Latest news with #ofa
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Reply announces the finalists of the first AI Music Contest with artists to perform live at Kappa FuturFestival in Turin
CHICAGO, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Reply, an international group specialized in the creation of new business models enabled by Artificial Intelligence, is proud to announce the finalists of the first edition of the AI Music Contest, the international competition connecting artificial intelligence with live performance. The contest, organized in collaboration with Kappa FuturFestival, invited creatives from around the world to explore new ways of blending music, visuals and AI technologies in live performance. The five finalists, selected by a qualified jury composed of DJs, producers, presenters, critics, radio hosts, as well as visual and digital artists, represent some of the most original and innovative contributions in the global landscape of electronic music and artificial intelligence. The scale of interest generated by the initiative is reflected in the numbers: over 900 applications from around the world and 300 fully developed live performance projects, showcasing the multidisciplinary creativity of DJs, musicians, visual artists, producers, and AI researchers. United by the theme Experience of a Beat, which challenges artists to use AI to create immersive experiences blending sound, visual art, and audience interaction into a single expressive form, the finalists of the first contest connecting artificial intelligence with live performance represent a diverse mix of talents from across the worlds of music and digital art: I AM JAS, from Barcelona, is a DJ whose sets blend Afrobeat, techno, and experimental sound techniques, with an interest in integrating AI into live mixing. DeLaurentis, a DJ and producer based in Paris, incorporates AI into her electronic compositions, utilising AI-generated vocals and real-time processing. Helang, a DJ and producer based in New York, combines techno and trance influences, focusing on digital identity and technology. Marco Puccini, a visual artist from Milan, works with digital media and scenography, using AI tools to build responsive visual environments for live settings. The collective MIRROWLAB based in Turin and made by developers and music producers: their project explores the interaction between algorithmic music generation and visual output in a live performance context. The five finalists will perform their AI-integrated live sets on the LAB stage at Kappa FuturFestival, on Friday and Saturday, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. The winners will be announced at the close of the festival. The AI Music Contest is part of the broader Reply Challenges, a program comprising technological and creative competitions that reflect Reply's commitment to developing innovative educational models that engage with the younger generation. The Reply Challenges community now has over 150,000 participants worldwide. Reply Reply [EXM, STAR: REY, ISIN: IT0005282865] specializes in the design and implementation of solutions based on new communication channels and digital media. Reply is a network of highly specialized companies supporting key industrial groups operating in the telecom and media, industry and services, banking, insurance and public administration sectors in the definition and development of business models enabled for the new paradigms of big data, cloud computing, digital media and the Internet of Things. Reply services include: Consulting, System Integration and Digital Services. Press contact ReplyFabio +390117711594 Irene +39 02 535761 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Reply Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


Business Wire
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Reply Announces the Finalists of the First AI Music Contest with Artists to Perform Live at Kappa FuturFestival in Turin
TURIN, Italy--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Reply, an international group specialized in the creation of new business models enabled by Artificial Intelligence, is proud to announce the finalists of the first edition of the AI Music Contest, the international competition connecting artificial intelligence with live performance. The contest, organised in collaboration with Kappa FuturFestival, invited creatives from around the world to explore new ways of blending music, visuals and AI technologies in live performance. The five finalists, selected by a qualified jury composed of DJs, producers, presenters, critics, radio hosts, as well as visual and digital artists, represent some of the most original and innovative contributions in the global landscape of electronic music and artificial intelligence. The scale of interest generated by the initiative is reflected in the numbers: over 900 applications from around the world and 300 fully developed live performance projects, showcasing the multidisciplinary creativity of DJs, musicians, visual artists, producers, and AI researchers. United by the theme Experience of a Beat, which challenges artists to use AI to create immersive experiences blending sound, visual art, and audience interaction into a single expressive form, the finalists of the first contest connecting artificial intelligence with live performance represent a diverse mix of talents from across the worlds of music and digital art: I AM JAS, from Barcellona, is a DJ whose sets blend Afrobeat, techno, and experimental sound techniques, with an interest in integrating AI into live mixing. DeLaurentis, a DJ and producer based in Paris, incorporates AI into her