by PAMELA AVILA 

Hannah Brown is under fire for recording herself saying the N-word. 

On Saturday night, Bachelor Nation’s sweetheart went on Instagram Live at one point, she seemed to be trying to remember the lyrics to DaBaby‘s “Rockstar.” She begins singing a few lines aloud and seemingly hesitates when she gets to the line that includes the N-word but says it anyway. 

After that, Brown seems to go on about her business as if she didn’t just repeat a racial slur on Instagram Live to her 2.8 million followers. 

While the Instagram Live video has since expired or been taken down from her account, Instagram accounts like @bachelorteaspill and Reddit users have since captured clips of Brown. 

According to @bachelorteaspill’s clips, after a moment she seemingly notices comments on her Instagram Live calling her out for using the racial slur and that’s when she begins to address it. 

“I did? I’m so sorry… No, I was singing… I’m so sorry… I don’t think… Maybe I did, maybe it was Patrick [Brown’s brother]. Um, anyway,” Brown says in the video, while simultaneously laughing. 

“I really don’t think I said that word, I don’t think I said that word, but now I’m like, oh god,” Brown said, as she continued to address the issue. “I’d never use that word. I’ve never called anybody that.” 

“We don’t say that word….So, you know what, I’m going to stay here, and y’all can think I said whatever I did or think I’m something I’m not, but I’m not that…Look, people are going to want to think whatever they want to think of me, get mad at me, whatever. And even if I did accidentally say it, I’m very sorry, I was singing a song and not even thinking.”

While Brown addressed the comments during the Instaram Live, it wasn’t enough for Bachelor Nation fans on social media. Fans also pointed out that instead of holding herself accountable for saying the N-word, Brown and the friend she was with chose to throw other people’s names in an effort to put the blame on someone else. 

“so just watched that “apology” and the friend next to her rly threw out another friend’s name and the name of Hannah’s brother. like girl wth you were the ONLY visible and audible person in that video,” one Twitter user wrote. “honestly sounds like her entire friend circle are comfortable w the n word.”

Another user wrote, “I was a big fan of Bachelorette/DWTS Winner Hannah Brown, until she decided to drop a hard N word in a rap song and then smirk and laugh through an “apology”. HB, you’re done in my book! Now considered irrelevant. @hannahbrown.”

“I’m disappointed in @hannahbrown for singing the n word – even in a song. As a woman of color & a Christian, I’ve done my best work to not stereotype white, southern, religious women who do pageants as racist as I’ve experienced them. Come on Hannah B,” wrote another Twitter user. 

Former Bachelor star Bekah Martinez also took to speak out Brown using the N-word. 

“how are people still gonna defend CELEBS with access to SOOO much [privilege], knowledge, and education saying the N-word…even if it’s “just the lyrics to a song”…especially when that person had the wherewithal to skip over the F-word lyric first,” Martinez wrote in a lengthy message posted to her Instagram Stories. “we’ve GOT to hold people accountable to do better otherwise we’re continuing to prioritize the feelings of white people (and someone we “stan”) over ending our country’s loooong history of casual racism and flippant anti-blackness.”

Martinez went on, “and no. you can’t say the N-word just because black people say it. black people reclaimed that use of a word that was used for centuries to oppress and dehumanize them. it’s a word that holds so much historical weight that the black community is still healing from, and parts of the white community are STILL weaponizing for dehumanization, particularly in the south.” 

“So no, it’s not cool to just sing it along the lyrics of a song,” she added. “especially not ON YOUR PLATFORM WITH MILLIONS OF FOLLOWERS?!! smh. it’s 2020. at least make a legitimate apology and acknowledge your behavior.” 

On Sunday afternoon, Brown took to Instagram to further apologize and address her saying the N-word.

“I owe you all a major apology,” she wrote. “There is no major excuse and I will not justify what I said. I have read your messages and seen the hurt I have caused. I own it all. I am terribly sorry and know that whether in public or private, this language is unacceptable. I promise to do better.” 

https://www.eonline.com/news/1152905/hannah-brown-is-facing-backlash-after-posting-a-video-of-herself-saying-the-n-word

By PRNewswire

Fast-casual chicken favorite creates experiential dine-in audio for home-bound fans

Zaxby’s, the fast-casual restaurant known for its chicken fingers, wings and signature sauces, has uploaded a custom collection of ambient restaurant sounds to SoundCloud, the world’s largest open audio platform. The idea behind the playlist, which features five tracks dedicated to popular restaurant dayparts, is to bring Zaxby’s particular dine-in experience to brand fans with sounds unique to Zaxby’s. The soundtrack can be played at home or in the car to accompany drive-thru and pick-up meals.

