Loneliness among seniors is a prevalent issue that can have significant impacts on their mental and emotional well-being. Jumbo Supermarkets is stepping up to tackle this problem by creating a safe and welcoming space for seniors within their stores. The Slow Lane initiative is designed to offer lonely seniors an opportunity to engage with others, take their time, and enjoy their grocery shopping experience.

One of the key elements of the Slow Lane is the emphasis on creating a friendly and compassionate atmosphere. Jumbo’s staff members are trained to be attentive and understanding towards the unique needs of seniors, providing them with the support and assistance they require. These dedicated employees engage in conversations, offer assistance, and foster a sense of community within the Slow Lane.

Comfortable seating areas are thoughtfully placed throughout the Slow Lane sections, providing seniors with spaces to rest, relax, and socialize. These areas serve as gathering points, encouraging conversations and facilitating meaningful connections among lonely seniors. The Slow Lane becomes a small community within the supermarket, offering a sense of belonging and combatting social isolation.

To further promote social interaction, Jumbo organizes periodic social activities within the Slow Lane. These activities range from coffee mornings to cooking demonstrations and themed events. They create opportunities for seniors to engage with one another, share experiences, and establish lasting connections within the supermarket setting. These initiatives not only transform grocery shopping into a social outing but also contribute to overall well-being.

The Slow Lane initiative goes beyond providing a space for seniors to connect. Jumbo Supermarkets also offers supportive resources tailored to the needs of this demographic. These resources include nutritional advice, cooking tips, and information about community resources. By empowering seniors with knowledge and support, Jumbo aims to enhance their overall well-being and encourage a proactive approach to self-care.

The positive impact of the Slow Lane initiative has been widely recognized by seniors who have experienced its benefits firsthand. Anneke, a 72-year-old customer, expressed her gratitude, stating, “The Slow Lane at Jumbo has become my favourite place to be. I enjoy sitting in the comfortable seating area, sipping a cup of coffee, and chatting with other seniors. It has become a small community within the supermarket.”

Jumbo Supermarket’s commitment to the well-being of lonely seniors extends beyond a single location. The success of the Slow Lane initiative has inspired Jumbo to expand it to more store locations, ensuring that seniors across the Netherlands have access to a welcoming space for connection and comfort during their shopping trips.

As Jumbo Supermarkets continues to prioritize the needs of the elderly population, they set an inspiring example for other retailers. The Slow Lane initiative not only transforms grocery shopping into a more enjoyable and meaningful experience for lonely seniors but also addresses the pressing issue of social isolation among this vulnerable group. By fostering connection and promoting well-being, Jumbo is making a significant difference in the lives of lonely seniors, one supermarket visit at a time.

The issue arose when Mr. Achter failed to fulfill a contract to deliver 86 tonnes of flax to grain buyer Kent Mickleborough in 2021. Frustrated by the breach of contract, Mr. Mickleborough took the matter to court. He claimed that he had previously agreed to contracts with Mr. Achter through text messages, leading him to believe that the thumbs-up emoji was a confirmation of their agreement.

The text message exchange unfolded when Mr. Mickleborough spoke with Mr. Achter on the phone regarding the potential purchase. Following their conversation, Mr. Mickleborough sent a draft contract to the farmer, accompanied by the request, “please confirm flax contract.” In response, Mr. Achter used a thumbs-up emoji but failed to deliver the flax within the specified timeframe.

Mr. Achter maintained that the thumbs-up emoji was solely meant to indicate the receipt of the contract, not his agreement to its terms. However, Justice Timothy Keene of the Court of King’s Bench ruled in favor of Mr. Mickleborough. The judge referred to a Dictionary.com definition of the emoji, which described it as a symbol used to express assent, approval, or encouragement in digital communications.

Justice Keene acknowledged the non-traditional nature of a thumbs-up emoji as a means of “signing” a document but emphasized that modern-day methods, such as emojis, can still fulfill the purposes of a signature. He noted that the emoji helped identify the signatory through Mr. Achter’s cell phone number and conveyed acceptance of the contract.