electronic compositions, utilising AI-generated vocals and real-time processing. Helang, a DJ and producer based in New York, combines techno and trance influences, focusing on digital identity and technology. Marco Puccini, a visual artist from Milan, works with digital media and scenography, using AI tools to build responsive visual environments for live settings. The collective MIRROWLAB based in Turin and made by developers and music producers: their project explores the interaction between algorithmic music generation and visual output in a live performance context. The five finalists will perform their AI-integrated live sets on the LAB stage at Kappa FuturFestival, on Friday and Saturday, 14.00pm to 15.30pm. The winners will be announced at the close of the festival. The AI Music Contest is part of the broader Reply Challenges, a program comprising technological and creative competitions that reflect Reply's commitment to developing innovative educational models that engage with the younger generation. The Reply Challenges community now has over 150,000 participants worldwide. Reply Reply [EXM, STAR: REY, ISIN: IT0005282865] specialises in the design and implementation of solutions based on new communication channels and digital media. Reply is a network of highly specialised companies supporting key European industrial groups operating in the telecom and media, industry and services, banking, insurance and public administration sectors in the definition and development of business models enabled for the new paradigms of big data, cloud computing, digital media and the Internet of Things. Reply services include: Consulting, System Integration and Digital Services.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Worcester schools budget proposal: $586 million, no layoffs planned, uncertainty remains
WORCESTER ― The proposed Worcester Public Schools budget for the next school year is set at $586 million, an increase of $33.8 million, or 6.1% over last year. The district announced earlier this month that the proposed budget would be within striking distance of $600 million and the budget is undergoing a series of public hearings before it will ultimately be voted on by the School Committee. Unlike last year, which saw the district cut nearly 200 positions due to budget shortfalls, no layoffs are anticipated under the current proposed budget. However, in a press release the district has noted that a few outstanding items remain beyond the city's control, such as actions by the federal government, which controls 9% of the district's proposed budget, and state funding. More: Impact of school budget cuts: 86 classroom teachers, 70 support staff, 22 administrators "No layoffs are planned due to the budget next year. However, Worcester Public Schools continues to monitor actions by the federal government, which provides 9% of the district budget. Additionally, the state Legislature may make adjustments to the final amount that Worcester Public Schools receives," the district stated. From the proposed budget, $142 million will come from the city, while $381 million comes from the state, with the remaining funding coming from federal grants and other minor revenue sources. Superintendent Rachel Monárrez stated that the district is proud to be past the difficult cutting process and that resources can be used to help the highest-need students in the district. "I am grateful we can begin to move our resource allocation in the right direction to support our scholars, especially our highest-need students, even if we are doing so incrementally,' Monárrez said. 'While factors such as inflation reimbursement and health benefits pose a challenge, we are building upon a strong foundation to ensure funding is used in the most effective manner possible, now and in the future.' The proposed budget would be the first in which the district uses what it calls its equity-based budgeting practice, a formula developed by Monárrez and Deputy Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer Brian Allen that is intended to better allocate resources to schools and students that have been historically underserved. Allen, who will take over as superintendent in July, said the budget has been constructed with the intent of putting educators at the forefront. "This budget prioritizes classroom investments including common planning time and textbook and technology purchases, despite ongoing challenges," Allen stated. "Through it all, we are putting educator voice at the forefront and ensuring our budget is rooted in the district's 'Vision of a Learner' and strategic plan priorities." Part of the budget will add eight additional climate and culture coordinators in Worcester secondary schools, new positions that were created last year to help improve student behavior and encourage better outcomes for students struggling in school. More: Climate and culture team aims for reform at Worcester East Middle School Other aspects of the budget include funding to replace approximately 6,000 Chromebooks, which are given out to students across the district, the use of "late" buses at all middle and high schools to help transport students who have after-school activities, and to maintain current staffing ratios of 21 students per teacher across the district. The School Committee held public meetings on the budget May 19 and 27, and will hold additional meetings on June 5 and 18. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester Public Schools proposed budget set at $586 million


Business Upturn
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Parents Collect Their Young Son's Hilarious Quotes In A New Coffee Table Book That Will Have You Roaring With Laughter
