Sports

Twins’ Lynn likely to leave Minnesota before trade deadline

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Second place is not a bad place to be when July begins, as the season is halfway through. Now that there are two Wild Card clubs to qualify for the postseason, you’d think no team at that position would want to part with some of the players who helped them get to second place.

Well, this year there is at least one second place that needs to wave the white flag, even though the calendar reads early July. Because they are eleven games behind first-place Cleveland, the Twins have no chance of winning the AL Central.

Optimistic fans at Target Field might refute the above statement, remembering that last year the Twins finished second to the Indians and still made the playoffs as a wild-card team. The difference, of course, is that Minnesota was playing .500 last July, a pace that was enough to qualify for the second wild card.

The 2018 Twins, on the other hand, are currently ten games under .500 and own the 10th-worst record in the league. Three of the four teams that have played worse than Minnesota are in the same division, which is the only reason the Twins are in second place.

Given the poor record and the huge gap between them and the Indians, the Twins need to make a trade that benefits them in the future. His best trade card would be veteran starter Lance Lynn, who is signed just this season.

His departure wouldn’t hurt Minnesota, as All-Star ace Ervin Santana is expected to return from the disabled list this month. His presence will more than make up for the loss of Lynn, who is in the crosshairs of several contenders.

One of those potential business partners, and the most practical, is the closest geographically to Minnesota. In fact, the two teams share a broadcast network, cable station Fox Sports North.

Milwaukee is currently atop the NL Central, but the defending champion Chicago Cubs are just one game behind. To avoid a breakdown like last year, the Brewers might be looking for a veteran starter like Lance Lynn, especially since Brent Suter had to be pulled from his last start due to injury.

Lynn could bring in a Top Twenty prospect, maybe even No. 7, Lucas Erceg. A second-round draft pick in 2016, Erceg is a promising third baseman who is expected to make it to the majors next year.

People in Minnesota might wonder why the Twins would pursue a third baseman, considering the most feared slugger on their roster was an All-Star at that position last year. The answer, of course, is that Miguel Sano has no future at the hot corner, even if he overcomes his current offensive problems while playing Single A Fort Myers.

Most likely, he will take over early in 2019, leaving the hot corner a question mark. Certainly utility infielder Eduardo Escobar has performed nobly in Sano’s absence this year, but the Twins need a long-term fix for that position.

Milwaukee is well placed at third with Travis Shaw, a lefty hitter with plenty of power to solidify the middle of the batting order. Even if the Brewers refuse to trade Erceg, they have a couple of promising catchers and pitchers among their top two dozen prospects. The Twins could certainly use a young catcher or a young arm that is anywhere near the big leagues.

Tours Travel

Visit New York and Hawaii for varied and exciting getaways

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A vacation in the United States can have something for everyone, whether you’re trying to get a taste of city life or want to surf a sun-kissed coastline. By combining two destinations in one trip, you can see more of the country and experience more than you would in a single destination.

By visiting New York and Hawaii in one trip, you can revel in the shopping pleasures of the Big Apple, as well as its iconic landmarks, before flying to paradise shores to experience a more relaxed way of life.

Of course, New York is one of the most popular destinations in the United States and receives dozens of visitors each year. With so much to see and do in the bustling metropolis, it can be hard to know where to start.

However, if shopping tops your list of things to do in the Big Apple, the city certainly won’t let you down. With famous stores like Bloomingdales and Macy’s, you’ll find that these huge stores can keep you busy for hours on their own. So whether you’re looking to spend money or just want to browse, you should make these two a priority to visit.

Meanwhile, as you head out onto the streets, you’ll find them packed with designer shops that have something for everyone.

Of course, during a visit to New York, the vast majority of people will be eager to explore the city’s famous attractions, despite the lure of the shops! For incredible views of the city’s skyline, why not take a trip to the top of the Empire State Building?

