#how vps pricing works

[colocrossing]

In today’s digital world, hosting applications, websites, or projects online doesn’t have to be expensive. Thanks to free VPS  options, you can get started with your own virtual private server without spending a dime. But what exactly is a free VPS, and how can you make the most of it? Whether you’re a developer, entrepreneur, gamer, or hobbyist, this guide will break it down in simple terms.

[tamerbadereldin]

Unchain Your Website's Potential: The Ultimate Guide to VPS Hosting!

Is your website sluggish, unreliable, and constantly battling for resources? Shared hosting might have been a lifesaver when you were starting out, but now it's holding you back. Upgrading to a Virtual Private Server (VPS) can be the game-changer you need. But what exactly is a VPS, and how can it unleash your website's true potential?

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of VPS hosting, explaining how it works, its benefits for tasks like Forex trading, and the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect plan for your needs. We'll even show you how to navigate the setup process and unlock the power of your VPS with tools like Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).

By the end of this article, you'll be armed with the knowledge to confidently choose a reliable VPS hosting provider like Data Base Mart and propel your website or application to new heights of performance and security.

Unveiling the VPS: How It Works

Imagine a high-rise apartment building. The entire building represents a physical server owned by a hosting provider. Now, imagine dividing each floor into individual, self-contained units. These units are your VPS!

VPS hosting leverages virtualization technology to carve a single physical server into multiple virtual ones. Each VPS functions like a dedicated server, with its own operating system, software, and allocated resources like CPU, memory, and storage. This isolation ensures your website or application enjoys a stable environment, unaffected by activity on other virtual servers sharing the physical machine.

How VPS Hosting Works

VPS hosting builds upon the core principle explained above. Hosting providers like Data Base Mart offer various VPS plans with different resource allocations. You choose a plan that aligns with your needs and budget. The provider then sets up your virtual server on their physical infrastructure, granting you root access for complete control and customization.

Powering Forex Trading with VPS

Foreign exchange (Forex) trading thrives on speed and reliability. A VPS ensures uninterrupted access to the market, even during peak trading hours. With a VPS, you can run trading bots and automated strategies 24/7 without worrying about downtime caused by shared hosting issues.

Choosing the Right VPS

Selecting the ideal VPS hinges on your specific needs. Here's a breakdown of key factors to consider:

Resource Requirements: Evaluate your CPU, memory, and storage needs based on the website or application you'll be running.

Operating System: Choose a provider offering the operating system you're comfortable with, such as Linux or Windows.

Managed vs. Unmanaged: Managed VPS plans include maintenance and support, while unmanaged plans require you to handle server administration.

Scalability: If you anticipate future growth, choose a provider that allows easy scaling of your VPS resources.

How to Use VPS with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Many VPS providers offer remote access via RDP, a graphical interface that lets you manage your server from a remote computer. This is particularly useful for installing software, configuring settings, and troubleshooting issues.

Creating a VPS Account

The signup process for a VPS account is straightforward. Head to your chosen provider's website, select a plan, and follow the on-screen instructions. They'll typically guide you through the account creation and server setup process.

VPS Pricing

VPS plans are generally more expensive than shared hosting but significantly cheaper than dedicated servers. Pricing varies based on resource allocation and features. Providers like Data Base Mart offer competitive rates for reliable VPS solutions.

VPS Terminology Explained

VPS Stands For: Virtual Private Server

VPS Airport (doesn't exist): VPS is not an airport code.

VPS in Basketball (doesn't exist): VPS has no meaning specific to basketball.

VPS Hosting: As explained earlier, refers to a hosting service that provides virtual private servers.

VPS in Business: In a business context, VPS can refer to a virtual private server used for web hosting, application deployment, or other IT needs.

VPS in School (uncommon): While uncommon, schools might use VPS for specific applications requiring a dedicated server environment.

Final Thoughts

VPS offers a compelling middle ground between shared hosting and dedicated servers. It provides the power and control of a dedicated server at a fraction of the cost. By understanding how VPS works and choosing the right plan, you can unlock a secure and reliable platform for your website, application, or even Forex trading needs.

[afloweroutofstone]

The Trump administration accidentally included the conservative editor of The Atlantic in a group chat where they were discussing, in great detail, the US bombing campaign in Yemen

In all, 18 individuals were listed as members of this group, including various National Security Council officials; Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s Middle East and Ukraine negotiator; Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff; and someone identified only as “S M,” which I took to stand for Stephen Miller. I appeared on my own screen only as “JG.”

...I had very strong doubts that this text group was real, because I could not believe that the national-security leadership of the United States would communicate on Signal about imminent war plans. I also could not believe that the national security adviser to the president would be so reckless as to include the editor in chief of The Atlantic in such discussions with senior U.S. officials, up to and including the vice president...

At this point, a fascinating policy discussion commenced. The account labeled “JD Vance” responded at 8:16: “Team, I am out for the day doing an economic event in Michigan. But I think we are making a mistake.” (Vance was indeed in Michigan that day.) The Vance account goes on to state, “3 percent of US trade runs through the suez. 40 percent of European trade does. There is a real risk that the public doesn’t understand this or why it’s necessary. The strongest reason to do this is, as POTUS said, to send a message.”

The Vance account then goes on to make a noteworthy statement, considering that the vice president has not deviated publicly from Trump’s position on virtually any issue. “I am not sure the president is aware how inconsistent this is with his message on Europe right now. There’s a further risk that we see a moderate to severe spike in oil prices. I am willing to support the consensus of the team and keep these concerns to myself. But there is a strong argument for delaying this a month, doing the messaging work on why this matters, seeing where the economy is, etc.”...

At 8:27, a message arrived from the “Pete Hegseth” account. “VP: I understand your concerns – and fully support you raising w/ POTUS. Important considerations, most of which are tough to know how they play out (economy, Ukraine peace, Gaza, etc). I think messaging is going to be tough no matter what – nobody knows who the Houthis are – which is why we would need to stay focused on: 1) Biden failed & 2) Iran funded.”

The Hegseth message goes on to state, “Waiting a few weeks or a month does not fundamentally change the calculus. 2 immediate risks on waiting: 1) this leaks, and we look indecisive; 2) Israel takes an action first – or Gaza cease fire falls apart – and we don’t get to start this on our own terms. We can manage both. We are prepared to execute, and if I had final go or no go vote, I believe we should. This [is] not about the Houthis. I see it as two things: 1) Restoring Freedom of Navigation, a core national interest; and 2) Reestablish deterrence, which Biden cratered. But, we can easily pause. And if we do, I will do all we can to enforce 100% OPSEC”—operations security. “I welcome other thoughts.”...

The account identified as “JD Vance” addressed a message at 8:45 to @Pete Hegseth: “if you think we should do it let’s go. I just hate bailing Europe out again.” (The administration has argued that America’s European allies benefit economically from the U.S. Navy’s protection of international shipping lanes.)

It was the next morning, Saturday, March 15, when this story became truly bizarre.

At 11:44 a.m., the account labeled “Pete Hegseth” posted in Signal a “TEAM UPDATE.” I will not quote from this update, or from certain other subsequent texts. The information contained in them, if they had been read by an adversary of the United States, could conceivably have been used to harm American military and intelligence personnel, particularly in the broader Middle East, Central Command’s area of responsibility. What I will say, in order to illustrate the shocking recklessness of this Signal conversation, is that the Hegseth post contained operational details of forthcoming strikes on Yemen, including information about targets, weapons the U.S. would be deploying, and attack sequencing.

The only person to reply to the update from Hegseth was the person identified as the vice president. “I will say a prayer for victory,” Vance wrote. (Two other users subsequently added prayer emoji.)

