My cousin, Amanda, died from the flu when she was 4 years old, before I was even born. Because of this, my entire family has been very involved in efforts to raise awareness about the danger of Influenza and encouraging people to get vaccinated. We are all committed to getting our annual flu shot.

This year was no different, except that it was.

My friends and I had a plan to get the flu shot. But before I had a chance to get it, I got sick.

It was early October, and Hurricane Milton was bearing down on Florida. My roommate and most of my friends had gone home to get away from the storm. I was by myself in my dorm and I thought I had just a bad cold. We all know how college is, sniffles and sore throats are the norm. We’re rundown from late nights and full days. Feeling less than 100 percent is pretty much a college student’s reality.

But I also had a horrible headache and at my mom’s urging I went to a local urgent care. I tested positive for two strains of flu, A and B — which is unusual.

My parents were on the phone when I got the test results, and my mom started crying. We were told my heart rate was holding over 220 and my blood pressure was very low. I didn’t really know what all those numbers meant but, in fact, I had started to go into sepsis. The Urgent Care called an ambulance, where I was started on IV fluids and antibiotics.

I was terrified.
Somehow, despite the incoming hurricane mother flew into town and by the time I was

discharged from the hospital that afternoon, she was there by my side.

The next day, I woke up feeling worse. I couldn’t hold any meds or liquids down, I kept vomiting, and I became severely dehydrated. I went back to the hospital where they medicated me intravenously again and, physically, I recovered. Thankfully. The doctors told me I could have died.

But it was also what happened after that threw me for a loop. I began randomly crying for no obvious reason, and I was really, really anxious about everything. I didn’t want to socialize. I was depressed. I later came to understand that all these symptoms are an actual condition, called post-viral depression, caused by a traumatic event. I never knew about post-viral depression before this all happened to me.

You can bet that next year I’ll get my flu shot as soon as the vaccines are available.

Unfortunately, I think people continue to feel nonchalant about the flu, that it’s no big deal. But I’m here to tell you that’s not the case. It killed my cousin, and it could have killed me.

If you’re not feeling well, you need to take that seriously, even if you think it’s just a little cough and cold. Go get tested! The decision to go to the Urgent Care saved my life.

And I urge everyone to get your flu shots immediately if you haven’t already. I don’t want anyone to go through what my family members and I have experienced.

Kaitlyn Covert is a freshman at the University of Florida.  She is a member of the Junior Board at Families Fighting Flu.

Media Contact
Jen Daly
daly@graymediagroup.com

The first cohort of students completed their first tour across the U.S., where they were exposed to cutting-edge research and technology. 

New York, NY, October 30, 2024 – Today, the Institute of International Education announced the launch of the first enrichment field trip for Korean undergraduate students studying in the U.S. as part of the Korea – U.S. Special Exchange Program for STEM Students (KORUS). Through a partnership with Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), IIE created a series of experiential learning activities for groups of Korean students studying abroad in the U.S. to give them firsthand exposure to professional pathways in STEM fields.

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, it is more urgent than ever that students pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said Collette Agnese, Director of Experiential Learning at IIE. “Thanks to this partnership with the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, we are proud to offer Korean students studying in the U.S. unique opportunities to deepen their understanding of STEM fields beyond the classroom, strengthen international exchange and collaboration, and prepare the next generation of global leaders to drive the technological breakthroughs our world needs.”

Of fourteen total field trips across the U.S., Korean students will visit companies, research facilities, and technology hubs, where they will meet with industry representatives and research leaders to learn about technology and innovation outside the classroom. Students will have the opportunity to learn about professional pathways in their field and see first-hand the technology and cutting-edge research taking place around the U.S.

The first enrichment trip completed on October 1, 2024, where students visited Hillsboro, Oregon and toured Intel’s Jones Farm Campus to see a variety of labs including manufacturing, validation, and liquid immersion labs. The group also visited the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science at Portland State University, where they learned about undergraduate research opportunities in AI. Other visits this fall will focus on topics including semi-conductors, aerospace, cybersecurity, bioengineering, health sciences, and renewable energy.

In the coming months, students will also visit Birck Nanotechnology Center at Purdue University, The Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Northwestern University, University of Maryland, College Park, San Jose State University, Dreamscape Immersive Reality Lab at Arizona State University, WMU Business Technology and Research Park at Western Michigan University, and The Foundry 4.0 Center at University of Northern Iowa. They will have discussions with and visits to companies including Hansen Dairy, Intel, Juniper Networks, Kryton Metals, LG Energy Solutions, MediaTek, NASA Gather and Portal Innovations.

As part of this project with KIAT, IIE will also implement a series of Tech Leaders Webinars for students to engage with experts, scholars, and professionals in the fields of science and technology, as well as a university partnership workshop to build and expand relationships between U.S. and Korean universities.

