Home Blog Page 2

Three Times Zuckerberg Has Been Grilled By Congress

Three Times Zuckerberg Has Been Grilled By Congress

The evolving trends in digital technology continue to impact every sector of our nation. Hence, the need for government regulation without discouraging the private sector from innovating is crucial. Government intervention is also inevitable, based on the quality of information shared and data possessed by the tech industry.

One platform that has regularly come under fire is Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook. The app has about 2.5 billion users worldwide, making it the most popular social media platform. The availability of a wide range of data stored on the platform by independent users makes it an attractive place for advertisement. Since the 2016 election in the United States, Zuckerberg has been summoned thrice by the Congress.

The billionaire’s first appearance before Congress was on April 10, 2018. Zuckerberg was grilled by lawmakers on how “Cambridge Analytics”, a political consulting firm, acquired data and influenced the 2016 elections. The Facebook founder was questioned whether his company had been selling data to advertisers. As a response, Zuckerberg said,” We allow advertisers to tell us who they want to reach, and then we do the placement… That’s a very fundamental part of how our model works and something that is often misunderstood”. He further admitted his greatest regret in running the company was that they were slow in identifying the Russian information operations in 2016. Zuckerberg faced 600 questions in the meeting, which lasted for ten hours.

The second meeting of Zuckerberg with the Congress was October 2019, 11 months before the next election. The major difference from his first appearance was the range of questions he faced. The tech expert was questioned on free speech, hate groups, fake news, and electoral interference. The lawmakers also questioned his plan to engage in the provision of financial services. Zuckerberg responded on how the company intends to fight online child exploitation, political misinformation, and data privacy lapses.

The Facebook founder was summoned again on July 29,2020. Zuckerberg sounded confident before the lawmakers this time. It was his third appearance before the Congress in just two years. The lawmakers questioned Zuckerberg’s acquisition strategy of Instagram following some leaked emails that showed the Facebook founder threatened his former rivals with fierce competition. The tech expert was also questioned further on the protection of data before the 2020 US elections.

It is the government’s role to protect the state from foreign interference while also protecting its citizens. As the tech industry flourishes and social media grows, more government intervention will be expected. This may be the start of many meetings between the Congress and tech leaders.

 

Facts About Beyoncé You Probably Didn’t Know That May Shock You

Beyonce

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. She has managed to maintain a firm status of an excellent singer, songwriter, international icon representative of power, activism, and sheer confidence for about three decades of her career! As much as she keeps private life, there’s not much she can hide as a celebrity. Millions of fans and others are always in search to know more about their favorite star. She has done great work in keeping her private life private. However, here are some facts about Beyoncé you probably didn’t know.

The gorgeously looking Beyoncé had just one boyfriend before Jay-Z named Lyndell Locke back in high school. They split up before she went ahead to pursue her glorious career. On one occasion, she told Telegraph that when she was 12-13, she had her first boyfriend, who remained her boyfriend until 17. She acknowledged that she has always been quite loyal and a little more mature despite her young age as at then. And ever since, she’s had only one boyfriend after that in her entire life – Jay-Z.

She Struggled with Depression

Beyoncé’s father, who was the then girl group’s manager of Destiny’s Child, was sued for mismanagement when the group split up. It made Beyoncé battle depression, which made her seclude herself without eating quite much while the depressed state lasted. She acknowledged her mother, who helped her recover as she encouraged her to care for her mental health.

Beyoncé Is Allergic to Perfume

Although she’s allergic to perfume, she went ahead to launch her perfume line in the year 2010, and over the years, she has endorsed and released other scents. Her fragrances are noted to have been chemically altered during the development process of its making because she’s quite allergic to most perfumes.

She Added A Word to The Dictionary

After releasing ‘Bootylicious,’ which was a hit song under Destiny’s child, guess who paid apt recognition to the title and went further to coin it as an official word? The Oxford English Dictionary! ‘Bootylicious’ is now an adjective that means “(of a woman) sexually attractive.” The super talented singer has sure had her print in the vocabulary world!

A Fly Is Named After Her

In 2012, a scientist, Bryan Lessard, actually discovered a species of horsefly in Northern Queensland, Australia, and he named it Scaptia beyonceae, due to the golden hairs noticeable on the fly’s abdomen. As it stands, the fly is known as the all-time diva of flies! Pretty impressive, right?

