#bank loyalty program

[loyaltyexpert]

Bank Loyalty Programs: 5 Successful Examples

The banking industry has witnessed a lot of change in the last few years due to the global pandemic, a series of lockdowns, the resulting supply chain crisis and economic slowdown, the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as the rise of automation and AI.

This is where well-designed bank loyalty programs can be extremely useful in retaining customers and minimizing customer attrition rates. Some loyalty programs that are suitable for other sectors may not be appropriate for banks and financial institutions due to regulatory, ethical, or practical reasons.

Every company that operates in the dynamic and rapidly growing industry—be it a public or a privately-owned bank, non-banking financial corporation (NBFC), or a fintech company—must leverage effective bank loyalty programs to their advantage.

What is a Bank Loyalty Program?

A bank loyalty program is a marketing strategy to encourage customer loyalty. It Offers rewards to valued customers as a way to acknowledge their ongoing business and interaction with the bank

Loyalty programs can help banks to improve customer relationships, understand customer needs, and offer personalized products and services.

Based on the information above, The rise of financial technology is putting pressure on traditional banks to innovate and improve their customer service in order to retain customers.

Top 5 Examples of Bank Loyalty Programs

1. Bank of America’s ‘Preferred Rewards program

Founded in San Francisco in 1998, Bank of America serves more than 66 million customers in over 4,300 branches across the U.S. The lender has a loyalty program christened ‘Preferred Rewards,’ which has three levels and members get attractive rewards as they climb their way up through the tiers.

Bank of America’s Premium Rewards provides its members with enhanced rewards and travel benefits in exchange for an annual fee of $95. The minimum credit limit for the loyalty program is $5,000 and some members have received higher credit limits to the tune of $50,000. The program offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 online points (worth $600) after a member spends a minimum of $4,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.

2. Citibank’s Citi ThankYou Rewards

Citibank, which was founded as the City Bank of New York in 1812 and later renamed as First National City Bank of Europe, is one of the largest international financial services companies in the world. The bank has more than 100 million customers and 2,649 branches in 98 countries. In 2019, the bank registered revenue of USD 74 billion.

3. JP Morgan’s One Card

When it comes to banking loyalty programs how can the largest American bank by assets be left behind? New York-headquartered JP Morgan also has a points-based bank loyalty rewards program named ‘One Card.’

In the program, every reward point is equal to a dollar spent. The program requires customers to use a JP Morgan card to collect points and use it in a wide range of ways such as gift cards, travel cards, cash credit, and merchandise.

The loyalty program also provides big businesses with the option to reward their employees with points as well as reinvest the points into the business. Members can earn unlimited points and the points are extremely easy to manage and don’t expire.

The best part is, that members get 25,000 bonus points if they spend at least $50,000 within three months of account opening. The loyalty program is designed to minimize the risk of misuse of points and fraud. Real-time reporting makes it extremely easy to keep track of the points.

4. Wells Fargo Rewards 

San Francisco-based Wells Fargo is one of the leading banks in the U.S. with a customer base of 70 million, a market share of USD 97 billion, and a total asset of USD 1.97 trillion. The bank’s loyalty program is named ‘Wells Fargo Rewards,’ which is available to all eligible rewards-based credit card holders.

5. Capital One Venture Rewards

Capital One, which was founded in 1994 in Richmond, Virginia, is a bank that’s known for specializing in savings accounts, credit cards, and car financing options. The bank offers accounts for individuals and businesses and it enables parents to open savings accounts for their children with no minimum balance requirements or monthly fees.

To sum it all up,

At LoyaltyXpert, we have a solid track record and years of experience when it comes to creating successful loyalty programs. If you are looking for a loyalty solution partner that will not just help you design and run effective bank loyalty programs but stand firmly by your side throughout each stage, then look no further. Contact us today to book a free demo and experience how we can help you realize your dreams.

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[loyaltyprogramsblog]

Bank Loyalty Program Drive customer loyalty and satisfaction with our Bank Loyalty Program. Tailored for banks, our program empowers you to incentivize card usage, creating lasting relationships and fostering customer loyalty. Stay ahead in the market with our innovative loyalty solutions. Visit the link to learn more.

[loyalty-program]

How Bank Loyalty Programs Are Revolutionizing Customer Retention Strategies

Bank loyalty programs have become essential in the ever-changing financial industry, as banks fight aggressively for the attention and allegiance of their consumers. These initiatives aim to do more than just keep clients; they also aim to make a lasting impression, build sincere relationships, and turn routine business dealings into thrilling journeys. Come along as we explore the ins and outs of bank loyalty programs, their intricacies, their magic, and the tales that lie behind their success. 

Dissecting Bank Loyalty Programs: A Comprehensive Overview:

1 The Fundamental Sign of Client Loyalty:

Bank loyalty programs, buzzing with the promise of incentives, benefits, and special access, are the beating heart of client loyalty strategy. Imagine a consumer using their card at their preferred coffee shop, earning points with each purchase, and experiencing a rush of anticipation as they move closer to redeeming that cherished device or dream vacation. It's about creating emotional ties and making routine banking into a joyful experience, not simply about transactions.

2 Cultivating Experiences, Not Just Rewards: 

Setting up experiences that go beyond simple transactions is the secret to running a profitable bank loyalty program. Imagine a banking environment where the focus is on making customers smile from ear to ear rather than just numbers on a screen. Banks are creating heartwarming tales of excitement that attract their clients, whether it's a personalized thank-you note, a surprise birthday goodie, or a VIP invitation to an exceptional event.

3 Creativity in Action: Encouraging Examples:

Let's take a look at some of the most creative bank loyalty programs that have impressed consumers all over the world as we go on an exciting journey:

Explore the world of Chase Ultimate Rewards, a rewarding program where every transaction opens up a wealth of opportunities, from spectacular dining experiences to opulent travel experiences. Chase knows how to transform loyalty into an exciting journey with its partnerships with top brands and varied redemption possibilities.