According to the lengthy Hegseth text, the first detonations in Yemen would be felt two hours hence, at 1:45 p.m. eastern time. So I waited in my car in a supermarket parking lot. If this Signal chat was real, I reasoned, Houthi targets would soon be bombed. At about 1:55, I checked X and searched Yemen. Explosions were then being heard across Sanaa, the capital city.

[thingstrumperssay]

I'm sure I've explained this before the election but apparently I didn't dumb it down enough for people.

For all of the dumbass protest voters telling me "It's not my fault I voted third party or didn't vote! You can't just let the Democrats roll over you every time!" here's a reality check:

Third parties will never win an election.

Third parties know that they're just there to steal votes away from one of the actually two candidates because of dumbasses who cries "both sides are just as bad!" like you.

RFK Jr. only ran because he believed that he would take votes away from Kamala, and he dropped out when that didn't work. Jill Stein is fucking buddies with Putin. (And I'm pretty sure her VP is super anti-trans.)

And do you know why they will never win? Because the vast majority of Americans don't put in the fucking research into who they're voting for anyway. They choose based on vibes and grocery prices.

The amount of minorities for Trump that were like "wait I didn't know that he actually hates us!" despite Trump shouting "I hate you!" for ten years is staggering.

They've been having their fellow MAGAts shouting "I hate you" at their fucking face for a decade and they missed it.

So how the fuck do you just assume that every Democrat is going to know how complicit Biden was with Netanyahu (which spoil alert: A lot less complicit than Trump already is!) There are likely people who don't even know that a genocide is even going on over there.

All your "protest vote" to "punish the Democrats" did was not only make the genocide even worse for Palestine, (the thing you claimed you were voting against,) but made thing a lot, LOT worse for Ukraine and a lot worse for the majority of America. (From minorities to people using public services like SNAPP and Medicaid.)

You are just as complicit for every death that happens because of Trump's administration as the people who voted for him.

Fuck you.

[lisenberry]

The mountain is you

Chapter 4: I'm scared to let go of what I'm scared to lose

Dom Price x Fem Reader

MDNI/NSFW/18+

CW: Dom/Sub, Bondage, Sex Work, Voice Kink, Size Kink, Oral Sex, Bathroom Sex, Mirror Sex, Boot Riding, Orgasm Denial, Possessive Behavior

(Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 5)

AO3

No two sessions with John were the same.  You learned something new about yourself with each one. 

That the act of waiting could be so therapeutic.  Had you ever been so still as when he took his time looping ropes around your arms, breasts, ribs and waist?  Tying the intricate knots just right, in perfectly symmetrical patterns, carefully avoiding your neck and throat.  Reminding you to breathe, and hold your posture, in that voice that sounded so rough you wondered if it caused him pain just to speak. 

That a deep, dull ache that never wavered, no matter how you squirmed or struggled, could be as cathartic as a sharp, fervent strike.  When the bindings compressed your tissue and made your muscles throb with confusion.  Like your skin was too tight, and you’d burst from the pressure.  Until you finally broke through the building panic and let yourself melt into the fibers like well-tailored Chanel suit.

That being helpless wasn’t the same as being out of control.  That surrender wasn’t as much about giving up as it was giving yourself over to something else.  Someone else.  To trust that his patience was his gift to you, and that he didn’t ask for anything in return for a reason.  Maybe being there for you was enough for him. 

He’d certainly been greedy for your abandon.  Collected orgasms from you like they were precious stones, with his mouth and his hands.  Played your body like an instrument to be drummed and plucked.  Mouthed and blown.  Percussion, string, and wind.

All to make you sing.

Little deaths.  Little victories each. 

But it had you feeling a bit like a selfish Sub.  You listened.  You obeyed.  You cried.  You came.  But the more you played, the more anxious you became to give him some release.  Relief.  You wanted to see him taken care of, too.

You’d never bothered to explore new things with Ghost.  He’d had a list of services he offered, but you hadn’t been tempted to branch out from the standard package.  Anything extra, like temperature play or Shibari would cost a premium due to the additional time needed and the specialized skill they required. 

Anyone could spank your ass, you supposed, but you had to pay extra for the finesse.  Now, it seemed like you were getting it all for free.  Or perhaps John didn’t desire anything more from you.  It was simply a one-sided transaction for him, and he was just being nice.  A favor for his old friend. 

But you tried to shake those thoughts away when they threatened.  He’d promised that you’d always know what he wanted.  And never be left wondering what he was thinking.  There was no room for insecurity when he’d stuck to the book when it came to everything else.

And once each scene was over, you stayed a little longer.  After the first, when you’d practically run out the door like the building was on fire, he’d made a point to have food on hand that you could eat together.  Something tasty and satisfying sitting in his gigantic, high-end fridge waiting to be heated up in the microwave and eaten cross-legged on his couch.

Conversation developed more easily, and you weren’t too shy to talk about the things you liked the most (rope play, hot showers, barehanded spanking, his aftershave), and those you weren’t keen to try again (so far, blindfolds hadn’t added anything to the experience for you).  You found him to be funnier than you expected, with a wry sense of humor and an easy laugh. 

You always left feeling...secure. 

*****

The two men sitting across from you at the table of your go-to restaurant for closing deals with pushy potential clients were a father and son, CEO and VP team.  Your company offered a service that they needed desperately.  And they had the audacity to demand it at a cut rate.

They tried so hard to impress you with their staggering wealth and impressive portfolio, they must’ve forgotten that this was your job.  That you weren’t fooled by overwhelming displays of douchebaggery.  By smoke and mirrors.  Cutting through the bullshit was what you did best.

And as dinner went on, they piled it waist high.  Flung it around like monkeys at the zoo.  In the end, you just had to plug your nose and wade through it with patience and your head held high.

Fuck them, their rare car collection, their villa on Lake Como, and their 75-meter yacht.  You were ready to give in, to take the loss just to get them to stop fucking talking so you could go home and take off your bra.

The waiter had just brought over another round of drinks when you looked up to see John find a seat at a nearby table with an older couple who looked to be in their late sixties, and a beautiful woman in her early thirties.

It only took a second for his gaze to meet yours across the room.  It was exactly the type of situation you had avoided with Ghost.  That awkward breaking of the fourth wall when you ran into each other in the real world.  Outside the protection of your carefully curated sessions.

You tried not to stare, but it shook you more than you thought it would.  Part of your contract was that you’d be exclusive.  For safety purposes, you’d have no sexual partners outside of each other throughout the duration.  It was one of his hard lines. 

One you could easily keep.  Was it so hard for him?

He even had the gall to look angry, eyes darkening perceptibly even in the distance as he held up his phone briefly. 

A second later, you received a message on yours.

Meet me in the bathroom.  Five minutes.

Surely, he wasn’t serious.

Your companions were still talking away, congratulating each other on their mastery of the universe, as you quickly typed your response.

Wife or girlfriend?

Taking a sip of your water, you smiled impressively to the older man naming dropping who he was playing golf with over the weekend.  Taking great care not to turn back toward John, whose daggers you could feel as sharply as though they were lodged in your skin.

Sister.  Fucking the father or the son?  Or both?

You looked up at the dynamic duo and stifled the urge not to vomit a bit in your mouth.

Ick, no.  Clients.

There was a long pause before he responded, but you still didn’t look back at him.  His presence was too much for the room.  His hold on you too strong for polite company.  The vibration of the next message jolted you like a jump scare.

I gave you an order.

The blood drained from your face.  Your mouth went dry.  Your panties, on the other hand, seemed to catch both like a grounding rod of sensation.  Hot and slick.

Fine.  But don’t be nice, you typed, before adding.  Please.

You did look up then, just in time to see John nod once before excusing himself and disappearing down a long hallway.