“This court readily acknowledges that a thumbs-up emoji is a non-traditional means to ‘sign’ a document,” wrote Justice Keene. “But nevertheless under these circumstances, this was a valid way to convey the two purposes of a ‘signature’.”

The ruling, released in June of this year, was deemed novel, particularly in the province of Saskatchewan. Justice Keene recognized the importance of keeping up with technological advancements and accepted that common usage had expanded the definition of a signature.

As more people become aware of the impact of climate change and are looking for alternative fuels for heating, a pellets machine can be a great investment for businesses that want to help protect the environment and get some extra profit.
To help you fully understand the impact of pellets, read on as we explain what they are and how they are made.

What Are Pellets

Pellets are compressed organic particles from sawdust, plants, trees, wood chips, or lumber mill scrap. They provide heat to companies, homes, or organizations such as schools or prisons. On a small scale, pellets are used in boilers, stoves, and furnaces to heat your house. Wood pellets being the popular options, they fall into two categories which include:

• Softwood pellets. The softwood pellets contain a higher BTU output which means they will burn hotter due to their higher lignin concentration. They will produce a BTU of between 10% to 20%. Additionally, they have low ash content.
• Hardwood pellets. These pellets have a naturally low moisture content and higher density, making them burn longer.

The Process of Making Pellets

Getting The Raw Materials

The production of heating pellets starts with the generation of raw materials. The raw materials are usually a byproduct of a wood processing operation, such as hardwood flooring mills. These operations can produce large quantities of dry sawdust and scarp blocks.

In addition, you may get your raw materials from mills producing pellet-making raw materials directly from trees, such as Roundwood. Your preferred raw material may be freshly cut, green, kiln dry, or partially dried. However, your end product should be consistent in ash and moisture content, heat value and burning characteristics.

Sort and Create Uniform Size

The materials for pellet production come in a variety of sizes and shapes. These materials must be broken down into uniform sizes to ensure they provide a consistent heating value. The first step is to sort your materials by size, small and large. Place the large pieces in a wood chipper that will break them into smaller and similar-sized pieces. For smaller-sized materials such as sawdust and wood chips, ground them down for consistency.

Drying

The raw materials have to be uniformly dried into low moisture content before turning them into pellets. Excess moisture in pellets can lead to low consolidation of the pellet, which will lead to dust in the final product. The grounded product will be passed through a large dryer drum to remove the excess water and attune the moisture content of your materials. The drums may use propane, natural gas, sawdust burners, or other fuels to heat the drum to drive off the excess moisture. Heating Pellets should have a moisture content of between 5 % and 10%; more than 10% will lead to a poor product.

The Mill

After the material has been dried, they are passed through a high-pressure die. The sawdust and other materials are bound together in this stage through heating. The material heat up will produce natural lignin in the wood that enables the binding. During this stage, the density, size and durability of the pellet product are determined. The specific setting has to be fed into the pellet mill to determine the outcome of the product.

Cooling

When removed from the mill, pellets are at 200 and 250 degrees hot and can easily break. To prevent this, they have to be preserved by placing them in a cooling tower or a silo for hardening. After they have cooled down, they are stored in a silo where they wait for packaging or distribution.

Packaging

After you have your pellets ready, the final step is packaging them for distribution. Pellets are typically packaged in 40-pound bags, then stacked into pallets or skids. Store the pellets in a temperature-controlled area to prevent them from collecting moisture, which could ruin the product. Depending on the distribution channel, a skid can hold an estimated one to one and a half tons of fuel. After stocking, the skids are shipped and distributed around the country for home delivery or consumer pick-up at retail locations.

Conclusion

The market for wood pellets has skyrocketed, especially due to the rising prices of fossil fuels and natural gas. Pellets can be a reliable and cost-friendly source of energy for heating purposes. With the right machinery, you can easily make pellets for commercial or domestic use.