By GlobeNewswire Published on May 22, 2025, 20:00 IST Charleston, SC, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kids say the darndest things, don't they? For one mother, she knew her son's one-liners had to be collected somewhere. They were too funny not to share with family. Now, her son's unique perspective on the world will bring light, laughter, and enjoyment to houses everywhere. 'These are genuine quotes from a genuine boy who sees life through his own eyes and comments on it with his own unique language,' said mom Janine. In One of a Kind Quotes from a 7,8,9, 10 Year Old , readers will revel in Dean's hilarious sayings about being a kid and a sibling, about sports and the outdoors, and about the things a kid from Long Island can see about the wild world we live in. Collected by his family over the past four years, Dean's quick wit and clever sayings are immortalized in the perfect book for coffee tables and family libraries. By buying One-of-a-Kind Quotes From Dean Volkerts, you're helping support Dean's love of camping as he saves for his next family adventure! One of a Kind Quotes from a 7,8,9, 10 Year Old is available for purchase online at and Barnes and About the Author: Dean Volkerts is a fifth grader at Northside Elementary School in Farmingdale, NY. He enjoys camping, playing baseball, and hanging out with his friends and family. Inspired to raise money for his next family camping adventure, he decided to share his favorite quotes—silly, smart, and uh . . . unique—with the world. Dean lives with his parents Elston and Janine; his brothers Elston and Blake; his dog Barley; and his cats, Liam, Louie, and Sky. Media Contact: Dean Volkerts, [email protected] Available for interviews: Author, Dean Volkerts Attachment One of a Kind Quotes from a 7,8,9, 10 year old Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pallini Limoncello Celebrates 150 Years with "Taste of a Kiss" Campaign
Fifth-Generation CEO Micaela Pallini Leads the World's #1 Limoncello into a Bright New Era of Growth, Digital Buzz, and Spritz Culture NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pallini Limoncello, the world's #1 limoncello, proudly announces the launch of its new global campaign, "Taste of a Kiss." Timed to coincide with the brand's 150th anniversary, this sensory-led campaign invites consumers to rediscover the magic of limoncello - crafted with passion, kissed by the Amalfi sun, created for both timeless enjoyment and modern mixology. The campaign's creative centerpiece, "What Does a Kiss Taste Like," will run throughout 2025 and will be brought to life through digital storytelling, influencer collaborations, and curated lifestyle content that celebrates Italian passion and flavor. Pallini, founded in 1875, remains a proudly family-owned company and is now led by CEO Micaela Pallini, a fifth-generation member of the founding family. With more than 15 years at the company, she previously served as Director and Head of Production. Micaela, who holds a Doctoral Degree in Chemistry, is the first woman to lead the company and is honored to guide Pallini through this historic milestone. "This campaign is a love letter to our Italian roots," said Micaela Pallini. "It reflects everything Pallini stands for - joy, beauty, togetherness, and timeless taste. Sharing our 150th anniversary as the world's leading limoncello is both humbling and exhilarating." The campaign was developed by Luther DSGN, a rising Rome-based agency known for its creative expertise in lifestyle branding, visual storytelling, and experiential design. At the heart of the campaign is the Pallini Spritz—now among the top three spritz-style cocktails served in the U.S. Elegant, light, and refreshingly simple (3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Pallini, 1 part water, served over ice in a large wine glass), the cocktail is quickly becoming a seasonal favorite across bars, rooftops, and at-home occasions. Pallini is supporting this momentum with retail cross-merchandising initiatives, encouraging consumers to bring the spritz ritual home. Pallini Limoncello is distributed across the U.S. by Lucas Bols, the Dutch spirits company known for nurturing heritage cocktail brands. "Pallini is a rare brand that blends craftsmanship, legacy, and modern appeal," said Brett Dunne, Managing Director, USA and Canada, The Lucas Bols Company. "We're excited to help expand its reach across the U.S., bringing the spirit of the Amalfi Coast to American consumers and bartenders." Pallini Limoncello is available nationwide in fine wine and spirits retailers, as well as leading bars and restaurants across the U.S. About Pallini Limoncello Pallini Limoncello is a natural liqueur that has been crafted by the Pallini family in Italy since 1875. The Pallini family has been making super premium liqueurs since 1875 when Nicola Pallini founded their first shop and distillery in Antrodoco. The limoncello is made from prized, Sfusato lemons, exclusive to the Amalfi coast. The handpicked lemons are infused immediately, so their freshness and flavor is delivered in every bottle. Its versatility is almost endless – enjoy it neat, on the rocks, straight from the fridge, or mixed into cocktails and food recipes. About The Lucas Bols CompanyLucas Bols is a global spirits company and one of the oldest active Dutch businesses, with a mission to create exceptional cocktail experiences worldwide. Present in over 110 countries, the company's portfolio includes three global cocktail brands and more than 20 regional and international liqueurs and spirits. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Pallini Limoncello