“I’m getting the feeling that I’m being dicked around here, gentlemen.  I’m going to take a minute in the ladies’ room.  When I come back, if you don’t have a number ready that I can work with, I’m going to walk out that door and instruct my assistant to stop taking your calls.”

Not that she could anyway.  You were still working on that particular aspect of her job description.

But that, along with any other concerns, disappeared below the surface when you opened the door to the single restroom in the back of the restaurant.    

“Did you really just say ‘fine’ to me, like a whiney little brat?  ‘Don’t be nice’?  Hope you know what you’re asking for, sweetheart.”  He growled from the corner behind the door, just before he pounced on you like a panther in the dark.  Eyes flashing with a sort of calm, primal hunger.  The kind that waits, as long as it takes, despite the sweet smell of fear in its prey.  Despite the promise of how good it will taste.

You stumbled back out of instinct, only to hit the hard wall behind you.  Trapped.

“Yes, sir,” you stuttered.  Suddenly not really sure at all.

Outside of your sessions, text messages had been an open space.  Where you were free to object to somethings and discuss others.  Negotiate times and dates.  But as his hand spun you around gruffly and gripped your hip from behind, fingers just above your pubic bone while his thumb massaged deep circles where your ass met your spine, you realized you’d miscalculated somewhere.

You'd never thought of yourself as manageable.  Moveable.  You took up space.  You were a lot to handle.  No one ever called you “cute” or commented on how nicely you cowed and begged over their knee.  Not until him.

Not until you watched from the mirror above the cold, stainless steel sink as his other massive paw cupped your jaw.  This man made you feel like a ragdoll.  A toy.  A mouse trapped in the jaws of that big dark jungle cat.

"Just for me, aren't you?”  He raked teeth and stubble along your cheek.

You were boneless then, even more pliable under this sudden mean streak.  The hand at your jaw trailed lower, skipping past your throat and neck, and your head rolled backwards against his chest without its support.

It paused to slip under the fabric of your top and bra, to cup your breast and pull it free.  There was a primal hitch of breath in his teeth as he admired the way he could cover it all.  A stiff, darkened peak notched between his knuckles as he gave it a painful squeeze. 

“Use your fucking words.  I thought we’d been through all this.”  He didn’t sound like himself.  Patience had gone out the window somewhere and you scrambled to right yourself.

To get him back.

“Yes, sir.  All for you, sir.”  You met his eyes in the mirror in the way he trained you.  Wanting to be good.  “I’m sorry, I just—"

Another squeeze, tighter and concentrated on the bud of your nipple.  This time, the hiss was yours as the sensation rippled straight to your sex.

He was big enough to swallow the moon.  Eclipse the sun.  Envelope you into darkness.  There was nothing but the stars bursting behind your eyelids as his other palm slunk lower from your hips to the hem of your skirt. 

As stealthily as an avalanche of rocks and sand.  Abrading and disrupting everything in its path until it settled back up to the base of you. 

"Please,” you whispered, whimpered, on some foreign tongue that felt too big, too thick, to be yours.  

Because he was in your mouth.  Lips against yours, tongue pummeling inside. No affectionate peck, but an assault that promised to leave you maimed.  A kiss you’d never get used to.  One that would only consume you.  His solid body against yours from behind as he bent over you and arched you into him.

The grip you had on the sink felt strong enough to leave marks.  Dents.  Tiny little divots like bird prints in the snow.

"Open up, brat.  If you ever hope to fit the real thing, you still need more practice."

He found you wet, a small accommodation as you muttered a silent thanks to your nature.  Your brain needed him, and your body did its best to oblige.

"I want it.  Please, I’m ready."  He’d dangled what you desired most in front of you like carrot.  You’d get down on your knees and beg if you could only escape his hold.

"Maybe next time.  After you show me how good you can be."

His long, thick fingers disappeared three at a time, to the gnarled and swollen knuckles before your eyes in the mirror.  Knickers notched to the side and your skirt up around your waist.

The cry that slipped from your lips would’ve been heard across the restaurant if hadn’t had the clarity of mind to bite your tongue.  The satisfied huff from his could conjure magic.  Gods and monsters.  Things best left dormant. 

He liked it like this, you could tell.  Where you both could see in the stark, fluorescent reflection.  The dark hair of his hand reemerging from your depths silky and dripping with slick.

The glass was like a barrier, a window or a picture frame that kept you hanging just on the outskirts of real and make believe, as he circled those same fingers again and curled them back inside, tormenting your most vulnerable weakness.  

While his other still worried and bullied your poor nipple.  He stretched the offering of your flesh up to his mouth, biting and sucking until you bucked and writhed along his hand for more, more.  Just a little bit more.

He felt on top of the world.  And you were his puppet on a string.  Brought to life.

But in your mindless dash to reach the end of his rope, to plummet off the side into the wind, your backside hit against his rigid length.  Once again reminded of what you’d been denied.  What you were fighting for.

You leaned into it, ignoring your own pleasure to steal a chance at his.

But he spun you around so fast, his fingers leaving you cold and empty, that you teetered precariously before he could lean you back against the sink.

“Spoiled little bitch, always whining and going on.  Haven’t I been nice to you?”  His tone lightened, to the point of…regret?  “I’ll indulge you, then.  But will you like what you get?” 

"Yes, please, sir!”  You weren’t going to waste the kindness as you settled down in front of him.

The tile floor of the bathroom cold and hard on your bare knees.

“The only way you’re coming today is on my old boot,” he slipped his leg between yours, helpfully, giving you something to sit on and a needed friction along your unsatisfied folds, “while you fuck me with your pretty little face.”

Sir thought you were pretty, was the only message your horrifyingly needy Sub brain could hear.  You weren’t too deep in subspace yet, but if you weren’t careful, you’d need to be carried from the restaurant in his big, strong—

He interrupted your warring brains with the tip of his cock against your cheek and a warm, heavy hand on the back your head.  Not even enough pressure to guide you.  More of an anchor, as it tipped you back just enough to find his eyes.

Signal fires, burning bright.

Emboldened, you opened your mouth as you would for your inspection, flattening your tongue and waiting for him to test you.  Eager to please.

“Don’t look at me like that.  You’ve got the big brass now, don’t you, brat?  So, show me,” he taunted, the flesh bobbing heavily just out of your reach.

Tentatively, you moved forward, clutching the sides of his thighs for balance and licking out at the rosy meat in front of you.  You’d never expected to see it for the first time in the dingy bathroom of an overpriced downtown restaurant, but it was indeed massive.

He wasn’t being overly boastful in that you’d have trouble taking it unprepped.  As it was, your mouth could only work him in halfway, as you hollowed your cheeks and took him just to the point of gagging.

You could still breathe through your nose, and you weren’t choking yet.  You were doing okay, but that didn’t stop him from using that hand on your head to pull you back when your throat started to fight him.

“Easy, now,” a softening at the corners of his eye lids, as your own teared up at the intrusion. 

Somehow, you fell into a clumsy rhythm where he didn’t take any control and you focused on the enjoyment of him.  The smooth, salty skin of his dick along your tongue.  The rough loops of his shoelaces against your bare cunt.

And before you knew it, you were so close to coming that he pulled his foot away just in time for his cock to go rigid against your tongue.  

“Ah fuck, that’s good, sweetheart,” he muttered an oath to the ceiling.

You blinked your betrayal through dazed eyes and shuttered around nothing while he took his release all over your face.  By the time he milked the last drops along your chin, he paused only a second before wetting a paper towel in the sink to clean you up.

He tenderly wiped away the pearly ropes of his spend first, then the eye makeup that had smudged along your cheeks.

You didn’t look that bad, you thought, as you focused on yourself in the mirror and quickly put your tits away.  You were a bit wrinkled, and your nose was leaking snot like a puffy faucet, but no worse for wear.