Fargo Wells Go Far Rewards: Enjoy an easy walk through the scenic surroundings of Go Far Rewards, where each mile covered and each dollar spent helps clients get closer to their goals. With opportunities for charitable contributions and special travel benefits, Wells Fargo is reinventing what it means to go above and beyond for its devoted customers.

American Express Club Rewards: Join a limited number of Being Involved Rewards customers to enjoy unmatched benefits and extravagance. As a master at uplifting the art of reward redemption, American Express provides an attractive range of redemption options, such as fine dining, superior travel, and immensely desirable products. 

4 Beyond Prizes: The Importance of Personalization

In an era of insights driven by data, bank loyalty programs are embracing the power of customization by going beyond the usual rewards. Imagine receiving recommendations based on your purchasing habits, personalized deals that are suited to your specific interests, and timely a helping hand when you need it most. It matters more to customers to feel truly acknowledged and appreciated than it does to just gather up points.  

5 Forming Connections and Building Communities:

Bank loyalty programs offer a feeling of community and belonging in addition to being a tool for retaining customers. Consider having access to an exclusive club where members share advice, stories, and insider information. Banks are using loyalty programs to unite people through online discussions, social media groups, and offline events, forming connections that go much beyond simple cash exchanges.

6 Encouraging Continuous Improvement and Evaluating Success:

Every effective bank loyalty program has a strong framework in place for evaluating progress and promoting ongoing improvement. Banks continually enhance their programs to better meet the evolving demands and expectations of their consumers. This includes collecting feedback from users and keeping track of important metrics like customer retention rates and redemption regularity.

Conclusion:

As we get to the end of our amazing exploration of bank loyalty programs, one thing becomes quite obvious: these initiatives are about more than simply transactions and numbers; they are about relationships with people, major life events, and emotional moments that last a lifetime. Remember that you're going on a journey full of surprises, delights, and endless possibilities the next time you swipe your card or go into your banking app instead of just collecting points. LoyaltyXpert is more than just a loyalty program provider; we're your trusted partner in building lasting relationships with your customers. With a comprehensive suite of services, we're here to support your business growth and success.

[lissa646]

Rewards Link

[uppoflexcard]

cartão fidelidade digital - Uppo

O cartão de fidelidade digital é um cartão físico que pode ser gerado em um cartão virtual mediante solicitação do usuário. Este cartão ajuda os usuários a comprar coisas em lojas online. Para mais informações, você pode visitar nosso site. https://www.uppo.com.br/

[theoutcastrogue]

"The majority of high-tech patent lawsuits are brought by patent trolls—companies that exist not to provide products or services, but primarily have a business using patents to threaten others’ work. Some politicians are proposing to make that bad situation worse. ...

The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act, S. 2140, (PERA), sponsored by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Coons (D-DE) would be a huge gift to patent trolls, a few tech firms that aggressively license patents, and patent lawyers. For everyone else, it will be a huge loss. That’s why we’re opposing it, and asking our supporters to speak out as well. 

Patent trolling is still a huge, multi-billion dollar problem that’s especially painful for small businesses and everyday internet users. But, in the last decade, we’ve made modest progress placing limits on patent trolling. The Supreme Court’s 2014 decision in Alice v. CLS Bank barred patents that were nothing more than abstract ideas with computer jargon added in. Using the Alice test, federal courts have kicked out a rogue’s gallery of hundreds of the worst patents. 

Under Alice’s clear rules, courts threw out ridiculous patents on “matchmaking”, online picture menus, scavenger hunts, and online photo contests. The nation’s top patent court, the Federal Circuit, actually approved a patent on watching an ad online twice before the Alice rules finally made it clear that patents like that cannot be allowed. The patents on “bingo on a computer?” Gone under Alice. Patents on loyalty programs (on a computer)? Gone. Patents on upselling (with a computer)? All gone. ...

PERA’s attempt to roll back progress goes beyond computer technology. For almost 30 years, some biotech and pharmaceutical companies actually applied for, and were granted, patents on naturally occuring human genes. As a consequence, companies were able to monopolize diagnostic tests that relied on naturally occurring genes in order to help predict diseases such as breast cancer, making such testing far more expensive. The ACLU teamed up with doctors to confront this horrific practice, and sued. That lawsuit led to a historic victory in 2013 when the Supreme Court disallowed patents on human genes found in nature. 

If PERA passes, it will explicitly overturn that ruling, allowing human genes to be patented once again. ...

“To See Your Own Blood, Your Own Genes”

From the 1980s until the 2013 Myriad decision, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted patents on human genomic sequences. If researchers “isolated” the gene—a necessary part of analysis—they would then get a patent that described isolating, or purified, as a human process, and insist they weren’t getting a patent on the natural world itself.

But this concept of patenting an “isolated” gene was simply a word game, and a distinction without a difference. With the genetic patent in hand, the patent-holder could demand royalty payments from any kind of test or treatment involving that gene. And that’s exactly what Myriad Genetic did when they patented the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene sequences, which are important indicators for the prevalence of breast or ovarian cancer. 

Myriad’s patents significantly increased the cost of those tests to U.S. patients. The company even sent some doctors cease and desist letters, saying the doctors could not perform simple tests on their own patients—even looking at the gene sequences without Myriad’s permission would constitute patent infringement. 

This behavior caused pathologists, scientists, and patients to band together with ACLU lawyers and challenge Myriad’s patents. They litigated all the way to the Supreme Court, and won. “A naturally occurring DNA segment is a product of nature and not patent eligible merely because it has been isolated,” the Supreme Court stated in Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics. 

A practice like granting and enforcing patents on human genes should truly be left in the dustbin of history. It’s shocking that pro-patent lobbyists have convinced these Senators to introduce legislation seeking to reinstate such patents. Last month, the President of the College of American Pathologists published an op-ed reminding lawmakers and the public about the danger of patenting the human genome, calling gene patents “dangerous to the public welfare.”  