Deep within the heart of British Columbia lies a vast sub-boreal forest that serves as a crucial testing ground for a worldwide shift in the approach that consumer product companies are taking to achieve their goals of deforestation-free supply chains and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

A vast expanse of 3.2 million hectares rich with lodgepole pine, spruce, and other valuable timber is at the center of an unlikely partnership between the Tsay Keh Dene First Nation, who have inhabited the area for centuries, and several global consumer powerhouses – Nestle, Mars Inc., and 3M. These corporations rely on the region’s lumber and wood pulp to support their intricate supply chains, particularly for their product packaging requirements.

What sets this partnership apart is that the Tsay Keh Dene have full control: all the companies involved have pledged to back the First Nation’s management plans for the region, which entails safeguarding important areas with cultural significance from any undesirable harvesting activities for pulp and paper.

The company is conveying its expectations to its suppliers who operate in the region and funding satellite monitoring to ensure that no logging or road construction activities occur in protected areas.

The Canadian government has faced criticism for its past actions in the Tsay Keh Dene territory. However, in more recent times, Ottawa has expressed a commitment to acknowledging and respecting the rights of the Tsay Keh Dene.

“The First Nation wants economic development, they want to make a living, but there are certain regions they don’t want touched,” said Bastien Sachet, chief executive of the Earthworm Foundation, a nonprofit specialising in sustainable supply chains, which brought the parties together starting in 2019.

“The key is that they have a voice in how their land is being managed,” he added. “That’s a game changer.”

In recent years, the issue of deforestation has been a growing concern as companies have failed to meet their no-deforestation commitments. In response, some consumer companies are now prioritizing the protection of indigenous people’s rights. This is especially important for commodities such as palm oil, beef, soy, and wood products, which are major drivers of deforestation and contribute to the acceleration of climate change. These commodities alone are responsible for over 50% of tropical deforestation, which equates to the destruction of 10 soccer fields every minute.

Nestle changed its strategy in 2021 after it was unable to achieve its no-deforestation targets in 2020. The company introduced a more comprehensive “forest-positive” approach that upholds its commitment to zero deforestation, while also giving priority to the restoration of forests and the promotion of land rights, sustainable livelihoods, and the well-being of indigenous peoples and local communities.

“Focusing on deforestation alone is not sufficient. We also need to have an active role in conserving and restoring the landscapes, and empowering local communities, that are part of our supply chains,” said Michele Zollinger, global sustainable sourcing for pulp and paper lead at Nestle.

Nestle announced in December 2021 that the majority of its supply chains for meat, palm oil, pulp and paper, soy, and sugar were free from deforestation, with a rate of 97.2%. However, there are still significant exclusions, particularly with respect to the supply chains for its most well-known products: cocoa and coffee.

Governments worldwide are scrambling for new ways to slow forest and biodiversity losses and escalating climate impacts, and the new emphasis on indigenous rights is a significant part of this larger pendulum-swing.

In December, a global agreement was approved by 196 governments to safeguard 30% of the world’s lands and oceans by 2030, which was a significant milestone. The previous year, during the international climate talks, private philanthropies and governments pledged $1.7 billion to support the efforts of indigenous and local communities in protecting their rights and lands.

According to recent estimates, the combined population of indigenous peoples, local communities, and Afro-descendant people is approximately 2.5 billion individuals worldwide. These groups have historically claimed nearly half of the world’s lands and forests, yet they hold legal rights to less than 20% of these areas. However, their role as the most effective custodians of forests and other landscapes is widely acknowledged, particularly when they have been granted legally recognised land rights. Recent research conducted in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest revealed significantly higher rates of forest protection in territories where indigenous populations had obtained legal land rights, indicating the importance of recognising and supporting their land tenure rights.

