Author: Lynn Ballou

New comment by chingiz19 in "Ask HN: Who wants to be hired? (April 2024)"

  Location: Vancouver (PST, can work EST timezone too)
  Remote: Optional
  Willing to relocate: Yes
  Technologies: Typescript, Javascript, Node, React (Redux + RxJS), HTML, CSS, SQL, Python, Java, GIS, Postgres, PostGIS, Mapbox, GCP, AWS
  Résumé/CV: See LinkedIn
  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chingiz-bakhishov

I’m deeply passionate about creating tech-focused, loved, and trusted products to solve people’s pain points requiring extraordinary imagination and sometimes sweat, blood, and tears.

Currently, empowering creators worldwide as a Full-Stack Engineer at StreamYard, I innovate to redefine live streaming experiences. Committed to crafting compelling user interactions, I drive technological advancements to foster global connections and engagement.

Dodgers honor anti-Catholic drag 'nuns' more than an hour before first pitch inside nearly empty stadium

More than an hour before the Dodgers game started on Friday night, there was a strong police presence inside and outside the stadium. 

The response from law enforcement came after several weeks of outrage leading up to the team’s 10th annual Pride Night at Dodger Stadium. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence receive a Community Hero Award well before the first pitch of the game was thrown, and long before most of the fans made it to their seats.

The people who did make it inside the stadium in time to witness the pre-game ceremony seemed to have a mixed reaction to the satirical LGBTQ+. But, some of the attendees appeared to applaud as members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence waived when they were announced to the small crowd.

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“The Dodgers community hero award goes to an organization reaching the LGBTQ+ community, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, LA chapter,” stadium announcer Todd Leitz said. “Please join us in recognizing the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for their outstanding service to the LGBTQ+ community.”

THOUSANDS PROTEST SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE OUTSIDE DODGER STADIUM HOURS BEFORE START OF PRIDE NIGHT

Sister Dominia and Sister Unity were on the field to accept the award on behalf of their entire group.

Last month, three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw announced that the team will relaunch its Christian Faith and Family Day. The veteran pitcher said it was in response to the organization’s decision to honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

“I think we were always going to do Christian Faith Day this year, but I think the timing of our announcement was sped up,” Kershaw told the Los Angeles Times on Monday. “Picking a date and doing those different things was part of it as well. Yes, it was in response to the highlighting of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence [by the Dodgers].”

After initially removing the group from its Pride Night event, the Dodgers reinvited the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and issued an apology.

“After much thoughtful feedback from our diverse communities, honest conversations within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and generous discussions with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Los Angeles Dodgers would like to offer our sincerest apologies to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, members of the LGBTQ+ community and their friends and families,” the Dodgers said.

Several hours before the first pitch was thrown at the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Pride Night, a large group of protesters gathered outside the stadium. 

Catholics for Catholics, a group based in Phoenix, organized what it described as “a prayerful procession” in a parking lot outside Dodger Stadium. 

Fox News’ Larry Fink was on scene several hours before the start of the game and captured video of thousands of protestors outside Dodger Stadium praying and holding flags and signs. Many of the demonstrators also wore red clothing in honor of the sacred heart. 

The procession lasted a couple of hours before the protesters made it to Vin Scully Avenue. Around the time the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were being honored on the field, the group appeared to block one of the entrances to Dodger Stadium.

Over the past couple of years, some athletes have expressed their opposition to the Pride Nights. Several Tampa Bay Rays players declined to wear Pride-themed jerseys, citing their Christian faith.

In May, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass issued an apology for supporting for anti-LGBTQ+ boycotts of Target and Bud Light.

North Carolina GOP move on school choice with new supermajority after Dem's stunning party switch

Republican lawmakers in North Carolina are poised to push ahead with school choice legislation and other education reforms, a key policy area where the GOP has surging momentum following the high-profile defection of a Democratic legislator.

State Rep. Tricia Cotham announced last week that she’s joining the Republican Party after serving her deep blue Charlotte-area district as a Democrat. While North Carolina Republicans already held strong majorities in both chambers of the state legislature, Cotham’s decision gave Republicans a veto-proof supermajority in the House in what observers described as a “political earthquake.”

The threat of a veto from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper had prevented Republicans from implementing much of their agenda, but now the GOP has a clearer path to push a wide range of legislation — including on school choice.

