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Thanks to ever-improving technology, people are now able to control a lot with their voice alone. From virtual assistants like Amazon’s Alexa to voice text options on your iPhone and messenger apps, you can search the internet, make calls, and more without much effort. Many people communicate freely with these devices, assuming that if anyone is listening, it’s only the people you’re messaging, but think again. On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that Facebook paid hundreds of contractors to listen to and transcribe voice clips of audio from users of its services. The contractors weren’t told anything about the audio, including how it was obtained, which left many of them uncomfortable. Facebook did not deny the practice either. This isn’t the first time that a company has been exposed for allowing contractors to transcribe users’ audio without obtaining permission. Earlier this year, Time reported that Amazon workers listen in on Alexa conversations to transcribe and annotate what they...
Lack of diversity, discrimination, and pay gaps have been ongoing topics in the tech industry, and major spotlights have been put on big companies like Facebook and Google. Despite data and privacy scandals, being called out for its dismal diversity by a former manager , Facebook’s time in the news has not stopped people from wanting to work with there. According to a report by Indeed, 59 percent of tech workers aren’t discouraged by the scandals in the tech industry and are still willing to work for companies embroiled in scandals, Forbes reported. In fact, 34 percent of Indeed’s 1000 respondents said that scandals make the industry more interesting. This can possibly be attributed to workers who want to solve big tech issues from the inside. It could also mean that the time, money and training it takes to enter the field are more important to some workers than staying away from a company experiencing controversy. According to the study, men don’t mind working for scandal ridden...
The fashion industry is a massive global market that relies on consumer demand to shape trends and production. Every purchase a consumer makes influences how fashion brands operate, from luxury houses like Dior to fast fashion retailers like SHEIN . Consumer responsibility plays a major role in the ethical, environmental and labor aspects of the fashion industry. Trends change quickly, and consumers are always looking for the next big style. Social media and celebrity culture drive these shifts, making people want to buy new clothes frequently. For fast fashion this means the priority is to create low-cost, trendy clothing at a rapid pace. Companies like Zara, H&M and Forever 21 design and produce new styles in just weeks, while SHEIN keeps a stable of designers on hand to release new looks daily. This ensures that customers always have something new to buy . However, this system comes with significant consequences. The Environmental Impact Of Fast Fashion (Fernand De...
Taraji P. Henson feels indebted to fellow actresses Phylicia Rashad And Debbie Allen. The sister duo, Rashad and Allen, are graduates of the illustrious Howard University and have gone on to be revered in the entertainment industry. Rashad most recognized for her role as Clair Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” while Allen’s resume includes acting credits and producing staple shows such as “A Different World,” “Scandal,” and “Empire.” The duo had a large influence on Henson, not only for their influence but also for sewing seeds into her acting dreams. Henson attended Howard University in the 1990s and faced challenges during her junior year while pregnant. “I really ran out of money . I didn’t know how I was going to finish, but I knew I was going to finish,” Henson said during an interview on the show, “Today with Jenna & Friends.” Her saving grace would come from the Dr. Andrew Allen Sr. Memorial Scholarship, established by Rashad and Allen in honor of their father, who also graduated...
Many who grew up in the 80s and 90s are quick to associate the nostalgia of heading back to school with the bright and cheery supplies designed by Lisa Frank. The notoriously private artist is best known for crafting lunchboxes, stickers, toys and trapper keepers covered in dolphins, unicorns, pandas and other adorable critters that decorated classrooms for decades. Before she rose to fame, Frank grew up in Michigan’s Bloomfield Hills (one of America’s wealthiest cities ), the daughter of a higher-up in the automotive industry who supported her creative pursuits. “ My dad was an art collector, my mom had a little kiln in our basement and we would make pottery. I think from about age five on, they sent me to art classes, and I was a huge colorer. HUGE. I think to keep me quiet, they would bring the coloring books and crayons, and I would fill up the books,” Frank told Urban Outfitters in a rare interview. She went on to attend Cranbrook Kingswood School with Mitt Romney, then headed...
