Latest news with #RBF
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The ‘Gen Z Stare' Is the New ‘Ok, Boomer' — Here's What You Need To Know
Raise your hand if you've been personally victimized by the Gen Z stare. Actually, maybe don't raise your hand because it's kinda cringe to admit that you've been given the stare — as it's basically the same as getting called 'Ok, Boomer.' Let me back up. More from SheKnows JoJo Siwa's Vintage 'Bette Davis Eyes' Makeover Has People Asking If the 'Trad Wife' Pipeline Is Real A discourse on the 'Gen Z stare' is taking over TikTok, and we've broken down exactly what this body language means (and how parents can avoid receiving it from their teens!). Millennials had RBF (resting b—h face) and Gen Z has the 'stare,' which is basically a blank, awkward look that Gen Z gives to people who are being audacious, acting too much, or being downright ridiculous. According to Know Your Meme, the Gen Z stare is that uncomfortable blank look that teens will give out (it's the way Sydney Sweeney stared at anyone on the first season of The White Lotus). This expressionless stare is common in social situations or customer service situations, in which an older customer is being rude, obnoxious, or unruly. In one skit, a Gen Zer ordered a complicated coffee drink and complained when she couldn't get it. 'What y'all sound like before receiving the 'gen z stare,' they wrote, adding in the caption, 'the gen z stare comes out when there's nothing nice to say.' Another Gen Zer explained, 'the gen z stare is when ppl r being slow and u just stare at them bc of how dvmb they r.' Just look at the comments to see how older generations react to Gen Z coining this stare. Like one person, who wrote, 'I think it's hilarious that Gen Z thinks they're the first generation to ever deal with stupidity or difficult customers, and that's how they justify the fact that they just disassociate and mindlessly stare into space whenever they are confronted with a difficult for confusing situation, instead of immediately engaging in the situation like every other generation has ever done before them lol.' 'As a millennial I can tell you it's not this 😂 although this is super funny,' one person wrote. 'It's more the ones that literally don't know how to have a normal human interaction..' One person made a video showing Gen Zers doing the stare at their first jobs. 'We're talking about the stare when anyone tries to have just a normal human interaction with you, like in the flesh,' she said. 'And you guys freeze the f— up.' She said she's seen this when she tries to say hi to teen neighbors that walk by and 'they just look at you like they just saw a ghost and think, there's no way that interaction is real.' It can be frustrating if this happens to you, but there is a reason for it. Gen Z defended this deer-in-the-headlights look in the comments, writing, 'I think our generation is done with fake and genuinely hate people, we just wanna be left alone.' 'why do older people think they are owed my time and energy 😀 if I don't know U leave me alone 😭,' another person said. Someone else explained, 'I'm 29, and I get it. It's anxiety. The world is so demanding and degrading, they're avoiding shame, embarrassment, any awkward feelings, any feeling at all actually. It's scary, it never ends at hello, continued hellos become further conversations and familiarity. its hard to keep up the perception of 'normal' when you're perceived.' Honestly, we get it. With the COVID-19 pandemic, Donald Trump's presidency, the rise of misogyny and hate, the threat of war, and so much more happening in the country right now, it's no wonder Gen Z has social anxiety — and no time for small talk. It's a rebellion against creepy old men telling girls to 'smile' or entitled customers acting like they are always right. It's also a protective mechanism against stress and anxiety, and we can't blame Gen Z for that. Research has shown that teen anxiety doubled during the COVID lockdown, with 1 in 5 teens reporting elevated anxiety symptoms. In 2024, the National Survey of Children's Health found that 16.1 percent of teens ages 12-17 were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in 2023, which is a 61 percent increase since 2016. 'During and since the pandemic, there has absolutely been an increase in anxiety among teens,' Samantha Quigneaux, LMFT, the national director of family therapy services at Newport Healthcare, previously told SheKnows. 'Disruption of daily routines, social isolation and distancing, academic pressures and changes in methods of learning, uncertainty about the future' are all factors that Quigneaux said 'strongly contributed to heightened stress and anxiety levels' among teens. 'Those 'unprecedented times' also left our youth with disrupted critical social and emotional learning environments,' she explained. 'This has led to them having to navigate their teen years and young adulthood with [fewer] skills and emotional resources in our ever-changing world.' So can you really blame Gen Zers for staring into the void and not knowing how to react in social situations? There have been times I wish I was brave enough to just walk away when I didn't want to interact with strangers, so more power to them! If your teen is going through anxiety or stress, the best thing you can do is to be 'an emotionally safe space' to support them, according to Quigneaux. Check in with them, talk to them about ways to handle different situations, and talk to a therapist if you need help. The next time someone gives you the Gen Z stare, maybe re-evaluate your own actions (are you being rude to customer service? Intruding on someone's personal space? Making a teen feel uncomfortable for no good reason?), then show some empathy for a generation that grew up in these wild and uncertain times. It's OK to talk to your own teens about how to react in different social and professional situations, but save random Gen Zers, whom you don't know, from the same lectures. Finally, try embracing the freedom of the Gen Z stare and see what happens. You might be surprised by how freeing it is!Best of SheKnows These 'Old Money' Names Are a Quiet Signal of Wealth & Prestige At 19, I Broke Up With Social Media – & Chose Myself AP Scores Just Came Out — Here's What to Do If Your Teen's Upset About Theirs
New Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
New RM50 million revenue-based financing launched for MSMEs
KUALA LUMPUR: Dattel Asia Group, in collaboration with OHSEM360, has launched a RM50 million revenue-based financing (RBF) programme designed to provide flexible, data-driven financing solutions for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This innovative model allows businesses to repay financing based on a percentage of their monthly revenue, offering a more adaptable and cash flow-friendly alternative to traditional fixed repayments. The programme is facilitated through the smart platform where MSMEs can apply and be digitally assessed using real-time business performance data collected from various sources such as e-commerce platforms, QR Pay, and gig economy services. This approach leverages data and AI technology to better match financing terms with the actual sales performance of participating businesses. The launch was officiated by Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Speaking at the event, Ewon highlighted the critical need for MSMEs to rapidly adopt modern technology to remain competitive in today's fast-paced market environment. He noted that technology is evolving faster than expected, and entrepreneurs can no longer afford to operate using traditional methods; instead, they must embrace and integrate technology to stay relevant and competitive. He said this inclusive and innovative financing initiative underscores the need for new solutions to improve MSMEs' access to capital. "This revenue-based financing model gives MSMEs the space to grow without the burden of fixed repayment commitments. It is a clear example of how technology, data, and alternative financing can be combined to deliver real impact for entrepreneurs. "I believe the alternative financing approach introduced by Dattel Asia Group will open up greater opportunities for entrepreneurs to access capital markets and become more competitive in the digital era. "The ministry welcomes Dattel Asia Group's ambition and fully supports any private sector efforts to diversify financing options that will strengthen the MSME business ecosystem and further drive national entrepreneurship development," he added. Ewon also said that in an effort to empower MSMEs to become more competitive, innovative, and resilient in both domestic and international markets, the ministry has introduced a variety of targeted financing initiatives. These efforts, through SME Corporation Malaysia, include the Digital Financing Programme and Bumiputera MSMEs Financing Initiative. In addition, the ministry, via Tekun Nasional. provides accessible micro-financing ranging from RM1,000 to RM100,000 to help entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses. For entrepreneurs seeking financing above RM100,000 and who have a strong repayment track record, Tekun Nasional also collaborates with financial institutions such as Bank Rakyat and SME Bank to support their larger capital needs. Other agencies under the ministry, including SME Bank, Pernas, and Bank Rakyat, also offer a range of financing products tailored to the needs of MSMEs requiring working capital to scale and strengthen their business operations. The initiative is supported by a strong network of financing partners, including Xin Finance, Funding Bee, Funding Societies and Choco Up. These partners offer collateral-free financing solutions that are tailored to the actual sales performance of businesses. By using data-driven credit assessments, they can provide fast approvals, giving MSMEs access to capital that grows with their revenue and helps reduce repayment pressure during periods of low cash flow. Complementing the financing layer is a robust ecosystem of platform partners that enable seamless data integration and performance tracking. These include Bayarlah (Beez Fintech) for QR Pay solutions, GoFluence, an AI-driven influencer marketing platform, and leading e-commerce platforms such as Lazada, TikTok Shop, Shopee, and EasyStore. Dattel Asia Group chief executive officer Ashran Ghazi highlighted the transformative role of data and technology in unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurs. He underscored how platforms like powered by data and AI, are enabling more businesses, especially those previously underserved by traditional financing models, to access capital and gain valuable insights for smarter decision-making. "Entrepreneurs should not be penalised simply because they do not meet the benchmarks of traditional financing. With data and AI, we can unlock their real potential. "We are honoured to see strong participation from financing and platform partners in this ecosystem. It proves that the private sector can collaborate meaningfully with the government to drive large-scale impact for MSMEs."
