Still living with unsecured internet? Lock it down with NordVPN — just $3 a month
Want to get rid of "The Man" constantly looking over your digital shoulder? A VPN is the answer. It keeps your browsing private and your connection secure, whether you're firing up your laptop from the local coffee shop or streaming Netflix overseas. And according to Yahoo's own tech guru Rick Broida, NordVPN is the crème de la crème. That's French for the best overall (I think. I haven't studied French since high school). And right now you can get it for 77% off — just $3/month.
Related: The best VPN services to protect your privacy
One of Rick's only complaints about NordVPN was its expensive price point. Well, that issue is as gone as targeted ads thanks to this current sale: 77% off the 2-year plan plus three bonus months, bringing the price down to just $3.09/month. That's way better than the standard $11.59/month rate. To put it another way: Over the course of 27 months, you're saving close to $230. Not bad for something that protects your identity and makes the entire internet just a little safer.
Because the internet's basically a nosy neighbor peeking through the blinds 24/7. NordVPN is like slamming the curtains shut. It keeps your info private, your browsing history yours and blocks the kind of tracking that makes you feel like you're being followed. It's not just for spies and hackers — it's for anyone who'd rather not have their digital life on display.
It's not just for blocking ads, either. If you've ever checked your bank account using public Wi-Fi, you've put yourself at risk. Checked your email? Yep. Even ordered a pair of shoes while sipping coffee? Guilty.
Bottom line: If you've done any of those things or just hate how creepy targeted ads can be, a VPN is worth having. And at this price? NordVPN kind of makes it a no-brainer.
According to a study by security.org, NordVPN is the most popular VPN in the world. Here's what some users are saying about it.
NordVPN doesn't keep any data about its users, something that some reviewers like this one really appreciate. "Good buy, price was low. Love the no-log security," they said. "Very fast servers, barely notice any lag when connecting to European servers. U.S. servers are even faster."
"Good deal for a good VPN!" praised another five-star reviewer, who was happy with Nord's internet speeds. "Very fast, lots of servers. No complaints. I use it 24/7 on my phone and on my TV. I'm streaming YouTube and Netflix, and it never goes slow on me."
Another happy customer summed up one reason why they love NordVPN with one word: "Versatility — I use the NordVPN application on my desktop, laptop, phone, and tablet."
If you're expecting the fastest internet you can get, just know that using a VPN will slow you down, like it did for this reviewer: "I expected a performance cost for the VPN encryption, no big deal. For me, it's about a 100 Mbps reduction in network speed. This creates annoying delays in connecting to websites and navigating web pages."
You can't have too much protection when online, though for some it felt a bit overbearing. "It checks every file I download, which is nice, but the little pop-up telling me it's safe every time I download something is a bit much."
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Upturn
28 minutes ago
- Business Upturn
Inside Nala Cat's Multi-Million Dollar Pet Influencer Empire — The Untold Breakdown of Her Business Model and Income Streams
In the competitive and ever-growing U.S. pet influencer market, very few animals have achieved the level of global recognition and commercial success that Nala Cat enjoys. With millions of followers across multiple platforms and a Guinness World Record as the most-followed cat on Instagram, Nala is not just a cute internet presence — she is a full-scale business entity. Her rise from shelter cat to multi-million dollar brand is more than a feel-good story; it is a living example of how strategic brand building, diversified revenue streams, and expert management can turn an influencer — even a feline one — into a thriving commercial empire. For marketers, entrepreneurs, and social media enthusiasts, the Nala Cat business model offers valuable insights into monetisation strategy, influencer-brand partnerships, and the unique economics of the U.S. pet celebrity market. While her personality and charm are the foundation, Nala's financial success stems from a well-planned monetisation strategy. Her income is not reliant on a single platform or trend; instead, it spans brand