“The House Republican caucus has for several years pushed for more reform on school choice. We believe that giving parents power over their child’s education improves educational experiences for everyone,” Rep. Jason Saine, the North Carolina House GOP caucus leader, told Fox News Digital. “

NORTH CAROLINA GOP GOES ON OFFENSE, PUSHING AMBITIOUS AGENDA WITH NEW SUPERMAJORITY IN STATE HOUSE

“Representative Cotham, as a former teacher and principal, is in a unique position as an elected member of the House, to assist in badly needed reforms,” continued Saine. “She was already part of the reform team, and she’s now freer to openly work on those reforms in an environment that cares more for children than antiquated systems.”

Cotham referenced school choice at a press conference last week when announcing her change of party affiliation, suggesting the Democratic Party’s stance on the issue was one reason why she became a Republican.

“On issues like school choice, like charters, we have to evolve,” Cotham said in explaining her change of party. “One-size-fits-all in education is wrong for children … [Democrats] didn’t really want to talk about children. They had talking points from adults and adult organizations.”

As chair of the Education K-12 House Standing Committee, Cotham is in a prime position to influence education reform bills that come out of the House. And fellow Republicans, armed with a veto-proof majority, are looking to press their advantage.

“The GOP will push through significant bills on education choice and parental involvement in schools,” said Chris Sinclair, a political strategist in North Carolina. “I believe Cotham will be on board with a lot of these forthcoming bills.”

NORTH CAROLINA LAWMAKER OFFICIALLY LEAVES DEMS FOR GOP, SAYS TURNING POINT WAS AMERICAN FLAG CRITICISM

One such measure, House Bill 219, is designed to provide equal funding for charter school students as well as those attending traditional public schools. It would change the current factors which determine per-pupil funding that public school districts must share with local charter schools, with proponents arguing money should follow the student if their family chooses to attend a charter school.

“If a student attends a charter school, the local school administrative unit in which the child resides shall transfer to the charter school an amount equal to the per pupil share of the local current expense fund of the local school administrative unit for the fiscal year,” the legislation states.

According to critics, however, the current education structure in place is sufficiently fair and House Bill 219 would be taking money away from public schools.

“We believe every student should have the same per-pupil amount of local tax dollars, no matter what school they go to, ” Bruce Mildwurf, director of governmental relations for the North Carolina School Boards Association, told WRAL News. “This bill significantly tilts the scales in favor of the charter schools.”

“That is money out of the classroom; it is fewer teachers; it is fewer resources. Charters are benefiting at the expense of district-wide students,” continued Mildwurf. “School boards want fair funding. We currently have fair funding. This bill is unfair funding and will take millions of dollars away from school districts each year.”

GOV. DESANTIS SIGNS UNIVERSAL SCHOOL CHOICE INTO LAW: ‘MONUMENTAL DAY IN FLORIDA HISTORY’

Saine dismissed such claims as “political double speak,” saying the money should go toward educating students, not supporting the current system.

“Going so far as to suggest that the bill seeks to take funding from traditional students when the fact is we believe money should follow the child, not an antiquated system that has bred disparity in outcomes across the state,” said Saine.” This bill, cosponsored by several House leaders, including Rep. Cotham and myself, seeks to end the practice.”

Charter school attendance in North Carolina has surged by more than 19% from 2019 to 2022, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Such growth seems to be an indication of increased unhappiness with traditional public schools.

Saine argued that while some public-school systems do well in educating students, many “fall way short and unfortunately do a great disservice to many families,” calling for new innovations to the status quo.

EMBOLDENED BY NEW SUPERMAJORITY, NORTH CAROLINA REPUBLICANS GO TO WORK ON TRANSGENDER BILLS

“Unfortunately, many in education refuse to innovate or acknowledge shortcomings,” said Saine. “What probably alarms guys like Midruff is his message rings empty on representatives like me and others. The district I represent has never received the ‘fair funding’ he claims exists and actually receives the least under the current system he defends. What’s an even bigger counter to the educational left’s argument is our district does far more in performance measures with less money than all other systems.”

House Bill 219 may be just one of several education reform measures pushed by Republicans.

“Expansion of school choice, election law reforms, as well as many other issues are still being discussed and planned,” said Saine. “Having just completed the House budget proposal and receiving the vote of nine Democrats on our budget bill, which also included a number of policy reforms, we think we are in a good place to continue to move our agenda forward.”