PROGRAM CONTACT:

Collette Agnese, Director of Experiential Learning, IIE: cagnese@iie.org

PRESS CONTACT:

Press Office, IIE: press@iie.org

++

About the Institute of International Education (IIE)

The Institute of International Education (IIE) is the leader in designing and implementing international education strategies and program services. We work with governments, policymakers, educators, and employers across the globe to prepare students and professionals for the global workforce and equip them to solve the increasingly complex challenges facing our interconnected world. With support from donors, we also create initiatives that assist students, scholars, and artists whose lives and work are threatened; expand teaching and learning across cultures; and provide opportunities to underserved populations. A not-for-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has a network of 16 offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,600 higher education partners. Visit iie.org.

About Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT)

The Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) is the technology innovation funding and industrial policy forming agency of Korea. It is headquartered in Seoul, and maintains offices in the US and Europe. KIAT’s mission is to promote industrial technology innovation and support innovation-related policy development through efficient and systematic project initiation. Visit: http://kiat.or.kr

What is Jazz Assistant?
Jazz Assistant is a computer software program which generates computer music . It uses specific design criteria (an algorithm) to create a printout (a musical composition). The printout can be played by humans for any musical instrument. It is designed for jazz and the blues

Benefits of Jazz Assistant
No writers block: The algorithm will produce music which will stimulate you so you can create your own jazz and blues compositions. The music created will be printed so you can use it directly or use it to inspire new jazz and blues compositions. Each selection is non-redundant, meaning that with just a small selection of the music, you will have a variety of ways you can use the musical creations. Best of all, you can use it right away. The music comes in printed score-sheets that you can study and can also play.
Share the credit, not all the royalty: Once you download the composition, it’s yours to do with as you like. My fees come through the subscription service or by your initial payment of each page. There is no requirement that share all royalties for creations you create. All that we ask is that you credit in writing DOUGLAS CORNISH & ANDREI BELUTA as a joint composer.

Listen to a sample
Each day, you can listen to a different free sample to get a free feel for what www.jazzassistant.com can do for you. The compositions are create a wonderful random generation or notes and chord segments. The music is ablaze with bold brash blues progressions and jazz syncopation of musicality. It’s “cool” to listen to.

Why Jazz Assistant is unique

• Capability: The algorithm has the capabilities of creating more than 1 octodocillion pages, all original and different. By changing the decision criteria, according to a randomness factor, different capabilities can be created.
• Uniqueness: The uniqueness of the algorithm is the numerological design of the relative chords and scales and the ways the musical scales are combined. The algorithm first combines the music in an Ionian scale, then a Mixolydian scale and then resolves to a Dorian scale but diminished, or augmented, major and/or minor. The computer program uses a 2,5,1 format – a standard musical progression of chords and scales in the key of C,D,G, then back to C adjusted for all the keys in different modalities. The program is written in Java.

Background of the Creators
Douglas “Corny Cornball” Cornish has been composing and playing blues and jazz for many years. He has been working in the econometric industry for seven years. Douglas Cornish and Andrei Beleuta, a software engineer, created the program which generates the music on April 9, 2013..

At the risk of sounding sophomoric, I will publish an article without the eeditor, as follows. Quoting one composer.

Quoting one composer from Greenwich Village’s café Wha.

The fanciful algorithmic progressions producing music of sound condition satisfactorily and excellently relative to each other with accepted formulations of non-redundant musical notation by Corny Cornball….will stimulate (previously to hearing it)
respective dormant divisions of neurological neuron bundles that by most standards have the complexities of learning imputed knowing form and format of jazz improvisation>

I.E. No writers block.

The free hand the reader and the listener of the site www.jazzassistant.com in composing what the author wants the audience to feel is an opulent combination and permutation of of randomly generated notes and chord segments.

The personality of the music is ablaze with subtle and downright bold brash blues progressions and jazz syncopation of musicality.

There is new and improved intellectual honesty when saying the jazz is abstract; however, writing down one’s zest for life consummate in the piano composer….it goes to publication. Edit and copyright , it is yours…..Just mention and write the sites owners name as a joint composer.

Never before assembled new major exultations of victory of musical invention then innovation. First edition to find it’s area set aside in the greatest accomplishments that history has ever known (ten million pages). Hidden in the private files of internet storage, the baffling veil has been lifted for the first time on Jazzassistant.com or www.jazzzoid.com , the 8th wonder of the world. Click “Simple Listening” and then “Play” and then “Play”. Sign up or wait. The scope and power of the progressions of harmony and melody combine for ghost written music beyond comparison. And don’t miss the book “Lord of the Gem”, on Amazon by Douglas Cornish.