Beyoncé is one of a kind among millions. These facts succinctly accentuate this point and show she’s truly a unique gem!

Why Rihanna Is A Fashion Icon Forever

Why Rihanna Is A Fashion Icon Forever

As far as the fashion lifestyle is concerned, Rihanna is simply a goddess of style! Fashion isn’t just about what you wear but how you wear what you wear. For this, Rihanna is perhaps everything and even more. She has no boundaries as she creatively “legally” breaks the rules regarding style preferences and clothing choices. It will interest you to know that she won the first-ever CDFA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Fashion Icon Award in 2014. She emphasized that fashion rules were meant to be broken, and she sure lives up to her word always! Here’s why she is a fashion icon, not just for now but forever.

Rihanna sure looks good in anything. Over the years, her arrival at any red carpet is like an event itself. She looks fabulous in all wears as she pushes the boundaries and delivers timeless looks! It is not a doubt that her looks and outfits – elegant, gothic, or risqué – have been risky. Nevertheless, she wears them with confidence, and her style turns out to be trending and glorious!

It is a fact that just about anything looks good on her. Even styles or clothes that are pretty outdated and well-considered a fashion faux pas for the world still looks good on her. When Rihanna wears it, she makes the old new! Besides, her confidence encourages people to be comfortable with their bodies and wear what truly makes them happy. A vivid example is a big pink, poufy Giambattista Valli princess dress she wore on a red carpet at the 2015 Grammy Award. It immediately became an Internet sensation. To tell you that she decides what’s pretty, ugly, and fashionable.

She’s not just awesome with the clothes and wears, but also pretty great with the shoes. She wears her products, and now the public has gradually adapted to her exclusive style. When she wore her Fenty Puma Sneaker heels, people joined the trend in no time!

She is truly an icon not just for blacks, but for women generally. She has done well as a girl by influencing the fashion industry with her Caribbean style. She looks fabulous in dreadlocks as well as Rastafarian colors. She truly embodies what it means to be a Caribbean queen in every sense of it.

Although Rihanna is just for Rihanna, anyone can model their fashion inspiration and aspirations after her. Rihanna owns her company, Fenty. It is home to several fashionable wears and accessories and even skin products. She sure is an icon for the elegant fashion lifestyle!

Richest Actors In America Whose Wealth Will Blow Your Mind

Jami Gertz

Like many other professions in the entertainment industry, acting in America has gifted several film stars massive wealth. It’s not much of a secret any longer that actors are some of the world’s wealthiest people. Ever wondered who some of the richest actors in America are and what their net worth range is? Read closely.

One movie star you should be aware of is Jami Gertz, worth $3 Billion. She is not just the richest American star, but also in the world! She’s an actress and producer who is popular for starring in:

Twister (1996), The Lost Boys (1987), Still Standing (2002-2006), and Sixteen Candles (1984). She’s also a philanthropist, an investor, and a co-sports team owner. It is no doubt that her career contributed quite well to her net-worth. However, much of her wealth is attributed to her marriage to the billionaire, Tony Ressler, the co-founder of Ares Management, with over $136 billion worth of assets.

Tom Cruise is another wealthy actor, who is worth $570 Million. He’s an American film star, a screenwriter, producer, and director who has starred in popular movies like: Mission Impossible franchise, Magnolia (1999), Minority Report (2002), and Edge of Tomorrow (2014), among several other highly rated movies. As it stands, he’s a proud winner of three Golden Globe Awards with three Oscar nominations. He’s easily one of the richest American actors with millions of his movies sold worldwide.

The list cannot be complete without the mention of George Clooney, worth $500 Million. George is an American actor, producer, director, stern businessman, and of course, a social activist from Kentucky. His wide fame is accredited to movies such as ER (1994-2009), From Dusk till Dawn (1996), and Three Kings (1999). In 2018, he was ranked as the highest-paid film star when he sold his Casamigos Tequila factory for a whopping $1 billion. One might easily think he’s the wealthiest actor.

Adam Sandler is not just a popular American actor but also a film producer and comedian who has been in over 30 movies that have grossed over $2.4 billion at the worldwide box office. His highest-grossing movie of all time is Hotel Transylvania (2012), which brought in $358.38 million. He’s pretty much one of the wealthiest American actors, with a net worth of $420 Million.

