem and got 17/20, waffle with confidence, don't spend too long on it as 20 marks is sweet fa in your English paper and the difference between spending 20 mins and 25 mins is no more than 3 marks.
Poetry: have one poem you can talk for days about no matter what, they will more than likely come up. Have 3 more you understand to be able to answer a question, then your perfectly covered. If you want to be more confident you can learn 2 poems to perfect 50/50 but from here to Thursday time management is important
History: if your a slow writer like me learn a metric fuck tonne of good quotes they're the quickest way to pick up marks, here's a few if you want them
Oh little sputnik flying high/with made-in-moscow-beep/you show the world its a commie sky/and uncle Sam's asleep-mennen Williams,democratic governor of michigan
The United States would provide political, military and economic assistance to all democratic nations under threat from external and internal forces-the turman doctrine
We are kings men and well be with you to the end -james Craig (not precisely a long one but so many essays it could be used in)
I want dr king to know that I didn't come to selma to make his job difficult, I really did come thinking I could make it easier. If the white people realise what the alternative is, perhaps they will be more willing to here dr king-malcolm x
Geography: from here to friday dedicate 10 minutes to aerial photography, it's 8 marks waiting to be claimed. Nows probably too late for flashcards but if it isn't fucking use them for srps
Maths: nows not too late to print off a mock or past paper, see what needs the most work and make sure you fully understand them
Irish: if your like me and haven't done a scratch there's still more than a week, predictions are your best friend, learn one essay, one poetry notes, one story notes and one play notes and let God decide how well he wants you to do
French:be able to write about the Olympics as if your fluent, its probably going to come up. Know your tenses and your subjunctive. Learn off a few proverbs they add marks to any essay. "Je suis tout à fait d'accord avec le declaration Ci dessus","il est neccesaire de pesser le pour et le contre", "n'oublions pas le proverbe" and "a Mon avis" fit into most opinion pieces, know them(get correct spelling aswel mine was affected by autocorrect). Also if your down to the wire learn diary phrased, even if you write a bad diary you will get marks for the phrases
Accounting: final accounts will come up,know 2/3, learn all your ratios and all the theory they will come up, know either budgeting or costing as one of each will come up, that leaves the second 100 marker, it will most likely be suspense as that comes up every second year but it could be a 60 marker, I wouldn't even bother worrying about anything else until ratios,final accounts, budget/costing and suspense are up to the grade your hoping for but if all that is sorted learn off maybe 3 other possible 100 markers, that any you have 4 which includes the 80% likely suspense and 2 will come up, the accounting exam is probably the easiest to predict, and for the love of God know your theory. Keep doing exam questions of your struggling, every time you correct one write down your mistakes and have the list of mistakes next to you when doing the next one, then tear it and make a new list of mistakes
This is all my experience, I will add any good advice for these subject or other subjects that are provided in the comments, all of these are for higher level except for maths, good luck,don't panic and think about the pint that's instore once this is all over

I didn’t like this theory at first but on another rewatch on the show I am starting to think it makes sense. Johnny said that he doesn’t know who his father is right??? Well it honestly could be a thing and it would make sense to why Kreese was so fixed on having Johnny on his side and why he didn’t instantly just dismiss him. Under all of the BS he has a soft spot for Johnny and also Robby. I don’t know how this would all play out because I kind of feel like it would be a cliche twist and kind of weird considering that it has been all of these years and Kreese hasn’t disclosed his fathership but who knows, if done right it might work. This show is great at redemption arcs and swaying its audience towards sympathy for the villain. Also Robby looks suspiciously similar to young military Kreese with that hairstyle.
Anyway maybe I missed something that dismisses this theory but what are all of your thoughts? As I said i originally hated this theory but on a rewatch i can kind of see how this works. Kreese was Johnnys main father figure in his life regardless.
I also have a theory that there is some ancient Karate curse put on Cobra Kai and Miagi Do which is why there’s so much conflict corrupting people and fuelling the drama and why kids are able to learn crazy abilities so rapidly but that is a post for another day!

