Over the past few weekends I’ve been bringing my chess board to Northgate, sitting down in the tables in front of Dixie Chicken or The Backyard, and playing whoever sits down.
The reason I did this was out of love for the game, boredom, and desire to socialize. I don’t drink and am not very talkative so yes this was the best way to spend Friday and Saturday nights, obviously.
For reference, I peaked at 1850 ELO in chess.com. People who sat down could be any rating. I played people who were probably rated close to 100 all the way to people who must’ve been 2300+. If I had to guess, the mean rating was around 900 but with a very large standard deviation. I won more than 95% of the games. I must have played hundreds of people in total, with the vast majority being men. I only played against 3 women. I played people of all ethnicities but the majority were white Americans. The good thing about playing here was that it took a very short to play someone. The average wait between games was probably about 5 minutes. This made it by far the best time and place to set up a chess board in CS. I sometimes set up my board on campus in between classes but got nowhere near as many people to play then.
It was fun! The “rudest” comment I got was “congrats, you beat a drunk person, you four eyed nerd.” Most people were super friendly and amused at the idea of playing chess in a place that seems antithetical to it. What makes playing chess in person worth it is shaking your opponents hand and saying thanks for playing after. It feels very human and warm when compared to online chess. The problem is that talking while playing chess is hard. Calculating moves takes a lot of brain processing, so there’s little space to think about what to say in a conversation. This means that I had mostly just pleasant small talk before or after games.
Most people sat by themselves, but it was very funny when a group of people sat down. Sometimes people would cheer when a piece was captured. People walking by would holler a move (KNIGHT TO F5!!”). People would make a celebrity move then disappear. Others would take pictures. Illegal moves were seen: knights moving like bishops, pawns moving diagonally without capturing, castling in check, and moving a pinned piece so that the king could be taken. A girlfriend complained to her bf who sat down “babe you are NOT about to do this.” People told me about how they used to play chess with their grandfather. They said chess in person feels different and harder than online. I won $5 once. Somehow, I went on a date out of all of it.
I graduated this semester so I won’t be able to do this anymore. But it was honestly one of the best things I’ve done in college and I’ll miss it a lot. If any of the people I played reads this, thanks for sitting down and playing.

The dropshipping model has gained significant traction in the world of e-commerce, offering unique advantages over traditional retail and other business models. By eliminating the need for inventory management and reducing upfront costs, dropshipping presents a viable option for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here's an in-depth look at the advantages of dropshipping over other types of business.

1. Lower Startup Costs

One of the most appealing aspects of dropshipping is the minimal initial investment required. Unlike traditional retail, where purchasing inventory upfront is necessary, dropshipping allows you to list products on your website without buying them first. This significantly reduces the financial risk and barriers to entry for new businesses. For more info about dropshipping format you can visit hlts.kr website.

2. Reduced Overhead Expenses

Without the need to manage a physical inventory or maintain a warehouse, overhead expenses in dropshipping are considerably lower. Entrepreneurs can operate their business from virtually anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating the costs associated with renting a storefront or warehouse space.

3. Wide Range of Products

Dropshipping allows you to offer a diverse range of products without worrying about storage limitations. You can easily expand your product catalog to include the latest trends and seasonal items. This flexibility enables you to cater to a broader audience and quickly adapt to changing market demands.

4. Scalability

Scaling a dropshipping business is more straightforward compared to traditional business models. Since you don’t handle inventory, your focus can remain on marketing and customer service. As your sales increase, the bulk of the fulfillment process remains with your suppliers, allowing you to scale rapidly without the logistical challenges faced by traditional retailers.

5. Location Independence

Dropshipping businesses can be run from anywhere in the world, offering unparalleled flexibility. As long as you have access to the internet and a computer, you can manage your business from any location. This makes dropshipping an attractive option for digital nomads and those seeking a flexible work-life balance.

6. Low Financial Risk

With dropshipping, you only purchase products after you've made a sale and received payment from the customer. This model minimizes the risk of unsold inventory and reduces the need for clearance sales or significant markdowns to clear stock. Additionally, it allows for better cash flow management, as funds from customers are received before paying suppliers.

7. Easy to Get Started

Setting up a dropshipping business is relatively simple and can be done quickly. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce offer user-friendly interfaces and integrations with dropshipping apps like Oberlo and Spocket. These tools simplify the process of product listing, order processing, and inventory management, making it easy for beginners to start their own online store.

8. Focus on Marketing and Customer Service

Since inventory management and fulfillment are handled by suppliers, dropshippers can concentrate their efforts on marketing and customer service. This focus can lead to more effective promotional strategies and a better customer experience, ultimately driving more sales and fostering customer loyalty.

9. Advantages Summary

To summarize, here are the key advantages of dropshipping:

• Lower startup costs: No need to purchase inventory upfront.
• Reduced overhead expenses: No warehousing or physical store required.
• Wide range of products: Easily expand your product catalog.
• Scalability: Grow your business without the logistical challenges.
• Location independence: Operate from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Low financial risk: Purchase products only after a sale is made.
• Easy to get started: User-friendly platforms and tools.
• Focus on marketing and customer service: Enhance your promotional strategies and customer experience.

