October 18, 2023

Google Executive Defends Search Quality In U.S. Antitrust Trial

*Originally reported by Reuters

WASHINGTON, Oct 18 (Reuters) – Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O) Google called its first witness on Wednesday in a once-in-a-generation U.S. antitrust trial, putting on the witness stand an executive who detailed the vast effort the company puts into ensuring search quality.

The Justice Department has called witnesses who testified about Google’s payments, billions of dollars annually, to smartphone makers and wireless companies to make Google search the default on devices, and win more users. Others testified how search dominance led to clout in online advertising, including the ability to quietly raise ad prices.

Google has countered these arguments with several of its own, zeroing in on how the high quality of its search products have played a crucial role in customer demand and help explain the prominent placement on phones and tablets.

Pandu Nayak, a vice president for search who has been with Google since 2004, testified on Wednesday about the efforts that Google has made to index the web, culling out irrelevant pages and ranking websites in order to answer user queries with sources that are relevant and reliable. He also testified about how Google used machine learning tools that it developed to improve search.

Nayak’s discussions of improving search appeared to downplay the role that search query volume played, implicitly disagreeing with Microsoft (MSFT.O) CEO Satya Nadella’s arguments that his company needed more search queries to improve its Bing search engine but was being blocked by Google.

Judge Amit Mehta, who will decide the case, asked Nayak how important “user interaction” was. Nayak acknowledged that user reactions to queries mattered but stressed the need for other factors – like infrastructure to track websites and how they change – is key.

Nayak also testified that Google compared its results to answers from Microsoft’s search engine Bing, and found Bing to be lower quality. He said that Google has also begun comparing itself to the videosharing app TikTok.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 18, 2023

Jason C. Bass Named Director Of Culture And Programming At Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead

Luxury hotel Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead has appointed Jason C. Bass as its director of culture and programming, HospitalityNet reported.

Bass will spearhead the curation of culturally diverse programming, shaping a community-centric brand strategy, and fostering collaborations with external partners, all designed to enhance the hotel’s ambiance and offerings.

He was previously director of culture and impact for the esteemed Hotel Revival in Baltimore. Notably, Bass was the first-ever director of culture and impact within the Hyatt portfolio. His tenure at Hotel Revival coincided with the stewardship of the current general manager of Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead and seasoned hospitality expert Donte Johnson.

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Bass has founded multiple ventures in diverse industries. In 2016, he established the Treason Toting Company, a Baltimore-based travel apparel and accessories brand with a distinctive focus on locally manufactured goods. As the co-founder and CEO, Bass raised $600,000 in capital and forged a partnership with Baltimore-based sports apparel giant Under Armour.

In 2018, he launched “The Night Brunch,” a pioneering pop-up dining event series designed to transcend social and racial boundaries and unite people through music, food, and community. Over the past year, “The Night Brunch” team has orchestrated more than 50 events at top-notch restaurants and hotels in Baltimore and provided 2,200 meals to the West Baltimore community through the Night Brunch Summer Lunch program.

In 2023, Bass was honored with the “Maverick Award” from the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and in 2022, he received the “Impact Award” from MRI Programs. He received the “Award of Excellence” from Hospitality Design in 2022.

In 2021, he was celebrated as the “Icon of Culture” by the Indie Hotel Congress, and in 2020, the Baltimore Business Journal lauded his efforts with the “Leaders in Diversity Award.” In 2019, The Baltimore Times presented him with the “Positive People Award.”

SWAT Takes Down Illegal Strip Club Run By Squatters In Metro Atlanta

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 18, 2023

SWAT Takes Down Illegal Strip Club Run By Squatters In Metro Atlanta

A SWAT team raided a house in the metro Atlanta neighborhood, where they found an illegal strip club operating on the premises. However, neighbors’ concerns exposed even more unusual findings during the Oct. 15 raid.

After multiple complaints ranging from loud house parties to car races starting on the property, authorities investigated the South Fulton home. According to WSB-TV, SWAT resolved the issue after a license plate check located a stolen car in the home’s driveway.