“In the midst of shelter-at-home mandates and social-distancing recommendations, many of our customers are missing the familiarity of Zaxby’s authentic dining experience,” said Zaxby’s CMO Joel Bulger. “We want brand fans to be able to close their eyes and imagine they’re in our restaurants with their families and friends.”

The Zaxby’s SoundCloud playlist features music dedicated to four popular dayparts (lunch, dinner, late night and Sunday) complete with appropriate ambient noise and dialogue. The fifth track is purely ambient sounds, allowing listeners to create their own dialogue. Loyal fans of Zaxby’s will recognize familiar sounds like orders being called out, the fizz of a Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine (which includes beloved pellet ice pouring out), sauce packs being opened and more.

Zaxby’s recently launched a new menu option specifically designed to meet the needs of families sheltering at home. Zax Family Packs include 20 Chicken Fingerz or 30 boneless wings with shareable sides to feed four people at a value price point of $24.99, available at participating locations while supplies last. Delivery prices and fees may vary.

An alternative to fast food, Zaxby’s serves fresh, prepared-at-order, hand-breaded Chicken Fingerz and wings made in a variety of nine sauces. The menu also features four Zalads and eight sandwiches along with complementary Shareables including Fried White Cheddar Bites, Tater Chips, Spicy Fried Mushrooms, and, for a limited time, Fried Pickles.

Zaxby’s has over 900 locations in 17 states, which will likely reopen in waves, pursuant to state and federal guidance, so the playlist will be the next best thing for many customers for several more weeks.

By Jessica Mason

The internet is very often a terrible place. Sure there are cat videos, and goat videos, weird videos, and more cat videos, but there are many horrible people saying and doing horrible things. If you know your way around the net, you can avoid much of this grossness. But for some people, that’s not an option, and it’s their job to moderate the very worst of the net. And now, some of them are getting compensated for the very real trauma and PTSD that job brought one.

In a massive victory for moderators, Facebook has settled a class-action lawsuit brought on behalf of current and former moderators who were tasked with removing the most graphic and disturbing posts on the platform for their job. Facebook has agreed to pay $52 million to the moderators in compensation for mental health issues developed on the job.

The settlement covers over 11,250 moderators, who were contracted from a variety of outside firms after the 2016 election. (The fact that these were subcontractors and not even Facebook employees is a whole OTHER issue). In the face of criticism for how Facebook handled their content, these moderators were brought in from across the country and given the unenviable job of removing offensive content from the site.

According to The Verge, which ran a big story that brought many of the Facebook contractor moderation issues to light, moderators for one of the firms, Cognizant, were paid as little as $28,800 annually to view images of rape, murder, suicide, and more. This was, to say the least, a terrible job and a dangerous environment for moderators who were expected to view this content daily with no regard for their mental health, and were subject to difficult working conditions.

So in September of 2018, Selena Scola led the first class action against Facebook, alleging that having to sift through content which included “broadcasts of child sexual abuse, rape, torture, bestiality, beheadings, suicide, and murder” caused PTSD in Scola so severe she could be triggered by a computer mouse. And she wasn’t the only one who had to do this.

Now, Facebook has agreed to compensate all members of the class with a minimum of $1,000, but moderators who can show a mental health diagnosis related to the unsafe environment which Facebook allowed can receive more. Anyone with mental health diagnoses can receive up to $6,000 and those who submit evidence of other injuries and costs could get up to $50,000.

This settlement is important, not just because it compensates the people who were traumatized by this work, but because it acknowledges that moderation and exposure to this kind of content is traumatic. Even today, it’s too easy for people to say something like “it’s just the internet, it’s not real,” but viewing and moderating an endless stream of horrors and hate is a very real danger to mental health and is not a job that anyone would have to do without proper counseling and safety measures in place.