As Lisbeth Ceriani, a breast cancer survivor and a plaintiff in the Myriad case said, “It’s a basic human right to see your own blood, your own genes.” "

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

I have always thought that Meghan does not make her own money, does not see any projects throught to completion and isn't launching her own company is because she does not want to split money with Harry in case of a divorce.

I feel she is of the mentality that what's his is hers, but what's hers is just hers. (I took that phrase from somewhere online, but I can't remey where from).

That's the reason she kept her agent and publicist in US when she married in 2018,so he could deal with her company Frim Fram while she was in the UK. It's the reason she wanted to get pain fromthe work she did while royal and wasn't happy with the 3 mil stipend.

And it's the reason all their major money-making projects have been Harry's - Book deal, Invictus, Better Up , or joint - Netflix.

When Harry loses money (the lawsuits) she is mad. But when she loses money (pr, paid mag covers, 40x40 merch, Bench, insane spending for fake Un tour etc) it's just an investment gone wrong and they never talk about it again.

I think Meghan always just wanted to be an influencer, even when that word wasn't a thing. She liked the Tig thing she did and that's all she wants to do. Archwrll is very much modelled along those lines where she updates their stuff like updating a blog.

I know people sayshe isn't very good with follow through but I don't think she is that bad. Their failure has got a lot to do with Harry and him simply not knowing, not being capable of doing, not being very good at carrying projects on his own without a capable team.

The moment their divorce is finalized and the financials have been settled (and locked in) she will start working (hustling) and she will start making money the way she wants to. It will be something stupid and ridiculous, mostly speaking fees, appearances, red carpet merching or some product line. But she will make money.

She is just hedging her bets now and milking the royal money train dry. Whatever she has made so far in the past 7 years is safely locked in some other bank account under some company name that someone else is the front of.

You don't even have to be an evil genius to do that just have some financial acuity and ambition. Ones a hustler, always a hustler.

Ask from August 20th

Some good points here.

I disagree that Meghan has follow-through. Nothing I’ve seen from her since 2015ish shows she has follow-through. She does the bare basic minimum and the team around her finishes everything so she can put her name on it. She did it on The Tig. She did it for Suits. She did to the Hubb Kitchen cookbook. She did it with the royal tours. She did it with the fauxyal tours. She did it with Smartworks. She did it with 40x40. She did it with the UN. She did it with India and Malta and Rwanda charity work. She did it with the USO tour. She did it with the wedding. She did it with Vogue UK.

The only things Meghan did herself was throw everyone under the bus and stab them in the back. And even that’s sometimes questionable.

So she needs the capable team around her too, but capable means something different for Meghan. Where Harry’s “capable team” meant having people who do literally everything for him from picking out his clothes to taking him for munchies to running his own charity programs, Meghan’s “capable team” means having people who do exactly what she wants, when she wants them to, as she wants them to, and to read her mind as to when/how/where she wants things.

And that’s not someone who’s a good boss. That’s a terrible boss, a toxic one, one who has no problem screaming at people and throwing them under the bus, one who’ll underpay her staff and manipulate them into unethical or immoral behavior, work them to the bone, and who demands not just total loyalty, but 24/7 access and commitment. Everyone knows that about Meghan. Everyone sees that about Meghan. (And if one doesn’t see that about her, then one doesn’t have enough experience in the workplace or has never had a toxic boss of their own.)

And because Meghan is that kind of a boss, the only reason she has a capable team around her now is because of Harry. Because it looks really good on people’s resumes to work for the Duke of Sussex because they can leverage that to other big high-faluting jobs with more important people and more important work.

The second Meghan doesn’t have Harry, not only is that team gone, so is the world’s tolerance for Meghan Markle. She can hustle all she wants to get the paychecks she believes she deserves, but she isn’t going to get it. She’s getting no better than what she has now because it’s the same thing she got before Harry. If people weren’t interested in her before Harry, they definitely won’t be interested once her 15 minutes are up and her memoir washes out of the news cycle, and they won’t be interested because she can’t do anything for them. She doesn’t move magazines. She doesn’t sell clothes. She couldn’t sell her own book. She can’t even sell her own jam, dog biscuits, and kids.

The best her hustling post-Harry can get her is probably a spot on The View when her memoir comes out but even that’s not a sure thing because she’ll want them to fawn over her and I guarantee you, someone will be rolling their eyes at her in front of her. My money is on Whoopi.

[wondwaeland]

The Purge AU (official title TBD)

WARNING: due to the original Purge franchise being rated R (films) and TV-MA (tv), this AU will contain violence, mentions of t°rture, SA, murd°r, and gore. This AU is rated for MATURE AUDIENCES. Please continue at your own discretion.

Character Profiles under cut

The Circus - a Purge group that functions as more psychopathic vigilantes, targeting false companies, hate groups, and other NFFA groups

Aren't government officials off limits?

It's the purge where nothing is legally binding for a twelve hour period, that rule does not make sense. In my au, the government should be fair game.

Caine Eden

Age: 35; Son of a NFFA politician, participates to a send a message to the NFFA and other government officials that they aren't safe; leads a crew dubbed "The Circus" under the name "The Ringleader;" he targets corrupt power in the government and everyday corporations || "Bubble" - Caine's fly on the wall program installed in every NFFA software that makes him one step ahead.