Cops discovered an illegal strip club allegedly hosted on the weekends. According to neighbors, the raid led to the arrest of four squatters, whose belongings included stolen guns, IDs, cars, credit cards, and even horses.

Fellow residents shared how they dealt with sporadic gunfire, piles of trash surrounding the home, and raucous partying spilling out onto the road. The stench of weed was also allegedly prominent. After the raid, DeAnthony Maddox, Jeremy Wheat, Kelvin Hall, and Tarahsjay Forde were identified as squatters.

The raid prompted South Fulton City Council to crack down on home vacancies to ensure squatters do not trespass on those properties. One of the council members, Carmalitha Gumbs, unveiled plans to pursue action against homeowners whose negligence leads to squatters and the subsequent influx of crime.

Although the squatters are gone, Atlanta police continue to survey the property to ensure no new dwellers drop by. The four men arrested face multiple charges, including theft of the stolen items in their possession, as they await trial at Fulton County Jail.

New Jersey, Noiré Dispensary, cannabis, Black-owned

by Iman Milner

October 18, 2023

First Black-Owned Dispensary In Northern New Jersey Is A Family Business

When Noiré Dispensary opens its doors Oct. 28, it will become only the second Black-owned dispensary in New Jersey and the first in Maplewood Township.

Noiré Dispensary’s owners, Giovanni and Sharquana Paul, will also hold the title of the first family-owned adult-use cannabis shop in the area, Tap Into Soma reports.

“This business is a labor of love to us,” Sharquana said. The Pauls conceived of the idea to open Noiré right before the birth of their fifth child and have poured their resources from other entrepreneurial endeavors into bringing the dispensary to life.

Every part of the Pauls’ lived experiences oozed into the creation of Noiré’, including its name.

Paying homage to the once secretive experience of buying cannabis in their former home of Brooklyn, NY, the Pauls built on the former seedy ways to procure the plant and turned into a way to educate, uplift, and build community.

“That’s where the inspiration for our brand name came from,” said Sharquana. “We named our dispensary Noiré, which means ‘Black’. We decided to take the old concept of “knocking on the black door,” and turn it into a symbol of safety, trained knowledge, and no judgments.”

In a country where Black people are arrested four times more often than white people for marijuana possession, creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere for the community is of top concern for the Pauls.

“At Noiré Dispensary, we believe in empowering our customers through knowledge,” said Sharquana. “From the intricate workings of the endocannabinoid system to understanding safe consumer use, we will help you find the best products for your individual needs.”

At Noiré, giving back extends beyond the shop’s walls as management prioritizes mentoring, volunteering, and encouraging other entrepreneurs in New Jersey.

“No matter how many no’s you get, keep knocking until you get your yes. We are standing here as living proof that you can do it,” said Sharquana. “Leverage your resources, whether big or small, surround yourself with like-minded positive people, and don’t be afraid to fail.”

by Jameelah Mullen

October 18, 2023

Applications Are Still Open For Disney’s Dreamers Academy

Disney is searching for exceptional teens to attend their Disney Dreamers Academy next spring. The deadline is fast approaching—to be considered for the program, students must either apply or be nominated by an adult by Oct. 31, 2023.

The Disney Dreamers Academy is a four-day mentorship program that was created for Black students from underrepresented communities.

“The Disney Dreamers Academy program is an important part of Disney’s commitment to supporting diverse communities by encouraging the next generation to think big and to use what they learn in their relentless pursuit of their dreams in hopes of making a difference in the lives of others.”

One hundred teens will be selected to be a part of this groundbreaking program. The students will attend a series of workshops, seminars and activities taught by professionals and innovators in their respective fields which include business, entertainment, STEM and more. Participants will get an in-depth look into their chosen career paths as well as receive practical tools and strategies designed to set them up for success.

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Last year’s mentors consisted of a star-studded roster that included gospel star, Yolanda Adams, Television personality Terrence J and sports commentator, Stephen A Smith.

“We’re gearing up to bring the next generation of big dreamers to Walt Disney World for this life-changing program that has been inspiring students across America to reach for their dreams and providing with some of the tools they need to make those dreams a reality,” Disney Signature Experiences vice president Tracey D. Powell said in a press release.