Shocking importance to the entertainment field electrifies fascinated publishing and public via it’s perfection. Vehement discussion defining the delineation of Jazz form and function of great superstructures euphorically delightful for ones editing the dramatic thunderbolts of unequaled daring combinations and permutations. Have patience with the site you may have to click play several times the “SimpleListening” then”Play” again.

Very intellectual “Dirge of Peace” music , or wait.

As completely disinterested commentary and not financial advice, have a look at Shiba Inu and Baby Doge Bitcoin for a 5 year observation. Going off on a tangent the size of a stock certificate is 8 ½ inches by 11 inches. The size of a dollar bill
Is 2 and ½ inches by 6 inches. Why not make some stock certificates the size of the dollar bill. 2 +1/2 by 6 inches .
Then they could be used as a currency to recompence vendors of merchandise and services. One bill could be stock price divided by stock price= $1.00 or Stock price divided by 10 times stock price =$ .10 or for a penny stock price divided by 100 Stock price, and of course stock price thereby a new inflation control. Just view from the top.

www.richno.com also has some interesting implications and is becoming better every day. UID Barbara pswd barb7777. Never mind www.posterassist.com where one can print a one foot to 10 foot poster for $1.98. Cheers.

Douglas “Corny Cornball” Cornish

Bestselling Book Embraced by Millions as an Antidote to Toxic Positivity

“Have a panic attack. You’ve earned it.” 

When writer Dave Tarnowski shared these words over a serene nature photo on Instagram, he knew the meme would strike a chord with people who felt alienated by the relentless positivity memes inundating social media denying what he knew to be true: “It’s OK to not be OK.” 

In a little over a year, Tarnowski’s Disappointing Affirmations Instagram account grew to 2.3 million engaged followers, and inspired a national bestselling book, Disappointing Affirmations: Unfollow Your Dreams! published by Chronicle Books this year, resonant as a funny-because-it’s-true, sneaky self-help book for anyone who isn’t happy all the time.

“After a long sleepless night of catastrophizing and rehearsing my inadequacies, I take strange comfort in Dave Tarnowski’s new book, Disappointing Affirmations.”―The Washington Post

Fans of Disappointing Affirmations have praised it not only for Dave’s humorous approach to hitting back at negative self-talk and our harshest inner critics, but also as a resource that has helped them feel less alone in times of struggle.

“That’s why I started making and sharing these Disappointing Affirmations,” says Tarnowski. “By making light of the negative thoughts we all have, I’m shining a light into the darkness where these scary things live and trying to show that they’re not so scary after all, nor are they unfamiliar. I’m inviting people who suffer in silence to feel seen, to look at a Disappointing Affirmation and say, ‘That’s me.’”

In addition to a nationwide bestselling book, the Disappointing Affirmations publishing partnership with Chronicle Books includes both a shareable 30-Postcard set ($12.95), and a Pencil gift set ($15.95) bearing Tarnowski’s witty and astute observations.

With the arrival of fall, its waning sunlight, and the approach of the holidays, Dave Tarnowski knows that some readers might feel seasonal loneliness creeping in. To that Tarnowski says, “It took me years to see. I was just one of many (many, many, many) who felt the same exact things. It took most of my life, but I finally learned how to feel less alone…” And eventually it brought him to one of his most popular memes, “Accept yourself for the hot mess that you are.”

Perfect for college grads, those entering the workforce, anyone facing burnout and fatigue, as well as fans of satire and sarcastic humor, Disappointing Affirmations: Unfollow Your Dreams! is available everywhere books are sold.

About the book

Disappointing Affirmations: Unfollow Your Dreams!
By Dave Tarnowski
ISBN:  9781797226668
96 pages, Price: $14.95

Publicity Contact
April Whitney
Chronicle Books
April_whitney@chroniclebooks.com
415.537.4253

About Chronicle Books 

Founded in 1967 in San Francisco, Chronicle Books is one of the world’s most admired publishers and distributors of illustrated books, gifts, and games for all ages. Its highly acclaimed list spans art, photography, food, lifestyle, pop culture, humor, self-help, wellness, children’s books, and stationery, among other categories. Chronicle is the home of numerous award-winning authors, bestselling series, and trend-setting titles. Chronicle Books is committed to partnering with artists and writers who represent the diversity of our world and to maintaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for its employees and business partners. For more information visit www.chroniclebooks.com

TV personality and podcast host Gabby Windey and Chester Cheetah® are giving away limited-edition “Burner Phones” and “Hall Passes” to help heat seekers hook up with Flamin’ Hot® “sidechips”

PLANO, TX, September 17, 2024 – As college students begin a new semester and cuffing season looms, Flamin’ Hot® is asking fans to keep their options open – snacking options, that is – and “Cheat on Flamin’ Hot® Cheetos®” with every Flamin’ Hot snack they see on campus. Chester Cheetah® himself is offering lucky spice lovers a “Hall Pass” to give one (or more) of the 25 different snacks from the Flamin’ Hot portfolio a chance.