Rebuilding trust with indigenous communities will be a challenging task for companies aiming to support their rights, given the long history of mistreatment inflicted upon them by European colonizers, as well as modern-day agri-businesses. The increasing demand for consumer products such as palm oil and beef, driven by population growth and improving living standards, has led to negative consequences including displacement, loss of livelihoods, and environmental damage. These impacts have been particularly harmful to indigenous communities.

Between January 2015 and August 2022, the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre recorded 883 instances of violations against human rights defenders from indigenous communities, which included acts such as killings, arbitrary detention, and threats. The majority of these violations (95%) were directed towards individuals advocating for climate, land, and environmental causes. Among the sectors implicated in these violations, agribusiness companies ranked second, following only mining in terms of the number of attacks.

The director of rights and livelihoods at the nonprofit global coalition Rights + Resources Initiative, Bryson Ogden, expressed that the initiative taken by Tsay Keh Dene is a commendable instance of successful collaboration between companies, civil society, and indigenous groups towards the protection of community land rights.

Although the $1.7 billion of government funding for indigenous peoples is a positive development, it only represents a small step towards addressing the issue. However, there has also been progress among corporations, particularly well-known consumer brands, which have implemented land tenure and indigenous rights policies. However, it is important to note that this shift is still in its early stages, and these policies have not yet fully permeated supply chains.

Nestle published a detailed roadmap in February that outlines specific steps to ensure the respect of land rights for indigenous peoples and local communities in its operations, supply chains, and other business relationships, making it the first major brand to do so.

The Earthworm Foundation and the Rights + Resources Initiative (RRI) are playing a vital role in expediting the adoption of corporate best practices and establishing direct connections with local and indigenous community groups on the field. Additionally, RRI is spearheading the Interlaken Group, an informal coalition comprising companies, investors, and other organizations committed to ensuring the land rights of communities.

Partnerships of this nature are crucial, particularly for companies like Nestle, whose supply chains span across over 100 countries and involve a vast number of suppliers.

“It’s not feasible for us to be in 100 different countries with 100 different projects,” said Zollinger, who credits the Earthworm Foundation and RRI for helping to build better understanding and trust with indigenous and other local community groups.

The Earthworm Foundation has joined forces with Nestle and Mars to aid in the conservation of a diverse ecosystem situated in the southern part of Aceh province, Indonesia. This region is home to a wide range of wildlife such as orangutans, tigers, and ancient tropical forests. Together with the local communities, the initiative seeks to reduce deforestation by 50% by 2025 in the southern Aceh landscape, with a special focus on preventing deforestation in key areas including Aceh Singkil, Subulussalam, and Southern Aceh.

Environmental activists are now focusing on scrutinizing how brands are following through on their promises to protect indigenous peoples’ rights in their supply chains since their efforts to end deforestation by 2020 have been a complete failure. According to Gemma Tillack, the forest policy director at the Rainforest Action Network (RAN), the brands’ actions to safeguard indigenous peoples’ rights have been generally falling behind.

According to her observations, the Forest Positive Coalition of Action is primarily dedicated to enhancing smallholder growing techniques. However, she pointed out that the coalition appears to give little attention to promoting the acknowledgment of indigenous peoples’ land rights and ensuring their respect. It is worth noting that the coalition comprises 22 of the most prominent consumer goods retailers and manufacturers globally.

Each year, the Rainforest Action Network releases a Keep Forests Standing Report that rates the efforts of 17 companies and banks in preventing deforestation and upholding human rights in Indonesia. Recently, Nestle received praise from RAN for becoming the first brand to publish a specific action plan aimed at respecting the land rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. However, RAN has urged Nestle to swiftly implement the plan with its two primary palm oil and forestry suppliers in Indonesia, the Harita Group and Royal Golden Eagle Group.

According to RAN, there are insufficient policies in place to guarantee that indigenous communities can freely and knowingly grant or withhold their consent for development activities taking place on their lands.