Rebecca-Agatha "Ragatha" Hansen

Age: 30; Code Name: "The Ragdoll," Agatha started participating due to bottled up tension and anger, she joined the Circus after her old team "The Dollhouse" was disbanded two years into the Purge era; she mainly goes after convicted sex offenders; during the normal day, she's nurse in a senior living home

Jackson "Jax" O'Hara

Age: 22; Code Name: "The Rabbit," Jax was one of the first to join the Circus having worked for the NFFA alongside Caine; he joined in order to cause chaos and destruction with no ramifications, if people benefit from his kills...bonus; he currently works in IT for the NFFA

Gina "Gangle" Engleman

Age: 26; Code Name: "Ribbons," Gina was roped into The Circus by accident, Jax commandeered her backseat and told her to drive as his getaway car soon after the sirens rang, Caine provided her refuge for the night; she doesn't participate every year, but she when she does its towards a specific group of people, more often than not she drives the mobile base to pick up stragglers and bring them to a safe zone; she normally works as a kids' theater director and daycare attendant

Zayne "Zooble" Tetsuo

Age: 22; Code Name: "The Amalgamation," Zayne is The Circus' tech expert and makes all the fun weaponry for each person's task for the Purge, they joined The Circus after Gina enlisted them for their string of hits and stayed ever since; they rarely take to the field, but will hop on the mobile base to pick up stragglers and bring them to a safe zone with Gina; they normally work in IT at a hole-in-the-wall tech repair shop; no one truly knows how they got their Purge name

Reginald "Reggie" Henry

Age: 48; Code Name: "The King," he was once part of a duo with a close friend but after she was downed, he joined The Circus after Caine invited him, hearing that he Purged for charity - targeting false charities; he is a retired veteran and works part time at the youth center; he is currently retired from Purge activities but acts as an advisor to the rest of The Circus

"Pomni"

Age:25; known as "The Jester," she is feared in the streets due to her kill count and no clear loyalty to the NFFA's agenda or to the Circus, she currently works in tandem with the Circus after a run in with the Ragdoll the previous year; during normal hours, she works as a teller for one of the most targeted banks of the night

[wonnieaura]

10 ways to look good on a budget 💸

before we begin. I just wanna thank y’all for 650 followers 🤍🤍 love y’all so much

Shop at thrift stores and yard sales: Thrift stores offer a wide range of clothes, accessories and even furniture at reduced prices. While you may not always find brand-new items, there is typically a good selection of high-quality items at great prices. Many thrift stores also offer regular discounts or sale days, so it pays to check back frequently for new items and deals. Yard sales are another great place to find bargain items. While they're typically seasonal and require more effort in digging through piles of items, yard sales often offer the most affordable prices.

Wear what you have: The majority of our wardrobes are full of items we rarely wear or have only worn once or twice. Instead of buying new, look through your closet and see what you already have that you may not have worn in a while. Consider creating new outfits with the items you already have, mixing and matching to create a new style. This not only saves money, it reduces waste and helps you make the most of what you already have.

Buy timeless staples: Building a wardrobe of high-quality, versatile items can help you look good on a budget. Look for classic, simple pieces like a white t-shirt, a well-cut pair of jeans, or a classic black dress. Investing in quality items that will last will save you money in the long run, as you'll be wearing them for years to come.

Take care of your clothes: How you treat your clothes can determine how long they last. Always follow the care instructions on the label, and don't be afraid to hand-wash items if necessary. You can help reduce any damage by investing in a good de-piller, and avoiding the dryer whenever possible.

Accessorize: Accessories can elevate any outfit, transforming what was once a simple look into a stylish one. Look for pieces you can mix and match, like a neutral handbag or a set of simple gold studs. Accessories are a great way to add interest to an outfit without breaking the bank.

Shop sales and clearance racks: The end of season sales can be a great way to find bargain items. Look for items that are on sale or marked down, especially at the end of a season when stores are trying to make room for new merchandise. Look in the bargain bins as well. You never know what gem you may find hiding in plain sight.

Join loyalty programs or use coupons: Loyalty programs are a great way to get discounts and earn rewards for your purchases. Look for loyalty programs in your favorite stores, and take advantage of any special offers. Many stores also offer mobile apps with digital coupons, which can save you money on specific items.

Shop for beauty products in drugstores: Drugstores often carry popular beauty brands at more affordable prices compared to department stores or high-end makeup counters. Look for affordable skincare and hair products that cater to your specific needs, and don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from the staff.

Be confident: The most important thing is to always have confidence in yourself. Standing tall, taking care of your appearance, and being proud of who you are can enhance your beauty and make you look your best, even if you're wearing budget-friendly clothes. Take pride in who you are, and don't let others' expectations bring you down.

Have fun with fashion: Fashion should be fun, not stress-inducing. Mix and match your clothes to create your own unique style, and don't be afraid to experiment with new outfits. Experimenting with different styles can help you find what works best for you, and make fashion more enjoyable as well.

Remember, looking good on a budget can be challenging, but it's all about being creative and making the most of what you already have. With these tips and a positive attitude, you'll be sure to look your best without breaking the bank.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Matt Shuham at HuffPost:

Donald Trump has no greater enemy than the United States’ federal bureaucracy — what he calls the “deep state.” And he has a plan to bend it to his will if he’s elected in November. The plan, to create something called “Schedule F,” would make tens of thousands of civil servants easier to fire, fundamentally changing the nature of the federal government — and, some worry, paving the way for authoritarianism.

Schedule F is a new category, or schedule, of federal workers who are exempt from codified job protections, like being hired and fired based on merit and having the ability to appeal disciplinary action. The majority of federal civil service employees, from climate scientists to bank examiners to IT specialists, are covered by these protections; some positions, like postal workers and intelligence officers, are currently exempt. That system ensures that experience and skill, rather than political favoritism or personal connections, guide hiring and firing decisions within the federal government. But conservatives have long complained that the president should exercise more control over the federal bureaucracy, and Trump in particular has said it needs to be “brought to heel.” Trump created Schedule F in an October 2020 executive order. Under that order, federal workers involved in “confidential, policy-determining, policy-making and policy-advocating positions” — a vague description that would include at least tens of thousands of people — would be stripped of their civil service protections and reclassified as “at-will” appointees, meaning they could be hired or fired for any reason, or none at all.

