Former Salesforce co-CEO and ex-Google executive launch conversational AI platform Sierra
Former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor and ex-Google executive Clay Bavor have launched Sierra, a conversational AI platform for businesses, securing $110 million in funding. Despite competition, Sierra has garnered support from prominent Silicon Valley investors and is facilitating hundreds of thousands of customer conversations every month. Taylor, now the CEO of Sierra, is enthusiastic about democratizing AI for businesses of all sizes and aims to make AI a standard feature for businesses, regardless of their technical expertise.
DraftKings Announces Strong Q4 Results and Raises 2024 Guidance
DraftKings Inc (NASDAQ:DKNG) has announced its financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter, with an increase in guidance for the 2024 year. Despite surpassing earnings per share (EPS) estimates, shares fell in after-hours trading. The company has raised its revenue forecast for fiscal year 2024, projecting a year-over-year growth of 27% to 34%. Additionally, DraftKings plans to acquire Jackpocket in a $750 million deal, signaling strategic expansion. CEO Jason Robins expressed satisfaction with the company’s performance and highlighted positive outcomes in customer acquisition, retention, and engagement. This development has sparked interest in the investment community, positioning DraftKings for substantial market strides.
Peeping Tom: From Controversy to Masterpiece
Learn about the controversial history and revival of Michael Powell’s film Peeping Tom, which was initially criticized but is now considered a masterpiece. The re-release of the film prompts reflection on the changing perceptions of art and the impact of societal changes on controversial works.
2024 Met Gala Dress Code Announced: ‘The Garden of Time’
The 2024 Met Gala Dress Code has been announced as ‘The Garden of Time,’ inspired by J.G. Ballard’s 1962 short story. The exhibition, ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,’ will feature timeless fashion pieces from the Costume Institute’s archives. Co-chaired by Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth, Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya, and Anna Wintour, the event will showcase fashion embodying the beauty of the natural world, with sub-themes including Land, Sea, and Sky.
New Video of Kansas City Super Bowl Parade Shooting
New video of the Kansas City Super Bowl parade shooting shows terror and people being shot. Jennifer Lopez reveals she and Ben Affleck broke up months after a delayed wedding. ‘Hot Ones’ host Sean Evans breaks up with porn star Melissa Stratton, sparking speculation about their public relationship. Not the best timing on Valentine’s Day.
Netflix’s ‘Forever’ Casts Lovie Simone, Michael Cooper Jr. in Lead Roles
Mara Brock Akil’s Netflix adaptation of Judy Blume’s ‘Forever’ has cast Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. as the series leads. The show will explore the love story of two Black teens in Los Angeles, 2018. Regina King has joined as an executive producer and will direct the first episode. Simone and Cooper Jr. are both repped by Buchwald, with Simone also repped by BDO Entertainment and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.
Shannon Sharpe calls out comedian Mike Epps after stand-up show
Former NFL player turned sports analyst, Shannon Sharpe, calls out comedian Mike Epps after Epps makes derogatory remarks during a stand-up comedy show. Sharpe plans to have a ‘man-to-man’ conversation with Epps during NBA All-Star Weekend to address their differences, sparking a feud that has fans taking sides.
Deadmau5 to Celebrate 20 Years of Music with Retro5pective Set at Hollywood Bowl
Electronic artist Deadmau5 will celebrate 20 years of music with a special set titled Retro5pective: 20 Years of Deadmau5 at the Hollywood Bowl on April 27. The show promises fan-favorite tracks, new pyrotechnics, and a performance by the German techno marching band MEUTE. Fans can sign up for SMS updates to stay informed about local events and ticket sales.
AMC Networks Settles Privacy Lawsuit for $8.3 Million
AMC Networks settles privacy-related class-action lawsuit by agreeing to pay $8.3 million in compensation to affected subscribers of its streaming services, including AMC Plus. Lawsuit alleged violations of the Video Privacy Protection Act due to tracking pixel from Meta, Facebook’s parent company, allowing collection of personal information from subscribers. Despite denying wrongdoing, AMC opted for settlement to avoid uncertainties and expenses, marking the end of the legal dispute.
Young Sheldon Actress Raegan Revord to Publish Debut Young Adult Novel
Young Sheldon actress Raegan Revord is set to release her debut young adult novel, Rules for Fake Girlfriends, in fall 2025. The novel, published by Wednesday Books, follows the story of Avery Blackwell as she navigates grief, first love, and self-discovery. With over 55k followers on her book club, Read with Raegan, Revord aims to extend her storytelling to a broader audience and create inclusive stories for young adults.