Starting today until November 30, fans can join Gabby Windey, TV Personality & Podcast Host, via Instagram or FlaminHotUniversity.com to find opportunities to win a “Flamin’ Hot Burner Phone” – a flip phone with a one-of-a-kind Flamin’ Hot design, a free year of cell service, and one special someone on speed dial, Chester Cheetah. When called from the “Burner Phone,” Chester will make good on his “Hall Pass” offer by delivering a spicy selection of Flamin’ Hot sidechips to winners’ doors. The delivery also comes with a promise that Cheetos Flamin’ Hot will always be there if you and your new sidechip ever want to snack.

“I love Cheetos Flamin’ Hot, but take it from me – you can’t reach your spiciest potential without trying different flavors and exploring your options,” says Gabby Windey. “There is no reason to settle for just one flame when Chester is cool with you having hotties like Fritos® Flamin’ Hot® and Funyuns® Flamin’ Hot® in your rotation.”

Those who are unsure which tempting hot snack they want to try first can find their perfect match by taking the Sidechip Quiz on FlaminHotUniversity.com. If you’d like to add even more sidechips into your rotation, Flamin’ Hot has created dating profiles for its spicy line-up so that fans can swipe right on tempting new snacks.

“While we love how many of our fans are in a committed relationship with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, the Flamin’ Hot portfolio is overflowing with spicy snacks,” said Tina Mahal, vice president of marketing at PepsiCo Foods North America. “By offering numerous fiery options, Flamin’ Hot hopes to inspire its fans to be bold and explore every way possible to turn up the heat.”

Asking heat seekers to keep their options open and “Cheat on Cheetos” is the newest way Flamin’ Hot University is looking to help fans reach their spiciest potential. The brand introduced Flamin’ Hot University in 2023 with an online curriculum to help fans embrace their unique heat and a fiery hot merch line that fueled scholarships aimed at reducing the burden of student loans.

Visit FlaminHotUniversity.com to take the quiz, view full sweepstakes rules and to learn more about the Flamin’ Hot portfolio, you can go online or find Flamin’ Hot on TikTok and Instagram. For those who want to “Cheat on Flamin’ Hot Cheetos,” the Flamin’ Hot portfolio is available for purchase in retailers nationwide and on Snacks.com.

The Flamin’ Hot portfolio features a roster of hotties from Frito-Lay fan favorite brands including: Cheetos® Flamin’ Hot® (12 varieties), Doritos® Flamin’ Hot® (5 varieties), Ruffles® Flamin’ Hot® (3 varieties),  Lay’s® Flamin’ Hot® (2 varieties), Munchies® Flamin’ Hot®, Smartfood® Flamin’ Hot®, Funyuns® Flamin’ Hot®, & Fritos® Flamin’ Hot®.

About Frito-Lay North America

Frito-Lay North America is the $25 billion net sales convenient foods division of PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP). For decades, Frito-Lay’s portfolio of beloved products has brought smiles to millions of families across the world, including Fritos® corn chips, Lay’s® and Ruffles® potato chips, Doritos® and Tostitos® tortilla chips and branded dips, Cheetos® snacks, Stacy’s® pita chips, PopCorners® air popped snacks and SunChips® multigrain snacks. The company operates more than 40 manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and Canada, along with a vast distribution network that services over 315,000 retail customers weekly through its direct-store-delivery model. Through pep+ (PepsiCo Positive), Frito-Lay is committed to creating positive change for the planet and people. Learn more about Frito-Lay at FritoLay.com, on X (@FritoLay), on Instagram (@FritoLay) and on Facebook (FritoLay).

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s^®, Doritos^®, Cheetos^®, Gatorade^®, Pepsi-Cola^®, Mountain Dew^®, Quaker^®, and SodaStream^®. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

Contact

Jayme Mizzoni
jayme.mizzoni@pepsico.com

–Festival Kicks Off Wed., Sept. 25 in 150 AMC locations with the 15th Anniversary Screening of Paranormal Activity, the Film’s First One-Night Only National Re-Release–

James Wan’s Atomic Monster Disrupts Fest on October 2 with Screening of Lights Out

BlumFest 2024 Logo and Film Stills Available HERE

Los Angeles, Calif. – Sept. 17, 2024 – Blumhouse, the driving force in horror, and AMC Theatres (NYSE: AMC) are celebrating Halloween starting in September and running through the end of October with AMC’s BlumFest. Every Wednesday starting September 25, Blumhouse fans can attend special screenings, score one-time-only giveaways, be the first to see exclusive sneak peeks, and more. AMC’s BlumFest marks the first time that BlumFest, the annual October celebration of all things Blumhouse, has included a national screening program.