Steve Madden shoes have been confidently carrying women for decades, with an estimated 120 locations in America, plus 250 more across 65 other countries. The man behind the brand was born in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York in 1958. Interestingly, Madden’s interest in footwear began as a teenager when he started working at a local shoe store. After high school, the creative went off to the University of Miami, but wound but back in Long Island after his sophomore year. At the time, Madden felt called to spent more time selling footwear and learning about the female consumer’s preferences to perfect his own designs. People associate Steve Madden with the company itself more than the visionary behind the products, but the fashion icon actually has a very interesting story. Outside of starting a family with his former director of operations (and eventual wife from 2005 to 2015), Wendy Ballew, the East Coast native managed to secure a $700K salary during his 31 months in prison, even...
Kerry Washington has invested in Spill, the Black-owned social media platform designed to provide a safer and more inclusive environment for diverse communities to engage with and discuss culture in real time. “In a digital world where marginalized groups, especially Black, Brown, and LGBTQIA folks, rarely feel prioritized, Spill stands out,” Washington said, according to TechCrunch. “I’m proud to be part of this community as both a user and an investor.” Founded in 2022 by Alphonzo Terrell and DeVaris Brown after the two had worked at Twitter, Spill raised a $2.75 million seed extension in 2023 and has over 200,000 active users. In addition to serving as an investor, Washington actively participates in the Spill community by hosting “Tea Parties,” which are live video conversations, and engaging with users on topics like voter registration. “She’s incredibly accessible and knowledgeable, especially around these topics and is not scared in any way, shape, or form about really...
If you’re a fitness nut, you’re likely already aware of the El Segundo, California-based multi-level marketing company Beachbody. The company, which operates a number of affiliate entities including Shakeology and Beachbar supplements, as well as Beachbody On Demand and MYXfitness live-coaching has recently announced a major shift in their business model. The company’s new approach sees them moving full-steam ahead towards profitable growth , as they eschew their MLM framework for a more streamlined single-level affiliate program, in a bid to appeal directly to their highest-spending consumers. Essentially, this cuts out the middle man, and allows those interested in taking video courses or purchasing supplements to meet their corporate supplier right at the source. Given that the company is projected to experience exponential growth with their new streamlined approach, it only makes sense to examine Beachbody’s history, current net worth, and plan for the future. This should give...
By now, just about every television and film fan is well aware of the genre-defining legacy of Shonda Rhimes. The prolific showrunner has created and served at the helm of multiple hit series’, including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice,” “Scandal,” and several others, and executive produced hit Netflix outings such as “Bridgerton,” “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story,” and “Inventing Anna.” Through these efforts, Shonda Rhimes has received universal acclaim, a Golden Globe , and a net worth of over $240 million, per Celebrity Net Worth . Shonda Rhimes’ generational wealth is truly a success story we can all admire, and her net worth tells a tale of her hard work and resilience. Beyond her financial successes in entertainment, Rhimes also maintains a diverse portfolio of real estate investments and other lucrative holdings. So, let’s take a moment to examine the life and work of the Emmy special honoree, and dissect the multiple streams of income she has utilized to create such...
By now, just about every person on Earth has a passing familiarity with Mike Tyson. You may know him as the former Heavyweight Champion , the media personality, or the hilarious on-screen presence appearing in such films as “The Hangover.” Any way you slice it, Mike Tyson is a veritable superstar, with a multi-million dollar net worth to show for his decades in entertainment. Before going into his landmark fight with Jake Paul in November 2024, Mike Tyson was estimated to have a nest egg of just over $10 million. While this is a far cry from the net worth that Mike Tyson once held many years ago, it serves as a testament to the retired boxer ‘s longevity and resilience. After facing financial struggles throughout the late 1990s, Tyson filed for bankruptcy in 2003. For many others in Tyson’s position, this bankruptcy filing would have put the nail in the coffin of their financial future. So how did Tyson manage to bounce back, regain his legacy, and eventually rehabilitate his image...
