“I have no rizz whatsoever. I have limited rizz.”  — Thomas Stanley Holland

Happening in the World: Oxford University Press has chosen “rizz” as the 2023 Word of the Year, a Gen Z term for style or charm. The slang gained popularity in 2022 after Tom Holland mentioned it in an interview. This term, used by the younger generation to signify one’s ability to attract or seduce another person, emerged as the winner in a public vote, surpassing contenders like “Swiftie,” “situationship,” and “prompt.” (NYT)

Happening in the US: The prevalence of youth mental health struggles has prompted at least 16 of the 20 largest U.S. public school districts to offer telehealth therapy. Grappling with shortages of in-person practitioners, schools are using federal pandemic relief funds to address alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among students. Venture capital companies like Hazel Health are rapidly expanding to meet the demand, raising concerns about therapist qualifications and privacy protocols. (AP)

Happening in NYC: A group of 19 detainees at Rikers Island graduated from a 3-credit criminal justice course offered by LaGuardia Community College in partnership with the nonprofit College Way. The course covers practical law and self-development tools, such as meditation and mindfulness, over three months. The detainees found the program transformative, with many expressing intentions to pursue further education. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: Join the Generative AI and Visual Arts workshop to explore the fusion of technology and art. This hands-on session allows participants to experiment with GenAI Visual Arts tools. Participants will apply styles from non-living artists to modern contexts, learn about prompt engineering for image creation, and discuss ethics, copyright & public domain, the mechanics of GenAI, and the meaning of creativity in the era of AI. The workshop is open to all. No prior experience in AI or art required. RSVP here.

Image via Pixabay