The six-week festival kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 25 in 54 cities and 150 AMC Theatres across the U.S., and features six different repertory films – anchored by the 15th anniversary of Paranormal Activity September 25.

Festival-goers can catch their favorite Blumhouse films on the big screen, with screenings each Wednesday night at 7pm and 9pm local time, and tickets priced at a discounted rate. Plus, all attendees will receive a special poster giveaway commemorating this year’s lineup, plus see exclusive sneak peeks and exclusive recorded messages from directors and talent from the films. Tickets are on sale today, Tuesday, September 17 at on AMCTheatres.com and within the AMC Mobile App for the following films:

• Wednesday, September 25, 2024 – Paranormal Activity – written and directed by Oren Peli
• Wednesday, October 2, 2024 – Lights Out – written by Eric Heisserer and David F. Sandberg and directed by David F. Sandberg
• Wednesday, October 9, 2024 – Insidious: Chapter 2 – written by James Wan and Leigh Whannell and directed by James Wan
• Wednesday, October 16, 2024 – Happy Death Day – written by Scott Lobdell and directed by Christopher Landon
• Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – The Black Phone – written by Joe Hill, Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill, and directed by Scott Derrickson
• Wednesday, October 30, 2024 – Five Nights At Freddy’s – written by Scott Cawthon, Seth Cuddeback and Emma Tammi and directed by Emma Tammi

“This whole month is a love letter to Halloween and our fans, and we’re grateful to our partners at AMC for joining us for BlumFest, our annual October celebration of all things Blumhouse. I can’t believe we’re already celebrating the 15th anniversary of Paranormal Activity, because it feels like we’re just getting started,” said Jason Blum, Founder and CEO of Blumhouse.

“Though AMC entertains Blumhouse film fans year-round, the Halloween season makes horror movies even more fun,” said Elizabeth Frank, EVP of Worldwide Programming and Chief Content Officer at AMC Theatres. “We’re excited to bring the BlumFest celebration to the big screen with fan favorite movies and unique extra content.”

The full list of cities includes: Atlanta (GA), Austin (TX), Baltimore (MD), Boston (MA), Charlotte (NC), Chattanooga (TN), Chicago (IL), Cincinnati (OH), Columbus (GA), Columbus (OH), Dallas (TX), Denver (CO), Detroit (MI), El Paso (TX), Grand Rapids (MI), Harlingen (TX), Hartford (CT), Houston (TX), Huntsville (AL), Indianapolis (IN), Jacksonville (FL), Kansas City (MO), Las Vegas (NV), Los Angeles (CA), Madison (WI), Miami (FL), Milwaukee (WI), Minneapolis (MN), Mobile (AL), Nashville (TN), New Haven (CT), New Orleans (LA), New York (NY), Norfolk (VA), Oklahoma City (OK), Orlando (FL), Peoria (IL), Philadelphia (PA), Phoenix (AZ), Pittsburgh (PA), Portland (OR), Raleigh (NC), Rockford (IL), Sacramento (CA), San Diego (CA), San Francisco (CA), Seattle (WA), Spokane (WA), St. Louis (MO), Tallahassee (FL), Tampa (FL), Tucson (AZ), Tulsa (OK), Washington, D.C.

Learn more about AMC’s BlumFest here: http://amctheatres.com/events/blum-fest-2024

About Blumhouse

Blumhouse is the driving force in horror, producing over 200 movies and television series with theatrical grosses of almost $6 billion in global box office. Blumhouse is home to the highest number of ongoing franchises of any studio, including Halloween, The Purge, The Black Phone, Paranormal Activity, The Exorcist, Insidious, M3GAN, and Five Nights at Freddy’s, along with iconic films from cinematic visionaries including Jordan Peele’s Get Out, Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash and Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman. In January 2024, Blumhouse merged with James Wan’s Atomic Monster, which has produced its own successful film franchises including The Conjuring, Aquaman, Annabelle, The Nun and Saw.

In addition to film, Blumhouse produces provocative scripted and unscripted television series and documentaries, including the upcoming original series The Sticky, produced by Jamie Lee Curtis for Prime Video; The Bondsman, starring Kevin Bacon and from creator Grainger David and showrunner Erik Oleson, also for Prime Video; Worst Roommate Ever, and Worst Ex Ever for Netflix, which established Blumhouse Television’s first franchise, and The Jinx for HBO. The company also recently launched a games division.