collaborations, product lines, licensing deals, publishing, event appearances, and multiple channels of social media revenue. This breadth of income streams has allowed her to weather changes in platform algorithms and audience engagement patterns while maintaining steady growth in the U.S. influencer economy. Deep Dive into Nala Cat's Revenue Ecosystem The Nala Cat business model is built on diversification. Her income sources include high-value brand sponsorships, a thriving merchandise and e-commerce line, strategic licensing agreements, publishing ventures, paid event appearances, affiliate marketing, and platform-based monetisation. In the U.S. influencer market, such diversification is essential to long-term success because it spreads financial risk and maximises opportunities for growth. For a pet influencer with Nala's reach — over four million Instagram followers alone — brand sponsorships can command rates of $8,000 to $15,000 per post, depending on the scope of work and deliverables. These figures align with top-tier U.S. influencer rates, especially within niche markets like pet lifestyle and care. Beyond sponsored posts, her direct-to-consumer brand, most notably her premium cat food line 'Love, Nala,' generates revenue through both retail distribution and online sales. This product line alone has attracted significant investment, with reports indicating millions raised from venture capital firms and consumer goods investors. Merchandising, book royalties, licensing royalties, and platform-based ad revenue further round out her earnings. Together, these streams form a robust and balanced income ecosystem, ensuring that Nala's business remains resilient even if one channel experiences fluctuations. Brand Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships in the U.S. Market Brand partnerships form one of the largest and most visible components of Nala Cat's monetisation strategy. Over the years, she has collaborated with a wide range of companies — from pet food brands and grooming products to lifestyle and tech companies seeking to tap into the highly engaged pet owner demographic. These collaborations are more than one-off sponsored posts; they often involve multi-post campaigns, cross-platform promotion, and co-branded product launches. For U.S. companies, partnering with Nala offers access to an audience that is both large and loyal. Contracts may include usage rights for Nala's images in marketing campaigns, exclusivity clauses to protect brand integrity, and performance bonuses tied to engagement or sales. Co-branded product partnerships, where Nala's image or branding appears directly on packaging, provide additional revenue through royalties or fixed licensing fees. In some cases, these partnerships extend to charitable collaborations, supporting animal welfare causes while boosting brand goodwill. Nala Cat Merchandise and E-Commerce Strategy Merchandising is a key pillar of the Nala Cat business model, allowing her brand to directly monetise her fanbase. The official Nala Cat online store offers an array of products, from apparel and accessories to home décor and pet care items, all featuring her distinctive likeness. This direct-to-consumer model gives her team control over pricing, marketing, and product design, ensuring a consistent brand experience. The U.S. e-commerce strategy leverages both limited-edition drops and evergreen products. Limited runs create urgency and encourage immediate purchases, while staple products ensure steady sales year-round. With many items designed to appeal to both cat lovers and general consumers, the merchandise line also serves as a form of brand advocacy — every product sold becomes a physical extension of Nala's online presence. Given her strong emotional connection with fans, merchandising becomes more than just a sales channel; it is a way to deepen brand loyalty. Customers purchasing Nala-branded items are buying into a lifestyle and a community, not just a product. Licensing and Intellectual Property Management Licensing deals allow Nala Cat's brand to reach beyond her own e-commerce platforms and social media accounts. By licensing her name and likeness, her team enables third-party manufacturers and distributors to produce and sell Nala-branded goods. These can include calendars, greeting cards, clothing lines, pet accessories, and more. In the U.S. market, licensing agreements typically involve either a royalty — a percentage of each product sold — or a flat licensing fee. For an established influencer brand like Nala's, royalties may