The state House on Thursday approved a two-year budget plan that now goes to the Senate for a vote. The budget expands school choice by growing private-school choice programs and charter schools, in part through the Opportunity Scholarship Program, a means-tested scholarship designed to allow low- and moderate-income families to attend the private school of their choice.

Cooper had proposed a budget that would eventually phase out Opportunity Scholarships.

Gisele Bündchen admits 'concerns' over Tom Brady’s return to NFL, says she wishes he could be ‘more present'

Gisele Bündchen said she wishes her husband Tom Brady could be “more present” in their family’s life while adding that she has concerns about the NFL legend’s return to the sport after prematurely announcing his retirement earlier this year. 

“Obviously, I have my concerns – this is a very violent sport, and I have my children and I would like him to be more present,” she told Elle magazine in the October issue. 

She agreed with the interviewer that media reports that she’s desperate to have the quarterback retire are sexist – “I think this is the system we’ve been living in. That’s what society has accepted and what society hasn’t accepted – but admitted she’s had “conversations with him over and over again” about his continuing to play at 45 years old. 

“But ultimately, I feel that everybody has to make a decision that works for [them]. He needs to follow his joy, too,” she said of her husband who has seven Super Bowl rings. 

TOM BRADY GUSHES ABOUT HIS ‘AMAZING WIFE’ GISELE BUNDCHEN 

While she declined to comment on why Brady took 11 days off from an August training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers “to deal with some personal things,” as the Buccaneers head coach said, the quarterback told reporters, “Everyone has different situations they’re dealing with, and we all have unique challenges to our lives. I’m 45 years old, man. There’s a lot of s— going on, so you just have to try and figure out life the best you can. You know, it’s a continuous process.” 

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Some media outlets had speculated the break meant the two were having marital problems.

In the latest episode of his podcast “Let’s Go! with Tom Brady, Larry Fitzgerald and Jim Gray,” he said, “football and family has always been the most important thing to me.” 

The supermodel told Elle it makes her happy to see Brady’s and her children’s success and says she also has plans for herself – she’s especially involved in conservation efforts in her native country of Brazil. 

“I’ve done my part, which is [to] be there for [Tom],” she told the magazine. “I moved to Boston, and I focused on creating a cocoon and a loving environment for my children to grow up in and to be there supporting him and his dreams. Seeing my children succeed and become the beautiful little humans that they are, seeing him succeed, and being fulfilled in his career – it makes me happy. At this point in my life, I feel like I’ve done a good job on that. I have a huge list of things that I have to do, that I want to do,” she says. At 42, I feel more connected with my purpose.”

The couple have been married since 2009 and have two children together: Benjamin Rein, 12, and daughter Vivian Lake, 9. Brady also has son Jack Edward, 15, with ex-girlfriend Bridget Moynahan. 

Bündchen didn’t attend the Buccaneers season opener against the Dallas Cowboys in Texas on Sunday, but she tweeted her support, writing, “Let’s go @TomBrady ! Let’s go Bucs !” The Buccaneers won 19-3. 

How to Spot the Best Business Rewards Credit Card Out There

What is the Best Business Rewards Credit Card Out There?

Are you looking for business credit card rewards? Did you know there are a ton of different kinds? Get points, travel rewards, a low APR, and more! The best business rewards credit card for you is out there.

Rewards Business Credit Cards

Business credit cards may offer rewards in the form of rebates or statement credits or other perks. Some perks may include waiving a first late payment fee or a free cell phone protection plan. You may also get bonus points by spending a certain amount within an amount of time. This period tends to be right after you first get such a credit card.

Travel Rewards Business Credit Cards

Travel rewards are usually calculated in miles rather than points. Rewards may tie to a particular airline or hotel chain. Travel rewards may also come in the form of discounts on car rentals or hotel stays. They can even come in the form of added miles for filling up using certain gasoline brands. Some cards offer a reward in the form of free TSA PreCheck®, which currently costs $85.

Caveats When it Comes to the Best Business Rewards Credit Card

Rewards can seem tempting and easy to get. But always look at annual fees (if any) and APR. Also, make sure you know exactly what you can redeem for points or miles. Learn how many points or miles you need, and how much you have to spend to get them. And read the fine print to find out if your rewards ever expire. A generous program with points that expire fast that you can only trade in for stuff you don’t want or need is no bargain.

Get a Low APR

Can you get business credit card rewards and still enjoy a low annual percentage rate? Sure you can.