10. Conclusion

Dropshipping offers numerous advantages over traditional business models, making it an attractive option for aspiring entrepreneurs. Its low startup costs, reduced overhead, and ease of scalability provide a pathway to success with minimal financial risk. By leveraging these benefits, dropshipping entrepreneurs can build profitable and flexible businesses in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

In my last post I mentioned about living privately with an LLC.
Here's a few expanded points on why it's important and how an LLC will help you with it...
I will admit; the outcome is an AI article, but I have fully checked it for accuracy... So mods let me know if this is a problem.
Navigating Privacy: Harnessing the Power of LLCs
In an age where personal information is currency, reclaiming your privacy can feel like an uphill battle. Yet, with the strategic use of Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), individuals can carve out a space of confidentiality in an increasingly public world.
Understanding Privacy in the Digital Age
Our lives are often an open book, thanks to the myriad ways we inadvertently share our personal data. From social media to online purchases, our information is scattered across the digital landscape. However, living privately doesn't mean going off the grid entirely; it's about discerning who truly needs access to our information and who doesn't.
Demystifying the LLC Strategy
Enter the LLC—a legal entity that offers a shield of protection for your assets while allowing you to maintain a level of anonymity. By utilizing services that keep personal details off public records and structuring assets within LLCs, individuals can regain control over their privacy.
Dispelling Misconceptions
The desire for privacy is often misconstrued as paranoia or illicit activity. However, wanting to safeguard personal information is a fundamental right, whether you're a public figure or an average citizen. Privacy needs vary, from simply keeping contact information private to shielding entire business endeavors from public scrutiny.
Tailoring Privacy Solutions
The beauty of LLCs lies in their versatility. Whether you're seeking minimal privacy adjustments or a comprehensive shield from public exposure, there's a solution for every individual. From protecting assets to safeguarding personal information, LLCs offer a customizable approach to privacy management.
Empowering Privacy Advocates
In a world where privacy is increasingly commodified, reclaiming control over personal information is an act of empowerment. By leveraging the legal tools at our disposal, individuals can assert their right to privacy and navigate the digital landscape on their own terms.

It's been over 15 years since Satoshi Nakamoto introduced Bitcoin, igniting discussions on how Web3 could reshape traditional financial systems, build a better world, solve poverty, and break monopolies. However, after 15 years, large funds and VCs have begun to dominate the Web3 space, somewhat overshadowing the decentralized ethos it originally promised.
Despite these challenges, I believe it's time for Web3 to reclaim its potential, not through token governance, but through actual governance of real-world assets, like NBA teams.
Who am I? I'm MingDynastyVase (https://twitter.com/MetaDynastyVase), an engineer in the Web3 sector and a fervent NBA fan and NBA Top Shot NFT collector.
My Dream Owning an NBA team has always been a dream of mine. Despite being a middle-class kid without extraordinary means, I've nurtured this dream by investing in Madison Square Garden Sports stocks, aspiring to participate in what I consider the ultimate fantasy game.
Inspiration from Web3 Inspired by Don Tapscott’s "Blockchain Revolution," I've realized how decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) could manage real-world businesses. Within the NBA Top Shot community, I've met others who share a deep love for the league and believe in Web3’s potential.
My Plan Traditional DAOs have often been criticized for centralization, where a few control the many. I aim to diverge from this by rallying the passion and fandom of the community rather than just fundraising through tokens. To mediate the risk of rugging, we are not gonna ask people to spend their assets on tokens or NFTs or something else. Here's how I envision the whole plan:

1. Community Building: Gather fans and potential investors in an online community.
2. Smart Contract Development: Launch a smart contract allowing participants to show their willingness to invest while maintaining control of their assets. See the prototype here: https://etherscan.io/address/0x46c5264728af4dbe274929f9509fbeabf8cca2c9
3. Legal Framework: Establish an LLC to handle regulatory and legal frameworks.
4. Network Growth: Expand our community, connect with players, team owners, and notable public figures.
5. Deal Negotiation: Initiate fundraising only when a real opportunity to purchase NBA shares emerges, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
6. Tokenization: Distribute tokenized shares to all investors.
7. DeFi Integration: Develop a DeFi platform leveraging the tokens to enhance Web3 utility.

Benefits for You

• Fans: Gain perks like tickets and merchandise, deepen your connection with the team, and influence league decisions.
• Investors: Own a part of high-value, historically rich NBA teams.
• Developers: Inspire more businesses to explore real-world asset (RWA) integration with Web3, potentially revolutionizing how industries operate.

By transforming fans into owners, we not only democratize team ownership but also integrate the passionate spirit of sports with the transformative potential of Web3.
Ask me anything, please comment or DM. Thanks for your time reading through this, cheers.

Hello everyone. Last year I had a freakout about my etsy profits, unpaid taxes and such. With amazing help advice here, I can say that I believe I am out of the woods.
For years 20-21 and 20-22, I submitted voluntary disclosure, which was accepted and I paid like, £302 combined.
For 22-23, I registered for Self Assesment, and had Tax Scouts to submit it on my behalf. The bill was just £79.
The thing is, I registered for SA on 04.01.2024(and got email confirmation with submission reference) and began to wait for my UTR. As the weeks were passing, and I did not get the UTR, I called HMRC and they said my submission was not yet processed as they are so busy. I was advised to wait couple of weeks and call again if I wont hear from them. So couple of weeks later, I called them again. This time they claimed they unable to check submission references, and suggested to re-register for SA. And I got my UTR about week later after that (I got my UTR about month ago).
I passed UTR to Tax Scouts accountant, we finalised and submitted the SA and now after that, I paid bill that was shown on HMRC website, although it did say, that it was submitted late, and there might be penalty and interest.
So, would penalty issued after the payment of calculated underpayment of taxes, which was £79, or would that bill online already would have had penalties applied to it?
I have track of call logs and emails received with references, which would show that HMRC caused the delay, so in case they say that I need to pay more, I should have compelling evidence for them to waive any penalties. I think.
Opinions?

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The market for online courses and digital products is booming, expected to reach $185.20 billion by 2024. Hotmart is a popular platform in this space, but it has some drawbacks that make users look for alternatives. Let's explore the top 5 Hotmart alternatives for 2024.

What is Hotmart?

Hotmart is a platform that helps you create, organize, and sell online courses and digital products. It provides tools for creating your own website and mobile app, pricing your products, and branding them.