range between 5% and 15% of net sales, creating a stream of passive income that continues even when she is not actively producing content. Licensing also enhances brand recognition. By appearing in retail environments and consumer products, Nala remains visible to potential new fans while reinforcing her presence with existing followers. This long-term exposure contributes to brand stability and market influence. Publishing and Media Ventures Publishing is another component of the Nala Cat business model, bringing her brand into bookstores, gift shops, and online retailers. Her books, such as 'Living Your Best Life According to Nala Cat' and other titles, combine her image with inspirational or entertaining content, appealing to both pet lovers and casual readers. In the U.S., book royalties typically range from 10% to 15% of net sales, and successful titles can generate substantial income over time. Beyond books, media appearances — from morning television shows to online interviews — contribute indirectly to monetisation by boosting brand awareness and opening new partnership opportunities. While some appearances are unpaid promotional opportunities, others, especially those tied to commercial events or brand sponsorships, can involve appearance fees. Social Media Monetisation Across Platforms Social media revenue remains at the core of Nala Cat's business operations. On Instagram, her largest platform, monetisation comes primarily from branded content deals, as the platform itself does not offer direct ad revenue sharing. However, Instagram's shopping features and affiliate link capabilities allow her to drive sales directly from posts and stories. On YouTube, Nala's team can earn from pre-roll and mid-roll ads through the platform's AdSense program, as well as sponsored video integrations. While YouTube revenue depends heavily on views and watch time, a well-optimised channel can generate a steady income stream. TikTok offers additional monetisation through its Creator Fund, brand partnerships, and sponsored challenges, while Facebook provides opportunities through in-stream ads and fan subscriptions. By maintaining an active presence across multiple platforms, Nala's team can maximise brand reach and revenue potential. Cross-promotion between platforms also ensures that engagement remains strong, even as individual social media algorithms evolve. Event Appearances and Public Engagement Although much of Nala Cat's brand presence is online, in-person appearances play a strategic role in her monetisation strategy. She has been featured at pet expos, adoption events, and brand-sponsored pop-ups across the U.S. These appearances not only strengthen fan relationships but can also generate direct income through appearance fees or sponsorship arrangements. In the U.S., celebrity pet appearances are often sponsored by brands seeking to draw traffic to events. These sponsorships can cover travel, accommodations, and a negotiated fee, making them a profitable and high-impact marketing activity for both the influencer and the partner brand. Behind the Scenes: Team Structure and Business Operations Running a multi-million dollar pet influencer brand requires more than a social media account and a camera. Nala Cat's success is backed by a professional team that manages everything from brand deals to order fulfillment. This team may include talent managers or agents, public relations specialists, photographers and videographers, e-commerce operations managers, and accountants. Professional management ensures that opportunities are maximised and risks are minimised. Contracts are negotiated with attention to long-term brand health, content is produced at a professional standard, and operations are streamlined for efficiency. In the competitive U.S. influencer market, such infrastructure is essential for scaling a personal brand into a sustainable business. A Unique Angle Nobody Talks About One of the lesser-discussed aspects of the Nala Cat business model is her broader impact on the U.S. pet economy. By championing adoption — she herself was adopted from a shelter — Nala indirectly supports animal welfare organisations and encourages her followers to consider rescue animals. This advocacy has a ripple effect on adoption rates, shelter donations, and public awareness. This article is intended solely for informational and editorial purposes. It does not constitute endorsement or promotion of any artificial intelligence technology. Business Upturn makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided.