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is prepared to take his woes with Suntory Global Spirits to Congress if both parties are not able to come to a mutual agreement soon. According to HipHop DX, the rapper-turned-businessman used his Instagram account to address the company’s decision to change its name from Beam Suntory to Suntory Global Spirits without taking accountability for its alleged wrongdoing toward him and Sire Spirits. “Changing the company name from Beam Suntory to @SuntoryGlobalSpirits without correcting what was done to my brands @bransoncognac and @lecheminduroi doesn’t fix the problem and lacks honor,” 50 Cent said. “ I attempted to resolve the matter, not once, but twice. Now the legal process will play out publicly for everyone to see what really happened and how @SuntoryGlobalSpirits would rather spend millions to protect and conceal criminal conduct instead of doing the right thing.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent) As previously reported...
Reggie Bush has been all over the news in recent weeks after the Heisman Trust announced a formal reinstatement of the NFL legend ‘s long-rescinded Heisman Trophy. Bush originally earned Heisman honors in 2005 while attending USC , before having the title stripped from him in a 2010 student athlete reimbursement scandal. Now, many football fans and fellow Heisman winners alike agree that a decades-old wrong has officially been made right, with Reggie Bush expected to attend future Heisman ceremonies as an esteemed alumnus. Despite the temporary loss of his Heisman honors, Reggie Bush continued to make waves on the field with NFL teams including the Miami Dolphins , the Detroit Lions, and the San Francisco 49ers, among others. Throughout the course of his NFL career, Bush is said to have taken in over $60 million in salary alone, resulting in a net worth of $25 million in 2024, per Celebrity Net Worth . Let’s examine the life and career of Reggie Bush, and analyze the multiple...
When it comes to turning dreams into reality, hard work, dedication, perseverance, and opportune moments are more critical to success than an arbitrary timeline based on age. However, society continues to pressure people to grind harder and rest less, as if patience isn’t a virtue. History has proven that time is only a construct, noting that it is never too late to manifest dreams. Whether they had a breakout moment in their late 20s or figured out the secret formula in their 30s, these celebrities prove that dreams never expire. Jay-Z The 54-year-old rap legend didn’t have his breakout moment until he dropped his first album, Reasonable Doubt , at age 26. He is now an accomplished billionaire in the music game, with several businesses and investments in his portfolio. Lupita Nyong’o View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lupita Nyong’o (@lupitanyongo) Many people’s first introduction to Nyong’o was her performance in the critically acclaimed film “12 Years A Slave.” Although...
Wells Fargo remains under the spotlight as investors respond to the financial giant’s recent announcement of workforce reduction plans. The news, which surfaced in late 2023, revealed that Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf shared plans to cut the company’s workforce, anticipating severance costs ranging between $750 million to $1 billion during the fiscal fourth quarter of last year. This strategic move follows earlier layoffs at Wells Fargo disclosed last month, totaling 11,300 jobs or 4.7% of its workforce in 2023. The company’s approach under Scharf’s leadership aims to maintain a workforce presence near its various hubs across the United States. Why Are The Wells Fargo Layoffs Happening The decision to reduce headcount comes in the wake of Wells Fargo’s ongoing efforts to navigate challenges in the economic landscape. Last month, Scharf highlighted the necessity of these payments, citing the need for the company to adjust its workforce amid persistently low turnover rates. In...
When Shonda Rhimes gave us the critically acclaimed “Scandal,” Thursday nights were never the same. The brilliance of the show’s characters kept viewers captivated, all led by Olivia Pope, as portrayed by Kerry Washington. Washington made the world feel like Olivia Pope could do just about anything. She was the proverbial cousin in most people’s heads and the “fixer” many people wish they had in real life. Although Washington’s role in “Scandal” was noteworthy, it wasn’t the first nor would it be the last time she’d make her mark on the culture. Kerry Washington is a New York native with early roots in the acting industry. During her early teen years, she was a part of New York’s TADA! Youth Theater. Her work with the theater would prove beneficial as Washington went on to appear in hit television shows and films including “Ray” and “Little Fires Everywhere.” The 46-year-old actress is also known for her work behind the camera as a producer and director for shows such as the hit HBO...