Blumhouse was honored by Fast Company as one of its Most Innovative Companies in 2024 and one of its Brands That Matter in 2023. In addition, Jason Blum was named to the Annenberg Initiative’s first-ever Inclusion List as one of the Top Inclusive Producers from 2019-2022, with three films appearing on the list of Top 100 Most Inclusive Films. The company is investing in its brand development and connection with audiences through its consistent presence at Universal Studios’ annual Halloween Horror Nights, its first Halfway to Halloween Film Festival with AMC and its upcoming transformation of an exhibit space at the iconic Stanley Hotel from The Shining.

About AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.

AMC is the largest movie exhibition company in the United States, the largest in Europe and the largest throughout the world with approximately 900 theatres and 10,000 screens across the globe. AMC has propelled innovation in the exhibition industry by: deploying its Signature power-recliner seats; delivering enhanced food and beverage choices; generating greater guest engagement through its loyalty and subscription programs, website and mobile apps; offering premium large format experiences and playing a wide variety of content including the latest Hollywood releases and independent programming. In addition, in 2023 AMC launched AMC Theatres Distribution with the highly successful releases of TAYLOR SWIFT ⎸The Eras Tour and RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ. AMC Theatres Distribution expects to release more concert films with the world’s leading musical artists in the years ahead. For more information, visit www.amctheatres.com.

# # #

Media Contact

Cynthia Arntzen
cynthia.arntzen@blumhouse.com

NEW YORK, September 16, 2024 – As students return to campus, upskilling and opportunities to futureproof their careers are top of mind, including training on AI and automation. A study from CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, found that 62 percent of American students and recent graduates ranked practical skills as the number-one attribute to gain an edge in today’s job market. The 2024 Global Graduate Outlook Survey gleans insights from students and recent graduates to inform current students as they embark on the 2024-25 academic year.

Students and new graduates also agreed that a competitive edge on their resume is required in today’s job market. The majority (82 percent) of American graduates found that pursuing post-graduate certifications and qualifications will help them land higher earnings. Further, 94 percent say upskilling or acquiring certifications are important, and 69 percent say certifications will have a large impact on their earnings prospects, job fulfillment, and opportunities.

As today’s students prepare for their careers, they are eager to embrace the power of AI. The data revealed that nearly half of American graduates (45 percent) believe that AI and automation will be important to career success, and 86 percent said that knowing how to use these tools will benefit their career prospects.

For those pursuing careers in finance, which graduates around the globe ranked as the industry with the best career prospects in today’s economic climate, emerging technologies are especially top of mind. The survey found that of those who studied finance, 76 percent say that AI and automation are important to the success of their careers, and the vast majority (97 percent) agree that knowing how to use these tools will benefit them.

“As graduates today seek professions that not only promise stability but also resonate with their desires to make a tangible difference, finance emerges as an industry of opportunity. Our research shows that careers in finance offer the assurance of stability and provide a platform for graduates to contemplate a more impactful future,” said Margaret Franklin, CFA, President and CEO, CFA Institute. “With a new focus on sustainable investment strategies, and the possibilities for AI to enhance investment workflows, graduates have an opportunity to help shape a more innovative industry through a career in finance.”

Within the financial industry, the future looks bright with opportunities in investing-related roles, accounting, risk, client management, and more. Recent and new innovations such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain development have increased the need for a broader range of roles, such as data experts and programming. To explore the wide range of career paths and credentialing programs for finance, visit: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/charterholder-careers.

Notes to Editors:

The 2024 CFA Institute Graduate Outlook Survey was fielded via an online survey from March 19-April 8, 2024, by Dynata with a sample of 9,916 respondents studying for a bachelor’s degree or higher, or who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree or higher within the last three years aged 18-25. Respondents were from the UK, US, Canada, India, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, UAE, Germany, Spain, France, Brazil, Mexico, and China.

About CFA Institute

As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across 160 markets, CFA Institute has 10 offices and 160 local societies. Find us at www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on LinkedIn and X at @CFAInstitute.

###

For further information please contact pr@cfainstitute.org

September 10, 2024 — The U.S. Department of State recognizes 19 Historically Blacks Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders for their notable engagement with the Fulbright Program during the 2023-2024 academic year. The Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders initiative celebrates Fulbright’s partnership with HBCUs and encourages administrators, faculty and students to participate in the Fulbright Program.  It also highlights HBCUs as a destination for international students and scholars.