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
5 diseases caused by rats
In addition to being an annoyance for your home during the rainy season, rats and rodents can cause a number of health problems, the majority of which are fatal. The recent deaths in the US from hantavirus, which affects your organs, have sparked a conversation about a number of diseases that rats can cause. In addition, a variety of bacterial and viral illnesses are spread by house rats and other rodents. Among them are: Bubonic plague The bubonic plague, also known as the "Black Plague," and its variations are among the most historically devastating rat-borne illnesses. When human beings are bitten by rat fleas, transfer takes place. Millions of people died from this plague in the Middle Ages, which is thought to have been caused by fleas carried on rats. Rat infestations can be dangerous to human health because they can spread diseases including typhus, hantavirus, and bubonic plague. Hantavirus Humans are infected by a type of virus called hantavirus, which is spread by rodents. Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, or HFRS, is a form of kidney disease brought on by hantaviruses that are prevalent in Europe and Asia. Other hantaviruses attack the lungs and fill them with fluid, causing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, or HPS. Death results from around 38% of hantavirus infections. Early signs of this rat-borne illness include fatigue, fever, muscle soreness, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Salmonella Bacteria Another illness that rats can carry is salmonellosis. It is an intestinal bacterial infection brought on by a species of bacteria known as Salmonella. This bacteria is present in the digestive tracts of certain rodents. Thus, there is a chance of contracting salmonella from any contact with rat excrement, particularly from eating tainted food. Numerous flu-like symptoms, including chills, fever, cramping in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, can be brought on by the illness. Hemorrhagic fever Medical professionals describe viral hemorrhagic fever, or VHF, as a collection of viral infections that impact several organ systems, result in significant internal bleeding, and have the potential to be lethal. It is mostly transmitted by rats and rodents and is caused by five different families of viruses, including arenaviruses, filoviruses, bunyaviruses, flaviviruses, and paramyxoviruses. In addition to bloody diarrhea, it also causes severely low blood pressure, seizures, coma, chest and stomach discomfort, fever, body aches, dizziness, exhaustion, headache, and rashes. Rat-bite fever The bacteria Streptobacillus moniliformis or Spirillum minus, which are present in rats' urine, saliva, and feces, cause rat-bite fever, or RBF, a serious illness. In addition, other potential causes include scrapes and rat bites. The type of bacterial infection determines the signs and symptoms of RBF. The following are signs of streptobacillary RBF: rash close to the rat bite, lower abdominal joint and muscle pain, nausea, and sudden fever. Researchers find particle radioactivity associated with pollution-caused heart attack, stroke death One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
El Alfa Confirms Retirement With El Último Baile 2025 Farewell Tour Dates
El Alfa is hitting the road this year for the last time in his two-decade career. On Tuesday (May 13), the Dominican artist announced his farewell tour, El Último Baile, with 34 confirmed dates. The 'King of Dembow,' known for hits such as 'La Mamá de la Mamá,' 'La Romana' and 'Singapur,' will kick off the stint on June 4 at the Avant Gardner in New York and will wrap Nov. 30 at Orlando's House of Blues. More from Billboard El Alfa Announces He's Retiring from Music in 2025: 'I Will Never Sing Again' Adam David Delivers Teddy Swims' 'Lose Control' on 'The Voice' as Finalists Are Set Blake Shelton Drops 'Texas' on 'Fallon,' Says Post Malone Fueled His Return In addition to touring the U.S., El Alfa will visit fans in Europe and Latin America, with dates already set for Spain, Mexico, Chile and Germany, to name a few. In January, the artist announced his retirement from music and a social media break, following the death of his grandmother Ramonita. 'Her happiness was to see me succeed, but I can't even stay awake!!,' he expressed in an Instagram post. 