According to a statement released by RAN, Nestle needs to implement this plan without delay in order to uphold the rights of the Long Isun and Pargaman-Bintang Maria indigenous communities. RAN further urges Nestle to move up the reporting date on the implementation of this plan from 2023 to 2025.

In RAN’s 2022 Keep Forests Standing report, Nestle and Mars received D grades and were also found to be involved in the Tsay Keh Dene First Nation partnership. Unilever, on the other hand, received a C grade and was the only brand that had a satisfactory “no deforestation, no peat, no exploitation” policy for all its commodity supply chains. Brands that were rated as poor performers, with an F grade, included Mondelez, Nissin Foods from Japan, and Procter & Gamble.

Sachet, at the Earthworm Foundation, agrees the industry has a long way to go. “While some companies are piloting such partnerships successfully, the vast majority of consumer companies are not yet aware of the indigenous territories their supply chains are impacting,” he said. “Hopefully this work can inspire them to get moving.

Recently, the U.S. Army has unveiled a fresh brand that redefines the essence of “Be All You Can Be” for the new generation, marking the first time since 2001. At a highly anticipated launch event held at the National Press Club, Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville, and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston made the official announcement. The brand, along with its accompanying campaign, emphasizes the Army’s myriad prospects that enable young people to pursue their interests, establish relationships, and realize their full potential.

“At a time when political, economic and social factors are changing how young Americans view the world, the new Army brand illustrates how service in the Army is grounded in passion and purpose,” said Wormuth. “Serving our nation is a calling, and one that is fundamentally hopeful. We want a new generation of Americans to see the Army as a pathway to the lives and careers they want to achieve.”

The Army underwent a brand transformation process that spanned several years and was based on extensive research. The aim was to accurately and authentically represent the Army as it is today, while also meeting the needs of a new generation. As part of this process, the Army’s logo was reengineered to feature a five-point star without the previous box, which symbolizes the limitless possibilities within the Army. The new branding also includes the return of the popular tagline “Be All You Can Be”.

The brand ecosystem of the Army includes not only a logo and tagline, but also a comprehensive range of visual and verbal elements that work together to convey the Army’s story. This includes the use of a custom font, an expanded color palette, new iconography, photography, motion graphics, and various other design elements. All of these components work together to create a cohesive and compelling visual and verbal representation of the Army’s brand.

“All good brands must evolve to reflect internal and external changes to ensure an accurate depiction of the organization that also meets audience needs,” said Maj. Gen. Alex Fink, Chief of Army Enterprise Marketing. “We know youth seek purpose, passion, community and connection, but we also know many don’t recognize the Army’s ability to deliver on those needs. We need a brand that effectively communicates the possibilities of Army service.”

“’Be All You Can Be’ is a phrase that has inspired many generations of Soldiers, and its promise still rings true today,” said McConville. “This is the message for the moment and for the future.”

The brand rollout highlights two films, “Overcoming Obstacles” and “Pushing Tomorrow,” both narrated by acclaimed actor Jonathan Majors, who has received Emmy and Critics’ Choice Award nominations for his work. Majors, known for his roles in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “Creed III,” helps to emphasize the Army’s impressive 247-year history of accomplishments. The films showcase how Army service can serve as a catalyst for possibilities and serve as a conduit between the past and the future, inspiring and connecting with the American public.

A range of movies will be showcased to viewers across the nation through a multi-dimensional campaign, which includes diverse promotional materials such as TV ads, print media, digital billboards, streaming videos, social media, and audio platforms. The paid media campaign will kick-off with on-site activities, broadcast presentations, and digital campaigns at the highly anticipated 2023 NCAA March Madness tournament. In May, an unprecedented joint venture with NBCUniversal will feature captivating content across the entire NBCU ecosystem, from blockbuster films to popular reality shows, to celebrated franchises and on-ground collaborations at Universal Parks and Studios. Further collaborations with Complex and IGN will follow suit.