The name, Jack Nicholson, is another popular name among the wealthy actors. Asides his acting, Jack is also a known writer and producer. He has won over 80 accolades and received more than a hundred nominations in various awards, including BAFTA Awards, Golden Globes, and the Oscars.

Now, everyone knows Sylvester Stallone. He’s not just an American actor with incredible acting skills, but also a film director and producer. He has appeared in over 40 films including the popular ones you know like: Rocky, Rambo, and The Expendables.

He has pretty much accumulated wealth for himself and received several awards and nominations for his hard work, including three Oscar nominees, The César Award, and a Golden Globes award, among several others.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the 38th Governor of California (2003-2011), is a global icon when it comes to acting and bodybuilding. Among several movies, he’s famous for Terminator franchise, Commando (1985), and True Lies (1994). As it stands, he has earned an estimated net worth of $400 million!

Finally, this shows you that wealth comes with diligence, hard work, and versatility even while being in the entertainment industry!

Popular American Food Restaurants Noted For Housing The Glamorous Lifestyle Of Celebrities

Food Restaurants

America is home to a multicultural blend of cuisines. These cuisines will gift you delicious tastes you may never recover from! There are also a vast number of food scenes that beautifully showcase the delightful flavors of cultures in their trendy restaurants. It is not a surprise that celebrities visit these food restaurants to show off their glamorous lifestyle! Here are some of the popular ones.

Craig’s

is one great Hollywood hotspot to find classic American food that’s got an upscale twist. It practically has all sorts of food, even ones that cater to vegans with their unique dishes. As it stands, the restaurant is often regarded as “The Olive Garden for celebrities.” What’s more, the food and interior décor accentuate the glamorous lifestyle fitted to grace celebrities. Larry King, for instance, is noted to have eaten here, as well as other stars. It’s sure a great place to look out for some industry connections and celebrity hangouts.

Juvia

is another choice restaurant that offers some of the best food in Florida. It uses an eclectic mix of Peruvian, French, and Japanese cooking to make outstanding meals with the freshest of ingredients. It also creatively offers incredible views embellished with floor-to-ceiling windows that peep out over Miami. Notable celebrities have been seen here, like Harry Style. Don’t be surprised to catch one if you decide to eat at Juvia.

The BOA Steakhouse, Los Angeles

beautifully fits the glamorous lifestyle as it combines artistic design with outstanding steakhouse fare. Have you ever heard of a bone-in Rib Eye and a Dry Aged New York Strip? Yes, it’s some of the best cuts of meat available in Los Angeles, which the BOA steakhouse is home to. They also house seafood, poultry, sandwiches, and salads to soothe your cravings. What’s more, there’s an extensive wine list and cocktail menu to drink on! David Spade, Ryan Seacrest, Alexander Ludwig, Sharon Stone, and many more entertainment professionals have been spotted at this location!

Rosie’s, in New York City

houses one of the best Mexican-inspired cuisines in the US. Chef Marx Meyer heads it, an incredibly experienced culinary artist that has an immense taste as far as the food of America’s southern neighbor is concerned. Rosie’s creates an exceptional traditional dining experience while using original techniques, including cooking on some griddle and grinding masa by hand. This restaurant attracts the rich and famous, like Jessica Simpson, who has been spotted here.

If you have plans for the classy and extravagant lifestyle, you might want to stop by these restaurants and enjoy the delicious foods they offer!

Tesla: An Innovative Icon In The World Of Technology

Tesla

Tesla has been noted to be at the forefront among several major automakers globally, especially with the innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI). It is no news that carmakers are possibly the most tech-focused auto manufacturers today, as there is the constant usage of hardware and software integration into manufactured vehicles. However, Tesla stands tall when it comes to the innovative use of technology.

Elon MuskTechnological innovation is home to Tesla’s operations. Elon Musk, the primary figure behind Tesla’s growth, alongside JB Straubel, co-founder and CTO of Tesla, keeps accelerating Tesla’s products and business ideas. The cybertruck is a vivid example for the world to see. Musk brilliantly builds, using innovation capital to boost his ideas, while leveraging his past success at PayPal and Space X to achieve future projects effortlessly.

Tesla has birthed electric cars that surpassed consumers’ expectations and several unique vehicles and world-changing technology like the fast charging sustainable batteries it manufactures. As far as innovation is concerned, Tesla has transformed energy production like the supercharger stations, global transportation, as well as consumption systems.