'I say goodbye momentarily to my audience that loves me. I'll be back soon, goodbye Instagram. I could have spent more time with her but my work didn't allow it. The days of my retirement are getting shorter. On December 18th of this year, I will never sing again. Rest in peace grandma. I love you.' Tickets for El Último Baile go on sale at noon local time on Thursday (May 15) through El Alfa's official website. See the dates for El Último Baile tour below: June 4 – Avant Gardner – New York, NY June 22 – H-Town Bash – Houston, TX June 26 – X-TRA – Zurich, Switzerland July 5 – La Festival – Nuremberg, Germany July 6 – RBF – Benidorm, Spain July 12 – RBF – Santander, Spain July 13 – RBF – Mallorca, Spain July 19 – RBF – Barcelona, Spain July 20 – RBF – Madrid, Spain July 26 – Carroponte – Milan, Italy July 27 – RBF – Galicia, Spain Aug. 3 – Baja Beach Fest – Rosarito, Mexico Aug. 10 – Pepsi Center – Mexico City, Mexico Aug. 17 – Movistar Arena – Santiago, Chile Sept. 27 – Parque Viva – San José, Costa Rica Oct. 10 – Atlanta Coliseum – Atlanta, GA Oct. 11 – Strand Ballroom – Providence, RI Oct. 12 – MGM Fenway – Boston, MA Oct. 17 – Peacock Theater – Los Angeles, CA Oct. 18 – Hard Rock Live – Sacramento, CA Oct. 23 – Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA Oct. 24 – Oakdale Theatre – Wallington, CT Oct. 25 – United Palace – New York, NY Oct. 30 – Fillmore – Denver, CO Oct. 31 – SAP Center – San José, CA Nov. 1 – Substance – Las Vegas, NV Nov. 12 – Sky Deck – Nashville, TN Nov. 13 – 710 Music Hall – Houston, TX Nov. 16 – Bomb Factory – Dallas, TX Nov. 19 – Fillmore – Charlotte, NC Nov. 20 – Echostage – Washington, DC Nov. 21 – Rosemont Theatre – Chicago, IL Nov. 29 – Hard Rock Live – Hollywood, FL Nov. 30 – House of Blues – Orlando, FL Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
NZ Herald
26-04-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Northland woman warns of rare rat bite fever risk after trapping
'I never thought anything more about it because there was no wound, no tiny scratch, no little bit of blood or pain or anything,' she said. About 10 days later, the woman felt a pea-sized bump in her thumb where she had touched the rat. Two days later she began to feel 'incredibly feverish' so went to her doctor. 'The first thing he said is 'you've got rat bite fever'! I just laughed but he said, 'Seriously, you have to have an intense course of penicillin '.' The illness was too advanced for the tablets prescribed. The next day the woman ended up in the hospital emergency department, suffering blood poisoning (systemic sepsis) for which she needed intravenous antibiotics. The woman said she was shocked by how swiftly the infection had developed into something deadly. Fortunately, the intravenous antibiotics worked quickly. She had since told many people about her brush with RBF, including those who do a lot of trapping, but none had ever heard of it. Health authorities say the disease is still rare in New Zealand. According to online sources, it can be caused by two organisms - streptobacillus moniliformis and spirillum minus, each of which can be found in rats' mouths. RBF can spread to people through scratches, bites, or contact with a rodent's saliva or urine. It can also spread by having contact with contaminated materials (rat bedding, cages, etc.), kissing pet rats, or eating or drinking contaminated food or drinks. People with pet rodents or who handle rodents as feed for snakes/reptiles can be at increased risk for RBF. Others at risk include people who work at pet stores or laboratories. Some animals like dogs, cats, ferrets, and rabbits can contract RBF through contact with infected rodents and then pass it to people. However, RBF cannot spread between people. Advertise with NZME. In 2007, the New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) reported on a case a few years earlier in which a 19-year-old man contracted the country's first known confirmed incidence of 'streptobacillary' RBF and only the third reported case of RBF infection since a suspected one in 1919. The teen had been bitten between two of his fingers by his pet rat. He too developed systemic sepsis and needed to be hospitalised for intravenous antibiotics. Meanwhile, Phil Tunstall - the owner of Whangārei pest management business Enviropro - said professional pest control workers received regular training about RBF and other rodent diseases. Tunstall said anyone dealing with rats should maintain a good separation from them, the easiest way being to wear thick gloves. Hand washing afterwards was also important. In New Zealand, rats and mice carry several viral and bacterial illnesses, including LCM (lymphocytic choriomeningitis), salmonellosis, mycoplasma, leptospirosis, and dysentery. They also carry parasites such as fleas and ticks.
