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Tag: claims

  • Judge denies Meta's request to dismiss sexual harassment lawsuit filed by early employee

    Judge denies Meta's request to dismiss sexual harassment lawsuit filed by early employee

    A judge has denied Meta’s request to dismiss a lawsuit brought against it by early employee Kelly Stonelake. 

    U.S. District Judge Barbara Rothstein, who is overseeing the case, ruled this month that parts of Stonelake’s suit had merit, and the case will move forward. 

    “I hope this ruling encourages others who have experienced discrimination and toxic workplace cultures to consider the courts as one way to push for justice and accountability,” Stonelake said in a statement given to TechCrunch.

    Stonelake, who worked at Meta from 2009 until being laid off in early 2024, filed a lawsuit against Meta in Washington state earlier this year, alleging sexual harassment, sex discrimination, and retaliation. Meta moved the lawsuit to federal court and filed to dismiss Stonelake’s suit, saying her claims were legally insufficient.

    Meta declined to comment on the lawsuit or the judge’s decision.

    In her initial complaint, Stonelake alleges Meta failed to take action after she reported sexual assault and harassment; that she was often passed over for promotion in favor of men; and that she faced retaliation after flagging a video game she perceived as racist and harmful to minors. She said working for Meta under these alleged conditions severely damaged her mental state and left her in medical treatment. 

    When asked in February why she decided to file her suit, Stonelake said she wanted to drive accountability for what she alleges is a large pattern of abuse at Meta. 

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    “Meta has the opportunity to do harm on a scale that only tech companies can,” she said.

    At the time, Meta declined to comment, citing pending litigation.

    In its motion to dismiss, Meta said Stonelake “fails to and cannot allege any viable claims against Meta,” and that her claims of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation fell outside the statute of limitations of the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD). 

    A judge has partially rejected that argument.

    In documents filed August 21, the judge stated that parts of Stonelake’s claims regarding retaliation, failure to promote, and sexual harassment were sufficient to survive. The judge has dismissed other specific claims within the lawsuit that covered other allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful discharge. Stonelake was also denied her request to amend the filing, should she choose.

    Stonelake and Meta will now file a joint status report, which is due mid-September.  

    Stonelake’s claims are just some of the high-profile allegations Meta has faced as of late.

    Shortly after Stonelake filed this suit, Sarah Wynn-Williams (who led public policy for what was then called Facebook) released her memoir “Careless People,” where she alleged sexual harassment by her boss, as well as retaliation after she reported him. Meta denied the allegations in the book, and Wynn-Williams is currently barred from marketing it after a judge sided with Meta in that she had likely broken her non-disclosure agreement in writing it. 

  • Subpar Jobless Claims Hide Looming Recession

    Subpar Jobless Claims Hide Looming Recession

    Simon White Cracks the Code on U.S. Unemployment Claims

    Hey folks, grab a coffee because Bloomberg’s Simon White has just dropped some fresh news on the latest unemployment claims. And guess what? The numbers came in lower than everyone was expecting—a smooth win for the labor market.

    The Skinny on the Claims

    • Headlines: The weekly data was benign, meaning nothing alarming popped up.
    • Surprise Factor: They fell below expectations, which is always a pleasant shock.
    • Impact: Less demand for job-seekers could signal a strengthening economy.

    Simon’s Take

    White’s take? “We’re seeing a trend that points toward a healthier labor scene,” he says, shrugging off the usual market jitters. It’s like finding a hidden stash of pizza in the fridge: a delightful surprise that boosts morale.

    What It Means for You

    Whether you’re on the job hunt or just looking to stay informed, keep an eye out. Lower claims often translate to solid employer confidence, meaning more hiring opportunities might follow.

    In short, thanks to Simon’s sharp eye, the overall vibe is one of calm confidence. Anyone ready to dance into the next job search cycle? Just say “Let’s do this!” and watch the numbers roll.\”

  • The Green Knight Unveiled: Film Secrets & Medieval Legend Explored

    The Green Knight Unveiled: Film Secrets & Medieval Legend Explored

    What’s the Deal with The Green Knight?