Pros of Hotmart

• Affiliate Marketplace: Hotmart has a marketplace for affiliates to help increase your sales.
• Pay-as-You-Earn: You only pay a fee when you make a sale.
• User-Friendly: Easy to set up and use.
• Customer Support: Excellent support once you reach a certain revenue level.
• Comprehensive Tools: Everything you need to create and sell your products.

Cons of Hotmart

• High Commission: Charges a 10% commission on sales.
• Limited Marketing Tools: Lacks integrated marketing tools.
• Unauthorized Orders: Some users report unexpected orders.
• Learning Curve: Can be difficult for beginners.
• Refund Issues: Some users face difficulties with refunds.

Why Look for Alternatives?

• High Commission Fees: 10% commission can be too high.
• Limited Engagement Features: Fewer tools to keep students engaged.
• Lack of Mobile Flexibility: Not the best for mobile learning.
• Need for Third-Party Apps: Requires additional apps for full functionality.
• Lack of Integrated Marketing Tools: Limited marketing features.

Benefits of Alternatives

Exploring alternatives can offer better features, more affordable pricing, and specific tools tailored to different needs.

Top 5 Hotmart Alternatives

1. EzyCourse

What is EzyCourse?
EzyCourse is an all-in-one platform with budget-friendly pricing. It offers 20 revenue streams, including courses, memberships, and physical products. It also includes a customizable site builder and a branded mobile app.
Pros:

• Easy to use
• Affordable pricing
• Versatile revenue streams
• Unlimited product options
• Customizable websites
• Branded mobile app
• 24/7 customer support

Cons:

• No platform is perfect. From the customer reviews we didn't notice any negative feedback. However, the blog editor of EzyCourse has some mobile responsiveness issues.

2. LearnWorlds

What is LearnWorlds?
LearnWorlds is ideal for educators and small businesses. It offers a website builder, mobile app builder (paid add-on), and integrations with email marketing platforms.
Pros:

• User-friendly
• No transaction fees
• Affordable pricing
• Useful features like drip courses and email marketing

Cons:

• Limited features on cheaper plans
• Basic customization options for pages

Pricing:

• Starter: $24/month (annually)
• Pro Trainer: $79/month (annually)
• Learning Center: $249/month (annually)
• Custom pricing for high volume

3. Kajabi

What is Kajabi?
Kajabi helps create, market, and sell digital content. It offers tools for courses, communities, memberships, and podcasts.
Pros:

• All-in-one platform
• User-friendly
• Reliable performance
• Comprehensive training resources
• Effective AI tools

Cons:

• Limited physical product sales
• Less website design flexibility
• Additional costs for advanced features
• Expensive plans

Pricing:

• Basic: $149/month
• Growth: Higher than Basic
• Pro: Higher than Growth

4. Thinkific

What is Thinkific?
Thinkific allows you to create and sell online courses with customizable templates and marketing tools. It offers a white-labeled mobile app and various content types like quizzes and webinars.
Pros:

• All-in-one platform
• Subscription pricing
• No transaction fees
• User-friendly
• Extensive support and resources

Cons:

• High prices for premium plans
• No funnel feature
• No built-in blogging tool
• Poor support (according to some reviews)

Pricing:

• Free Plan
• Basic: $49/month
• Start: $99/month
• Grow: $199/month
• Expand: $499/month
• Plus: Custom pricing

5. Podia

What is Podia?
Podia offers a platform for online courses, memberships, and digital products with a focus on simplicity and affordability.
Pros:

• User-friendly
• Comprehensive tracking
• No transaction fees
• Affordable pricing

Cons:

• No open API
• Limited customization
• Fewer features compared to others
• Cannot create assignments or accept submissions

Pricing:

• Starter: $4/month (annually)
• Mover: $33/month
• Shaker: $59/month

Choosing the Right Platform

Consider your budget, the features you need, and your target audience's preferences. Try out free trials to see which platform works best for you.
In conclusion, while Hotmart is a strong contender in the online course market, these alternatives—EzyCourse, LearnWorlds, Kajabi, Thinkific, and Podia—offer diverse features and pricing options that might better suit your needs. Explore these platforms to find the one that aligns with your goals. Happy selling!

I knew the night before mediation that she was up to no good. I was provided a copy of her financial affidavit two weeks after it was filed with the court. It was supposed to be provided to myself and my attorney at the same time as filing with the court.
STBEX populated her affidavit with grossly inaccurate figures, in every case these inaccuracies provided benefit to herself. When asked where she got these wildly different numbers compared to my filing, she said she used the information I gave her. I forwarded the sole email in which I provided her with screenshots and PDF files from the various online portals to both attorneys and the mediator. The mediator pressed, now asking her why she blamed me when her figures were nowhere to be found in the information I provided. When asked why she lied about it being my fault, and where did she actually get her figures, she refused to talk.
It also came out that she failed to disclose $15k of income that occurred just two months prior.
I came to learn almost accidentally that her Mother purchased a $500k house for her a month prior to mediation. It’s in her mom’s name, but, I’ve learned that she will be living in a newly built-out basement apartment and will be renting out the main living space. In our town, that would likely provide $3-4k/mo of income, while she lives for free downstairs.
I am now reflecting on all of this, as well as how I was refused alimony despite the court calculator saying otherwise, and her “child support” payments to me don’t even cover one half of our kids’ portion of my health insurance.
Specifically about the house purchased for her to live in and collect rental income from, was this a significant issue, that she didn’t disclose this?
I had been advised to not even discuss the possibility of purchasing a multi-unit after the divorce was finalized until the divorce was finalized, because she could easily be entitled to a portion of my profits, and it would also hurt me in calculations while dividing assets.
Her financial affidavit doesn’t mention anything about anticipated rental income, housing with no cost, etc. In fact, it is populated with grossly large numbers describing her cost of housing, which impacted many aspects of the settlement.
I suspect that she provided figures reflecting the cost her mother is paying on the house, to make her cost of living higher, while omitting the substantial income the property would provide her. Plus a free place to live.
Is there a legal issue with these failures to disclose and filing an affidavit under penalty of perjury that contained more the 12 examples of falsified amounts?
While far, far less than many stories I’ve read, I did get the shit end of the stick in this process. She came out around $30k over me in the balance sheet. It put me in bad shape financially, while she’s enjoying significant upgrades to her financial standing.
Is this something a family court would take seriously and hold her accountable to at least rectify the harmful effects caused by her acts of perjury? Is this worth addressing and revisiting the settlement agreement to provide an honest, transparent representation of her finances and costs?

