Latest news with #camaraderie
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Climate
- Malay Mail
How acts of kindness are helping Athenians cope with the heatwave
ATHENS, July 25 — As temperatures inched towards 40C in Athens, a vegetable seller spontaneously handed a bottle of water to street musician Anna Gardere Nikolaki, a regular at this Athens food market. 'I feel like the heat brings us together,' said the young performer after receiving the free water, The city is in the middle of what is forecast to be a week-long heatwave. Nevertheless, she felt the sweltering conditions were fostering a sense of camaraderie. Greece's climate monitor warned that temperatures would reach 43C in parts of the country yesterday — rising to 44C today. A girl sits in the shade as she drinks water outside of the Greek Parliament, during a heatwave, in Athens July 24, 2025. — AFP pic The authorities this week ordered the partial closure of the ancient Acropolis temple due to severe heat, for the second time this month. To help workers cope, the labour ministry has suspended outdoor work between 11am and 5pm in most Greek regions, as part of emergency health measures. Some cities have opened up air-conditioned public rooms and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has sent out teams of volunteers to hand out water at the Acropolis museum to sometimes overheated tourists. Restaurant employees chat near a misting machine spraying water, during a heatwave, in Athens July 24, 2025. — AFP pic Air-conditioned shelters In Kypseli, one of Athens' oldest neighbourhoods with a high proportion of low-income families, not everyone can afford air conditioning, said Polixeni Della, head of Kypseli's municipal cultural centre for the elderly. Since Monday, seven of these centres have been open in the city centre from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm to 'offer air-conditioned spaces to citizens due to the very high temperatures', the Athens municipality said in a statement. Nikolaos Dalamagkas, a 60-year-old homeless man, was among those who found refuge at the cultural centre. 'I only come when it's very hot,' he said. 'Here, it's not just homeless people. I also meet people who have no electricity because they can't pay their bills,' he added. The heatwave is not expected to ease in most Greek regions before Monday. But residents and local businesses have also taken it upon themselves to rise to the challenge. A tourist wipes her face with a towel outside of the closed Acropolis Hill monument site in Athens July 23, 2025. — AFP pic Helping the elderly Air-conditioned pharmacies have become a popular haven during heatwaves, especially for the elderly. Kypseli pharmacist Marina Kosta said senior citizens frequently drop in to 'catch their breath, enjoy the air conditioning and then continue walking. 'They sometimes come saying they don't feel well and want us to check their blood pressure,' she added. In the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki — the country's second largest — one pharmacist said she had started delivering medication to local residents. 'Our customers, mainly elderly people and those with heart conditions, have stopped going out due to the very high temperatures, so we are providing them with everything they need at home to help them avoid the risks posed by excessive heat,' said Stella Stergianou, the pharmacy's owner. Tourists sit in the shade outside of the closed Acropolis Hill monument site in Athens July 23, 2025. — AFP pic Others, like Andreas Papadimitriou, a 45-year-old tire repairman, have learned to soldier through regardless of the heat. 'I don't need it. Customers may complain, but not me,' said Papadimitriou, who doesn't even have a fan in his workshop. 'I work all day, even without taking breaks during the hottest hours. You need endurance for this job,' he said. Much of the country has been placed under an elevated fire risk this week. Already, since Tuesday, firefighters have been battling a major wildfire near the mountain village of Feneos in the Peloponnese. More than 2,800 acres of forest and grassland burned, along with over 20 homes and warehouses, according to the climate observatory. — AFP
France 24
6 days ago
- Climate
- France 24
Acts of kindness help Athenians cope with heatwave
"I feel like the heat brings us together," said the young performer after receiving the free water, The city is in the middle of what is forecast to be a week-long heatwave. Nevertheless, she felt the sweltering conditions were fostering a sense of camaraderie. Greece's climate monitor warned that temperatures would reach 43C in parts of the country on Thursday -- rising to 44C on Friday. The authorities this week ordered the partial closure of the ancient Acropolis temple due to severe heat, for the second time this month. To help workers cope, the labour ministry has suspended outdoor work between 11.00 am and 5.00 pm in most Greek regions, as part of emergency health measures. Some cities have opened up air-conditioned public rooms and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has sent out teams of volunteers to hand out water at the Acropolis museum to sometimes overheated tourists. Air-conditioned