“Tell those wankers you had an allergic reaction or something.  You’ll be fine,” he assured you as he found your lip gloss in your purse and moved to help you apply it.

You let him, with a reassuring smile of your own, before taking his hand along with the gloss.

“You all right?” you asked, needing to check on him.  You’d done something new.  Potentially crossed a line.  It mattered to you that he’d enjoyed it.

“Bloody grand,” he grinned in a way that made you believe him.  Left no shadow of a doubt.  “Now get out there and give them hell.”  He gave you one last once over before slapping your ass and sending you out ahead of him.

“Yes, sir.”

You left the restaurant on a high like you’d never felt before.  Your cunt ached, inside and out, and it hurt to swallow, but you’d closed the deal.  With your clients, and with John, too, in some way.

And you swore you heard him chuckle as you texted him to set up your next session on your way out the door.  He’d left you hanging without an orgasm. 

Not nice at all.

[eightyonekilograms]

Obviously, JD Vance's proposal to give parents additional votes stirred up a furor from progressives saying it's anti-feminist, reactionary, trying to keep women in the kitcen, etc.

And I agree with them. Frankly I wouldn't shed a single tear if Trump "who will rid me of this meddlesome running mate"-d a second VP in a row and I never had to hear from Vance or his 2010!NRx ideas ever again. But I have a more prosaic objection also: if implemented, I don't think this plan would actually work?

Like, as I understand it, there are two proposed justifications for how this might be a good idea, but I don't think either of them stand up to scrutiny.

The first (and less plausible) one is, people who selfishly want more votes will have more children in order to get more political leverage for [whatever they want]. Even though they're doing it for selfish reasons, children are a public good, and so on net this is good for society.

I think this theory can be dispensed with pretty easily. It sounds just like one of those $1000 payments for having another child that budges the birth rate not at all because it's way too small a reward for the expense involved. Even speaking as someone intensely annoyed by trendy anti-electoralist cynicism, I know the EV of an additional vote is microscopic compared to the expense of having children. It won't move anyone except at the very bleeding edge of the margin.

But that's the easy case. The much more interesting theory of the Vance Plan is that of fixing broken incentives. The story goes like this: one feature of democracy, for better or worse, is that it rewards those who show up. If you have no vote (or don't use your vote), you are invisible to democracy, so your wants will be systematically underrepresented. This is why wealthy first-world countries are increasingly gerontocratic in both legislative makeup and resulting policy: old people reliably vote, young people don't, so even with no conspiracy involved, democracy gravitates to favoring the wants of the old. Vance says, hey, children cannot vote, so just as you'd predict, their interests (as a class!) get ignored, so we end up with a legislative landscape that doesn't favor children and makes it harder to raise them.

It makes perfect sense on paper! But I think in the real world it falls apart.

What are the actual bits of legislation and policy which discourage people from having more children? I mean, people can and do argue furiously over this question, but IMO three of the most significant ones are:

NIMBY localist housing policy locking young potential parents out of the housing market

More localist tax and education policy making competition for "good schools" a Red Queen Race which drives up house prices still further, requiring two working parents

Safetyist legislation which, while well-intentioned, is making everything from cars to child care more expensive than it necessarily needs to be

In order to believe that giving parents additional votes will cause a more child-friendly society to emerge via electoral pressure, you have to believe that parents are more likely than non-parents to oppose 1, 2 and 3. And that just... doesn't seem true? At best there's no difference, and to be blunt, I think as a class parents tend to be worse than non-parents on all three. #NotAllParents, of course, there are plenty of people with kids who still want good abundance policy, but averaged over everybody I think it's hard to deny that parenthood tends to push people toward defensive, loss-averting "protect the children" mentalities which, on a global scale, fuck everyone else over. That talking point you constantly see among the Very Online Right that parents are more likely than non-parents to think Beyond Themselves and want to build a stable world for the long term, just seems obviously false to me. Or at least if it is true, it's true in a way which is mostly irrelevant, since these "long-view parents" don't know how to turn those wants into policy which actually achieves them.

Frankly, I think it's easy to envision a world where the Vance Plan makes all policy around child-rearing worse instead of better, and depresses the birth rate even further.

[storiesaplenty]

Principle Price (18+)

John Price x f/Reader

Call of Duty Masterlist

Back to School Masterlist

This has not been proofread. Please enjoy, though.

Warnings: swearing. Unprotected sex. Oral (f receiving) p in v sex.

WC: 432

Gifs does not belong to me. 1st gif belongs to @selinay-04

©️ storiesaplenty 2024: Do not repost or translate my work. This is the only place I post my work.

Summary: You're the new history teacher at the local high school. You were supposed to be shown around the school by VP Garrick, but it was Principal Price who does the tour, ending in your classroom, who gives you a proper welcome to the school.

You're the new teacher, who Principle Price insisted on giving you the tour of the school just a few weeks before school started.

Usually this was be the job of the Vice-Principle Garrick, but he called out sick.

Principle Price couldn't help but put his hand on your low back, which you didn't mind.

You found the older man handsome, and his touch had your stomach fluttering, and he could tell.

He could tell you liked him just by the way you looked at him.

"Come on now, let me show your classroom." He seemed to almost purr as once again directed you towards where he wanted you to go.

Before you knew it, you found yourself sitting on your desk, your skirt hiked, and Principle Price's head was buried between your thighs, his fingers quickly thrusting in and out of your sopping, wet pussy.

You would have been embarrassed at how wet you were, but not with how he is eating you out like you are his last meal.

You grinded your pussy against his face as you came, your head head flung back as you cried out his name, your body continuing to shake from the aftermath of your orgasm, that you didn't seem to care that he stood up quickly, his cock in his hand as he quickly jerked it off, before slamming into your pussy.

Covering your mouth with one hand as you screamed at how long and thick he is.

"Principle Price." You whined as he pushed you onto your back, his hands gripping your hips to fuck into you even harder.

You wrapped your legs around his waist, holding him close to you, so he can barely pull away.

Your pussy started to flutter around his cock, indicating that you were close to finishing.

"That's it. Cum on my cock." He groaned, rutting against you, making you gasp out his name.

A few more thrusts, and you came, your back arching off of your desk, as your nails dug into his biceps.

Price couldn't hold back, he stilled as he grinded his pelvis against yours as he came, filling you to the brim it seems like.

What you didn't know, was that there was a pair of eyes watching the two of you, who couldn't help put smirk as he pulled out his phone to text a few of the other teachers and Vice-Principle what he just saw.

'Guess Price was right about our new hire.' Was the text the science teacher, Mr. MacTavish, sent.

Gym Teacher Riley (18+) - (part 2)

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

deAdder

* * * *

[from Robert B. Hubbell]

Blaming Democrats for losses in 2024 is not helpful, fair, or accurate

I spent much of the day drafting responses to readers who forwarded articles / posts claiming that Democratic losses in 2024 were due to the fact that they had “lost touch” or “alienated” or “failed to listen to” working class voters or male voters. I won’t link to those articles / posts. They are ubiquitous.

The notion that Democrats “failed to listen to” or “lost touch” with the middle and working classes is demonstrably wrong. Virtually every policy promoted by VP Harris was designed to help the middle class, blue-collar workers, and the working poor:

Childcare tax credits, earned income credits for the working poor, lower prescription drug prices, protecting affordable healthcare, increasing the minimum wage, protecting unions and workers’ rights, providing for in-home care for elderly and homebound, subsidizing first-time homebuyers, building affordable housing, student loan forgiveness, prosecuting price gouging, and a middle-class tax cut.

To the extent that the Democrats speak through policies, virtually all Democratic policies seek to improve the lives of the middle class, working class, and working poor. On a policy level, the assertion Democrats “forgot” or “abandoned” the working class is wrong and corrosive.