I will begin by saying I don't know anything about home loans or home ownership, but my partner and I recently began talking about buying our first home.
We currently rent and it's $640 p/w, looking at the market and to buy a similar house in the same area we would be looking at $700,000 - $750,000
If we were able to pull together a deposit of $150,000, we would be looking at a mortgage of $600,000
Just using the online calculators I would be looking at weekly repayments of $940 p/w
So am I right in thinking that it will end up costing us an additional $300 p/w to own our home and would need to budget for or is there something I am missing?

Web accessibility testing is crucial for several reasons:

1. Inclusivity: It ensures that websites and web applications are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. Accessibility testing allows individuals with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments to access and interact with online content, promoting digital inclusivity.
2. Legal Compliance: Many countries have laws and regulations mandating web accessibility, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States and the Web Accessibility Directive in the European Union. Conducting accessibility testing helps organizations comply with these legal requirements and avoid potential lawsuits or penalties.
3. Enhanced User Experience: Accessible websites are generally more user-friendly for all users, not just those with disabilities. Features like clear navigation, readable text, and logical structure improve the user experience for everyone, leading to higher user satisfaction and engagement.
4. Expanded Audience Reach: By ensuring accessibility, websites can reach a broader audience, including people with disabilities who may otherwise be excluded. This can result in increased website traffic, expanded customer base, and improved brand reputation.
5. SEO Benefits: Many accessibility best practices align with search engine optimization (SEO) principles. For example, providing descriptive alt text for images not only benefits users with visual impairments but also improves image search rankings. By implementing accessibility features, websites can enhance their SEO performance and visibility in search engine results.
6. Ethical Responsibility: Ensuring web accessibility is an ethical responsibility for organizations. By making their digital content accessible, businesses demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equality, and social responsibility.
7. Future-Proofing: As technology evolves, ensuring web accessibility becomes increasingly important. By conducting regular accessibility testing, organizations can future-proof their digital assets and adapt to emerging technologies and user needs.

Overall, web accessibility testing is essential for creating a more inclusive online environment, complying with legal requirements, improving user experience, expanding audience reach, and fulfilling ethical responsibilities.

Here's how switching to a reliable web hosting provider in the Philippines can unleash website speed champions and boost your Philippine website's efficiency:
Turbocharge Your Website for Impatient Visitors
Filipinos are a mobile-savvy bunch, and they expect lightning-fast loading speeds. Basic hosting plans often lack the resources to handle complex websites or significant traffic. Upgrading to a provider with robust servers and cutting-edge technology like Solid State Drives (SSDs) can significantly slash loading times. Imagine your website transforming from a sluggish carabao to a sleek jeepney, zipping past the competition and keeping Filipino visitors engaged.
Say Goodbye to Downtime Disasters
Downtime is the ultimate buzzkill, leading to lost sales, frustrated visitors, and a tarnished website reputation. Reliable Philippine web hosting providers prioritize uptime, often offering guarantees of 99.9% or higher. This translates to peace of mind, knowing your website is accessible to visitors almost 24/7, just like a well-oiled sari-sari store – always ready to serve Filipino customers.
Embrace Growth with Scalable Solutions
As your Philippine website grows in popularity, you'll need a hosting partner that can keep pace. A scalable hosting plan allows you to easily upgrade resources like bandwidth and storage space to accommodate increased traffic and website complexity. This ensures your website continues to perform smoothly even as your business flourishes. Imagine building a thriving online palengke (market) – your hosting provider should be flexible enough to accommodate your ever-expanding inventory.
Security Features: Your Website's Bodyguard
Security is paramount in today's digital landscape. A good web hosting provider in the Philippines should offer robust security features to safeguard your website from cyberattacks and malware. This might include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and automatic backups to ensure you can recover your website quickly in case of any issues. Think of it as hiring a highly-trained security guard for your website, ensuring your valuable data and customer information are always protected.
Streamlined Management and 24/7 Support
Managing a website shouldn't be a chore. The best Philippine web hosting providers offer user-friendly control panels and one-click installations for popular applications like WordPress. Additionally, having access to reliable customer support is crucial. Look for providers with 24/7 support available via multiple channels, so you can get help whenever you need it. Imagine having a dedicated website assistant, always on call to answer your questions and troubleshoot any difficulties.