shelters In Kypseli, one of Athens' oldest neighbourhoods with a high proportion of low-income families, not everyone can afford air conditioning, said Polixeni Della, head of Kypseli's municipal cultural centre for the elderly. Since Monday, seven of these centres have been open in the city centre from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm to "offer air-conditioned spaces to citizens due to the very high temperatures", the Athens municipality said in a statement. Nikolaos Dalamagkas, a 60-year-old homeless man, was among those who found refuge at the cultural center. "I only come when it's very hot," he said. "Here, it's not just homeless people. I also meet people who have no electricity because they can't pay their bills," he added. The heatwave is not expected to ease in most Greek regions before Monday. But residents and local businesses have also taken it upon themselves to rise to the challenge. Helping the elderly Air-conditioned pharmacies have become a popular haven during heatwaves, especially for the elderly. Kypseli pharmacist Marina Kosta said senior citizens frequently drop in to "catch their breath, enjoy the air conditioning and then continue walking. "They sometimes come saying they don't feel well and want us to check their blood pressure," she added. In the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki -- the country's second largest -- one pharmacist said she had started delivering medication to local residents. "Our customers, mainly elderly people and those with heart conditions, have stopped going out due to the very high temperatures, so we are providing them with everything they need at home to help them avoid the risks posed by excessive heat," said Stella Stergianou, the pharmacy's owner. Others, like Andreas Papadimitriou, a 45-year-old tire repairman, have learned to soldier through regardless of the heat. "I don't need it. Customers may complain, but not me," said Papadimitriou, who doesn't even have a fan in his workshop. "I work all day, even without taking breaks during the hottest hours. You need endurance for this job," he said. Much of the country has been placed under an elevated fire risk this week. Already, since Tuesday, firefighters have been battling a major wildfire near the mountain village of Feneos in the Peloponnese. © 2025 AFP
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
For years this law firm has sent hundreds on multi-day backpacking trips: ‘There's nobody out there who is going to do anything for you, other than your colleagues'
Good morning! For more than 30 years, law firm Quinn Emanuel has hosted company offsites in some of the most remote locations across the globe. But they're the farthest thing from a vacation. These annual hiking trips are grueling sometimes multi-day rituals meant to build camaraderie and put legal teams to the test. 'It's intense,' says Tigran Guledjian, partner at Quinn Emanuel and co-chair of the firm's national intellectual property litigation practice. He helps run the hikes, and has been attending them for more than 20 years. 'You carry your own backpack with your own tent, and your own sleeping bag, and your own food, and you are responsible for yourself. There's nobody out there who is going to do anything for you, other than your colleagues.' The firm's hiking tradition began in 1993, when founder John B. Quinn led 15 legal analysts through Coyote Gulch in Utah. Since then, the outing has grown significantly, and the firm started travelling internationally in 2008. Now hundreds of employees flock each year to iconic trails like Switzerland's Faulhornweg, Japan's Mount Fuji, and Greece's Mount Olympus, to name a few. Last month the firm took around 250 employees, a quarter of the company, to Cusco, Peru to hike part of the Andes mountain range. They could choose between an 8.5-mile trek to 14,000 feet or an even more rigorous 18-mile overnight to more than more than 15,000 feet. 'These are not easy hikes,' says Stephen Wood, managing partner of the firm's Salt Lake City Office, who also helps execute the event. 'They challenge everyone and we have a broad spectrum of people who are there, from collegiate athletes and those who do Iron Mans for fun, to those who have never camped out in their lives.' Partners say while the trip is expensive for the law firm, the costs are worth it because employees learn to lean on each other when times get rough, and build valuable relationships in the process. In fact, those who have the most difficult time, Guledjian says, are the ones who end up having 'the most rewarding experience.' You can read more about the firm's extreme offsite ritual here. Brit This story was originally featured on Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gen Z'ers Are Sharing Their Thoughts On Millennials, And They're Surprisingly Wholesome