    Picture this: it’s Christmas Day at the grand Castle of Camelot, and the air is alive with jingle‑bells, feasting, and swaggering knights. Sir Gawain, mate of the legendary King Arthur and knights of the round table, crashes the party along with a crew of chivalrous comrades. Just when the celebratory mood peaks, a newcomer swoops in—The Green Knight, not your usual knight in shining armor, but a “mysterious and inhuman” guest with a twist of green flair.

    Why the Green Knight? A Quick Breakdown

    • Legend’s Roots: The tale hails from the late 14th century, rooted in centuries‑old Arthurian mythology.
    • The Invitation: He’s in the castle seeking a “friendly holiday game” — which we soon learn is a test of courage and wit.
    • Unexpected Entrance: Dressed in emerald armor, this knight isn’t just a figure of dread—he stands for a unique challenge.

    Why Should You Care?

    If you’re a fan of epic sagas, the green‑horned visitor is practically a superhero cameo. He turns the holiday gathering into a mind‑bending, heart‑stopping adventure. Think “Renaissance meets The Matrix”, but swap the neon for mossy hues and the laser beams for a hefty blade.

    TL;DR — The Green Knight’s Essence

    Green = Greenery, Knights = Quest + Dungeon Style, Game = “Should You Rock or Fold?” — it’s that classic Arthurian recipe with a splash of contemporary edge, letting you spotee the moral: the bravery you’re always longing for must have a twist. So stash the popcorn, relive the lore, and remember: the green challenger might just rewrite your idea of entertainment.

    The Green Knight Unveiled: Film Secrets & Medieval Legend Explored

    Who’s Been Playing Trickster Roles in Horror? Guess It’s Not Just the Big‑Screen Legends!

    Picture This: J. Lo on the B‑sides of Your Favorite Scary Flicks

    We’re used to seeing superstar Hollywood stars checking out the spooky side of cinema, but the list goes far beyond what you’d think. From the unmistakable vocal powerhouse J Lo to other unexpected names, these celebrities have secretly walked into the front row of some truly gut‑rattling horror movies.

    Take That British Classic — The Green Knight and His Head‑Beheading Riddle

    • Gawain’s Duel: Our fearless knight gets a call to cut off the Green Knight’s own head in a brutally playful “beheading game”.
    • First Cut: Gawain does it—head flying, no doubt—while the green figure keeps the promise of a one‑year, one‑point retribution.
    • Revenge On The Calendar: Every year on the same day, the Red Knight visits Gawain’s castle and hits the identical spot. It’s a weird, dramatic lullaby set over 365 dizzying days.

    As you might guess, the mood inside Camelot hits a low note during that whole period. Gawain ends up leaving the royal hall to chase the Green Ninja way to his full‑on showdown at the Green Chapel.

    So, what’s the Moral?

    Whether the star’s voice or the mythic knights, horror’s grooves keep pulling even the most well‑known faces into its uncanny clutches. Buckle up because you can’t always separate a celebrity’s bright TV persona from the night‑mare twist behind the curtain.

    The Green Knight Unveiled: Film Secrets & Medieval Legend Explored

    Megan Fox: Lights, Camera, & Legendary Shenanigans!

    What Make‑up She’d Pay For? The Classic “Transformers” Spark

    When Megan Fox hit the set of “Transformers”, nobody could deny that she turned heads. The dazzling star lineup may have been thrilling—Harrison Ford, Chevy Chase, and even a pile of castaway robots—but Megan’s one‑hand‑held, robot‑reboot‑ready vibes truly carried the movie. Fans still remember the way she made “All I Want” sound like a soaring anthem—so loud it could shift the entire LEGO universe!

    Beyond the Auto‑Action

    So if the “Transformers” blockbuster isn’t the only meat on her plate, let’s look at a mysterious twist that glimpses into myth. Imagine a film where the Green Knight you’ve seen in a medieval tale is totally re‑imagined as Jean‑Pierre “Bertilak” De Haute‑Desert, a dashing lord with a penchant for high‑stakes deception. As you watch, you’ll feel that the plot turns the classic legend and turns the noble men—just a side of the plot that might have felt just a bit too over the top.