Hey y'all,
I know this is probably a question for the modding sub, but I checked and there are only ever like 6 people online at a time, so do bear with me. So I've been using Bounty Hunting Expanded and Enhanced, in conjunction with Bandit Hideouts. The intention is to utilize a feature in the bounty hunting mod, which allows you to return rival gang members to police stations for a small reward. This seems like a fantastic mod to use with bandit hideouts, but the only problem is that the reward is like an average of like $9-$12. Frankly, it's not worth the effort. The mod itself is great, but if I'm being honest it can be a little bit janky, for example, you need to leave town, and come back in order for a new poster to spawn, since the game has to take a picture of a new NPC that spawns above you (that you'll sometimes see when entering a town) and even then the picture usually doesn't load onto the page.
So I was wondering, does anyone else use this mod? And if so, is there a file I can edit or a line I can add that increases the range for rewards? I've already looked in the INI and .dat files but the changes made to those only seem to affect named bounties you get from posters.

https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/05/14/scott-dixon-campaigning-primary-maryland-baltimore/
By Emily Opilo eopilo@baltsun.com PUBLISHED: May 14, 2024 at 3:51 p.m. UPDATED: May 15, 2024 at 12:56 a.m.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott declared victory in his bid for reelection Tuesday after opening what appeared to be an insurmountable lead over his chief opponent, former Mayor Sheila Dixon.
The Associated Press called the race for Scott at 11:24 p.m. Taking the stage minutes later at his South Baltimore election night party, Scott thanked Dixon for running a hard-fought campaign, but said it was time to “turn the page.”
“I think it’s safe to say we’re destined for a second term,” Scott said, prompting loud applause from a celebratory crowd.
Dixon, who left her party before 11 p.m., said before her departure that the race was too close to call.
After Scott declared victory, Dixon spokesman Luca Amayo said that “regardless of how the votes fall, there will always be people in the city who consider Sheila Dixon the forever mayor of Baltimore.”
The race pitted the first-term Scott against Dixon, the city’s mayor of three years, in a rematch of the 2020 contest that put Scott in office. Both are Democrats.
This time, the field was half the size of the crowded 2020 race and the upper tier of candidates shrank. Former prosecutor Thiru Vignarajah dropped out of the race in the first week of May, less than 24 hours ahead of the start of early voting. Businessman Bob Wallace, an independent candidate for mayor in 2020, ran this time as a Democrat, but failed to gain traction.
Returns from the early voting period, mail-in ballots cast ahead of the election, and almost all of the city’s 295 precincts showed Scott with 50.9% of votes cast to Dixon’s 41.3% — a difference of about 6,200 votes. Vignarajah, who exited the race too late to remove his name from the ballot, still received 3% of the preliminary vote. The returns do not include at least 13,500 mail-in ballots that have yet to be counted by the Baltimore Board of Elections.
When early returns first became public, Dixon jumped to an early lead. However, Scott quickly became the frontrunner and continued to widen his margin Tuesday night as additional returns from primary day were posted.
Cheers broke out at Scott’s party at Baltimore Peninsula earlier Tuesday as initial returns hit two television screens showing Scott slightly ahead of Dixon. Diana Turner danced joyfully as video clips of Scott played on the newscasts. Turner admitted she was unnerved to see the numbers so close between Scott and Dixon, but said she learned from Scott’s previous campaign that initial figures don’t tell the whole story.
“It’s going to fluctuate depending on where the polls are,” she said.
Dixon supporters said they expected the race to be close and the early returns gave them hope that she could, unlike last time, end up victorious.
“I think it was too soon last time,” said Kim Bangs, 64, of Canton said of Dixon’s 2020 bid for the office.
The city board of elections tallied about 11,700 mail-in ballots from Democratic voters ahead of primary day. The canvassing of remaining mail-in ballots will not resume until Thursday.
The 2024 mayoral contest, like many before it, focused heavily on crime. Scott touted the city’s reduction in homicides in 2023 — fewer than 300 people were killed for the first time in nearly a decade. Dixon argued Scott focused only on the homicide rate, allowing quality-of-life crimes to go unaddressed and chasing residents from the city.
Scott, 40, and Dixon, 70, represent different generations of City Hall leadership, but at times, their plans converged. Dixon’s crime plan, rolled out in January, called for a focused deterrence model of policing which would attempt to identify violent offenders and offer social supports in an effort to redirect them. Scott implemented a similar program, known as the Group Violence Reduction Strategy. That approach, piloted in the Baltimore Police Department’s Western District and since expanded, aims to intercept those vulnerable to becoming shooters or victims and provide social supports. The mayor credits it in part for the reduction in homicides.
Both Scott and Dixon’s housing plans call for tax increment financing or “TIFs” to be used in various neighborhoods to address vacant properties.
Dixon and Scott opted to cast their ballots in person Tuesday morning, Dixon near her Hunting Ridge home in West Baltimore and Scott in his Northeast Baltimore neighborhood. Dixon said she was “at peace” as she entered her polling place at Thomas Jefferson Elementary. Scott carried 5-month-old son, Charm Scott, nestled in a car seat into his polling place at Engine House 56.
Some heavy-hitters threw their support behind both candidates, wagering political capital on the close race. Democratic State’s Attorney Ivan Bates joined Dixon’s cause, endorsing the former mayor and calling Scott out for what Bates said was a lack of partnership between the prosecutor’s office and Scott’s City Hall. Sheriff Sam Cogen, too, said Scott has failed to be a partner to his office.
U.S. Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen both backed Scott, as did numerous unions that represent city employees. Some, like the unions representing the city’s firefighters, took shots at Dixon’s treatment of the fire department during her time in office. Unions backed a PAC that supported Scott with voter outreach and online advertising.
Scott led in fundraising and spending, dropping almost $1 million on the contest since the start of the year. Dixon has spent $653,100 since January. A PAC supporting Dixon’s campaign (funded in large part David Smith, a co-owner of The Baltimore Sun and chairman of Sinclair Broadcasting Group) supplemented Dixon’s effort, running ads that tried to paint Scott as an inexperienced leader. Scott’s ads sought to remind residents of Dixon’s criminal past. She was forced to leave office in 2010 after an embezzlement conviction.
The results of the race showed Vignarajah’s exit did little to tighten the contest. Running his fourth campaign for citywide office in the last seven years, Vignarajah threw his support to Dixon after conversations with the camps of both leading contenders. Scott said afterward that Vignarajah asked to be named police chief or CEO of city schools in exchange for his support. Dixon said no deal was made with Vignarajah for a job, although she declined to discuss potential positions in her administration that he may have suggested. Vignarajah said he offered to be “helpful” to the Dixon administration.