Taking the ferry to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty is another must-see—no trip to the city would be complete without it. Symbolizing the freedom that America has historically offered, the statue used to welcome immigrants to the country. If you want to learn more about this period, head to nearby Ellis Island, where you can explore a museum dedicated to the subject.

Or for a slice of the city’s entertainment pie, taking in a Broadway show is a fantastic treat. And if you want to explore a different side of New York, head to Central Park. Famous as one of the largest urban parks in the country, it is a large green space right in the center of this bustling city.

Here you can walk at your leisure, sit and have a picnic or relax with a book. And if you’re on the east side, you’ll find yourself close to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With some seminal pieces of work, a visit to the famous museum is well worth it.

After the incessant bustle of the city, what could be better than relaxing on an idyllic beach? Whether you’re desperate for a surf or just happy to see your skin turn brown in the sand, Hawaii will be the place for you.

Arriving in Waikiki on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, you will find yourself in a beautiful setting. Never being more than a few blocks from a beach, you can relax near the shore whenever you want.

Waikiki Beach is a great place for surfers, but also for those interested in discovering some of the area’s magical marine life. Indulging in a bit of snorkeling is a great way to spend an afternoon, while those interested in trying other water sports will find that there is plenty on offer.

And there’s so much more to Hawaii than just fabulous beaches. If you miss the shopping you found on the streets of New York, then you can head to Kalakiaua Avenue for some retail therapy and great food.

Diamond Head is a spectacular place to visit. Inactive for about 150,000 years, this towering volcano is an incredible sight. Plus, from your observation deck you’ll be able to see the entire west side of Waikiki, which is well worth the walk.

Famous for its role in World War II, Pearl Harbor is also located here. Those interested in history should not miss the chance to visit this important site, which brought the US into the war when it was bombed by the Japanese in 1941.

For a getaway with a difference, a vacation to New York and Hawaii is the perfect choice. Seeing the best of both areas, you’ll be able to enjoy incredibly varied experiences within the same memorable trip.

Arts Entertainments

Ten tips for intercultural communication

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Here are some simple tips to help you improve your cross-cultural communication skills:

Slow down: Even when English is the common language in a cross-cultural situation, this does not mean that you should speak at normal speed. Slow down, speak clearly and make sure your pronunciation is intelligible.

Separate questions: Try not to ask double questions like “Do you want to continue or do we stop here?” In such a situation, it is possible that only the first or second question was understood. Let your listener answer one question at a time.

Avoid negative questions: Many misunderstandings in communication have been caused by the use of negative questions and answers. In English we answer ‘yes’ if the answer is affirmative and ‘no’ if it is negative. In other cultures, a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ can only indicate whether the questioner is right or wrong. For example, the response to “Aren’t you coming?” it can be ‘yes’, which means ‘Yes, I’m not going’.

Take Turns: Cross-cultural communication is enhanced by taking turns speaking, making a point, and then listening to the response.

Write it down: If you’re not sure if you understood something, write it down and check it. This can be useful when using large numbers. For example, a billion in the US is 1,000,000,000,000 while in the UK it is 1,000,000,000.

Be supportive: Effective cross-cultural communication is, at its core, about being comfortable. Giving encouragement to those with weak English gives them trust, support and confidence in you.

Check meanings: When communicating across cultures, never assume the other party has understood. Be an active listener. Summarize what was said to prove it. This is a very effective way of ensuring that accurate cross-cultural communication has occurred.

Avoid Jargon – Even the most educated foreigner will not have a complete grasp of jargon, idioms, and sayings. The danger is that the words are understood but the meaning is lost.

Beware of humor: In many business cultures it is taken very seriously. Professionalism and protocol are constantly observed. Many cultures will not appreciate the use of humor and jokes in a business context. When using humor, think about whether it will be understood in the other culture. For example, British sarcasm often has a negative effect abroad.

Keep the etiquette: Many cultures have a certain etiquette when communicating. It is always a good idea to do some cultural awareness training or at least do some research on the target culture.

