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Buzz Feed
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Gen Z's WW3 Fashion Trends Taking Over TikTok
Hot Topic 🔥 Full coverage and conversation on Politics While President Donald Trump realizes that his Israel-Iran ceasefire agreement may not be as binding as he suspected ― both countries continue to fire missiles at each other ― Gen Z isn't wasting any time: On TikTok, 'WW3 fits' has been trending for days, with teens and twenty-somethings sharing the camo-heavy looks they jokingly say they'll wear in the event of a nuclear world war. Fun? 'First war kinda nervous,' Avery, a content creator, captioned a clip featuring her WW3 wardrobe, which includes a camouflage miniskirt and a bomber jacket. A few TikTokkers who are enlisted in the US Army joked that they already had their WWIII look picked out for them, flashing to closets full of fatigues. Ethan Hillis, 26, showed off his potential World War III looks in a video he was careful to caption: 'just a coping mechanism.' There's combat chic (a green trench coat), spy (a fedora and coat) and political ex-wife (basically MAGA mom cosplay). 'My WWIII fit is a bit of satire and a bit of style, think something like combat but make it couture,' Hillis told HuffPost in an email interview. 'I wanted to play with the idea of absurd preparedness while still looking fabulous,' he said. 'It felt like a funny and fashion-forward way to comment on the state of the world without diving into doom.' The videos are all soundtracked to Kesha's 2010 hit 'Blow' (Sample lyric: 'This place about to blow, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh'), which only adds to the absurdity. Most people joke along in the comment sections of the videos: 'This generation is so unserious. I love it,' one person wrote. 'This generation is only afraid of pregnancy,' another joked. Others found the brand of humor distasteful, as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to unfold and airstrikes have left at least 28 people dead in Israel and hundreds in Iran. 'Lives are at stake,' one person wrote in the comments of Avery's video. 'The future of our world is unfolding in front of us, and YOU POST THIS.' Gen Z-ers we spoke to say they recognize the severity of what's happening and aren't trying to downplay it with their videos. 'The jokes are coming from a place of real exhaustion and awareness,' Hillis said. 'I don't think people realize how tuned in Gen Z is. All the irony and outfits are just the packaging. Underneath is real fear, and real care.' Christina Spah, a 26-year-old who posted a video of her WW3 fits ― looks that are ''apocalyptic chic' meets 'functional mom,'' she told HuffPost ― sees the jokes as a coping mechanism. 'As a military spouse and stay-at-home mom, I don't have much time to cry or panic in difficult times. I have to hold my head high and pretend everything is fine until I put my daughters to bed at night,' she said. 'In the meantime, finding humor about the prospect of another war in the Middle East allows me to feel any form of control in this awful situation.' Gen Z is used to using dark humor to get through hard times and trauma. There's little that Gen Z ― the demographic born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s ― won't meme-ify: On social media, everything from the the 2023 Titan submersible fiasco, to the 9/11 terror attacks, and celebrities' deaths and suicides (or being 'unalived,' as they prefer to say) ― have gotten the meme treatment. (Gen Z wasn't even alive when the twin towers fell. To be, though, comedians were cracking jokes about 9/11 no less than a few weeks later ― at least Gilbert Gottfried was.) They haven't experienced any comparable terrorist attacks but Gen Z has been through a lot themselves: A pandemic and lockdowns, the Great Recession for the older ones, school shootings and subsequent active shooter drills, protests over police brutality and political polarization that's damaged friendships and splintered families. Gen Z's supposed 'unseriousness' on social media may actually be a deeply layered response to chronic exposure to the news cycle, said Rana Bull, a therapist who works primarily with Gen Z, and the owner of Burrow and Bloom Therapy in Arizona. 'They've experienced a constant stream of secondhand trauma through social media,' Bull said. That affects us all, but Gen Z experienced it in their formative years. Secondhand trauma, or indirect exposure to distressing events, can desensitize people over time, especially when it's experienced repeatedly and without resolution, she said. 'For Gen Z, this has resulted in a sort of emotional callus; they're rarely surprised by negative news because, for them, it's not a rarity — it's the norm,' she said. There's also a neurological explanation for why Gen Z may appear disengaged. The brain's threat-response system is activated differently when a stressor is experienced directly versus indirectly, Bull explained. Social media creates a layer of emotional distance — what psychologists call psychological distancing — which makes it easier to compartmentalize what they're seeing. 'Humor, irony and absurdity become coping tools that help them regain a sense of control or reduce emotional overload,' she said. It's the same kind of dark humor used among first responders or health care workers, Bull said ― when something is too overwhelming to fully process, laughter is tension-breaking. 'So what might appear as flippancy or being 'unserious' is actually a form of emotional regulation and resilience, albeit one that can be easily misunderstood.' the therapist said. Sage Grazer, a therapist in Los Angeles, doesn't see Gen Z as particularly 'unserious' as a generation. Gen Z came of age online (three quarters of Gen Z spend most of their free time online, and many get their news from it, too), so it's little surprise they process their emotions there as well. But making arguably stupid jokes about incomprehensible geopolitical issues is a long tradition; consider how Charlie Chaplin used satire to defuse and address the looming threat of Adolf Hitler in 'The Great Dictator' in 1940. There's limitations to treating things glibly all the time, or without much reflection on why it's your reflex, Grazer noted. 