The 19 HBCU Institutional Leaders are:

Alcorn State University (Mississippi)
Bennett College (North Carolina)
Fayetteville State University (North Carolina)
Florida A&M University (Florida)
Howard University (District of Columbia)
Huston-Tillotson University (Texas)
Jackson State University (Mississippi)
Jarvis Christian University (Texas)
LeMoyne-Owen College (Tennessee)
Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)
Mississippi Valley State University (Mississippi)
Morgan State University (Maryland)
North Carolina A&T State University (North Carolina)
North Carolina Central University (North Carolina)
Prairie View A&M University (Texas)
Spelman College (Georgia)
Tennessee State University (Tennessee)
Virginia State University (Virginia)
Xavier University of Louisiana (Louisiana)

The announcement of the 2024 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders was made on September 10, 2024 in advance of the 2024 Annual National HBCU Week Conference hosted by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken congratulated each Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader, saying this designation “is a testament to your institution’s dedication to promoting global engagement and international understanding.”

“The U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Program are committed to reflecting the full diversity of the United States,” said Scott Weinhold, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.  He emphasized that HBCU engagement with the Fulbright Program “builds meaningful relationships between communities and people around the world.”

Howard University president Dr. Ben Vinson III shared, “Our Fulbrighters return to the Howard community with fresh insights, a deepened cultural understanding, and a broadened worldview, laying the foundation for their personal and professional growth. Their work has an enduring and positive impact on communities and institutions, at home and abroad.”

As the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program implements a wide range of initiatives to ensure that its participants reflect the diversity of U.S. society and societies abroad.  In addition to its partnerships with HBCUs, the Fulbright Program works with Diversity Abroad, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, UNCF, and the White House Initiative on HBCUs, among others.

Learn more about the Fulbright Program at https://fulbrightprogram.org.

Contact: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, eca-press@state.gov

Insomnia Rewards members can indulge in the late-night bakery’s most delicious deals of the year on September 17

September 10, 2024 – Insomnia Cookies, the beloved cult brand known for serving warm, delicious cookies all day and late into the night, is officially introducing National PJ Party Night, which will take place on the third Tuesday in September each calendar year, in celebration of its sixth annual PJ Party.

On Tuesday, September 17, Insomniacs living near each of Insomnia’s 300+ bakeries across the U.S. and Canada are invited to their local store dressed in their favorite PJs for the most unforgettable PJ Party yet. The late-night bakery hosts the PJ Party at each store every year in the fall as a way to connect with customers worldwide. This year, its most loyal Insomniacs can celebrate late into the night with free cookies, giveaways, and temporary tattoos that will offer attendees an exclusive promo code.

To celebrate the epic event, the late-night bakery is offering its most loyal Insomniacs, Insomnia Rewards members, the following delicious deals:

• 1 FREE Classic cookie for rewards members wearing their PJs that scan their Insomnia Rewards barcode in-store (no purchase necessary)
• $10 Classic 6-Pack for rewards members in-store
• $18 Classic 12-Pack for rewards members in-store• Best of all, the first 25 customers in line will get an official PJ Party t-shirt and Insomnia Cookies promo code temporary tattoo* (while supplies last)

• *Insomniacs visibly wearing the temporary PJ Party 2024 tattoo on their skin in-store from 9/18-9/30 will receive 1 FREE Classic cookie with any in-store purchase. Limit 1 use per customer per day during the promotional period.

Each Insomnia Cookies bakery will offer giveaways, exclusive swag, and other sweet surprises. To make the night even sweeter, Insomnia Cookies will be surprising PJ Party attendees with $100 gift cards on social media throughout the night. Cookie lovers who post on Instagram or TikTok from PJ Party and tag @insomniacookies will be entered for a chance to be one of ten randomly selected $100 gift card winners who will be notified throughout the evening via Direct Message.

Founded on a university campus, Insomnia Cookies is known for serving its signature treats late into the night—with most stores open for pick-up and delivery until 1 a.m. or later—making it the ultimate late-night hot spot. Whether Insomniacs are studying late, retiring from a night out, or simply craving something sweet, Insomnia is always there for them with a warm, delicious cookie. Find your closest Insomnia Cookies location here, and check out Insomnia’s global social channels in Canada and the UK to find the latest deal information.

About Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies is a rapidly expanding late-night bakery concept headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Founded at the University of Pennsylvania by then-student Seth Berkowitz, Insomnia Cookies has been feeding the insatiable hunger of loyal Insomniacs since 2003. Today, with more than 300 locations nationwide, Insomnia Cookies offers a wide variety of delicious cookies, ice cream, and other sweet treats in-store, for local delivery, and nationwide shipping. Details about Insomnia’s menu, delivery, and nationwide shipping options can be found here (late-night delivery until 1 a.m. or later). To place an order or learn more about Insomnia Cookies, visit www.InsomniaCookies.com. Keep up-to-date on the latest cookie news and grand opening deals by following Insomnia Cookies on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

Media Contact: 

Kathleen Dwyre
Kathleen.dwyre@clynch.com

Morehouse College joins Bowie State University and Delaware State University this fall semester, as FICO launches its second annual analytics challenge to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in data science

BOZEMAN, Mont. – September 9, 2024 – FICO (NYSE: FICO)

Highlights:

• The FICO® Educational Analytics Challenge expands to include students from Morehouse College, Bowie State University, and Delaware State University, with more HBCUs to participate in the spring semester.
• For the 2024-25 school year, the real-world analytics challenge will focus on financial fraud detection, helping students identify anomalies and fraud features leveraged in a real-time fraud detection model.
• Students will learn how responsible AI techniques are crucial to protect and safely advance analytic practices.