Generational drama is basically a full-time job on the internet, but every now and then, someone actually cuts through the noise with something real. Case in point, u/ree2bMe2122, a millennial, sparked a surprising and honest conversation when they asked Gen Z, "What are your thoughts on millennials?" So, here's what Gen Z had to say about their slightly older internet siblings: 1."As a Gen Z'er, I feel a pretty strong sense of camaraderie with millennials. We have an understanding, you know? Similar environment and struggles, all of us victims of a damaged system, struggling in solidarity, etc." —u/ARClegend_18 2."We share a lot of trauma..." —u/_Floriduh_ 3."They're fun to make fun of (LOL). I like calling them old and saying new terms to throw them off, but they're chill people." —u/[deleted] 4."Y'all are silly in a good way. I'm glad you guys were the first to want to talk about emotions and mental health. Thanks to that, our generation is much more emotionally intelligent than many of the previous generations. My therapist is a millennial, and she's awesome." —u/Steelspartan2 5."My brother is a millennial, and he's pretty cool. Other than the fact that millennials pretend to be '90s kids when they don't even remember the '90s, they're fine." —u/pintasaur 6."I'm not sure because I think I fall in the middle, being both millennial and Gen Z. But honestly, younger millennials are really not that different than older Gen Z in terms of interests, lifestyle, and hobbies, as well as childhood. I do think older millennials are a little narcissistic and never really grew up, but that's just my own bias from my experiences with my older siblings and friends who were born in the '80s." —u/Shiftrye 7."I poke fun at millennials for their 'millennialisms' — like making songs out of literally everything mundane or saying things like 'OMG this' and Blink-182 references — but overall, I don't actively hate millennials." —u/[deleted] 8."The only real difference between Gen Z and millennials is the media we grew up watching. We are in the same economic position, we lean the same ways politically, and we were fed and saw through all the same lies. It's literally just what shows we watched and where we watched them as kids that's different. Before anybody says slang, that stuff changes dozens of times within each generation. The language difference between older Gen Z and younger Gen Z is just as big as between millennials and Gen Z." —u/FrankThePony 9."In my opinion, I see the generations as kind of like this: greatest generation leads to boomers leads to millennials leads to Gen Alpha. Silent generation leads to Gen X leads to Gen Z. I think millennials share a lot of similarities (for better or worse) with boomers. Both had large protest cultures that gave way to a kind of almost hedonism before a crash. For boomers, it was the '60s summer of love and protests against Vietnam, followed by the greed-is-good '80s. With millennials, there was the Occupy Wall Street and Obama hope culture, plus the sleazy indie party culture in Brooklyn and LA. The only difference is millennials got absolutely screwed over by the recession and have been getting screwed ever since." "I feel like I see a lot of overlap in attitudes with Gen Z and Gen X, because Gen X was known as the original 'whatever' generation. I think that there's a lot of music and culture overlap. A lot of that '90s nostalgia that's huge with Gen Z is stuff that my Gen X dad was into in high school and college. Population-wise, Gen X and Gen Z are both smaller generations that followed two significantly larger ones, boomers and millennials." —u/Xerxes0 10."Millennials are mostly OK. There are a few that are just very goofy, but that's in every generation. I think Gen X is possibly the worst generation, followed by boomers." —u/sumskiesss 11."Why are you wearing Gen X clothing and listening to their music?" —u/No-Cry-5605 12."Some of them are low-key boomers, LOL." —u/nomoarcookiesthe2nd 13."Honestly, as a queer person, Gen Z gays hate on millennial gays way too much. Our generation doesn't realize how much harder they had it, and cringe isn't a crime. There are some millennials who make hating Gen Z their whole personality trait, but who cares really." —u/InspectionOk234 14."Millennials are largely fine. We share a lot of the same struggles. But the 'doggo' cutesy baby voice thing and thinking that making exaggerated facial expressions to chipmunked audios is funny will always make me want to curl up into a ball and implode into a fine mote of dust. But that's not all of y'all." —u/Zealousideal_Bunch77 15."Millennials really appear to be horrible parents, raising children that nobody wants to be around. So many children of millennials seem very intellectually stunted, behaviorally challenged, excessively defiant, tech-addicted, and socially inept. There is no way that every single one of these 30-something's kids I've seen has autism and/or ADHD. Maybe you're the problem. Kids from regular households seem to have issues I used to only see in children going through abuse or neglect. You put your safety at risk by babysitting these kids. Do better, guys. You of all people should know how wrong it is to give internet access to your child, yet they all have phones and tablets. And, you still plaster pictures of them all over social media. At least Gen X has the excuse of not knowing how that stuff works." "I don't even care about getting backlash. So many of you are screwing up your kids' abilities to make friends and be likable for the rest of their lives, and you don't even