Intercultural communication is about dealing with people from other cultures in a way that minimizes misunderstandings and maximizes your potential to create strong relationships. The tips above should be seen as a starting point for greater cultural awareness.

Gaming

How to Fund Online Gambling Accounts

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Online Gambling Accounts

You may be wondering how to fund online gambling accounts. There are a few ways to do this. While some sites may require a credit card, some do not. Pre-paid cards are a convenient way to fund your account without a credit card. These cards allow you to keep track of your spending and limit the amount you spend. While they can be used at any online gambling site, they aren’t accepted by all.

Fortunately, many online casinos now accept deposits from PayNearMe, an electronic payment service that allows you to use your cash at participating retail stores. Once you have made your deposit, a receipt is printed out for your records. You can use the barcode on the receipt to fund your online gambling account. Once you’ve done this, all you need to do is scan the code with your online gambling account to receive your funds.

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While a credit card is usually the easiest way to fund your online gambling account, it’s not the only way. There are other methods that don’t require a credit card, including electronic funds transfers. Most legal online betting sites accept deposits immediately. To deposit using this method, you must enable online bill pay in your bank’s portal. If your bank doesn’t support online bank transfers, you can use e-wallets.

How to Fund Online Gambling Accounts

You can also use debit cards to deposit money into your online gambling account. However, beware of scammers. Some banks automatically decline deposits to gambling sites. To avoid this, contact customer support or contact your bank. You should also know that credit cards are considered a cash advance, and banks will often charge a fee when making these deposits. So, you should always consider the other methods of funding your online gambling account. You will probably find one that works best for you.

If you’re in a hurry to deposit money into your online gambling account, consider using PayNearMe. This online gambling site does not require a separate account and does not require a credit card number. It also provides you with more control over your bankroll, as you’ll only be able to gamble with the funds that you’ve already transferred. If you’re a newcomer to online gambling, this method might be a better option for you.

You can also use ACH transfers. This method is a preferred one among most bettors who have checking accounts. They offer solid limits and a secure transaction. Most online gambling sites list ACH transfers as VIP options. However, this method may be slower than an eCheck. ACH transfers may also require you to log into a banking portal from the gambling site, and you may need to input your account information more than once.

Technology

5 steps to help you build an eCommerce store

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Your guide to starting an online business

Whether COVID-19 has pushed you to move from a physical store to an online environment, or you’ve decided to take the plunge and set up a web-based store, starting an eCommerce business can be a rewarding venture.

From 2017 to the end of 2019, approximately 28.1 million Canadians made purchases online. That’s a lot of people who go to web pages and take out their wallets if they like what they see.

But there’s more to the process than buying a domain name and loading up your site with products or services. There are technical aspects to navigate and content to consider.

Do you DIY with a website builder or hire a professional? Should you stick to SEO or focus on paid ads as well?

As a small business owner, I have helped many clients build successful online businesses. So I’m sharing this five-step guide to starting an online business with you to make the process clearer and less stressful.

1) Find out what you want to sell.

If you already have an established store, this could be very easy. But if you’re just starting an eCommerce business and focusing on products, you’ll need to think about what you’ll offer and where you’ll get it from.

The first thing to figure out what to sell and in what form is to make sure it’s relevant to today’s consumer. COVID-19 has made consumers much more in tune with their spending habits. Make sure that, first of all, there is a consumer who is willing to spend his money on the product he intends to sell.

Next, define how you want to sell your products. These are just some of the options:

  • From business to consumer (B2C): This is the most common business model, with many different approaches. Basically, you sell to the end user, but there may be a third party acting as a middleman (think Amazon).
  • Direct to Consumer (D2C): From design and manufacturing to sales and promotions, the company does it all. Dollar Shave Club is a good example of a D2C business that started small and grew with this model.
  • Subscription service: Books, clothes, organic products, baby items… I could go on and on. Almost every industry has harnessed the power of subscription services to deliver cost and time savings to customers on a regular basis.
  • Direct delivery: Instead of having to stock a warehouse full of products, when you sell a product on your site, you’re basically buying the item from a third party, who ships it directly to the customer.