CNBC
28 minutes ago
- CNBC
Here are Friday's biggest analyst calls: Nvidia, Apple, Tesla, Netflix, Target, Birkenstock, Dell, Cisco, Applied Materials & more
Here are Friday's biggest calls on Wall Street. Morgan Stanley reiterates Apple as overweight Morgan Stanley says Apple shares appear to be "turning a corner." "We are turning more bullish – forward iPhone unit/revenue growth expectations are still relatively muted, many of the same factors that got us bullish last July remain, we're past peak tariff risk..." Morgan Stanley reiterates Nvidia as overweight The firm said Nvidia's Rubin chip is on track and that investors should remain calm. "The chips and their system design should be finalized next March, with the chip entering mass production in 2Q26, followed by server racks ramp in 3Q26. So it appears there will be no delay to the Rubin schedule, despite some investor concerns." HSBC downgrades Cisco to hold from buy HSBC downgraded the stock following earnings earlier this week. "Cisco shares are up 42% since 16 August 2024, outperforming broader Nasdaq by 19ppt, and appear fairly valued." JPMorgan reiterates Applied Materials as overweight JPMorgan said it's sticking with Applied Materials following earnings on Thursday. "We Believe Situation Reflects Timing of Spending and Secular Drivers Remain Intact..." Wells Fargo reiterates Tapestry as overweight Wells said investors should buy the dip in shares of Tapestry , the owner of brands like Coach. "We see Coach continuing to demonstrate upward momentum, while AUR [average unit retail] dynamics appear intact." Read more. Bank of America reiterates Birkenstock as buy The firm said it's sticking with the shoe company following earnings on Thursday. "Our Buy rating on Birkenstock (BIRK) reflects our view that outsized sales and EBITDA growth is sustainable as the company continues to diversify its product offerings." Bank of America reiterates Tesla as neutral Bank of America said Tesla is making "strides" in expanding its robotaxi network. "In addition, TSLA is taking first steps needed for entrance into other markets including: New York City, Phoenix, Miami, San Francisco/Bay Area, and Nevada. ... .Although we think the goal of reaching half the US population by the end of the year is ambitious given regulatory hurdles and need for a safe rollout, these are encouraging signs. Raymond James upgrades Wingstop to strong buy from outperform Raymond James said investors should take advantage of any dip in shares of Wingstop. "That said, we remain confident that comps can begin to improve through September and accelerate further through 4Q as comparisons ease." Mizuho reiterates Oracle as outperform Mizuho raised its price target on the stock to $300 per share from $245. "We reiterate our Outperform rating and raise our PT to $300, as Oracle unfolds its next chapter in enterprise AI. ORCL remains one of our top picks." Bernstein reiterates Netflix as outperform Bernstein said Netflix has a "compelling playbook for sustainable growth." "Unlike legacy players that rely heavily on their own production arms, Netflix employees a diversified sourcing strategy for its branded content. Netflix blends financing, exclusive licensing, co-productions, and more to create a steady stream of branded hits. ... .That's a compelling playbook for sustainable growth." Susquehanna initiates Parker-Hannifin as positive The firm said shares have plenty more room to run. "PH is a global market leader in the Motion & Control industry, manufacturing highly engineered components and systems to facilitate the precise management of fluid, gas, and mechanical movements across a wide range of applications in various Industrial end markets." Evercore ISI reiterates Dell as outperform Evercore said its supply chain checks show more upside for Dell . "Sticking with our OP rating but raising our target to $160 (from $150)." Gordon Haskett downgrades BJ's to hold from buy The firm downgraded BJ's mainly on valuation. "With that said, the near-term set-up has altered and given the stock's ~70% move over the past two years (from low-$60's to low $100's) and more premium valuation . . . we now believe a more neutral posture is warranted – hence we are downgrading the stock to Hold-Rated from Buy-Rated." Bank of America downgrades Applied Materials to neutral from buy Bank of America downgraded the stock following earnings due to cyclical headwinds. "While AMAT is a high quality supplier, the company's higher exposure to (over-supplied) mature node and certain leading-edge customers (INTC) is impacting them more this part of the cycle." Bank of America downgrades Target to underperform from neutral The firm said it sees too many negative catalysts ahead for Target. "We see increasing longer-term sales and margin risks for TGT given slowing digital sales growth, a lack of scale in digital advertising and 3P marketplace, elevated tariff, pricing and merchandising headwinds, and increasing competitive threats from WMT and AMZN..." Read more. Bernstein reiterates GE Aerospace as outperform Bernstein raised its price target to $343 per share from $254. "GE provided Q2 earnings and an investor update on July 17th. We saw that update as positive for both 2025 and its longer term outlook. But, beyond those numbers and forecasts, we see two important aspects of GE's position, which we believe make GE's stock continue to be attractive, even with a high valuation relative to many other stocks." DA Davidson upgrades Salesforce to neutral from underperform The firm said the "challenges" are already priced in for Salesforce. "We are upgrading our rating to NEUTRAL from Underperform and maintaining our $225 price target based on 18.5x our updated FY27 EPS estimate."