Later this year, “Be All You Can Be” will introduce a second phase of the campaign that will provide a more intimate and profound perspective into the aspirations, anxieties, and desires of the current generation of young people.

To explore further about the Army’s fresh branding and the opportunities to “Be All You Can Be,” please check out GoArmy.com.

Many elements influencing our inclination to take risks have been found by research. Examples of personality qualities that have been connected to higher levels of risk-taking behaviour include sensation seeking, impulsivity, and a tolerance for ambiguity. Environment-related factors, such as risk exposure or perceived rewards, can also affect how risk-averse we are.

Additionally, studies in neuroscience have demonstrated that our brains are fundamental to how we perceive and react to hazards. This process heavily relies on the prefrontal cortex, which manages impulse control and decision-making. By affecting how we perceive danger and reward, neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin can also have an impact on how risk-taking behaviour is expressed.

Economic theories of risk-taking also contend that variables like wealth, perceived success or failure probabilities, and possible gains or losses related to a given action all have an impact on how we make decisions.

Understanding the science of risk-taking has important implications for a wide range of fields, from finance and business to public health and safety. By understanding the factors that influence our risk-taking behaviour, and we can develop more effective strategies for managing risk and promoting positive outcomes.

There is some evidence to suggest that individuals who are prone to taking risks may exhibit certain brain characteristics that resemble those seen in children. However, it is important to note that this does not mean that risk-takers have childlike brains in the sense that they are immature or underdeveloped.

Some studies have found that risk-takers tend to have a greater preference for immediate rewards over delayed rewards, which is a characteristic that is also seen in children. This may be due to differences in the way that the brain’s reward system functions in risk-takers, which can make them more sensitive to immediate rewards.

The prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain involved in judgement and impulse control, has been implicated with risk-taking and may be less active in risk-takers. This can make risk-takers more impulsive and less capable of thinking through the possible outcomes of their decisions, much as how children may behave impulsively without thinking about the implications.

However, it is important to note that these brain characteristics are not necessarily good or bad, and that risk-taking behaviour can be influenced by a wide range of factors beyond brain function. Additionally, people can change their behaviour and develop new habits and ways of thinking through intentional effort and practice, regardless of their brain characteristics.

History of Risk Taking

Risk-taking has been a part of human history for as long as humans have existed. Throughout history, people have taken risks for various reasons, such as exploration, adventure, survival, and gain.

In ancient times, risk-taking was often associated with hunting and gathering. Hunters had to take risks to find food, often putting themselves in danger by approaching and killing large, dangerous animals. Similarly, gatherers had to take risks to find edible plants, often travelling long distances and encountering potentially dangerous animals or other hazards.

As human societies developed, risk-taking became more diverse and specialized. Trading and commerce, for example, involved risks such as loss of capital, damage to goods, and piracy. Many early traders took risks by sailing across vast oceans to establish new trade routes and markets.

During the medieval period, knights and soldiers took great risks in battle, often fighting for land, power, and glory. Many warriors also sought adventure and fame by exploring unknown territories and engaging in quests.

In the modern era, risk-taking has become a key element of entrepreneurship and innovation. Entrepreneurs take risks by investing in new and untested business ventures, hoping to create new products and services that will revolutionize their industries. Many of the world’s greatest innovators, such as Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, are known for their willingness to take risks and pursue bold ideas.

In recent years, risk-taking has become more closely associated with extreme sports and other high-risk activities. Skydiving, bungee jumping, and base jumping are just a few examples of activities that involve significant risks, often for the sake of personal challenge or thrill-seeking.

Overall, risk-taking has been a consistent part of human history, driven by a variety of factors and motivations. While risk-taking can be dangerous and sometimes even reckless, it has also been responsible for many of the greatest achievements and advancements in human history.