care. Shout-out to the millennial parents who are caring, protective, and involved. But from what I've seen, most of y'all aren't." —u/briecheeseoverdose 16."I notice a lot of millennials online being ignorantly confident about how they think Gen Z collectively grew up, which is annoying. For example, I notice a lot of millennials gatekeeping older Gen Z'ers from the 2000s. Some really can't tell the difference between someone my age and someone born in 2008. Many also feel the need to give opinions that ooze with a superiority complex on certain Gen Z topics. I see millennials in YouTube comments saying most of us are aging rapidly because we never had a childhood. They'd say that even if they thought we were aging slowly. Then, it'd be, 'Gen Z'ers never played outside, so that's why they don't have as many scars and wrinkles as previous generations. Their faces are stunted.' It's just bias. Other than this, I looked up to my younger millennial cousins when I was a kid. I think of my childhood as being closer to late millennials than younger Gen Z'ers." "I also have a very 'millennial' taste in music — most of what I listen to is 2000s garage rock. I find some things associated with millennials, like hipster clothing and scene hair, to be cringe, but I do like that you all grew up in the '90s and 2000s. I've defended millennials a lot online in the past. But whenever I see some of y'all being ignorant online, it makes me want to hate — not going to lie. You may hate on us less than previous generations hated on you, but having a superiority complex is just as bad. And most millennials seem oblivious to this. Many millennials will say they love Gen Z, but then do stuff like this. On the other side of things, it's annoying whenever people overly suck up to us." —u/[deleted] 17."I try not to always get caught up in generational divides (though I admit sometimes boomerish behavior can get to me). However, as far as they go, I do tend to see millennials and Gen Z as 'brothers and sisters in arms,' so to speak." —u/[deleted] 18."My brother's a millennial. Being born so close to your generation, I find myself relating to you guys more than my own generation." —u/Apocalpysezz 19."I think millennials are way, WAY too obsessed with generations and assigning traits to them. It's cool to see what generations are interested in or act like overall as a sociology thing, but making it part of how you understand everyday life just makes us feel othered or, at worst, some kind of zoo animal." —u/[deleted] Whether you're a proud millennial, full-on Gen Z, somewhere in the middle, or beyond, it's clear we've got more in common than not. So if you've got thoughts, feelings, or generational hot takes of your own, drop them in the comments below! Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
15 Things You Do That Make You More Likable Than You Realize
Navigating the social sphere can often feel like an intricate dance, where timing, wit, and charm are key. But what if you unconsciously possess an arsenal of traits that make you more likable than you ever dared to imagine? In our fast-paced world, the art of being liked is less about grand gestures and more about the subtle nuances you bring into each interaction. Here, we uncover 15 things you do that naturally endear you to others, capturing hearts and minds with your effortless authenticity. In a world obsessed with perfection, your willingness to let your quirks shine is refreshingly charming. These little idiosyncrasies are more than just endearing traits; they serve as a signal of authenticity. By embracing your unique self, you give others permission to do the same, which fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. Whether it's your love for obscure films or your penchant for collecting vintage postcards, these quirks reveal the human behind the social façade. People are drawn to authenticity like moths to a flame because it represents an escape from the mundane. Your quirks break the ice and often serve as conversation starters, inviting others to share their own. This dynamic creates a comfortable, judgment-free zone where people feel safe to be themselves. It's precisely this openness that makes you irresistibly likable. When you engage in a conversation, your attentive listening radiates a warmth that is hard to ignore. People pick up on this genuine interest, feeling valued and understood in ways that make them want to return the favor. This isn't just about nodding in agreement but about tuning into the emotions and nuances behind the words. A study by the Harvard Business Review suggests that being a good listener is about posing questions that inspire discovery and insight, not merely hearing words. By asking thoughtful questions, you show that their stories and ideas are worth exploring further. This creates a space where dialogues become more meaningful, setting you apart as someone who sees beyond the surface. It's this depth of connection that makes people view you as not only likable but indispensable. Next time you're in a conversation, notice how people light up when they feel truly heard. In an age dominated by screens, your ability to hold eye contact has an almost magnetic allure. It