2) Buy a domain name.

If you already have a business name, this part could be simple. However, you won’t get a nice short dot com name unless you invest a lot of money. And you don’t want a domain name that’s five words long or hard for customers to remember (or spell).

Ideally, use your company name like we did, with a dot com or dot ca if you’re in Canada. There are plenty of other TDLs (Top Level Domains) to consider, such as .net, .co, and org, but strive to get revered.com as your primary domain if possible.

3) Create an eCommerce store

From incorporating branding into your design to uploading products/services, there are many things to consider when starting an eCommerce business, including:

  • Your shopping cart software. Shopping carts can be built with a variety of coding languages, including ASP, PHP, JavaScript, and HTML. They can be provided by a 3dr party service provider (like Shopify) or installed on your WordPress website like WooCommerce to avoid monthly fees. Choosing the best shopping cart software requires a lot of analysis of the pros and cons of each choice. Many times the choice depends on your needs, your budget and the desired functionality.
  • The visuals (copy and images). The way the shopper sees and feels about your store has a significant impact on whether they will trust to make a purchase from you. Also, the way each of your products is described along with the use of professional looking photos can make or break a sale if not done correctly.
  • Installing a Secure Security Layer (SSL) certificate. This keeps your website secure and is mandatory in today’s online trading environment. Even Google will favor your site’s search ranking if it detects an installed SSL.
  • Your shipping model. If you are selling physical products, you need to decide how they are going to get into the hands of the buyer. Are you shipping items to customers directly? Or are you using a third party? Will you offer free shipping or international shipping? Do you want shipping to be calculated automatically at checkout or will it be a flat rate shipping rate?
  • Your payment gateway. Will you only accept credit cards or debit cards and PayPal as well? Will you be using a hosted gateway that takes people off your site to pay and then redirects them, like our Ripping Vintage Packs client? Or is an integrated payment gateway more your style?

This is where it pays to hire a professional web development company. You won’t have to waste your time googling “SSL Certificates” or trying to set up shopping cart software.

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READ: 3 ecommerce challenges and solutions for tough times

Calling these “tough times” may be a bit of an understatement for you, or maybe you’ve tweaked your marketing just fine and aren’t negatively affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

There is no arguing that this pandemic has led to an increase in internet traffic as people work, socialize, and entertain themselves online.

That’s why I’m sharing 3 ecommerce challenges and solutions to help you sustain and even grow as an entrepreneur during this crisis.

Read more on our website.

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4) Focus on SEO

Did you know that SEO has the highest ROI of all online marketing tactics? Despite this fact, many small business owners build their sites with little regard for how search engines view their content.

SEO means doing keyword research to discover the keywords your target audience is using to find what they need.

Your SEO strategy will heavily focus on on-page techniques like keyword-rich content and meta tags.

5) Create valuable content

Your customers don’t just want to see pages and pages of products, or a single line that sells them services. They want you to be a trusted expert who can provide them with everything from helpful advice to reassurance that their credit card information is safe.

Content marketing is an ongoing process. If you want to please your target audience and the search engines, you will need to regularly publish articles, blogs, and videos that are valuable to your audience.

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No matter what your small business model is, you’ll need to keep testing and tweaking after you create an eCommerce store. You’ll want to dive into your data to see the behavior of your customers, such as:

  • Do they spend time reading your carefully crafted content?
  • Is there a broken link causing people to abandon their shopping carts before they finish shopping?
  • How many of your website visitors are converting into customers?

Of course, there is much more to starting a web based business than I can cover here. From promoting your business on social media to creating paid ads to drive traffic, you’ll want to have a marketing strategy in place as you go. But this guide to starting an online business will help you lay a solid foundation for a successful eCommerce site.

For the success of your business,

Suzanne