Divergent risk-taking behaviour among individuals

People differ in their propensity for risk-taking due to a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Here are some of the ways in which individuals can differ in their willingness to take risks:

• Personality traits: Certain personality traits such as sensation seeking, impulsivity, and a tolerance for ambiguity are associated with higher levels of risk-taking behaviour. For example, people who are high in sensation-seeking tend to seek out novel and intense experiences, which can include risky behaviours.
• Age: Adolescents and young adults tend to engage in more risky behaviours than older adults. This difference may be due to a combination of biological factors such as brain development and social factors such as peer influence.
• Culture: Cultural factors can also influence risk-taking behaviour. For example, individualistic cultures tend to value independence and autonomy, which can lead to more risk-taking behaviour, while collectivistic cultures tend to value social harmony and conformity, which can lead to less risk-taking behaviour.
• Experience: Previous experience with risk-taking can also influence willingness to take risks in the future. People who have had positive experiences with risk-taking may be more likely to take risks in the future, while those who have had negative experiences may be more risk-averse.
• It is important to note that individual differences in risk-taking behaviour are complex and multifaceted and that no one factor can fully explain why some people are more willing to take risks than others.

A smarter approach to risk-taking

Becoming a smarter risk-taker involves understanding the potential benefits and costs of taking risks, and making informed decisions that balance these factors. Here are some tips for becoming a smarter risk-taker:

• Identify the risks: Before making any decision, it’s important to identify the risks involved. This can help you to assess the potential costs and benefits of taking a particular action.
• Gather information: To make an informed decision, you need to have as much information as possible. Gather information from multiple sources and consider a range of viewpoints to get a more complete picture.
• Consider the potential outcomes: Think about the potential outcomes of taking a particular risk. What are the best-case and worst-case scenarios? What is the likelihood of each outcome?
• Evaluate your own risk tolerance: Consider your personality and risk tolerance when making decisions. Are you comfortable with taking risks, or do you prefer a more conservative approach?
• Set goals: Identify your goals and consider how taking a particular risk can help you to achieve those goals. What is the potential reward of taking the risk, and is it worth the potential costs?
• Plan for contingencies: Even if you take a calculated risk, there is always the possibility of something going wrong. Plan for contingencies and have a backup plan in case things don’t go as expected.
• Learn from experience: Reflect on the outcomes of previous risk-taking experiences and consider what you could do differently in the future. Learning from experience can help you to become a more effective risk-taker.

By following these steps and being intentional about your decision-making process, you can become a smarter risk-taker and improve your chances of success while minimizing potential negative outcomes.

Giving gifts has been an ancient practice that dates back centuries throughout all civilizations. Documents from the past may show evidence of giving, such as birthday gifts, dowries, or even wine at events – a testament to our constant desire to show others kindness.

Gift-giving customs vary significantly among cultures. My family always gives presents at Christmas, while another follows a strict “one present only” policy and requires all gifts to be handmade or personalized for the recipient.

With so many festivals, holidays, and celebrations worldwide, it’s no shock that there are some strange traditions for gift-giving as well. Here are five of the craziest types you might come across.

Japanese Oranges

In many parts of Southeast Asia, the orange symbolizes longevity and good luck. In Japan, it’s even known as “the fruit of life,” with an accompanying legend: Emperor Suinin had sent Tajimamori on a journey to “the Eternal Land” (probably China) in search of this renowned fruit that could cure his illness; however, Suinin passed away before Tajimamori returned with it; consequently, Suinin “wailed and wept himself to death.”

The Japanese custom of giving oranges as gifts to the gods is less remarkable, though still popular. Many Europeans use oranges as tokens of goodwill at Christmastime – sometimes even stuffing them into stockings!

Russian bread with salt and pepper.

If you invite someone over for dinner, you might grab their coat, serve drinks, and make them feel at home. In Russia, though, greeting them at the entrance with a tea towel, boule of bread, and salt is another traditional greeting! Enjoying food together has never been so enjoyable!