Hey everyone, a family member has asked for my help to calculate how much they need to put in the bank each week to pay off their mortgage and save $1m in 15 years. I know their outstanding mortgage amount, and interest rate. Is there a calculator anyone has found, or is there a formula anyone can think of, that would calculate this for me? My issue is the mortgage isn't a fixed amount, in the sense that interest is added to it. There are plenty of mortgage calculators online, but none that have a drop for for extra savings. Thanks in advance for any tips.

We all know OpenSea, a high-ranked NFT marketplace with huge engagements, turns out to be the most dominant in the crypto industry. OpenSea clone is termed as the pre-coded marketplace solution which comprises various essential features that facilitate the seamless execution. This blog illustrates the details of how the OpenSea clone is beneficial to the NFT business.
OpenSea Clone Script
OpenSea clone script is a cutting-edge solution that offers a platform that emulates the acclaimed features and functionalities of the widely popular OpenSea marketplace. This is referred to as the Game-changer in the NFT marketplace.
Need of White-label Clone Script
Opensea clone script stands as the premier Whitelabel NFT marketplace software, meticulously designed to replicate Opensea's features, functions, and additional plugins. With the assistance of Opensea clone software, you can swiftly launch a top-tier Web3-powered NFT marketplace akin to Opensea in just 10 days.
While the prospect of developing and deploying an NFT marketplace using an Opensea clone script may appear straightforward for startups, the real challenge lies in selecting the optimal solution. Amidst the myriad of options available online, not all Opensea clone scripts offer the same level of quality and reliability.
There are many ways in which an OpenSea clone can benefit your business. They are:
Instant Entry to Market
Opting for an OpenSea clone script dramatically slashes development time, enabling you to swiftly launch your marketplace and seize the market opportunity without delay. This is a time for embarking on the journey of building the NFT marketplace from the ground level.
Proven Concept
The triumph of OpenSea underscores the fervent demand for NFT marketplaces. By replicating its features and functionalities, you can tap into a validated concept and user experience, potentially magnetizing a broader audience of users and creators to your platform.
Community Build Up
Fostering a vibrant community of users and creators is paramount for the prosperity of any NFT marketplace. Offering a platform reminiscent of OpenSea enables you to seamlessly integrate with established NFT communities, swiftly expanding your user base and forging valuable connections in the process.
Security & Trust Establishment
OpenSea has prioritized security and trust measures to safeguard users and their NFT assets. By replicating these robust security features, you instill confidence in your users, assuring them that their NFTs are shielded on your platform. This fosters trust, a cornerstone for cultivating a loyal user base.
Choices of Monetization
A spectrum of monetization avenues including transaction fees, listing fees, and premium features. Whether you replicate these tried-and-tested revenue models or innovate with your own, you have the opportunity to cultivate diverse income streams essential for sustaining and growing your business.
Competitive Advantage
While a platform resembling OpenSea can certainly draw in users accustomed to its interface and functionality, it's crucial to provide a unique value proposition to distinguish yourself in the competitive NFT marketplace arena.
Conclusion
Selecting the optimal Opensea clone script requires careful consideration of key features, particularly since NFT trading functionalities significantly impact the success of your marketplace. Moreover, acquiring a bug-free script from an inexperienced provider can jeopardize the integrity of your entire business venture.
The traction around NFT marketplace clone scripts is skyrocketing, paralleled by a surge in startups adopting Opensea clone scripts for NFT marketplace development, indicating promising prospects ahead. As emphasized earlier, selecting the premier Opensea clone script is paramount for launching a Web3 NFT marketplace.

- May 14, 2024

The Good

• The company has a strong focus on serving the residential Pro contractor market, which presents a significant growth opportunity.
• The company is expanding its Pro ecosystem to better serve the needs of Pro customers and gain market share.
• The acquisition of SRS Distribution provides an avenue to more effectively serve complex projects and win with specialty trade Pro customers.
• The company's associates and supplier partners have shown dedication and hard work in delivering value and service to customers.
• The company has a disciplined approach to capital allocation and invests in the business, pays dividends, and returns excess cash to shareholders.

The Bad

• Sales for the first quarter were down 2.3% from the same period last year.
• Comp sales declined 2.8% from the same period last year, with negative comps of 3.2% in U.S. stores.
• Diluted earnings per share were lower compared to the first quarter last year.
• The delayed start to spring and continued softness in certain larger discretionary projects impacted the quarter.

The Ugly

• The overall macro environment, including housing turnover and interest rates, has put pressure on the company's performance.
• The company has faced challenges in capturing market share in the complex Pro segment.
• The promotional environment in the DIY sector remains rational, but competition from online-only competitors can impact customer engagement.

Earnings Breakdown:

Financial Metrics:

• Sales for the first quarter: $36.4 billion, down 2.3% from the same period last year.
• Comp sales declined 2.8% from the same period last year, with negative comps of 3.2% in U.S. stores.
• Diluted earnings per share: $3.63 in the first quarter compared to $3.82 in the first quarter last year.
• Gross margin: 34.1%, an increase of approximately 45 basis points from the first quarter last year.
• Operating expense as a percent of sales: 20.2%, an increase of approximately 140 basis points from the first quarter last year.
• Operating margin: 13.9% compared to 14.9% in the first quarter last year.
• Effective tax rate: 22.6% compared to 24.2% in the first quarter last year.
• Merchandise inventories: $22.4 billion, down approximately $3 billion, or 12% compared to the first quarter last year.
• Capital expenditures: approximately $850 million in the first quarter.
• Dividends paid to shareholders: approximately $2.2 billion in the first quarter.
• Share repurchases: approximately $600 million returned to shareholders in the first quarter.