She urges students to apply for this once- in a lifetime opportunity before time runs out.

“Any who hasn’t applied for this program already should apply or be nominated today so they can join the hundreds of former Disney Dreamers who have moved one step closer to their futures.”

To apply, one must be a U.S. high school student from ages 13 to 19. Selected participants will be announced early 2024.

Selected students and one parent or guardian will receive an all-expense-paid trip along with one parent or guardian to Walt Disney World Resort.

For more information, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com

Amazon, robotic, Houston, deliveries, jobs, automation, new

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 18, 2023

Amazon Rolls Out Robotic System At Houston Warehouse To Speed Up Deliveries

*Originally Reporter by Reuters

Oct 18 (Reuters) – Amazon.com (AMZN.O) said on Wednesday it was using a robotic system at one of its Houston warehouses to improve inventory management and speed up deliveries, building on its years-long bet that automation will help boost sales and worker safety.

The technology, called “Sequoia”, brings together a series of systems including mobile robots and robotic arms.

Amazon said Sequoia can help identify and store inventory 75% faster, while reducing the time to process orders at a warehouse by as much as 25%.

The e-commerce giant has been investing aggressively in automation for years, using them to package orders and creating technology that enables cashier-less retail stores, among others.

Several other major retailers have also recently laid out plans to invest in robotic systems, with rival Walmart (WMT.N) saying earlier this year it expects about 65% of its stores to be serviced by automation by the end of its fiscal year 2026.

Amazon, which has been in the crosshairs of U.S. safety regulators for allegedly hazardous conditions at its warehouses, is also banking on robots to improve worker safety.

The company said it would begin testing a bipedal robot called “Digit” from Agility Robotics, a startup backed by Amazon. Digit, already in testing at Ford, can move, grasp, and handle items in warehouses.

by Sharelle B. McNair

October 18, 2023

Ciara and Russell Wilson Help Denver Charities Level Up With $1 Million in Donations

Singer Ciara and her husband, Russell Wilson, are truly making their mark in Denver,.

The Grammy-nominated artist and Denver Broncos quarterback hubby recently donated $1 million to numerous city-based organizations and charities, TMZ reports. The power couple announced the donation on Oct. 17 via Instagram with a touching video of them donating $100,000 each.

“We are forever grateful for the opportunity to impact our youth!” Wilson said. “Today, we celebrated 10 deserving organizations which will each receive $100,000 to support their remarkable work in health equity, education, food security, social justice, and support for children and youth.”

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Through their foundations, Why Not You Foundation and Common Spirit Health, the soon-to-be-parents of four have provided funds for the purpose of education, children’s health, and poverty. The couple started the foundations in Seattle while Wilson was with the Seattle Seahawks.

However, Why Not You has faced some criticism in the past.

A report from USA Today accused the foundation of spending close to only 25% of donations on charitable efforts, and the rest go toward benefits and salaries. The $222,500 2021 salary of chief strategy officer Ryan Tarpley, was highlighted specifically.

The allegations created a heavy buzz throughout the Broncos community, prompting a televised response from the foundation’s director explaining that because of its work with different organizations who donate directly to causes, money doesn’t appear on tax records.

The Super Bowl champion chimed in as well to defend the foundation.

“Oftentimes, funds that WNYF raises with our partners are donated from those partners DIRECTLY to people and orgs with immediate needs,” Wilson wrote on Instagram. “We put in the work and we don’t need the credit. Teamwork and making a difference will always come first. As we continue to grow, we will always care more about impact than credit.”

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by Jameelah Mullen

October 18, 2023

Find Out How Americans Can Save 50 Percent On Amazon Prime Memberships

Amazon offers a lower-cost version of its popular Prime membership to Americans receiving government assistance.

The Prime Access Program was initially launched in 2017 and was only available for people receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program (WIC). In 2018, the retailer expanded the program to include citizens who receive other government benefits, including Medicaid, Supplemental Security Benefits, Tribal Assistance, and Low-Income Energy Assistance.

The e-commerce giant often offers more competitive prices, making this program especially beneficial to people living on fixed incomes.