What, then, is the source of the false notion that Democrats have “forgotten” the working class? I don’t know for certain, but I have a guess. (I invite others to weigh in; I was an English major and a securities litigation lawyer. I claim no expertise in political analysis.)

Many (not all) in the middle and working classes disagree with Democratic support for women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, equal voting rights for Black citizens, and the fight against human-caused climate change. To the extent that Democrats have parted ways with the cultural and social views of many in the working class and middle class, those groups feel “alienated” and “ignored.”

But it is no answer to those feelings of abandonment and alienation to abandon the struggle for full equality for women, LGBTQ rights, voting rights for Black citizens, and protection of the environment.

So, yes, there is a growing gap between Democratic policies on social issues and many (not all) in the middle and working classes, especially males.

Case in point: Despite unprecedented support for unions by Biden and Harris, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters refused to endorse Kamala Harris. The only rational course of action for unions is to support Kamala Harris. Why, then, did the Teamsters refuse to do so?

My belief: A majority of Teamsters—largely male working-class voters—disagreed with Kamala Harris and Democrats on social issues, like women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, Black voting rights, and efforts to fight human-caused climate change.

So, the fiction that Democrats have “ignored” the working and middle classes is wrong on the merits. It is only on social issues at the core of the Democratic Party’s commitment to social justice that there has been a divergence of opinion.

The answer to the above conundrum is not to abandon the social justice values that are at the core of the Democratic Party but to expand the voting base that is the backbone of the party.

If anyone tells you that Democrats lost in 2024 because they “abandoned” the working class, ask them specifically how Democrats did so. Be prepared to list Kamala Harris’s policies designed to improve the lives of the working class. Ask them how extending the GOP tax cut for millionaires and corporations will benefit the working class. Ask them how the GOP plan to kill Obamacare will help the working class. Or how imposing a 10% tariff on all imported goods will help the working class.

The fiction that Democrats “abandoned” the working class is designed to set Democrats against one another. It is beginning to gain traction because gullible media is willingly spreading the lie. Don’t be seduced by the fiction. Democrats must remain loyal to their roots of social justice and dignity for all. It is the right thing to do. It is the only thing to do. Political victory without justice for all would be hollow and bitter. We are better than that.

[Robert B. Hubbell Newsletter]

[elderflowergin]

blood free v secret forest, a quick and dirty comparison:-

As someone who fell for Kdrama through Stranger, i loved it because it appeared seamless, grounded and weaved several systems and levels of privilege very elegantly. Most of all it seemed morally urgent, even if it was at its core a detective mystery. (Which, to be fair, Blood Free is as well.)

Secret Forest’s first success was that it held nuance for everyone in the middle of the road; LSY afforded so much thoughtful shading to those men. I often think they will never look as beautiful as they do on SF, and that’s only partly because of whoever did the lighting etc, but they’re not Kdrama glossy perfect; they’re real people trying to reckon with themselves and the moral calculus they have agreed to, and their dignity comes from the reckoning. Lee Chang-joon, Kang Won-chul, Lee Yeon-jae, even Seo Dong-jae for that matter, all have that advantage. LSY managed this for Jung Sung-il in the scant few minutes of screen time he had.

The second success was Cho Seung-woo and Bae Doona. If Secret Forest was a universe they were its gravitational field; it was their fierce sense of honour and morality that drives both seasons. And their moral decency is hard-won; it is tested constantly, and it’s burnished at each opportunity, which is why they are respected. It is a dream that people like that can influence or impact those around them, but you don’t question that they do, by the end of each season, and that’s the victory of writing, casting and the charisma of both leads.

That’s why that funeral scene in season 1 is so important (to me); it shows the gravity shifting. The prosecutors rely on their forest of secrets to keep the centre together, but Hwang Si-mok demonstrates how untenable this has become, how the roots must be pulled out so the weeds die; so new healthy things can grow. The chaebols are at the periphery, and they continue to be there because, most audaciously of all, they don’t matter if enough people shift their moral calculus. I think this gravitational pull happens to Lee Chang-joon in season 1 thanks to Hwang Si-mok and it happens to Choi Bit in season 2 thanks to Han Yeo-jin. They are easily some of the most powerful parts of the show.

On the other hand, we have Blood Free. I’m not sure who the moral gravitational field of this show is meant to be. Maybe it’s Yun Ja-yu and/or Woo Chae-woon. Maybe it’s Lee Mu-saeng. Maybe it’s about the ethical dilemma of experimentation and whether that’s a worthwhile price to pay for the scientific advancements in cultured meat and seafood. Perhaps we need more time to really see the middle of the road characters, but four episodes in there’s not much to go on: there’s Lee Mu-saeng, there’s Queen Dowager as a VP, here’s Jeon Seok-ho. There are three chaebols, all of whom seem like one-note characters to me. (Why ask a talented sketch artist to produce cartoons like these? Unless they’re not, but nothing seems to suggest otherwise.)

The most interesting insight from episode 4 was about Yun Jayu - when offered 72 trillion won for her company, she actually considers it because it means she doesn’t have to face investors and can focus on research. She has influence and money but these are means to an end, for her. I wish we could see more of that, and not necessarily through exposition alone.

When she gives deft, cool answers to reporters, did that come naturally to her or did she work at it? Is she the face of the company because she hated it a little less than Lee Mu-saeng did? If so, why? What comparative advantage did they determine she had? When she wears Chanel tweed skirts and smiles her way through presentations, is that a natural extension of her work or is that a mask she wears? Give me process, guys! Give us the backstory, the way the markets work, the environment for cutting-edge bio research in Korea, the reaction of Big Meat, the interplay of new rich and old rich, some indication of her actual influence (which must be considerably more than what we see on the show, although what little we see, while uncomfortable, is frankly not that inconceivable in a world where you’re constantly connected.) I am so interested in her, and yet I feel I am made to watch the story of her reacting to chaebols and to the mystery of corporate sabotage rather than her being the fulcrum of her own universe. And at no point does the mystery seem morally urgent to me, and it’s because 1) why does it matter if all this is is a giant M&A negotiation 2) why should we care if it doesn’t feel real to us? So what if there’s sabotage? Why on earth isn’t this company guarded like fucking Fort Knox? Why is this company ostensibly so influential, so powerful and yet capable of unusually amateurish errors that are the centre of the show so far and not on the periphery of it? Where is the moral quandary that is meant to grab us by the throat?

Is it a question of the writing? Have her interests shifted and did she want to do a show without having to do too much character work? If anyone has earned a vibes-only moment it’s Lee Soo-yeon, and I respect that for her. I hope the direction isn’t stifling the writing, because that means there is an arresting, politically trenchant drama underneath this dry procedural, and that’s upsetting to consider. We still have a ways to go and I think there is potential, but I have to remind myself not to expect something like SF, that maybe you can’t bottle that formula. That it’s the gold standard for a reason. But honestly, Disney, in the words of TikTok star imo_unusual, you’ve made this show like God was dozing off when the angels were working, now RELEASE US (and LSY writernim)

[mugiwara-lucy]

So as we all know MAGA have been bitching about not being able to afford “gas and groceries” which is why they’re so gung ho on our favorite 34 time convicted felon returning to the White House. Now when asked how he would remedy that problem (even though our Economy is literally BOOMING), this was what he said:

This is my reaction:

Now let’s just imagine what would happen IF he actually did that. That would raise prices on coffee, avocados, pineapples, bananas, and tomatoes, among many others and people would go HUNGRY.

Not to mention, don’t forget, after he’s elected he has said NUMEROUS times he would enact the “largest deportation in American History” and if all the immigrants are gone….who’s going to be working the crops? How many of us wants to do that work? Let’s be honest? And MAGA and Republicans are too lazy so again this will cause HUNGER.