Product Metrics:

• Building materials and power departments posted positive comps.
• Outdoor garden, paint, lumber, plumbing, and hardware departments were all above the company average.
• Comp transactions decreased 1.5% and comp average ticket decreased 1.3%.
• Big ticket count transactions (over $1,000) were down 6.5% compared to the first quarter last year.
• Sales leveraging digital platforms increased 3.3% compared to the first quarter last year.
• Nearly half of online orders were fulfilled through stores.
• Battery-powered platforms, such as outdoor power equipment, showed strength.
• The trend is shifting from gas to battery-powered products.
• Significant growth opportunities seen in the battery category.
• Live goods category ready for spring with a variety of plants and gardening products.
• Pro and DIY customer performance relatively in line with each other, but both were negative for the quarter.
• Softer engagement observed in larger discretionary projects.
• Positive engagement with Pro customers in categories like Pro Paint.
• Strong performance in events like Spring Black Friday and Spring Gift Center.

Source: Decode Investing AI Assistant

Why Travel and Tourism Industry Business Need to Have Travel Mobile App?

Travelopro is a leading Travel Portal Development Company globally & travel technology company having clients across the world. We integrate Amadeus GDS, Sabre GDS, Galileo GDS, and many more.

We specialize in portal design, development, and integration of various GDS's XML, API's, testing & deployment to client host after which we also maintain the product for 24/7 technical and customer support services.

We provide complete travel solution for travel agents, tour & travel companies tourism management companies, car rental agencies, hotels.

Give your customers excellent travel experience with our highly advanced and multi-purpose travel app development services.

We offer highly customized B2C and B2B travel website application development, XML API integration and GDS integration solution travel and tourism companies. We are helping to who is looking for online travel portal development services and B2B2C online travel portal startup companies.

Our White Label travel portal is a one stop solution provider for all the technology needs of travel agents, consolidators, corporate travel consultants, hotelier and tour operators.

With Travelopro you can launch your own travel portal, with the custom look and feel you want; i.e. launch your own travel brand instantly. Apart from the regular feature like real-time Flight, Hotel, Holidays & Bookings, Cancellations.

If you are looking for travel website, you are at right place. We are a unified travel website development and online travel business solution provider company, delivering scalable B2C & B2B solutions to global travel operators & companies.




How Travel App Development is Influencing the Travel and Tourism Business!

Travelopro is a reputed Travel Portal Development Company globally, our travel portal is an online booking engine with flights, hotels, transfers, sightseeing and packages modules for travel agencies / agents.

It's also known as IBE, which aggregates and distributes information of flights, hotels, cars, packages to global B2B clients to enable them search and book online.

Our B2B travel portal software can be integrated with leading GDS systems like Amadeus, Travelport, Sabre and third-party APIs / XMLs and LCCs. We have a separate team of expert developers who are seasoned professional when it comes to API consumption and integration.

Why you should Choose Travelopro for Travel and Tourism App Development?

We are the travel technology providers, providing travel booking engines, white label solutions, web designs & development, travel mobile apps, XML/GDS Integrations and many more services.

Our variety of solution has enabled us to serve every sector of the industry - Travel Agencies, Destination Management Companies, Online Travel Agencies, Tour Operators, Consolidators, Consortia and Niche Travel Companies. We also provide customized solutions that suit your exact unique requirements and scale.

We have professionally trained staffs having gained years of experience in delivering comprehensive and cost-effective solutions to the travel businesses.

Our team develops the product based on the client's business requirements and assures the quality of product by performing various testing tools before delivering it to them. We provide travel solutions that are most updated, proven and reliable in the global travel industry.



Give Real-Time Traveling Experience to Your Customers with Full-fledged Travel Mobile App Development Solutions

Travelopro can assist you in developing cutting-edge, feature-rich, robust, and scalable travel mobile apps with UI/UX design, essential third-party integrations, and advanced technical support to fulfil your consumers' expectations. You may use our comprehensive travel app development solutions whether you manage a small travel agency or an international leader in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Our unrivaled travel solutions meet all of the demands of travel agencies, tour operators, and DMC companies, allowing them to manage their travel operations at their fingertips. Our app development company works with companies and startups from the ground up. With our travel mobile app development services, we can effectively aid everyone who desires to digitize and expand their business.

We provide highly functional and user-friendly travel mobile app design and development services tailored to specific business models. The travel mobile apps will assist your consumers with varied activities, resulting in repeat visits.

Contact our team to have functionally robust, user-friendly travel mobile apps for Android and iOS built based on your demands. Travel and tourism app development solutions might help you transform your company. We specialize in developing high-quality mobility solutions for travel booking app development. Our skilled travel app developers stay up to date on industry developments to guarantee that our customers receive the best solutions available.

We have a team of experts who can assist you in developing mobile apps that will represent your business online and boost its market value. Our custom-built travel mobile apps protect your budget while also allowing you to improve your revenue.

We offer a complete business solution for your travel agency with a dedicated travel mobile app. The app we create gives a rich experience for your travel agency's consumers. It helps your company maintain existing customers while also attracting a new specialized audience searching for an excellent travel service to make their vacation planning and execution pleasant.



Travel Mobile Apps Features

· Trip planning

· Travel Map

· Travel Tracking

· Travel Checklist

· Tourist Guide

· Tour Booking

· Vehicle Booking

· Travel Destinations

· Hotel Booking

· Travel Agent Features

· Trip Organizer

· Places to Visit

· Travel News



· Travel Diary


Our Mobile Solutions for Travel Businesses

Travel Planning App Development

We can give you a full-fledged travel management system that allows you to effortlessly manage travel itineraries, booking, and reporting and provide your clients with an easy-to-use travel app interface to book their trips through your app.