Because the order came so late in Trump’s presidency, only a handful of agencies created lists of specific jobs that would be eligible for conversion to Schedule F. And President Joe Biden reversed the order before any jobs could actually be converted. But Trump has explicitly said he’ll pursue Schedule F again if he’s elected. In a campaign video last year, Trump referred to Schedule F as an effort to “remove rogue bureaucrats.” “I will wield that power very aggressively,” he said.

Federal employees, political scientists, union leaders and watchdog groups told HuffPost that Schedule F could lead to a “chilling” effect. At-will employment, they said, would make it harder for government workers to raise concerns that go against their bosses’ political loyalties. That could lead to a degradation of public services like disaster relief, financial regulation and the administration of government benefits. “You can see where it can grind work to a halt, because even people who are trying to do the right thing [would] be afraid that if they do something wrong, they’ll be out of a job,” said Joe Spielberger, a policy counsel at the Project on Government Oversight who has raised alarms over how the implementation of Schedule F would harm key welfare programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Schedule F would be the “fundamental element of an authoritarian agenda,” he said, allowing Trump to take control of the vast federal bureaucracy and reverse generations of reforms.

Donald Moynihan, a professor of public policy at Georgetown University, signed on to an open letter in April arguing Schedule F would open the door to “politicization and patronage throughout the federal workforce.” He told HuffPost, “This feels like the biggest problem that the fewest people understand about a potential second Trump administration.”

[...]

The ‘Lightbulb Moment’

The push for Schedule F started with what one Trump staffer called a “lightbulb moment.” In 2019, James Sherk, a top White House adviser on civil service and labor policy, was frustrated by reports of federal workers pushing back against the Trump policy agenda. He started reading through existing U.S. law on federal labor rights, and realized that the language about exceptions from civil service protections could actually be interpreted quite broadly. Such a change in interpretation would be a break from decades of precedent. Presidents only bring around 4,000 political appointees with them at the start of a new term, and many additionally require Senate confirmation. These appointees are generally classified as “excepted” — they aren’t required to complete standardized competitive civil service exams, but they also aren’t afforded standard civil service protections. (The “excepted” portion of the federal workforce includes more than a million federal workers under various schedules, though the vast majority of them come from the United States Postal Service, the military, and Department of Veterans affairs.)

But Sherk argued that the “excepted” service should grow much larger, to include “the most important” federal workers — “the people who are telling all the rest of the bureaucracy what to do,” he said in a 2022 interview. In his view, the change would make the federal government more accountable to the White House, and therefore, the American people. “Nothing in [federal law] says that you can only take away the civil service protections of political appointees,” Sherk said. Sherk estimated that Schedule F would have applied to 1% to 3% of the federal workforce, or about 50,000 workers, had Biden not unwound it. But the number actually affected if Trump pursues Schedule F again could be much larger. A Government Accountability Office review of the few agencies that did start making Schedule F conversion lists found that agencies thought anywhere from 2% to 68% of their employees were eligible to be “rescheduled.”

[...]

Project 2025, the 900-page right-wing agenda-in-waiting for Trump cooked up by the Heritage Foundation and dozens of other arch-conservative organizations, refers to plans to reintroduce Schedule F in several sections. And one member of the project’s three-person leadership team is Paul Dans, the former chief of staff at the OPM during the Trump administration. The Project 2025 team has signaled that potential staffers in a second Trump White House would need to be on board: A questionnaire for potential new hires in a Trump administration asks applicants if they agree that “the President should be able to advance his/her agenda through the bureaucracy without hinderance from unelected federal officials.”

HuffPost has a story on how Project 2025 and Schedule F could chill dissent against a potential 2nd Trump.

This is why Americans should vote Joe Biden to stop Project 2025 from taking effect!

Read the full article at HuffPost.

[yesmaddyposts]

Loyalty Comes Soaked In Blood

Fandom: The Gray Man (2022), The Place Beyond the Pines Word count: 2k Tags: Hurt No Comfort, Crossover, Fix-It, Luke Glanton Lives, Hurt ! Sierra Six, Post-Canon, Morally Gray Characters AO3 Link

Description: While Luke Glanton recovers in the hospital from his run-in with the police, he is visited by a CIA agent offering gum and a shot at a new life.

2000

He wakes up in the hospital after hours of surgery and barely surviving his botched bank robbery. His wrists are cuffed to the bed frame as if he is in any state to make a run for it. He has thirty staples in the back of his skull, his right leg in a cast, and is post-blood transfusion.

Romina, of course, isn't at his bedside. Neither is Robin. It seems he has burned all his bridges for good this time. He starts wondering if he is better off dead so he can't hurt anyone else when the door to his hospital room opens. A nurse walks in followed by a stranger in a suit jacket.

“Your lawyer is here,” the nurse says disdainfully.

Luke can't say he blames her. It seems kind of a moot point to get him representation now after all he's done. He knows what is next for him when he goes to court. The nurse leaves them alone and his lawyer that he didn't ask for and doesn't want pulls an armchair over to his bedside.

The first thing his lawyer asks is: “Want some gum?”

He sets a manila folder on the bed and takes a package of gum out of his breast pocket. Luke is high on pain meds but not that high. He doesn’t need some justice-loving cop sympathizer to patronize him right now.

“The hell kind of lawyer are you?” Luke grits out.

“Oh, I'm not your lawyer. That's just something I told the front desk to be let in through the doors.” His Not-Lawyer introduces himself as Donald Fitzroy. Turns out he’s worse than a lawyer, in fact he's CIA, and he wants to recruit Luke for an elite unit called The Sierra Program.

“Go fuck yourself,” Luke tells him. 

But Donald Fitzroy doesn't take his words at face value. Luke knows why— they both know he has very limited options. Life in prison at best, death row at worst. Or he could go with Fitzroy and work for The Sierra Program. On paper he will have died in the hospital due to complications during surgery. His son, Romina, and anyone who ever had the unfortunate luck of meeting him will never know what becomes of him. Luke Glanton will be a ghost. A Gray Man, as Fitzroy puts it. And when he says it like that, the choice is clear.