Alpine Bank Visa Platinum Rewards

Check out the Alpine Bank Visa Platinum Rewards card. Pay no annual fee. Get one point per dollar spent. Bonus points: 5,000 for first $3,000 spent in first four billing cycles. The APR for purchases is Prime + 8.74—14.74%. This is a good card for APR, and the amount you need to spend for a bonus is somewhat low.

Frost Bank Business Rewards Credit Card

Take a look at the Frost Bank Business Rewards Credit Card. Pay no annual fee. Get a revolving balance option for credit lines of $50,000 and under. Pay an APR of 9.9% + prime.  The monthly credit limit cap is $25,000 if you apply online, for current Frost customers only. But it’s $100,000 if you apply by mail.

The revolving balance option is attractive, and the APR is excellent and doesn’t expire. The monthly credit limit cap is lower for applying online. Making a distinction between online and mail applications seems backwards.

PNC Travel Rewards Visa Business Credit Card

Take a look at the PNC Travel Rewards Visa Business Credit Card. Get one mile per dollar in eligible net purchases. Earn double miles on the first $2,500 in eligible net purchases. You can book your own travel and then redeem miles for a statement credit. There are no foreign transaction fees on purchases outside US. Pay no annual fee. There’s a variable APR, currently 10.99—19.99%, per creditworthiness.

The APR is good if your credit makes you eligible for the lower end of the spectrum. A statement credit for acting as your own travel agent is good, if you have the time to book your own travel. Double miles are welcome but it’s easy for a business owner to exceed the cap.

Rewards Business Credit Cards with Low Minimum Spend to Get a Bonus

What if you want business credit card rewards where you don’t have to spend a lot to get a bonus?

Bremer Bank Visa Smart Business Rewards

Check out the Bremer Bank Visa Smart Business Rewards card. There’s a $0 annual fee for the first twelve months. Then pay $95 every year after. Pay $95 for Account Owners, and $0 for Authorized Employees. Get double points per dollar spent in your top two spend categories each month. And get one point monthly per dollar spent on other eligible purchases. Earn 20,000 bonus reward points after spending $500 in the first 90 days. Pay a 15.99—20.99% APR per creditworthiness.

The bonus reward points offer is generous, and the spend should be a snap for most businesses to meet. The annual fee for account owners is somewhat high. But no annual fee for authorized employees means you can use this card with a large number of employees.

Mechanics Bank Smart Business Rewards Visa

Take a look at the Mechanics Bank Smart Business Rewards Visa. Pay a $0 introductory annual fee for the first twelve months. Then pay $95 every year after. Pay $95 for Account Owners, and $0 for Authorized Employees.

Get double points per dollar spent in top two spend categories per month. Earn 20,000 bonus rewards points if you spend $500 in the first 90 days. The APR for purchases and balance transfers is 15.99—20.99%, per creditworthiness. This is a very generous bonus for such a low spend!

Bank of Hope Business Rewards Visa® Credit Card

Get a good look at the Bank of Hope Business Rewards Visa® Credit Card. You pay no annual fee. Earn 5,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. Earn triple points on gas. Get double points on travel and dining. And earn one point per dollar on all other purchases. Pay a 0% introductory APR for nine months. Then pay a variable APR 12.49%, 16.49% or 20.49% per creditworthiness after the introductory period ends.

It should be easy for most entrepreneurs to meet the spend required for the points bonus. Triple points on gas are particularly helpful if yours is a business requiring a lot of time on the road. Say, trucking. If your credit is good enough to get the lowest APR after the introductory period ends, this could be a great card.

Mechanics Bank Visa Business Real Rewards

Check out the Mechanics Bank Visa Business Real Rewards card. You pay no annual fee. Get 1.5 points per month per dollar. You can get a 2,500 bonus rewards points after first purchase. Pay a 0% introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers for the first six billing cycles. Then pay 13.99—22.99% per creditworthiness. The bonus is decent, and there’s no minimum spend.

Get a Generous Bonus After Minimum Spend

How about generous bonuses for your business credit card rewards?

Union Bank Business Preferred Rewards Visa Credit Card

Get a look at the Union Bank Business Preferred Rewards Visa Credit Card. Earn a 50,000 introductory reward points bonus when you spend $5,000 in the first three months. Get quintuple points per dollar spent to $25,000 annually on select business expenses. These are office supplies, utility bills, telecom services. And get one point per dollar spent above that. Earn double points for each dollar spent up to $25,000 annually on gas stations and restaurants. And get one point per dollar spent above that. Plus, get one point per dollar spent on everything else.