Prime members can save on medical supplies such as blood glucose monitors, compression garments, and assistive devices. Amazon Pharmacy’s RxPass allows Prime members to receive eligible medications for a flat fee of $5 per month.

With its subscribe and save program, parents can receive up to a 20% discount on diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, and other items.

Students can also benefit from the discounted program. Prime Reading allows members to access a plethora of books and magazines via Kindle, tablet or mobile apps. Other educational materials can be found on Prime Video. The library of movies, television shows, and documentaries is often less expensive than cable and other streaming services. This can benefit students in underserved communities where they may not have access to various educational tools.

Prime membership can help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and those who do not have access to reliable transportation. With free one-day and same-day shipping, shoppers can deliver items to their homes promptly.

Amazon Fresh, the retail giant’s partnership with Whole Foods, offers discounted prices, and groceries can be delivered to their homes within hours.

For more details or to check for eligibility, visit the Prime Access program website.

by Iman Milner

October 18, 2023

Serena Williams Hits Grand Slam With Two-Book Publishing Deal That Includes ‘Intimate’ Memoir

Tennis great Serena Williams is the latest celebrity to decide to pull the curtain back on her personal life. The 23-time Grand Slam winner has inked a two-book deal with the Random House Publishing Group with one project slated to be an “intimate” memoir, Fortune and the Associated Press reported.

Williams, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, will discuss details of her upbringing as well as the ups and downs of her legendary historic career in a not-yet-titled book, which currently has no release date but will be the first offering from the deal.

“For so long, all I was focused on was winning, and I never sat down to look back and reflect on my life and career,” Williams said. “Over the last year I’ve really enjoyed taking the time with my growing family to celebrate my accomplishments and explore my other passions. I couldn’t be at a more perfect place to be able to take-on such a personal intimate project, and there’s no one I would rather do it with than the team at Random House.”

The publishing company promises readers an “open-hearted exploration of the experiences that have shaped her life.

Throughout he”r career, Williams became one of sport’s most dedicated voices to issues of equal pay, wellness, diversity, and Black maternal health. The second book with Random House will allow Williams to reflect on her philanthropic efforts.

The publishing house announced that “Williams will offer rules for living that draw on her experiences as a philanthropist and advocate, her career as an investment unicorn with Serena Ventures, and someone who has long sought to lift a diverse and emergent generation of young women whose aspirations are not confined to the court.”

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 18, 2023

Two Thieves Take Off With 300 Gallons Of Cooking Oil From Georgia Chick-fil-A

Two men are accused of stealing a significant quantity of used cooking oil from a Georgia Chick-fil-A, an unusual yet valuable target, according to an Athens-Clarke County police report.

At approximately 3 a.m. Oct. 5, a U-Haul box truck stopped near a dumpster adjacent to the Chick-fil-A restaurant on Atlanta Highway in Clarke County, Georgia. Two men allegedly exited the vehicle and extracted an estimated 200 to 300 gallons of used fryer oil from a container designed for recycling.

Police found a lock had been severed from the back gate, where the grease trap containing the oil is placed.

“They noticed that a lock had been cut off of the back gate, where the grease trap is located. From there they determined several hundreds of gallons of oil had been taken out of that,” Lt. Jody Thompson said to Fox 5 Atlanta.

This incident was not the first of its kind at this location. According to the restaurant’s manager, this is the fourth time the restaurant’s used cooking oil has been targeted. During the previous theft, a staggering 700 to 800 gallons of oil, valued at $2,000, were taken.

The motive behind such a peculiar crime lies in the substantial market value of used cooking oil. As Thompson explained, it can be refined, sold, or used as a fuel source. The versatile applications of this commodity offer several avenues for recycling companies to harness its potential.

A similar incident happened in April of this year where another Chick-fil-A restaurant had used cooking oil stolen repeatedly in Long Island, New York, per NBC News.

Investigator Patrick McCall, who works for cooking oil companies, told NBC News, “It has a lot of value what we call ‘liquid gold.”

The two thieves were not identified. Thompson urged anyone with information to come forward, but also to stay vigilant. “If you see something, say something. Large vehicles like U-Hauls shouldn’t be around restaurants in the early morning hours,” Thompson said.