Luke's never been the type to make good decisions.

2024

Luke Glanton is gone. From traveling-stunt-man-turned-bank-robber-deadbeat-father to CIA spy. He is Sierra Three. Sort of. 

The Sierra Program is dead in the water, but he knows how to stay afloat. Something serious went down in Europe last year, and the CIA has been scrambling ever since. With Fitzroy dead and this Carmichael asshole at the forefront of CIA operations, Luke plays his cards carefully. As Sierra Three, he works at Carmichael’s beck and call so long as he doesn’t want a bullet in the back of the head for just being associated with Fitzroy's defunct program.

In his time working under Fitzroy, his roles were often the same. Undercover work in gang settings, gathering information on low lifes and eliminating threats to national security. He was plenty good at blending in with the criminal scene. Even though he's learned several new languages, a dozen different fighting techniques, and how to assimilate into different classes and societies with ease, he still often feels like the uneducated screw up he was in his youth. If anyone from his past could see him now, he is sure they would think the same.

But he puts aside his identity crisis in favor of survival. That means he doesn’t argue when he is sent on his latest mission to a strip club of all places, and not even a high end one. It's a run down club in the outskirts of Seattle. His target is a bouncer at the club. According to Carmichael, his target is the cause of all of the CIA's woes for the past eighteen months. Sierra Six.

They finally tracked him down here in the bustling city, living the quiet life with Fitzroy's niece. Luke knows Six's mindset in choosing this place to lay low. It's a tourist-frequented city, which means it's populated enough to blend in but not so riddled with crime as to have too high of a police presence. If Six is anywhere as skilled as Luke is, which he suspects is more than likely the case after reading about the events that unfolded in Prague, Six chose to work nights here because no one would suspect a super spy to be a club bouncer of all things.

Luke has no loyalty ties to anyone from The Sierra Program. He has never been that attached to his identity as Sierra Three, nor has he ever felt the need to kiss up to Fitzroy for pulling him out of that grave he dug for himself. Fitzroy picked him because he was young, desperate, and knew his way around a motorbike. Not because he cared about second chances. With this in mind, his mission is simple: eliminate Sierra Six.

He bides his time, spending a couple hours at the bar, occasionally tipping the dancers to give him an excuse to stick around. The club bouncers have two shift changes as the men switch out for their lunch breaks. Luke is getting a lap dance from a freckled redhead (she's probably a lovely woman, but he chose her on purpose because she looked nothing like Ro) with his eyes on the front door to keep watch. Around two in the morning, Six heads outside after his break to stand guard. Ten minutes later and the lap dance is done. Luke gets up and tips the dancer extra well because it isn't his money anyway and she deserves it. 

He stumbles out of the bar, playing the part of drunken clubber with ease. It's a show he has put on a hundred times before, because people tend not to question someone who looks like him behaving like a fool. He leans heavily against the dirty wall of the club, standing close to Six but not too close.

He fumbles with a pack of cigarettes, pretends to almost drop one, and asks Six, “You got a light, man?”

Six's face is neutral, the skin around his eyes creasing just a little in a betrayal that he feels something from this interaction. Maybe disgust, maybe pity, maybe irritation from being disturbed at his post. But he silently pulls a lighter out of his pocket and lights up Luke's cigarette when he holds it out. As he does this, Luke deftly pulls his pistol and presses it against the soft part under Six's ribs. 

Six's neutral expression turns cold and he makes a low sound in his throat. Before he makes a move, Luke hisses in his ear, dropping all pretenses of drunkenness, “If you want the girl safe, you listen first.”

The girl is Claire Fitzroy, who appears to have become something akin to Six's adoptive daughter. She is obviously important to him from the way he stills and levels Luke with a killer glare. Too bad looks aren't deadly, otherwise they'd both probably be long gone.

Luke walks the both of them around the side of the club into a darkened alcove. The back door of the building leads out to the dumpster here. There's a security camera pointed right at the back door, which will come in handy in a moment. For now Luke stays in its blind spot and keeps his tone clipped. He doesn’t lower his gun.

“You have been compromised. Carmichael knows where you work, where you sleep, where you shop. If you want him coming after you then you should stay put. But if you want to stay alive you will leave tonight.” It's clear that these words are not what Six expected to hear. He doesn’t untense or lower his guard in any way, but he does give Luke a cursory once over. 

Here's the thing: Luke has no love lost over the death of Donald Fitzroy. He doesn’t care much for what happens to The Sierra Program, or how much the CIA is willing to sweep under the rug to keep business as usual. But Carmichael is a prick. He thinks he is the puppet master of all puppet masters, and believes people like Luke are born to live and die at his whim. People like Carmichael—who tout their status as Harvard graduates while walking over the real hard workers, who spit on people just trying to get by every day— they're the reason Luke got into this mess. And even though he can't get out of it, he can at least do something to make sure others have the chance.

Six asks, “Why don’t you just kill me? Afraid I might haunt you?” He's goading Luke, trying to get a rise out of him to see if he changes his mind. But Luke just smiles, tight-lipped and just short of sentimental. 

“Guess I have a soft spot for people trying to do right by their kids.” The words don't soften up Six's steely exterior. They aren't meant to. “Back up to be in view of the camera. I'm gonna shoot you in the right shoulder. It's gonna hurt like a mother fucker but I won't hit anything major."

“Then what?” 

“Then you drop dead and I shoot out the camera. You go ghost, and we never see each other again.” He hesitates for a moment. When Carmichael looks back on the footage, he's going to wonder what took them so long to get in frame. He'll need an alibi to avoid suspicion. “Punch me in the face first.”