Pay a 0% introductory APR for the first six months. Then pay an 11.99—20.99% variable APR. Pay no annual fee. This card has a great introductory points offer and the amount you have to spend to get it isn’t bad.

Business Credit Card Rewards with Generous Point Multipliers

Want some serious point multipliers? Then look no further.

Synovus Business Travel Rewards Visa Credit Card

Take a look at what the Synovus Business Travel Rewards Visa Credit Card is all about. Enjoy a 0% APR for the first six months, for purchases, balance transfers, and overdraft protection. Pay a $0 membership fee for the first year; then pay $50 per year.

Get quintuple points on up to $5,000 per year spent on travel purchases. This includes hotel, airlines, car rental, vacation packages, and more. Earn triple points on up to $3,000 spent quarterly for purchases in category of choice. And get one point per dollar on all eligible purchases, with no limit on points.

You can pay for purchases with points (there are some restrictions).Points are worth 20% more for travel redemption. Pay no foreign transaction fee. If you travel a lot, this card’s perks make it worthwhile.

Get the Best Business Rewards Credit Card with No Cap on Cash Back Earned

If you spend a lot, you might want a card where there’s no cap on the cash back you can earn.

Mastercard Business Cash Rewards Credit Card from Republic Bank

With the Mastercard Business Cash Rewards Credit Card, earn 1.25% cash back on all purchases. Get automatic rebates on eligible purchases with Mastercard Easy Savings. Pay a $35 annual fee per card. Pay a 0% introductory APR for nine months; then pay 17.45%.

Rebates via Mastercard Easy Savings are not too generous. For example, 4% off Budget Rent a Car doesn’t amount to much when an economy car can cost over $100 per day. The annual fee is also somewhat concerning. Hence this is not a good card for a large number of employees.

Get Varied Travel Benefits

Need travel benefits? If your business travel is local, this is great card.

First Hawaiian Bank MasterCard Cash Rewards Business Credit Card

With the First Hawaiian Bank MasterCard Cash Rewards Business Credit Card, get 3% unlimited cash back on gas and dining. And get 2% unlimited cash back on utilities. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on everything else. There’s no annual fee.

Pay a 15.49% APR. Earn a $200 credit with a $2,000 spend in the first 3 months from account opening. With its somewhat low spend, no annual fee, and decent (but not exceptional) APR, this can be a good card. If your business requires you to travel by car and entertain clients on the road, it’s a great card.

Get the Best Business Rewards Credit Card For Startups

Yes, startups can get in on the business credit card rewards action!

Mercury Bank MasterCard (personal)

Mercury is an angel-funded bank serving startups. Pay a $0 or $79 annual fee for a Mercury Bank MasterCard. There are cashback rewards but they are not specified on the bank’s website. The transfer APR is $5 or 4% of amount of each transfer, whichever is more. Pay 26.99—29.99% APR.

This could turn out to be a good card for startups. But interest rates are high, so be sure you can pay on time before charging. It also seems to be a personal card. Improving personal credit will help raise your Experian business credit scores. So a good payment history with this one could be worth your time.

Get Merchant Rebates

You can even get merchant rebates if you prefer.

Banner Bank Commercial Rewards Mastercard

For merchant rebates, consider the Banner Bank Commercial Rewards Mastercard. Pay a $19/card annual fee. There is a 11.99% APR for purchases. Get 1% cash back.

Get three TruRewards points per dollar of net retail, internet, phone, or mail order purchases. Redeem TruRewards points for cash back, travel, gift cards or merchandise. Use TruRewards with merchants like Starbucks, the Fairmont Hotel, and Cuisinart.

TruRewards offers (for example) a $100 travel voucher with Budget Rent a Car if you redeem 43,300 points. Even with three points per dollar, that still comes to spending over $14,000 to get $100 off! And it can cost over $100 per day to rent a compact car from Budget. The APR is decent although the annual fee is concerning—particularly as there is no introductory waiving of the annual fee.

Takeaways for the Best Business Rewards Credit Card

Rewards business credit cards have varying pros and cons. Your best choice will depend upon factors such as if you’re likely to keep up with payments. Also, how much (and how fast) you can spend to meet a minimum, the APR, annual fees, and if the rewards are useful to you.

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