'Humor can lighten the mood or offer a more positive perspective but it can also become a defense mechanism to shield yourself from harsh realities,'the therapist told HuffPost. 'While we're not meant to bear the emotional burden of all of the world's tragedy constantly, leaning on humor can encourage people to be complacent or callous,' she explained. 'I also see exposure to all of the jokes as contributing to a numbing or disconnection from the reality of what's going on in the world.' But given the unwieldy way President Trump and his war cabinet have communicated operations to the American public, an argument could be made that this conflict has an air of unseriousness, even if that's gravely not the case. And unlike millennials, who grew up seeing friends and family enlist for US invasions in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gen Z has yet to fully experience the political culture of the US at war. (Granted, the US didn't end combat operations in Afghanistan until 2014, and the last United States military forces to depart the country did so on August 30, 2021.) An earnest question on Reddit's No Stupid Questions subreddit over the weekend is a testament to how unfamiliar Gen Z is with the prospect of warfare: 'What are you supposed to do if a war actually starts?' a person ― one who was clearly either not alive or else very young at the height of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars ― asked. 'Like, are we just supposed to keep going to work as normal and live like nothing is happening? Do jobs give time off if you're city is targeted?'
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Iran says no plan for new US nuclear talks, plays down impact of strikes
Iran's foreign minister says no agreement has been made to restart talks, despite US claims of imminent negotiations. This image released by the office of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on June 26, 2025 shows him addressing the nation in front of a portrait of his predecessor, the late founder of the Islamic republic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khamenei threatened in a video message aired by national TV on June 26 to carry out more strikes on US bases in the region if Iran came under another attack by the United States. (Photo by / AFP) Iran on Thursday denied it is set to resume nuclear talks with the United States after the end of a 12-day war with Israel, and accused Washington of exaggerating the impact of US strikes. The most serious conflict yet between Israel and Iran derailed nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, but President Donald Trump said Washington would hold discussions with Tehran next week, with his special envoy Steve Witkoff expressing hope 'for a comprehensive peace agreement'. But Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shut down what he said was 'speculation' that Tehran would come to the table and said it 'should not be taken seriously'. 'I would like to state clearly that no agreement, arrangement or conversation has been made to start new negotiations,' he said on state television. 'No plan has been set yet to start negotiations.' Araghchi's denial came as Iranian lawmakers passed a 'binding' bill suspending cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog and after supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Trump of exaggerating the impact of US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. In a televised speech — his first appearance since a ceasefire in the war with Israel — Khamenei hailed what he described as Iran's 'victory' over Israel, vowed never to yield to US pressure and insisted Washington had been dealt a humiliating 'slap'. ALSO READ: US apologised for not attending G20 Sherpa meeting, Lamola says [VIDEO] 'The American president exaggerated events in unusual ways, and it turned out that he needed this exaggeration,' Khamenei said, rejecting US claims Iran's nuclear programme had been set back by decades. The strikes, he insisted, had done 'nothing significant' to Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Araghchi, for his part, called the damage 'serious' and said a detailed assessment was under way. Trump said key facilities, including the underground Fordo uranium enrichment site, had been 'obliterated' by American B-2 bombers. Doubts remain about whether Iran quietly removed some 400 kilogrammes (880 pounds) of enriched uranium from its most sensitive sites before the strikes — potentially hiding nuclear material elsewhere in the country. But posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump dismissed such speculation, saying: 'Nothing was taken out… too dangerous, and very heavy and hard to move!' He added that satellite images showed trucks at the site only because Iranian crews were attempting to shield the facility with concrete. ALSO READ: A VIEW OF THE WEEK: Trump should have learnt from SA 'white genocide' moemish before bombing Iran Khamenei dismissed such claims, saying 'the Islamic republic won, and in retaliation dealt a severe slap to the face of America'. Both sides have claimed victory: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a 'historic win', while Khamenei said Iran's missile retaliation had brought Israel to the brink of collapse. US defence In Washington, the true impact of the strikes has sparked sharp political and intelligence debates. A leaked classified assessment suggested the damage to Iran's nuclear programme may be less severe than initially claimed — possibly delaying progress by only a few months. That contrasts with statements from senior US officials. CIA Director John Ratcliffe said several facilities would need to be 'rebuilt over the course of years'. ALSO READ: Trump's hasty war on Iran risks dragging US into another endless conflict Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth accused the media of misrepresenting the operation. He said the United States used massive GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs on Fordo and another underground site, while submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles targeted a third facility. 