Six either comes to the same conclusions about the alibi, or he is just that eager to land one on the guy who dared upend his carefully crafted retirement. Without hesitation he lands a mean right hook on Luke, the ring on his middle finger splitting skin and turning Luke's vision white for a hot second. He stumbles back but regains his footing moments later. He aims his gun. Six nods his assent and puts up his hands, backs himself up to be in view of the security camera.

“You're Sierra.” The way Six says it makes the words a statement rather than a question. It doesn't matter what Luke responds, because the truth is clear.

Maybe Luke has some loyalties to the program after all.

“And you're dead.” He fires a single, clean shot into the meat of Six's shoulder. Six goes down instantly and doesn't bother to muffle his groan of pain.

Luke steps up to him and shoots twice more in succession. His bullets find the concrete around Six, but Six jolts like he's been shot again. To the cameras it'll look like Luke is finishing the job. Maybe Carmichael will be fooled, maybe not. It's definitely possible that all this will have been for nothing, and he'll have someone eliminate Luke then send someone after Six once more. But there's still the chance that they'll both get out of this alive. Six will go off the grid with Fitzroy's niece and Luke will go back to doing the CIA's dirty work. It’s a chance they're both willing to take.

He looks down at Six and lowers his weapon. Six's eyes are shut and he holds his breath in a mimicry of death. The blood pooling under his shoulder is real. Luke looks into the security camera dead on. He makes sure whoever looks back at this footage gets a good look at his identifying tattoos, the unmistakable frown on his face. He points his gun up at the security camera. The blinking red dot speaks to him in a silent language. You'll never be free. Someone will always be watching over your shoulder. You’re just somebody's broken plaything.

Luke shoots out the camera.

[merelygifted]

US government orders big US airlines to explain their frequent-flyer programs | Scripps News

Go get 'em, Uncle Pete! but why on Earth give them 3 months to create a report that should take a few days?! I mean, the folks compiling the reports work for the damn companies, and have everything to hand! They’re not consumers - we poor mugs, invariably forced to examine every pixel of a site w/a Sherlock Holmes-stylee magnifying glass in order to locate needed information!

...  The Consumer Protection Board said in a report for the hearing that it received more than 1,200 complaints about credit card rewards last year, an increase of more than 70% from pre-pandemic levels. Many hotels, retailers and other businesses also offer loyalty programs with credit cards.

Buttigieg ordered the airlines to report within 90 days on matters including how point values are determined, any fees that consumers must pay and details of deals with banks that buy miles from airlines and use them to encourage people to shop with their credit cards.

The order asks airlines to list any changes in their programs since July 31, 2018, including how each change affected the dollar value of reward points.

[p0ison-moon]

I have what’s going to be a really unpopular take but please just hear me out. Lately a lot of fellow Jewish bloggers on this website have (rightfully!!) been getting annoyed by random people going into their inboxes and asking if they’re Zionist, how they feel about Israel, etc. And I totally empathize with that because I’m an anti-Zionist Jew so I spend a lot of time correcting people’s assumptions that I must support Israel because I’m Jewish. Furthermore, I want Zionism to stop being seen as a central, undeniable part of being Jewish because that makes Jews like me feel pretty unwelcome. And I am aware that those asks often accuse us of dual loyalty, an antisemitic stereotype. So I’m not saying bloggers should have to answer those asks, or that they can’t get mad about them.

However, I think bloggers are wrong when they say that they can’t affect or change what happens in Israel because they’re American Jews (or otherwise diasporic, but it is almost always Americans who say this), not Israeli Jews.

Look. It’s one thing if you just don’t want to get involved (although I am totally judging you). But I can name a billion different ways American Jews have changed things in Israel, and stuff we can do right now! For example:

- protesting our tax dollars paying for weapons and bombs Israel uses to kill Palestinians, by pressuring our elected representatives, senators, and president into taking a stand against Israel

- supporting the Not on Our Dime Act, which is aiming to prohibit tax-deductible donations from being used to fund illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank

- working to change Jewish studies curriculum and summer camp + youth group programming to provide kids and students with more options than just Zionism, and a more complete + less biased education about Israel

- no tech for apartheid: Jewish Google workers protesting against Project Nimbus, which helps the Israeli government with surveillance of Palestinians

- using our position to educate people and make our opinions heard, so we don’t let Jewish Zionist organizations speak for us all and influence what gentiles think about Israel and current-day antisemitism

- I have my own opinions about the recent protests over Netanyahu’s judicial reform, but lots of American Jews supported them and they were definitely effective

- and that’s just a few of the many ways I’ve seen American Jews work towards creating real change in Israel. are we the only ones who can do this? no. but gentiles can’t shape the future of the American Jewish community, which altogether has quite a lot of influence in Israel. only we can do those things.

Saying that as American Jews our voices and actions don’t matter when it comes to Israel is actually such a weak, lame-ass excuse for refusing to take a stance for or against Israel. This isn’t something we get to be neutral about; silence equals support for Zionism.

That being said, I can’t control what individual people do. If you seriously want to refuse to support Palestine, fine. Whatever. Just please stop using “American Jews can’t help anyways!” as your excuse when that’s such a blatantly false claim.

[fawrymarket]

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[republicsecurity]

At the Enforcers Academy

[The scene opens with dramatic music playing in the background as the camera zooms in on a sleek, futuristic building adorned with the emblem of the Enforcers Academy. The narrator's voice booms over the visuals.]

Narrator: "Welcome to the Enforcers Academy, where discipline meets destiny, and excellence is forged in black. Are you tired of uncertainty? Worried about your child's future? Look no further."

[Cut to a classroom filled with students in black armour suits, their heads cleanly shaved, diligently studying at their desks.]

Narrator: "At the Enforcers Academy, we instill values that last a lifetime. Discipline, obedience, and unwavering loyalty are the cornerstones of our curriculum. Our students emerge as pillars of society, ready to uphold law and order."

[Switch to a montage of students engaging in rigorous training exercises, displaying feats of strength and skill under the watchful eye of stern instructors.]