What the Facebook moderators had to see, and likely what they still have to see is sickening, but not surprising given, well, everything about the internet. It’s a mirror of all of the world, including the very worst parts of it. And people who look into that horrible pit need to be protected and compensated for it.

By TooFab Staff|

“I don’t care if he’s an adult and he carries a gun and a badge. At the end of the day. He’s still my boy.”

Erika Jayne says she’s “super proud” of her police officer son, Tommy Zizzo.

Speaking on Andy Cohen’s Sirius XM show, “Radio Andy” Wednesday, the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star, 48, opened up about her decision to share a rare photo of her 26-year-old son on Instagram, revealing that his pic is her “best performing post.”

“I don’t know. Maybe [I’m] quarantine crazy,” Erika said as to why she posted the pic of Tommy in his police officer uniform. “But I am a proud mom, you know, of my essential worker son. He’s out there working like every other man and woman.”

When asked by Andy if she feels “extra protective” of her son during the coronavirus pandemic, Erika replied, “I think we all are. Listen, this is a crazy time. We’re all concerned for all of our families.”

The reality star, who has two million Instagram followers, said the photo of her son received more likes than any of her other posts.

“It’s so crazy,” she told Andy. “I put him on Instagram. He’s my best performing post!”

Andy then brought up how he had stopped sharing photos of his 14-month-old son, Benjamin, at the request of his family, who said his son didn’t “choose” to be in the spotlight. However, the “WWHL” said he changed his mind after reuniting with his son following his stint with the coronavirus.

“I was like, ‘I’m here. I’m, this is the reality of my life. It’s just he and I,” Andy told Erika. “And so I guess, you say maybe it’s the quarantine, but I think all of us are a little…I think we’re just chipping away at what our real life is and who we really are. And you know, this person is such a huge part of your life that it also makes sense why you would now be saying, look here. Here he is.”

“I appreciate you saying this before, you know, he didn’t choose this life. I chose this life and we try to protect them,” Erika replied in agreement. “I don’t care if he’s an adult and he carries a gun and a badge. At the end of the day. He’s still my boy.”

“The Pretty Mess” author said she doesn’t regret sharing the photo of Tommy, but admitted she didn’t give him a heads up before posting it.

“I posted it and I’m glad I did,” Erika explained. “He’s a very fine young man and I’m super proud.”

“Hopefully, it doesn’t even come across his whole situation,” she quipped. “Who knows!”

On Tuesday, Erika shared the rare photo of Tommy on her Instagram, however, she had the comments section deactivated.

“People say we look alike,” she wrote in the caption. “No, you can’t comment. ?

Though Erika has often spoken about her son from her first marriage on “RHOBH,” he’s never made an appearance on the show.

https://toofab.com/2020/05/06/erika-jayne-opens-up-about-sharing-photo-of-her-son-on-instagram/

‘Cooking with Pixar’ could help add some spice to your quarantine meals

Thomas Metevia

If there is one thing Pixar has taught us, it’s that “anyone can cook.”

Now the award-winning animation studio is giving us something to cook, with the help of its new cooking tutorials.

“Cooking With Pixar” is a new series featured on the Pixar YouTube channel.

Each video shows a step-by-step process for making easy recipes that kids of all ages can help out with.

The collection of recipes is inspired by films such as “Toy Story,” “Onward” and the short “Bao.”

The quick videos include fun animation, with our favorite Pixar characters stopping by to help demonstrate the recipes.

So, what are we making?

The latest upload features a birthday cake inspired by Pixar’s latest film, “Onward.”

Elf brothers Ian and Barley help you along your quest to make a cake fit for any wizard.

The brothers mix, bake and frost a vanilla cake that looks way too good to eat — seriously.

Pepperoni pizza

In the mood for something less sweet and more savory? How about pizza?

Who hasn’t wondered what pizza from Pizza Planet would taste like? Well, now’s your chance to test it out. Cook alongside Forkey from “Toy Story 4” as you create a Pizza Planet pepperoni pizza with bell pepper rings. The pie is fit for any toy, big or small.

Dumplings

Families can also recreate Bao, the iconic dumpling featured in Pixar’s Oscar-winning short of the same name. Spoiler alert, there are no measurements listed in the video, however, you can find them written here.