Ticket Booking App Development

Our travel mobile apps development team creates a cloud-based, robust, and super-smooth online and mobile travel ticket and hotel booking solution. Customers may use this to book flights, trains, and buses and make hotel reservations.

Navigation and GPS Integration

Provide navigation options that help tourists navigate unfamiliar areas. Incorporate GPS technology, interactive maps, turn-by-turn directions, and location-based recommendations to enhance the journey experience.

Booking and Reservation Systems

Create apps that help consumers book flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel-related services. The integration of secure payment methods and the provision of real-time availability information are critical components of this service.



Flight Booking App

We provide flight booking applications that are user-friendly, feature-rich, and offer a variety of functions to make the booking process as easy as possible. Our flight booking software provides consumers with all the information they need in one place, from searching for flights and comparing costs to making bookings and organizing itineraries.

Why does your travel business need a mobile app?

There are several reasons for the travel sector to have a mobile app, including rapid booking, 24x7 availability, more customers, better and loyal customers, higher sales, effective staff management with automated procedures, easier data maintenance, and branding to attract more consumers.

Mobile Apps for Travel and tourism are essential for every travel business since they allow you to reach clients anywhere in the globe, sell the services you offer, and work as an effective medium for developing trust between the business and the tourist. A travel mobile app must be developed with the most cutting-edge features and the latest technology in app development to meet the needs of today's travelers. It gives users a real-time app usage experience.

Using an advanced travel app, we provide consumers with best-in-class experiences at their fingertips to enhance and personalize their travels. Mobile Apps are increasingly a vital component in the travel industry, particularly for marketing. The significance of travel mobile apps is subsequently on the rise. A Travel mobile app should have functions such as geo-location tracking, itinerary generator, weather forecasts, booking services, social media sharing, reviews, ratings, reports and analytics, and so on.

If you want to expand your travel business and reach a larger audience, you should develop a travel mobile app. Aside from that, you'll need an app to automate your travel business and provide customers with an exceptional trip-booking experience. We can help you grow your business by developing easy-to-use travel mobile apps that improve the client experience.

Benefits of Travel Mobile App Development Services

Enhanced User Experience

Travel mobile apps development companies focus on providing user-centric interfaces that simplify the travel process. These applications are designed to deliver smooth and pleasurable experiences for travelers, from straightforward navigation to personalized suggestions.

Comprehensive Travel Solutions

These companies provide a variety of capabilities in their travel apps, including flight and hotel reservations, itinerary planning, real-time navigation, travel guides, currency converters, and more. It provides customers with everything they need to travel in luxury.

Real-time Information

In travel mobile apps, real-time data streams are utilized to give users up-to-date information on flight statuses, weather conditions, local events, and other topics. This real-time information enables the user to make better-informed decisions.

Location-based Services

Travel applications that use GPS technology provide location-based services such as navigation, nearby attraction suggestions, and local food alternatives. These features improve the traveler's experience by making it simple to find and explore new destinations.

Operational Efficiency

Task automation through Al-powered apps to boost the productivity of your travel and tourism company.


Streamlining Booking Process

Easy online reservations and payment processes make the journey of travelers worry-free. It can help to increase bookings and revenue by making it easier for potential customers to find and book services.

How Travel Mobile Apps Are Changing the Tourism Industry?

Travel Mobile Apps help to bridge the communication gap, make bookings more accessible, and allow travel to places independently. These travel apps are jam-packed with features that may help users travel better and more effectively, from purchasing flights, rail, and bus tickets to renting cars and hotels.

A revolution in mobile technology has resulted from the development of high-tech mobile applications. The tourism sector will particularly benefit from this growth. Mobile devices make internet connectivity and online service booking possible by eliminating administrative positions and concentrating on marketing.

With years of expertise in creating user-friendly solutions, we have gained an enormous reputation and recognition for our services. You can look at our profitable and feature-rich services developed for the travel sector. Travel mobile apps have become an essential part of the industry, impacting the booking and planning processes.

Why Choose Travelopro?

Partner with us to develop a feature-rich travel mobile app for your business. We help travel companies reach the full potential of modern technology and provide more individualized service to customers via travel software, web, or mobile applications.

We create customer-centric travel mobile apps for businesses, assisting them in streamlining their never-ending complex work procedures. Our intelligent team of developers and professionals ensures increased customer satisfaction and growing your business to increase enough income in the face of competition.

Our travel app development company strives for perfection. We provide our clients with the best travel mobile apps that are sturdy and functional. Our travel and tourism application developers have years of expertise in the sector. We understand your company's demands and provide products that help it develop immensely. We leverage cutting-edge technology to create customer-focused, high-quality travel mobile apps.

We, at Travelopro, try to empower your business by boosting customers' engagement, increasing loyalty, and skyrocketing sales.

· On-Time Delivery

· Deliver Exactly What You Need

· Send push notifications for the latest services, discounts, offers, and promotions

· Simplified mobile version of your travel agency website

· Direct Contact with Your Team

· Uplifted User Experience

· Flexible Engagement Models

· Complete understanding of the travel and tourism industry

· Apps tailored to deliver exceptional travel experiences

· Proficiency in the prevalent technologies and trend

· Innovative mindset that enables us to embrace changes

· A team of skilled and experienced Android and iPhone developers

· Commitment to delivering the highest quality and standards of services
For more details, Pls visit our Website:
https://www.travelopro.com/travel-application-development.php

Hello everyone, I'm currently establishing a CS/AM department within a US-based startup, and I want to highlight the team's importance and the necessity of hiring more staff. I'm curious if anyone has formulas for metrics to calculate the cost of each complaint, time, and the value of customers, as well as how much money we could save by expanding our team. Any assistance on this matter would be greatly appreciated!