Narrator: "But it's not just about physical prowess. Our state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty ensure that your child receives a top-notch education in criminology, forensic science, and tactical strategy."

[Cut to a proud parent watching their child receive an award on graduation day, tears of joy streaming down their face.]

Narrator: "And for you, dear parents, peace of mind is priceless. Rest assured that your child is in capable hands, preparing to embark on a noble career serving and protecting the community."

[Narrator, with a reassuring tone]: "But that's not all! At the Enforcers Academy, we understand the importance of easing the financial burden on parents. That's why we offer generous scholarships and financial aid packages to eligible students. Your child's future shouldn't be dictated by your bank account."

[Cut to a scene showing parents reviewing financial documents with academy administrators, nodding approvingly as they discuss scholarship opportunities.]

Narrator: "And rest assured, your child will be in good hands around the clock. Our dedicated team of Conscripts, instructors, and support staff ensure a safe and structured environment 24/7. From dawn till dusk, and beyond, we're here to guide and mentor your child every step of the way."

[Switch to footage of students engaging in various activities under supervision, from academic study sessions to physical training exercises.]

Narrator: "Plus, as an added bonus, our unique program prepares students for their own Conscript Service, ensuring a seamless transition into adulthood. With our comprehensive training regimen, your child will be ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead."

[The screen transitions to a heartwarming scene of parents hugging their child goodbye at the academy gates, knowing they're leaving them in capable hands.]

Narrator: "Invest in your child's future today. Enroll them in the Enforcers Academy and watch them thrive. Because at the Enforcers Academy, excellence is not just an aspiration – it's a way of life."

[The Enforcers Academy logo flashes once again on the screen, accompanied by the tagline: "Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders, Today." The commercial concludes with a sense of reassurance and optimism for both parents and students alike.]

[net-craft]

Why Mobile-First App Design is a Good Business Strategy (Phoenix Mobile App Design Agency)

In today's mobile-driven world, consumers rely on their smartphones for everything from communication and entertainment to shopping and banking. This shift in user behavior necessitates a mobile-first approach for businesses. Here at Net-Craft.com, a leading Phoenix mobile app design agency, we understand the power of mobile-first app design and its ability to fuel business growth.

This article explores the advantages of prioritizing mobile-first app design and how it can benefit businesses of all sizes in Phoenix and beyond.

The Rise of Mobile Users

Statistics are undeniable: mobile usage continues to soar. According to [source: Statista mobile usage statistics], over 6.6 billion people worldwide own smartphones in 2023. This translates to a massive audience readily accessible through mobile apps.

Furthermore, mobile devices are no longer just for browsing; they're primary tools for research, purchasing, and interacting with businesses. A study by [source: Business Insider mobile app usage] revealed that users spend an average of 4.2 hours daily on their smartphones, with a significant portion of that time spent on apps.

Benefits of Mobile-First App Design

By prioritizing mobile-first app design, Phoenix businesses can reap numerous benefits:

Enhanced User Experience: Mobile users expect a seamless and intuitive experience. A mobile-first approach ensures your app is optimized for smaller screens, touch interactions, and on-the-go usage, leading to higher user satisfaction and engagement.

Increased Accessibility: A mobile app makes your business accessible to users anytime, anywhere. This expands your reach and allows you to tap into a wider customer base compared to a traditional website alone.

Improved Brand Recognition: A well-designed and user-friendly mobile app strengthens your brand image and positions you as a forward-thinking, tech-savvy company.

Enhanced Customer Engagement: Mobile apps offer unique opportunities to connect with customers. Push notifications, loyalty programs, and in-app features can foster deeper engagement and build stronger customer relationships.

Data-Driven Insights: Mobile apps generate valuable user data about behavior and preferences. This data can be leveraged to personalize your marketing efforts, improve your app's functionalities, and ultimately drive business growth.

Increased Sales and Revenue: Mobile apps can streamline the purchasing process, enabling in-app purchases and convenient payment options. This can lead to increased sales and revenue for your business.

How Phoenix Mobile App Development Firms Can Help

Partnering with a Phoenix mobile app development firm like Net-Craft.com offers several advantages when implementing a mobile-first app design strategy:

Expert Design and Development: Our team of experienced mobile app designers and developers understands the nuances of mobile-first design and can create an app that is both visually appealing and functionally superior on mobile devices.

Usability Testing and Optimization: We prioritize usability testing to ensure your app is intuitive and easy to navigate on smaller screens. We iterate and optimize based on user feedback to deliver an exceptional user experience.

Cross-Platform Development: We offer cross-platform development solutions to ensure your app functions flawlessly on both iOS and Android devices, maximizing your reach and potential user base.

Mobile App Consulting in Phoenix AZ: Getting Started with Mobile-First Design

Net-Craft.com, a trusted mobile app consulting firm in Phoenix AZ, can guide you through every stage of the mobile-first app design process:

Concept Development: We work closely with you to understand your business goals and target audience. We then brainstorm app concepts and define key features that align with your mobile-first strategy.

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design: Our design team focuses on creating an intuitive and user-friendly interface specifically optimized for mobile devices.

App Development and Testing: We leverage cutting-edge technology to develop your app and conduct rigorous testing to ensure functionality, performance, and a seamless user experience.

Deployment and Ongoing Support: We assist with app store deployment and provide ongoing support to maintain your app and address any future technical issues.

Embrace the Mobile Future with Net-Craft.com

In today's mobile-first world, a well-designed mobile app is no longer a luxury; it's a business necessity. Partnering with Net-Craft.com, a leading Phoenix mobile app design agency, can provide your business with a powerful tool to reach a wider audience, enhance customer engagement, and drive sustainable growth.

Contact us today to discuss your mobile app vision and discover how a mobile-first design approach can empower your business to thrive in the digital age.

Know more https://www.net-craft.com/blog/2024/06/28/mobile-first-app-design-phoenix/