Now all of us likeminded people NOT from MAGA already know this but it is now apparent that the “booming Economy” he and his cultists brag about is OBAMA’S economy that he inherited which he took just like when his lame ass copied Reese Witherspoon’s speech and his equally useless wife copied Michelle Obama’s speech. And here’s a fun fact; before COVID hit according to economists we were about to go into a pretty nasty recession.:

And when he says he’s going to treat the economy like his businesses be VERY afraid since here’s a record of all his failed ventures:

Notice he has a CASINO go bankrupt! A FUCKING CASINO!! HOW do you mess THAT up?! They are LITERALLY designed to rake in money.

Remember to register to vote HERE:

And please check your registration daily and with the recent events in Ohio caused by lies from him, his VP lackey and Laura Looner; PLEASE try to vote EARLY and even do Mail in Ballots! The deadlines to register to vote as well as early voting and mail in ballots are down below👇 ESPECIALLY Becuase I have NO DOUBT they will try to call in bomb threats like they have in Springfield, Ohio.

Let’s all be done with this clown ONCE and for all!!

[colocrossing]

VPS stands for Virtual Private Server. It’s a type of hosting where a physical server is divided into multiple virtual servers, each operating independently with its own dedicated resources. What is VPS? Though multiple VPS instances share the same physical machine, each is isolated and functions like a standalone VPS server.

Think of it like living in an apartment building (the server): you have your own unit (VPS) with dedicated resources—CPU, RAM, storage—and your neighbors can’t access or affect your environment.

So, when someone asks: “What is a VPS?” or “What is VPS hosting?”, the simple answer is: a virtual private server  offers more control, performance, and flexibility than shared hosting, without the high cost of a dedicated server .

[mezzy-1]

A Bunch of WHOLESOME Valorant Headcanons

Damn I shoulda posted these a week ago but here goes. Also thank you to @eviethelesbian for coming up with the prompt. Gotta give credit yknow.

Neon

Is always challenging people to race her or beat her in some way.  Competitive as hell but just likes the thrill of it

Misses her old home, but brought a lot of her mementos along and has a story behind every one of them in her room

She’s worried about her powers acting up, but Sage and Reyna helping her out has given her a little more confidence.  She’s grateful to both of them

Sleeps like a rock after a hard day, to the point where it's usually impossible to wake her and not get shocked in the process

Has big sister energy with most of the other young agents and lightly teases them if they lose to her.  Always lets people rechallenge her and may or may not let them win 

Complete menace to the fridge because of the calories she burns running so fast, but shares the food she preps.  

Gets excited when she meets dogs and will absolutely lose her mind if someone lets her pet their dog

Brimstone

Despite being the leader and ex-military he’s not really harsh on any of the younger agents

They still hate him for the PT he makes them do, especially because he knows how to bring out the best of them.  

Usually it's reminding them about not letting someone close to them down, but other times it’s about proving themself

A lot of personal records have been set thanks to Brimstone, but the aches and pains from intense exercise are the price of hard work

He is always there for agents when they have self doubt or regret.  A hand on their shoulder, giving them some time to themselves, or a quick story from his ‘younger days’ that manages to provide some guidance

Him and KAYO sometimes take a few extra minutes after a briefing to go over ‘potential strategies’ or ‘advanced tactics’ but everyone knows it's for them to talk about something pleasant before getting back to work.  

When agents return from a successful mission and are unharmed, the look on his face is of pure relief

Killjoy

A lot of her ideas come from something someone says or suggests, she’s always listening to people intently because of this

The chicken design on the turret was in reference to a chicken she kept after her school did one of those agriculture/biology programs.  She named it ‘Gelbie’ and the turret shares the name.

She may build her gadgets, but she prefers to have people weigh in on the colors (hence Raze helping her out a lot).  She lets people pick out some of the colors of things

She’s the tech support for a lot of people and likes using it as an excuse to get to know people.  Also has left notes for people who don’t understand tech as well, signed with little doodles 

Can and will outdrink other agents, and loves dragging people to go clubbing.  If whoever she brings isn’t the most social, she’ll keep close if they need it and encourage them to try dancing with someone

Huge nerd for everything and somehow part of every fandom.  Will definitely rewatch or replay things with fellow agents.  Enjoys talking about the nerdiest stuff with anyone 

While working for Kingdom, she’d hack the coffee machines and vending machines to spit out free drinks for her favorite coworkers.

Absolutely loves her jacket, and it was a gift from one of her friends back in Germany and she does her best to keep it in the best condition she can, despite the firefights

If an agent is a little shaken from the last fight, she’ll lay her jacket on them if they need it or if they’re sleeping.  She sees it as extending a bit of good luck.

Blushed a lot when Raze joined the VP and stayed up late to help her with any kind of work.  She’d make excuses for it too and try to avoid letting people see how red her face was.  It made it even more obvious

Deadlock

Didn’t realize how serious she seemed at first and used to scare some of the younger agents, much to the amusement of Viper.  Apologized a lot after she realized it

Has moments where she drops her formality and everyone kinda stops what they’re doing.  When she isn’t restraining herself to monotone or quiet it’s really noticeable

Nobody knew she could laugh at first but it came out once.  It’s one of those really loud and tearful ones that she can barely breathe through.  Borderline snorting laugh

On occasion she’ll tell people how they remind her of her ‘sisters’ 

Will sit in with the other agents while they watch dramas and whatever else, despite her obvious confusion.  

Is blunt, but tells people what they need to hear to get things done.  Never leaves any room for miscommunication or anxiety at all

Understanding and observant with the other agents, and is often able to bring an element of calm to tense situations

Kept the tags of her Staljaeger unit and has them in a locked box in her room, along with a group photo

Enjoys doing her weapon maintenance because she can sort of lose herself in the work, but doesn’t mind doing it with others

Wears a ton of sweaters, like absolutely lives in those ultra-comfortable ones that are constantly warm

Gekko (+ Wingman)

Wingman will grab people’s hands and try to lead them to things.  It’s always the fridge cause he isn’t tall enough to reach the handles

Wingy will bring things to his favorite people, and most of the time its things from Chamber’s room cause of how shiny they are

Neon loves that Wingman steals from Chamber and lets him into Chamber’s room for the hell of it

If asked to grab things by anyone other than Gekko, he brings the wrong item most of the time.  Cypher once asked for a soldering iron and Wingman brought back a minifridge that let cans and food everywhere

Dizzy passively floats in Gekko’s room like a helium balloon and is usually found on the ceiling.  All curled up and sleeping like a cat.

Thrash will follow a laser pointer around and yes there’s a video of it 

Gekko may not have a lot of battlefield experience but he’s always ready to charge in to save someone.  

He also gets along great with everyone by keeping things light and throwing compliments around.  Phoenix and him brighten up a room, and behave like brothers

Loves having dinner with the protocol, it feels like the dinners his familia would have 

Will attempt to do challenges from the internet with other agents.  Most of the duelists are usually game but getting Brimstone to try something makes his day

Discussed working with the protocol with his mom before leaving, and sends her little postcards from the places he’s visited.  The radivores sign them with paw prints

Will help people dye their hair no questions asked and knows all the places to get tattoos and dye in LA.  Loves showing his home to the agents.

Loves getting together with people and hitting up food trucks, doesn’t matter what kind of food either

Protocol Wide Headcanon

One time someone (Neon or Jett take ur pick) put a Jalapeno in someone’s (Harbor’s) food as a prank.  When he ate it no problem, that’s when some other agents chimed in saying that Jalapenos aren’t spicy.

This began a debate as to what is and isn’t considered spicy, and to test their theories more chiles, peppers, and habaneros were eaten.