TW: Suicide
I'm in my last year ish in univerisity at 32. I have 10 more papers to pass, my exams for 4 papers are in 1.5 weeks. I am behind in 8 weeks for 2 of those papers and behind in 4 weeks for 2 other papers.
I did this to myself. I don't know how to overcome this. At the beginning of the semester, I wanted to do better, last year i failed 2 papers because i didn't try hard enough. But i just couldn't concentrate. Every time i sat down to sit through the lectures or makes notes i just found myself zoning out. I want to quit so bad. But i feel like I’ve always been a quitter. I tried to study engineering in my early 20's and after nearly a year in Uni i just couldn't see myself doing it for my rest of my life.
After years of being in the workforce i decided on accounting. The first year and half was ok. It was hard, I’m not smart. But i felt like i got through it ok. I was bored and mad at it but never felt like how i am feeling right now. Sometimes when i think of sitting down to study i just want to kms. I try to tell myself that I’m overreacting, there are bigger things in this world to worry about, I’m privileged to have this opportunity but then i end up back to that same mind set.
I've thought about quitting. ALOT. But i feel like i am too embarrassed to quit. My parents are proud that i am finally doing something worthwhile in my life. My co-workers all know i study. i just feel like i don’t have the guts to say that it was too much and i quit. And sometimes i think i can do this. i tell myself that its only 10 more papers, i can do this. but how can i? when I’m so behind. these feelings are so overwhelming.
i would say that I’ve had times of depression and anxiety all my life. But sometimes i hate myself and i think... how could i be this depressed about uni? am i minimizing it? i really don't know what to do. I think i got over accounting in year 2 when i decided i don't need it for the career i have chosen, and that i won't be using it once i graduate. i think i just thought .. fuck it? and now i regret it because i really do want to finish it. i want to finish something in my life without being so fucking pathetic.
that’s all. this is just a rant. honestly i don't even know why i am writing this on here. . i feel so fucking hopeless

Hello! Currently prepping for baby #2 and in the midst of gutting the house (because first impressions are everything) I’ve come across all of my daughter’s tiny baby clothes.
We have a lot of hand knitted cardigans, sleep sacks and vests that we’d love to keep, but unfortunately my daughter had severe reflux and most of her clothes ended up covered in baby spit up, which as we all know leaves a lovely yellow stain. I vowed to fix the stains but put them in a vacuum bag to move house and forgot about them, and now over 3 years later the stains are still there.
What are your best tricks for removing old spit up stains? Particularly with clothes that are on the more delicate side?

By all means am i okay to wait until marriage. I wanted to when i was younger but got pressured into sex and then was r*ped when i was 15 which afterwards i became super hypersexual. When i turned 18 i stopped until i met my ex bf when i was 20 and i ended up getting pregnant. I left him almost immediately due to him lying and manipulating me our whole relationship and then admitting he wanted to get me pregnant, he is currently in jail and i havent spoken to him since i was 6 weeks pregnant, my son is almost 7 months old. My current BF and i started dating a month and a half ago, ive known him for 10 years we basically grew up together and ive been insanely close with him and his family for ages, we have done sexual things but i recently found out he has struggled w a porn addiction for years and in the first week or so of our relationship he was flirting with other girls on social media, he hasnt since then that i know of (he told me he doesnt remember flirting which i feel is a lie) and weve talked about a lot of things since then to the point of both of us sobbing and him apologizing over and over and asking why im still with him. God put him in my life for a reason and i wholeheartedly believe its to be my husband, and im not giving up on him that easy my BF is worth so much more than he realizes, hes worth fighting for and worth someone standing by his side while he heals. He is such a good man and always has been. He’s deleted social media and is adamant that im the one he wants whole heartedly, he treats me like a princess which i feel i don’t deserve. Im a broken and insecure person due to the insane amount of trauma ive had, he is so understanding about all of it i don’t understand how, im working on myself like crazy to be better, im in therapy, parenting classes, etc. He recently brought up he wants to wait till marriage to do anything sexual again (which im totally down for, id always wanted to wait but feel like i cant or a man wont want me) but due to what has happened with him flirting with girls in the beginning of our relationship and his porn addiction im terrified hell search for sexual pleasure somewhere else even though he says he wont. i asked him if he ever has those desires to just come to me and we can sit down and talk, read the bible and whatever else he thinks will help. Im worried he wont. He is adamant about me being the one he wants to marry (yes i know weve been dating for a short time but weve been extremely close for 10 years) He is working so hard to heal himself and work on himself, i partially blame his father for getting him into porn and doing unspeakable things to him as a child but obviously my BF is his own person and makes his own choices so its also on him. I honestly dont know where this is going i just keep typing im so sorry this is so long. Basically im scared that my BF will search for sexual pleasure in porn and other girls even though he says he loves me and wants me and wants to wait till marriage and never wants me to feel like hes just with me for my body. I feel so loved and understood by him i know its my own insecurities and i should stop worrying. Im completely myself around him, ive never been able to be as weird and goofy in any past relationships as i am with him, im always hiding parts of myself but with him im completely and wholeheartedly myself. I am so happy with him and as a person who has had depression from a very young age it felt like i would never be this happy. His sister has even told me shes never seen him this happy and in love before and shes happy for us and doesn’t believe he would ever cheat or intentionally harm me (i trust her with my whole heart and soul, shes basically been my best friend since i was 12 and knows her brother better than anyone and wouldnt lie to me) I guess im just here for advice? and maybe validation? i dont know i just needed to get this out to people who may understand and can help me.
TL:DR - BF and i have done sexual things, he wants to stop and wait till marriage due to wanting me for more than just my body, his porn addiction and his beliefs. I am wholeheartedly open to it but am very broken and scared he will search for sexual pleasure in porn and other women though he is adamant he wont and would like to sit and talk and read the bible with me anytime he has impure thoughts
Ive never posted on reddit before sorry if ive done any of this wrong and its confusing. id just really like some advice/encouragement