One outstanding structure noted to be evident in Tesla’s organizational system is that it gives its employees easy access to share brilliant ideas and likely alternatives in the company’s interest to the executive team. This has given them an edge in securing a system that provides a pool of ideas that can be built on for subsequent successful innovations. Here, hierarchies do not pose much of a hindrance. This sharpens the problem-solving systems therein, as well as the reduction of unhealthy friction among workers. There is a healthy corporate structure that births flexible communication, which brings fast and efficient solutions.

As it stands, Tesla is home to a worldwide Supercharger network of fast DC chargers, outstanding power electronics, innovative vehicles, battery technology, firmware software and controls, and of course, much more, with an ever-growing super-efficient army of the innovative automaker in the world!

In sum, Tesla has changed the world with its innovative creations, using technology in creative ways that bring about amazing results that enhance the living experience. This has, no doubt, made them an innovative icon in the world of technology.

Incredible! Find Out Why Elon Musk Became An Entrepreneur

Elon Musk
Elon Musk

America has witnessed the emergence of many great and powerful entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs have built great fortunes and empires in the US and the world at large. Elon Musk is no doubt one of such men. He has emerged to become one of the world’s most famous entrepreneurs. He is the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and OpenAI, among a host of other companies. We’ve gathered sufficient information on Musk’s rise to prominence and why he became an entrepreneur. This article is especially for you.

Elon Musk was born and bred in Pretoria, South Africa. He portrayed his entrepreneurial spirit at an early age. This passion was supported by his father, an engineer, and his dietician mother. His parents discovered his deep passion for technology and helped to nurture it.

In furtherance of his unwavering commitment to technology and computers, Musk began to teach himself how to write programming codes at 10.  He also designed a video game called Blaster, which he reportedly sold at $500.3.

He studied at the Pretoria Boys High School and graduated in 1988. He then furthered his education at the University of Pretoria, where he spent just five months. Later, he migrated to Canada, where he was admitted to the Queen’s University of Ontario in 1989. He also attended the Wharton School of Business of Pennsylvania, where he gained a bachelor’s degree in Economics.

Musk began his Internet company at age 24 alongside his brother, Kimbal and partner, Greg Curry. This company was created to provide content to newspapers like The New York Times. Musk’s fortunes grew significantly. The growth effect is seen in his ownership of companies like Tesla Motors, Space X, X.com, eBay, etc.

Musk has, through his space travel company (SpaceX), landed numerous high-profile contracts with NASA and the United States Air Force. His company is known for designing rockets and carrying out military missions.

Musk once revealed the real reason he became an entrepreneur. He stated that he didn’t become an entrepreneur to be financially successful, but he has a passion for changing the world. He made this known at the 36th annual ENCORE Award reception at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is instead focused on affecting the future in a positive way than making money. Some of the positive ideas include Sustainable Energy, Artificial Intelligence, The Internet, Making Life Multi planetary, among others.

So far, one cannot deny that Elon Musk is an achiever and a force to reckon with. His goals for the world being a better place are very valid and should be pursued tenaciously by every aspiring entrepreneur.

Investment Tips From Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban needs no introduction. However, we’ll introduce him anyway. He’s a billionaire worth about $4.2 billion, a television personality and investor (he’s a “shark” investor on the TV show, Shark Tank). He owns a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks. He made his first million after selling one of his companies in 1990.

Given his experience at amassing wealth from almost nothing to the billions he has made today, it’s pretty safe to say Mark Cuban is someone you want to listen to on money matters. Here’s what Mark Cuban has to say about investment.

Pay off all your debt first. In an interview with MarketWatch, he said: “The best investment you can make is paying off your credit cards, paying off whatever debt you have.” In a 2011 blog post, he added: “If you use a credit card, you don’t want to be rich.” Loans, especially the interest that goes with them, take money out of your pocket.

Also, it would help if you learned to take a little bit of risk. While Mark Cuban suggests calculated risk-taking, he also advises limiting it to 10% of your overall investments. He recommends putting the other 90% in a low-cost mutual fund. He says: “If you can find a way to invest inexpensively in the market, you can build your net-worth.”

Here is a big one. Save at least six months’ worth of income. Mark advocates having at least six months’ worth of income saved up when an opportunity or adversity comes up unexpectedly. “If you don’t like your job at some point or get fired or have to move, or something goes wrong, you’re going to need at least six months’ income,” he says.