'President Trump created the conditions to end the war, decimating — choose your word — obliterating, destroying Iran's nuclear capabilities,' Hegseth said. Netanyahu says Iran 'thwarted' Following waves of Israeli attacks on nuclear and military sites and retaliatory missile fire from Iran since mid-June — the deadliest between the two countries to date — the US bombed three key Iranian atomic facilities. Initial intelligence reports, first revealed by CNN, suggested the strikes did not destroy critical components and delayed Iran's nuclear programme only by months. The Israeli military said Iran's nuclear sites had taken a 'significant' blow, but cautioned it was 'still early' to fully assess the damage. ALSO READ: Oh dear, Donald, that was a bust Netanyahu said Israel had 'thwarted Iran's nuclear project', warning any attempt by Iran to rebuild it would be met with the same determination and intensity. Iran has consistently denied seeking a nuclear weapon while defending its 'legitimate rights' to the peaceful use of atomic energy. It has also said it is willing to return to nuclear negotiations with Washington. French President Emmanuel Macron told journalist after an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday that US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were 'genuinely effective'. But Macron said that the 'worst-case scenario' would be if Tehran now exits the global non-proliferation treaty that is meant to limit the spread of nuclear weapons. The Israeli strikes on Iran killed at least 627 civilians, Tehran's health ministry said. ALSO READ: Oil prices plunge as Trump announces shaky ceasefire between Iran and Israel Iran's attacks on Israel killed 28 people, according to Israeli figures. – By: © Agence France-Presse
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
/C O R R E C T I O N -- Meala/
In the news release, Meala Partners with dsm-firmenich to Commercialize Texturizing Protein for Meat Alternatives, issued June 3, 2025 by Meala over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that edits have been made to the release. The complete, corrected release follows: PB Pea protein, a high-performance texturizer is ready for market release in Europe, bringing cleaner labels and better nutritional value to meat alternatives HAIFA, Israel, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Plant-based innovator Meala FoodTech Ltd. partners with dsm-firmenich to launch Vertis™ PB Pea — a groundbreaking texturizing pea protein. This single, multifunctional ingredient is designed to replace modified binders like hydrocolloids, helping to clean up labels in plant-based meat alternatives. The product is now available in Europe via dsm-firmenich as Vertis™ PB Pea. PB Pea, is a clean-label texturizer produced using biotechnology. Protected by two patents, it consolidates the functionality of multiple components into a single, versatile ingredient that delivers unmatched binding, gelation, and emulsifying properties. Furthermore, it increases the protein content of the final product. This holistic solution can replace an entire binding system often found in meat alternatives, while keeping the label short and recognizable. PB Pea was tested to great success in various meat alternative applications and suits any formulation, such as burgers, sausages and nuggets and more. Key benefits of PB Pea: Clean label and allergen-free: Clearly labeled as "pea protein." Thermostability: Maintains performance under heat and low temperature for versatile applications. Excellent texture and water retention: Provides juiciness and structure in meat alternatives. Enhanced nutritional value: Increases protein content. Short ingredient list: Enables producers to shorten and clean up the ingredient list. There is a clear shift in consumer behavior globally. Customers are increasingly drawn to products that deliver both an enjoyable taste experience and a clean, simple ingredient list that supports their well-being goals. To meet these rising expectations and drive meaningful growth, food manufacturers are seeking all-in-one ingredient solutions. "This is exactly where our product comes in," says Tali Feldman Sivan, CBO and co-founder of Meala FoodTech. "It addresses both functionality and clean-label demands, while replicating the sensory profile and experience of conventional meat products." With health and transparency rising in importance, European consumers are fueling a clean-label shift in the food industry. According to recent research1 from the EIT Food Consumer Observatory—a pan-European study on consumer perceptions of ultra-processed foods -- two-thirds of Europeans (67%) say they dislike unknown ingredients in their food, while just over half (56%) actively try to avoid processed foods. This growing awareness is reshaping preferences -- especially in the plant-based sector. In response, food manufacturers are under pressure to reformulate products and embrace cleaner, simpler labels to meet the rising demand for healthier, more natural options that don't compromise on taste or convenience With the launch of Vertis™ PB Pea, dsm-firmenich is expanding its Vertis™ plant protein portfolio -- introducing