So my ex [25M] dumped me [23F] about 8 months ago…I felt pretty blindsided because things had been going really well, we had celebrated our anniversary a couple weeks before the BU. He talked to me about marriage and how much he loved and missed me literally the night before the breakup…but the night of the BU we had an argument and things blew out of proportion. During this conversation he revealed to me his family didn’t approve of me because he is wealthy and I am not…he insisted that wasn’t the reason for the breakup but when I asked why he didn’t give me any clear answer. By this point I was already pretty triggered and heartbroken, I truly never expected him to pull something like that but I knew engaging with him would cause me more harm and I decided to respect his decision. We both agreed to go no contact but he said we should keep each others numbers in case we needed to talk to each other about something.
The first few months following the breakup I could see he was stalking me on social media and it was making me really anxious because it made me wonder if he was going to come back…eventually towards the end of last year I blocked him on all social media because I wanted peace of mind and really wanted to move on.
Fast forward to now…I was walking somewhere with my girl friends and he walked past us with one of his friends. My friends saw him before me because I was looking down at my phone and he made eye contact with them. As soon as he saw me he started freaking out and looked scared and turned his head in the other direction and completely avoided us. I happened to look up exactly as he was doing this and could barely believe what was happening…
I don’t really know what my question is…but if you made it this far I’d appreciate any insight into the situation. Like what does it mean if he reacted this way when he saw me?
As delusional as it is…Is there still hope that he could come back? because I’m sure he knows I won’t ever reach out to him after the way he dumped me. I supposed having him blocked on socials might be sending the message that I don’t want to talk to him….or maybe he doesn’t even give a fuck and I’m totally overthinking. But it’s so hard not to….its the only interaction we’ve had since the BU. And somehow it feels like a sign from the universe …but I’m not sure what it means.

Have you ever been to a pride? I just did my first one. I noticed loads of different kinds of people taking part and joining in… even the kids were part of the parade. I will edit a video later of the event. It felt kind of special in some ways as towards the end they played my late fathers’ favourite music and I felt sentimental… what’s your pride story? I was meant to go last year but the strikes made it difficult going back. This one just happened spontaneously and how busy it was, was amazing. I’m not gonna tell you where it was but I will share the video later. It’s great to see what countries are beginning to welcome the pride festival too and to get a different or outside culture on what others opinions are on pride is something I’m interested in. I spoke to a girl there who like me found it online and just turned up in the centre. I was asking her about the acceptance of lgbt and she said her country were more accepting. Even older people were dressing up and putting on their best dress. I think that’s an amazing thing about pride I realised. You don’t have to be anyone part of lgbt to enjoy it but to believe in love shouldn’t be cause to divide in the first place but unite an otherwise broken society and evolve culture 🌱❤️🏳️‍🌈

I (24F) have been dating my boyfriend (25M) for about two years now. My two best friends (both 23F) are single, although one is having a FWB with a guy she met at the gym.
About six months ago I noticed that my two best friends were hanging out a lot without me. At first they would hang out when I was working, but now they openly hang out without inviting me first. This coincides with the time my friend who has the FWB broke up with her boyfriend.
They never message me and often leave my messages on delivered. We’ve never had an argument and I’ve never abandoned them for my boyfriend which is what is making me upset. The other best friend who does not have a FWB is quite pessimistic about relationships, yet has been actively searching for one for the past few years. I feel like she in particular doesn’t want to hang out with me because I’m in a relationship?
It’s really frustrating because they are the same types of girls to talk negatively about girls in relationships who abandon their friends. But it feels like that’s what they’re doing to me. I was facing some stress at work a few weeks ago and opened up to them, but one of them literally didn’t even reply or ask if I was okay.
I would understand if they were going clubbing or doing “single people” activities. But they’re literally just going out for dinnemovies/bowling. How do I navigate this situation?