The Hill
an hour ago
- The Hill
Britain's net-zero scheme is being derailed by opposition to solar and wind projects
Britain's plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 won't be derailed by high costs, even though Brits are now paying some of the world's highest residential electricity prices. Nor will the effort be derailed by lack of support from the Labour Party, which has issued a manifesto claiming that Britain will be a ' clean energy superpower.' Instead, the country's net-zero scheme will fail because of the fierce opposition from rural landowners throughout the British Isles. They are telling the owners of proposed solar and wind projects to take their oceans of photovoltaic panels and forests of giant turbines and put them somewhere the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow. The proof is in the numbers. Since Jan. 1, there have been nearly four dozen rejections of solar or wind projects in England, Ireland, and Scotland. Among the latest was a rejection last month in Kent, where a planning inspector spiked plans for a massive solar project owned by the French company EDF. The 257-acre project was rejected due to what the planning inspector determined would be a ' significant adverse effect on the receiving landscape.' Also in July, a scheme that aimed to cover 114 acres of prime agricultural land in Scotland with solar panels was rejected by local officials. The project near the town of Coupar Angus had received 44 letters of objection and just one letter in support. I have been tracking the rural backlash against alt-energy projects in the U.S. for 15 years. As the Renewable Rejection Database shows, there have been at least 878 rejections or restrictions of wind and solar projects in the U.S. since 2013, including 82 this year. I am also tracking the international opposition to alt-energy in the Global Renewable Rejection Database. The numbers in the global database show the extent of the local opposition to solar and wind energy in the British Isles. Thus far in 2025, there have been 64 rejections or restrictions of solar or wind projects in countries outside of the U.S. Of that number, 45 have been in England, Ireland, or Scotland. And of that sum, six rejections occurred in July alone. The opposition to these projects is ferocious, and it has been ongoing since at least 2016, when local campaigners defeated a proposal to build a 12-turbine wind project near Scotland's Loch Ness. One of the latest high-profile battles is over the proposed Calderdale Energy project in West Yorkshire. If built, the 300-megawatt plant, promoted by a Saudi outfit called Al Gihaz Holding, would be one of the biggest onshore wind projects in England. The plan calls for 41 massive turbines, standing 200 meters high, to be built amid Walshaw Moor, a region believed to have inspired Emily Brontë's masterpiece, 'Wuthering Heights.' The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has called the project ' entirely inappropriate.' Opponents have already collected over 15,000 signatures calling for the rejection of the giant bird-chopping project. The surging resistance to solar and wind projects in Britain rhymes with what I have seen all over the world. Although climate NGOs, the pro-solar claque, and pro-wind lobbyists try to dismiss rural residents' objections as NIMBYism ('not in my backyard'), the reality is that everyone, everywhere, cares about what happens in their neighborhoods. Over the last 15 years, I have interviewed dozens of people from numerous countries who have fought solar and wind projects. Their concerns are the same. They are rightly concerned about the deleterious health impacts caused by noise pollution from wind turbines. They are concerned the projects will hurt their property values. Numerous studies have shown that wherever solar and wind projects are built, the value of nearby properties tends to fall. They are concerned about their landscapes and viewsheds. They are also worried about wildlife. And increasingly, objections are being made about the destruction of agricultural land. To cite just one example, last year, the provincial government in Alberta announced an 'agriculture first' policy designed to protect Canadian farmland from solar and wind development. The province also created a 70,000 square kilometer buffer zone around the Rocky Mountains to preserve viewsheds from alt-energy development. Despite the never-ending hype about renewable energy, land-use conflicts are a binding constraint on the expansion of solar and wind energy. That's true in England, Ireland, Scotland, and in rural communities worldwide. After watching these fights for years, it is clear to me that the farmers, ranchers, and residents of rural communities are not just going to roll over and take it. They will continue to fight to protect their communities, and the numbers in the Global Renewable Rejection Database will continue to rise.