signals confidence and creates an intimate connection, making the other person feel as if they're the only one in the room. According to Dr. Adrian Furnham, a psychologist at University College London, maintaining eye contact can significantly boost your likability because it communicates sincerity and trustworthiness. It's a simple, yet powerful tool that elevates your social interactions. Eye contact also enables you to pick up on subtleties in conversation, allowing you to respond more thoughtfully. This attentiveness is not only flattering but also encourages others to open up. The result is a more dynamic and engaging exchange that leaves a lasting impression. People remember how you make them feel, and your eye contact ensures they feel seen and appreciated. Addressing people by their names in conversation is a small gesture that yields big results. It personalizes the interaction, making the other person feel acknowledged and important. When you remember and use someone's name, you demonstrate attention to detail and respect for their identity. This simple act can make the difference between a forgettable exchange and a memorable connection. Using names also helps to foster a sense of immediacy and intimacy, breaking down barriers in conversation. It allows you to steer the dialogue in a way that feels more personal and engaging. The next time you meet someone new, try to repeat their name a couple of times to help it stick. You'll be amazed at how this small tweak can enhance your likability in any social setting. Your ability to deliver or appreciate a well-timed joke makes you the kind of person people gravitate toward. Humor is a universal language that breaks down walls and builds bridges, often serving as the quickest route to someone's heart. According to a study published in the journal Social Neuroscience, humor activates the brain's reward system, creating feelings of pleasure and reinforcing social bonds. So when you make people laugh, you're doing more than just entertaining them; you're connecting on a deeper level. Your humor showcases your intelligence and creativity, two traits that are universally appealing. It reveals your ability to see the lighter side of life, which is a refreshing contrast to the often serious undertones of adult conversation. This knack for humor doesn't just make you likable; it makes you unforgettable. Remember, laughter is contagious, and your ability to spark it is a rare and cherished gift. Your capacity for empathy sets you apart in a world that often prioritizes self-interest. By putting yourself in someone else's shoes, you create a sense of solidarity and understanding that transcends mere words. People are naturally drawn to those who make them feel understood and valued. Your empathetic nature becomes a beacon of light in times of distress, offering comfort and support when it's needed most. Empathy isn't just about understanding; it's about action. You go beyond passive listening to actively showing you care, whether through a comforting word or a thoughtful gesture. This ability to move from empathy to action makes you a cherished friend and confidante. It's these acts of kindness that cement your status as genuinely likable, turning acquaintances into lifelong connections. In a world sharply divided on numerous issues, your willingness to entertain diverse viewpoints is nothing short of revolutionary. This openness is a breath of fresh air, offering a rare opportunity for dialogue rather than debate. According to Dr. Carol Dweck, a psychologist known for her work on mindset, being open-minded fosters a growth mindset, which not only makes you more likable but also more adaptable and resilient. Your curiosity about other perspectives is a testament to your depth and intelligence. By seeking to understand rather than to convince, you create a safe space for genuine conversation. This disarms potential conflict and invites others to lower their defenses, making for richer and more meaningful interactions. Your openness encourages others to share their thoughts without fear of judgment, enhancing your likability immeasurably. In an era where opinions often clash, your approach stands out as refreshingly constructive. It's the little things that count, and your knack for remembering them makes you stand out. Whether it's recalling a coworker's favorite coffee order or a friend's upcoming vacation plans, these details matter. They show you pay attention and care, turning routine interactions into meaningful exchanges. This keen attention to detail speaks volumes about your character and elevates your likability. Remembering personal details also allows you to tailor your interactions in ways that are both subtle and impactful. You effortlessly make others feel special, seen, and important by recalling what truly matters to them. This creates a foundation of trust and respect that strengthens your relationships over time. The next time you learn something personal about someone, make a mental note—you never know when it might come in handy. Kindness is often underestimated, but its power cannot be overstated. Your consistent acts of kindness, whether big or small, set a tone of warmth and generosity that