Everything in this video is made from scratch, starting with the dough and ending with the pork filling.

These recipes are a perfect excuse to get the kids in the kitchen and have fun, while also making a great meal.

It’s important to note that Pixar’s cooking videos don’t include ingredient portions or measurements. So, if you aren’t comfortable cooking that way, it might be a good idea to keep a similar recipe handy to compare.

Here’s hoping that we get more Pixar-inspired recipes soon.

Anyone up for some “Ratatouille?”

https://www.clickondetroit.com/entertainment/2020/05/05/pixars-youtube-channel-shares-cooking-tutorials-inspired-by-its-movies/

By Eric Stann

Games can often extract sensitive information about a person, such as their first job, their first car, or their mother’s maiden name.

Oversharing on social media threatens your online security, warns Dan Lin.

“We cannot go out and socialize during this pandemic, so people are turning to social media to share what is going on with their lives,” says Lin, an associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science, and director of the I-Privacy Laboratory at the College of Engineering at the University of Missouri. “But it can be risky.”

Before a person decides to play along with the latest social media challenge, or post a picture of their family home, Lin says to consider the following three things:

Games Are No Joke

Online games that challenge people to answer a few questions about themselves, or post an image, seem innocent enough. But these games can often extract sensitive information about a person, such as their first job, their first car, or their mother’s maiden name—all of which can give hackers answers to commonly used security questions used on other websites such as online banking.

Lin notes two recent challenges as opportunities for hackers to steal a person’s information. Recently, social media users were posting their senior photos as a way to support the Class of 2020. But hackers can use those photos to gain the name of a person’s high school and graduation year.

Additionally, social media users were sharing photos of their mothers for Mother’s Day. But those images could put a person’s mother at risk by revealing identifiable information and provide clues as to whether the mother lives alone.

“If you want to celebrate with your mother, talking to her is better than sharing her picture with strangers,” Lin says.

Beware of What You Share

Images you take with digital cameras contain metadata that can provide information about the photo, such as where and when it was taken. While many social media platforms automatically remove that information when a photo is posted online, Lin warns that publishing images without first deleting the metadata can provide hackers with information a person did not intend to share, such as the GPS location of the place that the photo was taken.

She suggests removing metadata by opening the photo file and deleting this information, or using existing metadata removal software.

Lin says people also should be aware of what is present in the background of their photos. She suggests avoiding posting images that show a house number, vehicle, or unique decorative household items that can help hackers locate a person. It can also reveal personal information that a person may not want to have shared in the public realm.

Check Your Privacy Settings

While privacy settings from social media providers have improved over the last several years, it’s still easy for hackers to bypass that security, Lin says. Even if a person has blocked someone from seeing their information, another user connected with that person can save their information and pass it along to people outside of their connections—sometimes without their knowledge.

Therefore, Lin says if a person does not want something to be publicly seen by everyone, including strangers, it’s best not to share it at all.

Can AI boost social media security?

Lin is currently doing research on how artificial intelligence can help social media providers offer more advanced levels of privacy.

One strategy involves predicting what type of photo people are posting and alert the user to how other people may use that image. For instance, if someone wants to share an image with a select group of friends, the system could warn the user that friends of those friends could still view their photo, including people they intentionally excluded from the group.

A second strategy would allow social media channels to automatically recommend privacy protections for a particular image based on the type of photo and past user behavior. A family photo, for instance, could come with automatic privacy settings blocking others from sharing or downloading it. However, a funny picture of a pet might come with fewer security recommendations.

A more advanced method involves facial replacement in group photos. Rather than blurring out someone’s face in a photo of a class or public setting, which draws the attention of a hacker, this method allows social media providers to replace a person’s likeness with a synthetic facial image based on the person’s privacy needs obtained from his or her past behavior. The change would be subtle enough that those looking at the photo would not be able to tell it had been altered, Lin says.

Ultimately, Lin says it’s up to social media companies to determine whether to implement new security strategies. Until then, people should be cautious about what they choose to post on social media. Anything posted online never fully disappears—even if you delete it immediately.

This article was originally published in Futurity. It has been republished under the Attribution 4.0 International license.

https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2020/05/those-facebook-challenges-can-expose-you-hackers/165070/