For investment advice, the chances of having a personal conversation with proven investors are extremely low. However, one can always benefit from proven entrepreneurs’ and investors’ wisdom by reading books and scouring the internet for advice they give.

Evidently, these are simple tips. However, they are capable of making a world of difference in your financial life if heeded.

 

Matthew Mullenweg: A Young, Vibrant And Successful Entrepreneur

Matthew Mullenweg
Matthew Mullenweg

Young entrepreneurs are always faced with myriads of challenges. These challenges range from insufficient experience to lack of capital, to dealing with stress and depression. They pose a significant threat to the success of their businesses. However, we have seen young minds in the US who have converted their challenges to their business strengths. One of them is Matthew Mullenweg, the Lead Developer of WordPress foundation and Principal at Audrey Capital. He is, no doubt, a successful entrepreneur. Here are some things you need to know about this young and vibrant entrepreneur.

Mullenweg was born in the USA on January 11, 1984. He is an American entrepreneur and web developer. Mullenweg attended High School for Performing and Visual Arts, where he studied jazz saxophone. He proceeded to the University of Houston to study Politics Science. He then left school to pursue a job at the CNET network in 2004. He is prominent for his creative ability in building free and open-source web software, called WordPress. The WordPress Foundation now manages it.

Mullenweg began his web software, WordPress, at an early age of 19. He started this web software with Mike Little, from b2 codebase. Later, he liaised with the original developer of b2 developer, Michel Valdrighi, to build his website.

He was then called upon by CNET to work on WordPress for them in 2004. Then, he decided to leave school in a bid to focus on developing WordPress. He was able to develop the WordPress 1.5 “Strayhorn,” and it recorded a total number of 900,000 downloads.

Furthermore, Mullenweg left CNET, in October 2005, to focus on WordPress full-time. In this period, he was able to build Akismet. In December 2005, he also announced the establishment of Automattic, which is the company behind WordPress.com.

Today, WordPress is a website that enjoys massive acceptance. San Francisco Business Times reported in 2009 that WordPress sites were growing in larger numbers than Google’s blogger sites.

From Mullenweg’s story, it’s apparent that he kept doing what he needed to do as a young entrepreneur. Today, he is a successful young entrepreneur. Every budding entrepreneur should learn from Mullenweg’s life to keep forging ahead and work consistently to achieve greatness.

 

Is America’s Greatest Depression Right Now?

Is America's Greatest Depression Right Now

The great depression has often been attributed to the period between 1929 and 1939. It was a period of a significant decline in economic activity. The worst economic downturn in the United States history, where 1 in 5 Americans was unable to find employment.

If the depression was defined by a rate of the economic downturn that breaches 20% and persists, 2020 is a year of a greater depression. As early as May 2020, the unemployment rate was already 24%, with about 20.5 million jobs lost in April. There has never been such a decline in the space of four months in America’s history.

The 2020 depression wasn’t just an economic downturn; it reflected in Americans’ health. By July 2020, a census bureau survey finds that one in three Americans reports symptoms of depression or anxiety. The figure was thrice the rate recorded in 2019 and the highest in America’s history. The reason was the economic difficulties coupled with the pandemic and its’ restrictions.

“I think I am facing a low-grade depression. I’m waking up in the middle of the night because I am worried about something, or there’s heaviness. I try to make sure I get a workout though there have been periods throughout this season, where I just felt too low”, Michelle Obama admits her low-grade depression in her podcast. As a black American, she had faced some long nights of protest following the death of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd earlier in the year.

Aside from the sudden decline in America’s economy, the United States experienced the largest turnout for a protest in July 2020 after George Floyd, a black American who was killed during an arrest by Minneapolis police officers. Young people marched out in numbers to express their frustration towards systemic racism in the United States. No march in America’s history has recorded such a massive turnout.

The social distancing directive that was issued as a way of curbing the spread of the pandemic prevented people from traveling and seeing their loved ones., Millions lost their jobs, and some thousands lost their loved ones. A greater number appeared on the streets, demanding a better and greater America.

By July 2020, the United States had recorded a quarter of the deaths caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. The government’s slow response to the pandemic was catastrophic. Not a single sector was omitted in America’s greatest depression. 90 years after the great depression, America experienced a greater depression that swept across all sectors.