    In the Die‑Hard Fantasy Version
    • Instead of a legendary knight, the “Green Knight” is a Lord with a knack for undercover tests.
    • He partners up with the sorceress Morgan Le Fay to bait the knights into a contest.
    • When he snips a small nick on Gawain’s chest—playful, right?—the legend gets restarted oddly, creating a comedic but epic twist for the crowd.
    Final Takeaway

    Whether she dazzles us in blockbuster tech or presents her comedic “Knight” stunt, Megan Fox remains the “transformative” heroine we remember. And those who love mixing legends with modern film tactics might just say she’s the better paradox of all—because sometimes, it isn’t the green knight that makes a myth unforgettable, but the mystery behind the knight.

  • Chinese envoy touts prospects for business cooperation on eve of EU-China summit

    Chinese envoy touts prospects for business cooperation on eve of EU-China summit

    List of Chinese investments in Europe namechecked, and cooperation on research and intellectual property underlined, though mood music for EU-China summit has dampened expectations.

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    Prospects for pragmatic China-EU cooperation remain broad, China’s head of EU mission has written in an exclusive op-ed for Euronews, published on the eve of a delicate summit of leaders taking place in Beijing on Thursday.
    “European businesses are finding ample space to expand in the Chinese market,” according to Ambassador Cai Run, the head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, in an op-ed that lists a string of investment and cooperation relations.

    In the piece, Cai notes that “brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen derive over 30% of their global sales from the Chinese market, with profits in China reaching up to 30 times those earned in their domestic markets.”
    He claims that European products account for more than 30% and in some cases over 50% of China’s total imports in sectors such as chemicals, optics, aerospace and aviation.
    Meanwhile Chinese corporate investment in Europe is listed at length. Cai namechecks the Pelješac Bridge project in Croatia; the Hungary-Serbia Railway, “China’s first high-speed rail project in Europe”, and Piraeus Port in Greece.
    Of Piraeus, Cai claims in the op-ed that the project has created 4,300 direct local jobs and generated €1.4 billion in economic output, “accounting for approximately 1% of Greece’s GDP”.

    Response to climate change is a unifying factor – Chinese envoy

    Cai also touts cooperation through the China-EU Climate Change Partnership, saying China’s electric vehicle and new energy battery industries “have become key drivers of a new wave of investment in Europe, further strengthening the bonds of cooperation and injecting strong momentum into China-EU collaboration in the green and low-carbon sector.”

    Related

    EU shuts out Chinese medical suppliers from European market in retaliatory trade move

    On research Cai says the Chinese government is prioritizing the EU as a key partner, and “remains committed to an open and innovation-driven policy, expanding international scientific and technological cooperation”.
    He also hails the Geographic Indications (GI) Agreement as China’s “first comprehensive and high-level bilateral agreement on GI protection, marking a milestone in China-EU cooperation on intellectual property rights.”
    Since its entry into force, he says, Zhouzhi kiwifruit and French champagne “have entered each other’s markets, helping preserve cultural and natural heritage and injecting new momentum into deeper China-EU collaboration.”

     Despite the envoy’s optimistic tone, however, expectations for the outcome of Thursday’s summit are muted, despite its coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU.
    Among the extensive list of friction points, two stand out: Beijing’s “no-limits” partnership with Moscow and the trade imbalances caused by industrial overcapacity.
    In May, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the anniversary offered a chance to “properly handle frictions and differences, and open up a brighter future for China-EU relations”. Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, and António Costa, the president of the European Council, played into the momentum and committed themselves to “deepening our partnership with China”.
    But since then the tide has shifted.
    Beijing’s decision to restrict the export of rare earths, the metallic elements that are crucial for manufacturing advanced technologies, caused widespread alarm across European industry and earned a rebuke from von der Leyen herself.
    “China is using this quasi-monopoly not only as a bargaining chip, but also weaponising it to undermine competitors in key industries,” she said at the G7 summit in June.
    “We all witnessed the cost and consequences of China’s coercion.”
    Beijing immediately hit back against the Commission chief, calling her speech “baseless” and “biased”, but offered an olive branch to build a “win-win” partnership.