people are drawn to. It's easy to be kind when things are going well, but your ability to maintain this attitude even when under pressure speaks volumes. Kindness is contagious, and your actions often inspire a ripple effect. This unwavering commitment to kindness makes you a beacon of positivity in any setting. People naturally gravitate toward those who make them feel good about themselves and the world. Your kindness isn't just an act; it's a lifestyle choice that enhances your likability and enriches your life. In a world that can often feel harsh, your kindness is a light that guides others to do the same. Your confidence is compelling, but what makes it truly attractive is its lack of arrogance. This delicate balance sets you apart and draws people in, offering inspiration without intimidation. Confidence without arrogance demonstrates self-assuredness while respecting the abilities and opinions of others. This combination is a rare and treasured trait that enhances your appeal. People are drawn to confident individuals because they exude strength and capability. Yet, your humility ensures you remain approachable and relatable, a perfect mix that is hard to resist. This harmony of confidence and modesty invites others to engage with you openly and sincerely. It's this unique blend that makes you a magnetic presence in any room. Your enthusiasm is infectious, lighting up the room and energizing everyone you encounter. Genuine enthusiasm reflects a zest for life that people find irresistibly attractive. It's not about feigned excitement; it's about your sincere passion for the things you love. This authenticity sets you apart from those who merely go through the motions. Your enthusiasm inspires others to share in your excitement, creating a collective sense of joy and possibility. It encourages those around you to engage more deeply and openly. Whether you're enthusiastic about a new project or simply the day ahead, your energy is a gift to those around you. It's this spirited outlook that makes you genuinely likable and unforgettable. You have an intuitive sense of when to be lighthearted and when to be serious, a balancing act that many struggle to master. This ability to read the room and adjust your demeanor accordingly is a testament to your emotional intelligence. It ensures that your humor is always well-received and never out of place, enhancing your likability. People appreciate your skill in navigating different social cues with ease. This balance makes you a trusted confidant, someone people can rely on in any situation. Your ability to switch gears from humor to seriousness when necessary demonstrates maturity and insight. It cultivates an atmosphere of trust, allowing others to feel both entertained and understood. This dynamic makes you a versatile and engaging presence, one that people are drawn to time and again. A well-placed compliment from you never feels forced or empty; it feels sincere and earned. Your generosity with praise uplifts those around you, making them feel valued and appreciated. This openness to recognize and celebrate others' successes speaks to your self-confidence and security. People are naturally drawn to those who make them feel good about themselves, and you excel in this regard. Your compliments often go beyond the surface, acknowledging deeper traits and achievements. This attention to detail makes your praise feel genuine and meaningful, enhancing its impact. It fosters an atmosphere of positivity and mutual respect, strengthening your relationships. In a world where criticism is abundant, your ability to uplift through genuine compliments sets you apart as truly likable. In a society that thrives on instant gratification, your patience is a rare and valuable asset. It allows you to navigate complex situations with grace and composure, qualities that others admire and emulate. This patience is not passive; it's an active choice to understand and invest in the process rather than rushing to the outcome. It's this willingness to wait that makes you a calming and trustworthy presence. Your patience encourages others to take their time, promoting thoughtful decision-making and deeper connections. This ability to embrace the journey, rather than just the destination, reflects a maturity that others find reassuring. It creates a supportive atmosphere where people can grow and evolve at their own pace. It's this patient approach that makes you a cherished ally and friend. Consistency might not be flashy, but it is incredibly impactful. Your ability to maintain steady behavior and attitudes makes you a reliable presence in others' lives. This predictability creates a sense of security and trust, qualities that are foundational in any relationship. People know they can count on you, which enhances your credibility and likability. Consistency in your actions also reflects integrity, showing that your values guide your decisions. This steadfastness is both reassuring and inspiring, encouraging others to emulate your example. It fosters an environment where honesty and reliability are the norms, enriching your relationships. It's this unwavering posture that makes you a respected and admired figure in any circle.