This led to almost the entire protocol having a contest to see who could eat the spiciest food.  A lot of people were either trying to prove a point or show how tough they were

It got so heated that Brimstone stepped in, and decided to make a point as to who knows spicy food the best

He made a chili the next night that had people turning red, downing milk and chewing ice, and generally rolling around in pain

Undiluted spice hell

Brim said he used a family recipe and that nobody would ever be able to handle the chili his grandpa came up with

Viper had poured straight capsaicin into the chili the night before, she just wanted to stop the contest and since capsaicin is a neurotoxin she had a ton of it lying around

Brim still thinks it was his cooking

Now from time to time, small contests of spice tolerance break out over dinner but not enough to get the attention of the higher ups, fear of the chili haunts them

[kay0783]

I prefer to keep this account separate from politics, just for the sake of mental health and being able to have something that is fun and not serious. However, I really am genuinely confused as to wtf happened tonight in the election.

I was so confident that it would be close and that Harris/Waltz would win in a landslide. Nope. In fact, they lost in a landslide.

I'm having trouble understanding how a CONVICTION FELON who incited an insurrection on the Capitol, threatening to overturn the very right that each civilian in this country (and that was fought for by the Civil Rights Movement and Suffragette movement), which led to multiple people being killed, a shock to the nation, etc. is now back in the very office he was so dedicated to ruining.

As far as I've seen, and from what I've kept up with, he only has *concepts* of a plan. In a country that is so vital in the world and that indirectly affects other nations, you CANNOT have C O N C E P T S of a plan!!! People are struggling to survive, us college students are struggling to get by with the hundreds of thousands of dollars we racked up in debt in order to get an education. Children are years behind in reading levels, education funding keeps getting cut, abortion rights are at stake (regardless of whether or not politicians say they do not plan on banning abortion), lgbtq+ lives will be affected, minority lives will be affected, etc.

What are the plans for Medicare/Medicaid? What healthcare system do you have in mind? How can the middle and working class be relieved of the price gouging and inflation that makes them struggle to pay rent/bills? Our food is basically poisoned, Americans are still dealing with the aftermath of two major hurricanes, mothers and infants are dying at an increased rate after the abortion bans in certain states, the foster care system is STILL screwed, children are STILL being killed in school, Russia wants Ukraine for whatever reason, North Korea is blowing up roads to South Korea for some reason, and for some reason Israel is commiting a genocide in Palestine still. And much MUCH more.

How do you NOT include policies that you plan to enact in your speech? I listened to it all. Family was introduced, a woman I've never heard of was introduced, the future VP talked, some bald guy talked, and there was little to NOTHING SPECIFIC about the policies for this country?!?? There was talk about keeping the promise from the first term. What were those promises? The border wall? What were they? It was never repeated. Then there was rambling about Russia and China. Why speak upon them first, especially when you only have *concepts* of a plan?!?! What about those concerned about the bomb threats? Even though there were no bombs, there was nothing addressed about the fact that someone was trying to intimidate Americans from performing their civic duty (at least from what I heard). Did you comfort them? Encourage them to stay in the polls and make sure their voices are heard? And what about the cheating claims in Philly? It was hardly after PA started returning results!! It's a repeat of the past--claiming fraud because you didn't win in that area.

And the attacks on Harris and how she let people out of jail. Now there's a convicted felon in the office. And what about the economy? It was worse due to the pandemic, which was highly politicized and resulted in so many preventable deaths. At least Harris has a plan. Not just concepts.

To say that I am disappointed is an understatement. Bewildered is more like it. Again, I try to keep this one social media account away from politics, but me and everyone on my dorm building floor were in shock. We know nothing about future policies that will be heading our way. We're confused.

[daycourtofficial]

BREAKING NEWS: Atlas Vanserra Creates Jobs, Fulfils Campaign Promise Ahead of Polls

Prythian: ‘The People’s Prince’ and crowd favourite contender for the 2024 Presidential Elections, Atlas Vanserra (02), the youngest presidential nominee has already begun fulfilling his campaign promise of solving the unemployment crisis. Vanserra, pictured below conferring with his future VP Pumpkin Vanserra (02) between public appearances, has brought a whole slew of previously unemployed or underemployed people into the workforce for their expertise in “baby talk.”A panel of linguists, speech specialists, and parents have been added to virtually every news outlet in town (with the exception of Fox and co, who already had them) and everyone from cat owners to older siblings have been hired as consultants. “I never thought I’d be able to do this,” said a young mother who wishes to remain anonymous, “I got married so young - right after I learned to read and write too - I had no experience or references, no understanding of the job market - and I love being a mother so I’m glad I’m getting paid to do just that.” Many parents of young children, who may have been struggling with the cost of living crisis, income insecurity, rent hikes etc, have found a saviour in Vanserra. “I was a little sceptical at first,” says Tom, a software engineering graduate from Stanford, “I was like, I got the employable degree and still got replaced by AI, what’s a baby gonna do, babble? Turns out, yeah!” Tom has had to move in with his long time girlfriend’s parents to better provide for their infant son as rent prices go up and home ownership remains a pipe dream. “We saved up to get married, we saved up to buy a house. We planned for our baby - we knew it was a big undertaking - but then I lost my job and I was working any minimum wage job I could find so my girl didn’t have to worry about nothing… at one point we considered other options but we had none, and prenatal care is so expensive… it was a nightmare. I’m glad that the public have started caring for mothers and babies postpartum though.”

So how has Vanserra helped? The vested interest in translating the nominee’s speeches has not only employed parents, but secured parents of young children stipends for their cooperation in helping researchers study child behaviour in a non invasive environment. “It’s not just videos or observations,” says a lead scientist with the Babble Initiative, “parents spend all of their time watching children, their wealth of knowledge is priceless. Given how often other animals mimic babies - like cats - we’ve been able to decentralise our input sources. We’re not looking at languages or fiction alone, but trying to ascertain if there are commonalities in these vocalisations. Essentially, if there is a baby language.” Fields like anthropology, archaeology, primatology etc have also received much attention and funding as fascinated patrons realise just how much goes into “understanding what we should but don’t.” “I thought it was just digging,” an anonymous donor remarks “but these guys are tracing language back centuries, connecting history with the present - I was thinking how I used to be a baby once and should understand one, you know? That’s what got me hooked.”

Many wonder if the arts will finally get the respect they deserve as more and more people recognise the important work critics, historians, and especially students do in interpreting, indexing, and interacting with media and information of all kinds. Atlas Vanserra’s manifesto, a 17 page document of artistic impressions, was deciphered by a team of artists - including writers, literary critics, art hostorians etc - after three months of rigorous study. “Several independent readings exist in the mainstream and experts disagree on exactly what each blob means, but that’s part of the work - and I hope it’s at least become clear to all that it is - as a matter of fact - a lot of work!” said a graduate student when asked why Project Demanifest is important today. “Media literacy is dead and intellectualism is dying. I didn’t know what change would look like but it definitely wasn’t an adorable ginger baby, but I’m so glad it’s not another tangerine.”