an innovative ingredient that consolidates the functionality of multiple components in plant-based meat alternatives. "We are grateful to our partners at dsm-firmenich, who offer decades of experience as industry leaders in bringing innovative products to market," exclaims Hadar Ekhoiz Razmovich, CEO and co-founder of Meala FoodTech. "Their application support, regulatory expertise, and ability to drive global commercial rollouts are unprecedented. We're impressed by their innovation-driven approach and deep understanding of the food industry. dsm-firmenich believed in us from the very beginning -- not only as investors, but as true partners -- offering guidance, trust, and strategic support that helped lay the foundation for this powerful collaboration." Meala's partnership with dsm-firmenich -- a global leader in food ingredients -- combines both distribution and venture investment. The agreement paves the way for Meala's innovative pea-based texturizer to enter new global markets and fuel the next wave of plant-based product innovation. With production already underway in Europe, Meala's functional pea protein is scaling to meet growing international demand. "We're looking forward to working with dsm-firmenich to lead the new era of plant-based alternatives that successfully merge high performance and robust nutrition, to create a new generation of delicious, better-for-you and better for the planet meat alternatives," adds Razmovich. "Meala delivers a powerful, high-protein texturizing solution, providing manufacturers with a scalable alternative to less-desirable additives. About Meala FoodTech Meala FoodTech was founded in 2021 by product-innovation specialists Hadar Ekhoiz Razmovich, Tali Feldman Sivan, PhD; and Liran Gruda, CTO. United by a shared vision, the trio set out to revolutionize food production with clean-label, functional ingredients that create better-for-you foods. Meala is backed by leading investors, including The Kitchen Hub, dsm-firmenich Ventures, Lasenor Emul SPA, EIT food, and Milk & Honey Ventures. For more information, contact: Company Contact: Press Contact: Meala FoodTech NutriPR Rom Elias Liat Simha Business Development & Marketing Project Manager Tel: +972-9-9742893 E-mail: Info@ E-mail: liat@ Web: Web: 1 Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Meala
Middle East
27-05-2025
- Business
- Middle East
OPEN// FM says looking forward to strengthening coop. with Mauritania in various fields
CAIRO, May 27 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty expressed Tuesday his aspiration to continue strengthening cooperation between Egypt and Mauritania in various fields, taking into account the strong ties binding them. During his meeting with Prime Minister of Mauritania Mokhtar Ould Ajay, Abdelatty praised the convening of the joint committee and the mutual coordination on various regional issues, especially those related to Arab and African affairs, according to a press release. He stressed the importance of working to advance trade and economic relations between the two countries and to utilize the available capabilities of Egypt and Mauritania. He emphasized the role of Egyptian companies operating in Mauritania within the framework of existing joint projects, and the need to expand these projects to achieve the interests of both countries and their peoples. During the meeting, the two sides also discussed issues of common interest on the Arab and African levels, and agreed on the importance of intensifying coordination and cooperation, which contributes to enhancing security and stability in the region. (MENA) A I E/R E E
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tethys Petroleum Corporate Update
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands--(Newsfile Corp. - May 14, 2025) - Tethys Petroleum Limited (TSXV: TPL) ("Tethys" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the Company's operations in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Arbitration update In November of 2023 Tethys initiated an arbitration with the International Arbitration Centre regarding a Settlement Deed and Release Agreement that was entered into in December of 2019. The relief sought by Tethys was to declare that the Settlement Deed and Release is no longer binding, and for DSFK Special Finance Company LLP to pay Tethys Petroleum 1,434,692,762 KZT, and for the 18 million shares issued to Olisol Petroleum Limited to be cancelled. On May 13, the sole Arbitrator ruled and declared that the Settlement Deed is declared no longer binding. DSFK Special Finance Company LLP is ordered to pay Tethys Petroleum Limited 1,434,692,762 KZT. Olisol Petroleum Limited is ordered to cancel share certificates GS 44 and GS 43 (totaling 18 million shares). DSFK Special Finance Company LLP and Olisol Petroleum Limited are ordered to pay Tethys 50,000 EUR and 50,000,000 KZT towards the reimbursement of the costs of the arbitration and the Company's legal costs. The Company is in the process of determining the next steps necessary to have the arbitration ruling enforced. About Tethys Tethys is focused on oil and gas exploration and production activities in Central Asia and the Caspian Region. Disclaimer Some of the statements in this document are forward-looking. No part of this announcement constitutes, or shall be taken to constitute, an invitation or inducement to invest in the Company or any other entity and shareholders of the Company are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Save as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake to update or change any forward-looking statements to reflect events occurring after the date of this announcement. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contact Information: Tethys PetroleumCasey McCandlessChief Financial Officer901-763-4001 info@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