Global analytics software leader, FICO announced today the second year of its FICO® Educational Analytics Challenge program created for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The semester-long program features remote mentoring from FICO’s leading data scientists and in-person lectures by FICO’s Chief Analytics Officer, Dr. Scott Zoldi. This year, FICO is bringing the program to students at Morehouse College and continuing its work with Bowie State University and Delaware State University. Additional HBCU schools will participate in the spring semester starting in January 2025 as the program expands from its pilot phase.

“Diverse viewpoints and voices are necessary to develop any AI that is unbiased. FICO is doing something to address that need and working directly with students at HBCUs to encourage a more diverse future of data scientists. The Educational Analytics Challenge program not only empowers students to get a real-world experience with data analytics, but also to learn the fundamentals of building responsible, auditable, and ethical AI models to protect and safely advance AI practices for future generations,” said Dr. Scott Zoldi, Chief Analytics Officer at FICO.

Following the successful 2023-24 FICO Educational Analytics Challenge program year, students at Morehouse College, Bowie State University, and Delaware State University will turn their attention to a new set of challenges focused on AI, analytics, and financial fraud detection.

As part of this year’s program, students will be tasked with joining the fight against transaction fraud. Criminals today often commit financial fraud by mimicking legitimate banking behavior to secure billions in customer funds, and banks need to leverage real-time behavioral analytics and machine learning models to identify and prevent fraud. The Educational Analytics Challenge participants will use transactional behavior analytics to design and build their own real-time fraud detection models to identify anomalies and suspicious banking activity. Their models should be capable of being operationalized in the fight against fraud.

“Our partnership with FICO will give rising Morehouse Men the opportunity to sharpen their analytical skills and use their creativity and intellect to address a real-world problem in banking — transaction fraud,” said Alfred Watkins, Ph.D., Chair of the Computer Science Department at Morehouse College. “It is my hope that this fraud detection design competition will fuel a passion for data science in our students that inspires them to seek careers in the growing field of analytics, which is in dire need of their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and insights.”

“FICO’s work with the HBCU Partnership Challenge over the last year is an exceptional example of how public-private partnerships can work to provide mutual benefits while strengthening HBCU institutions,” said Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., representing North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District. “FICO is impacting the lives of students, helping to build a strong representation of diversity across the data science community and to better prepare them to meet the changing needs of the workforce for generations to come,” concluded Congresswoman Adams.

In addition to hosting the competition, the FICO Educational Analytics Challenge also provides participating HBCUs with financial support to enhance analytics instruction and career resources so that students will learn more about opportunities available to them after graduation. For more information about how HBCUs can get involved in the FICO Educational Analytics Challenge, please contact Seyi Mclelland at SeyiMclelland@fico.com.

To learn more about the Educational Analytics Challenge:

• Scott Zoldi for Forbes Tech Council — Developing The Next Generation Of Data Scientists
• Scott Zoldi for FICO Blog — Using AI and Data Science to Fight Bias and Drive Opportunities
• HBCU Partnership Challenge — Congresswoman Alma Adams Celebrates FICO and Echo360 Joining HBCU Partnership Challenge

About FICO

FICO (NYSE: FICO) powers decisions that help people and businesses around the world prosper. Founded in 1956, the company is a pioneer in the use of predictive analytics and data science to improve operational decisions. FICO holds more than 200 US and foreign patents on technologies that increase profitability, customer satisfaction and growth for businesses in financial services, insurance, telecommunications, health care, retail and many other industries. Using FICO solutions, businesses in more than 100 countries do everything from protecting 4 billion payment cards from fraud, to improving financial inclusion, to increasing supply chain resiliency. The FICO® Score, used by 90% of top US lenders, is the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the US and has been made available in over 40 other countries, improving risk management, credit access and transparency.

Learn more at https://www.fico.com/en.
Join the conversation at https://x.com/FICO_corp & https://www.fico.com/blogs/
For FICO news and media resources, visit https://www.fico.com/en/newsroom.
FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

Contact

Jessica Butalla
press@fico.com