The People’s Prince has not yet secured the Presidency, and it is unclear at this stage if he will. Though a fan favourite, many have wondered if Atlas is just a fresh new fad the public is obsessed with than a valid contender. “I don’t think it matters,” said an ‘Atlas Truther’ “A democracy is only valid insofar as the people believe the ones in power will act in their best interests. I can’t say that with a good conscience right now, and I’m sure that’s true for a lot of others. When a toddler has a record of fewer tantrums than other contenders - shouldn’t that be a wake up call? People like to call us baby brained anarchists for wanting Atlas to win. I disagree. If a baby can win an election that’s a problem. If the baby has you thinking he should win the election, that’s also a problem. At least Atlas is cute and apathetic to monetary bribes.” Regardless of if we are set to have the youngest president to date, one cannot ignore how easily the youngling was able to affect and enact changes that the last several presidencies have been unable to do - before even coming into power. Atlas has raised the bar, let’s hope this becomes the standard. •

I am 100% invested in this political thriller of a baby becoming president

This ask is why ask boxes were invented

[ctrlserversblogsposts]

Dedicated server Germany

How to Find a Cheap Dedicated Server in Germany Without Compromising Quality

So you’ve decided to go all in with a dedicated server Germany, but there’s a catch: you’re working with a tight budget. Maybe you're running a growing business, an online store, or even just a personal project, and you don’t want to throw your hard-earned cash at a service that’s overpriced.

Here’s the thing—while it’s true that dedicated servers are generally more expensive than shared hosting or VPS (Virtual Private Servers), Germany is home to some excellent hosting providers that offer affordable options. The key is to find a cheap dedicated server that doesn’t compromise on quality.

In this post, I’ll break down exactly how you can find that perfect balance of affordability and performance. From understanding your hosting needs to comparing providers, we’ll cover everything you need to get the most bang for your buck.

Why Choose a Dedicated Server in Germany?

Before diving into the search for the best deal, let’s talk about why Germany is such a solid choice for hosting your server.

Germany is known for its strong tech infrastructure and high-speed internet connections, making it a great location for businesses targeting European customers. Whether you’re in Frankfurt, Berlin, or another major city, you’ll benefit from Germany's reliable data centers and excellent connectivity. Plus, Germany has some of the strictest data protection laws in the world, which is a big win if you're running a business that handles sensitive customer information. So, if you're looking for security and fast speeds, Germany is a top choice.

Now that we’ve covered why Germany is a great place to host, let’s look at how to find a cheap dedicated server without giving up the good stuff!

Step 1: Understand Your Needs—What Are You Looking for in a Dedicated Server?

Alright, first things first. You need to understand exactly what you’re going to use your server for. Are you hosting a website? Running a game server? Or maybe you need the extra power for large-scale data processing?

Here are some things to consider when looking for a dedicated server in Germany:

Performance Requirements: Do you need a super powerful server with loads of RAM and CPU power, or is a more basic setup enough for your needs? If you’re running a small blog or a start-up website, you don’t need the most expensive server out there.

Bandwidth and Storage: How much bandwidth do you expect to use? Do you need large amounts of disk storage for data-heavy applications? If you’re running an e-commerce store, for example, you’ll likely need more storage and faster speeds.

Scalability: What if your business starts to grow? You’ll want a hosting plan that allows you to scale easily without upgrading to a whole new server.

Support and Uptime: Support matters a lot, so look for a provider that offers 24/7 customer service, especially if you're new to dedicated hosting. Also, check their uptime guarantee—nobody wants a server that’s constantly down.

Step 2: Compare Providers and Their Offerings

Now that you’ve figured out your needs, it’s time to compare different hosting providers in Germany. Don’t just go with the first one you see. Take the time to look around, and here’s how to make sure you’re getting the best deal:

Look for Transparent Pricing

Some providers might lure you in with super low prices but hit you with hidden fees later on. Always check for clear and transparent pricing. Ensure that any additional costs (like setup fees or overage charges) are laid out upfront.

Check Reviews and Reputation

This is like checking Yelp reviews before going to a restaurant. Do your research—look for reviews and testimonials from customers who have used the provider. Are they happy with the speed? Is the customer support responsive? Sites like TrustPilot, Reddit, and even social media can give you real-world insights into the hosting experience.

Look for Discounts or Special Offers

Many hosting providers offer promotional discounts, especially if you commit to longer-term contracts (like a year or more). Keep an eye out for these deals—just make sure the price stays consistent after the promo period ends.

Step 3: Make Sure You're Not Sacrificing Performance for Cost

A cheap dedicated server doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance. It’s easy to get caught up in the price tag, but make sure you’re not getting stuck with a slow, unreliable server. Here are a few things to check:

Processor Speed

Look for servers with a decent CPU, especially if you’re running resource-heavy applications. You don’t need the latest i9 processor, but make sure the CPU can handle your needs.

RAM and Storage

Don’t go too low on RAM—8GB is usually the minimum for most modern applications, but you may need more if you're running a larger site. As for storage, try to go with an SSD for faster read/write speeds.

Bandwidth Limits

Some providers offer unmetered bandwidth, which is a game-changer for businesses with unpredictable traffic spikes. This means you won’t get slapped with overage charges if you go over a certain data threshold.

Step 4: Look for Hidden Deals—Think Long-Term Savings

When searching for a cheap dedicated server in Germany, it’s important to think long-term. Here’s how to make sure you’re not overpaying:

Commitment Offers

Many providers offer discounts for long-term contracts, especially if you commit to a year or more. If you’re planning on sticking around, this can save you a significant chunk of change. Just make sure you’re confident in the provider before locking in a long-term contract.

Consider Managed Hosting

If you’re not super tech-savvy, managed hosting might seem like an extra expense, but it can actually save you money in the long run. With managed hosting, the provider takes care of server maintenance, updates, and security, which means you don’t have to hire an external team to manage it.

Step 5: Test the Provider's Customer Support

Before signing the deal, it’s essential to test the customer support of your potential host. You don’t want to be left in the dark when something goes wrong. So reach out to their support team with a simple question and see how fast they respond and how helpful they are.

Pro Tip: If they can’t get back to you quickly or seem unhelpful, consider looking for another provider. Support is everything when it comes to hosting!

Conclusion: Get the Most Bang for Your Buck with a Quality Cheap Dedicated Server

To sum it all up, finding a cheap dedicated server in Germany that doesn’t skimp on quality is all about doing your homework. Start by clearly understanding your hosting needs, comparing different providers, and looking for hidden deals or discounts. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and always test out the customer service before making a commitment.

Remember: just because something’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s bad. With the right approach, you can find a dedicated server that delivers on performance, reliability, and security—all without breaking the bank.

FAQ

What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a cheap dedicated server in Germany? When looking for a cheap dedicated server in Germany, it’s crucial to consider your server's performance requirements, bandwidth, and storage needs. Additionally, ensure that the provider offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees and provides reliable customer support. You’ll want a server that balances affordability with the resources necessary to run your website smoothly, especially in terms of CPU, RAM, and SSD storage.

Can I get a high-quality dedicated server in Germany for a budget-friendly price? Yes, you can! Finding a high-quality dedicated server in Germany that fits your budget is absolutely possible. Look for hosting providers offering discounts on long-term contracts, as well as unmetered bandwidth options. Comparing multiple hosting services, checking for promotional deals, and reading customer reviews can help you identify providers that offer solid performance without charging premium prices.

How can I ensure that a cheap dedicated server in Germany offers reliable performance? To ensure reliable performance from a cheap dedicated server, prioritize providers that offer SSD storage, decent CPU specs, and unmetered bandwidth. Also, verify their uptime guarantees (99.9% or higher is ideal) and check customer feedback to ensure they consistently provide high-speed connections and dependable service.

Are there hidden fees when purchasing a cheap dedicated server in Germany? Many hosting providers may charge hidden fees, so it's important to read the fine print. Some common additional costs include setup fees, overage charges for bandwidth, or even additional support costs. Always ensure the provider clearly lists all pricing details before committing to avoid surprises.

What are the benefits of choosing a dedicated server over shared hosting in Germany? Choosing a dedicated server in Germany offers several benefits over shared hosting. With a dedicated server, you get more control, higher security, and better performance. Your website will have its own resources, meaning no other websites will slow it down. This makes it ideal for businesses or high-traffic websites needing consistent and fast performance.