Over 700 years ago, towns of the region would host entertaining shows for visiting merchants or dignitaries. Bread, particularly black and sour rye, was seen as a sign of hospitality, while salt served as a symbol of wealth; offering both together can be seen as an expression of goodwill (plus it tastes delicious!).

South African Goat

You’re standing outside the church in your wedding dress, with your husband by your side. As you thank all your guests, Auntie Sandra offers a kiss and gives an envelope. Your best friend Sam compliments how beautiful you look but presents what appears to be cutlery that hasn’t been wrapped properly. Fabulous presents. Practical gifts. You deserve nothing less.

Cameron arrives, and you instinctively think, “Oh no,” you ask yourself. What is he hiding?” Cameron is pulling an animal – a screaming goat with long horns that seem angry. “Here you are,” Cameron says as he hands you the rope to pull on him.

In South Africa, it is still customary in certain areas to gift someone an animal or cow as a wedding present. This tradition dates back centuries ago when lobola (Zulu Dowry) was common practice, and the groom’s family would give cattle. While cash is the most common substitute for cows and goats on wedding days in cities of South Africa, wedding goats are not often seen outside rural areas or in traditional settings.

Chinese 88

On New Year’s Eve, it is traditional for the Chinese to give cash as a gift. Although some in the West might consider money an unwelcome or at least boring present, in China, it’s seen as an ordinary gesture. Money is usually placed inside an elaborate red envelope called hongbao in Mandarin and then presented.

Money given has an immense effect, not just the amount but also its numerical value. For instance, six is considered lucky due to its pronunciation liu-sounds similar to “to flow,” which in Mandarin and Cantonese means “flowing well.” Eight, however, carries more mystical connotations; both Mandarin and Cantonese believe that eight sounds like “prosper,” while double eights (88) look similar to Xi characters meaning double “happiness.”

Make sure to give 8 or 88 dollars to those you care about to demonstrate your affection and generosity.

North European Marzipan Pig

Similar to the Zulus (above), people living in Northern European countries such as Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands would give livestock as gifts. Nothing says you’re wealthy like giving someone a whole pig for Christmas! Imagine arriving with such an impressive beast at someone’s home to celebrate Christmas; it would be like buying everyone the same Rolex watch!

In days gone by, fewer and fewer individuals owned pigs. While marzipan pigs still look charming today, their tradition of giving as gifts has long passed. While some might still consider them delightful treats today, their predecessors’ days of being quicked are long gone.

Many people travel for food. Others explore nature, history or art, or architecture. Many also go shopping. We bring extra bags with us so we can take home our purchases while touring museums to make time for the gift shop! We often research independent boutiques online weeks before moving and look forward to exploring a neighborhood market on an idle Sunday morning. Although we couldn’t travel as much as we’d hoped for in 2021, we remained attentive to our top brands and stores from around the world. Take a look at some of the handmade products we’ve uncovered after exploring the rabbit hole for hours – they make perfect holiday gifts for travelers in your life.

From Ghana comes Asungtaba Pot Bike Baskets. Stylish and practical, this piece is handcrafted using veta vera – a tropical elephant grass native to Ghana. While its natural color fades with time, the leather straps will last for generations. Asungtaba, also known as “helping each other succeed” in the Frafra language spoken among these Ghanaian basket weaver groups, is another useful phrase you should know.

Middle Kingdom Porcelain Vases from China

These Memphis-inspired vessels with a matte finish add an eye-catching visual to any space. They come in an array of vibrant shades (celadon, coral red, and indigo), all handcrafted by craftsmen living in Jingdezhen – a UNESCO-recognized city known for its imperial kiln culture dating back to the 11th century.

House of Birds Hand-Embroidered Pillow, handmade in Guatemala.

This 18″ by 18″ fabric is an impressive feat of hand embroidery created by Maria Mendoza, an artisan living near Lake Atitlan. Inspired by its abundance of colorful birds, Mendoza created her masterpiece.

Lapp Ceramics from Turkey

Enjoy a Michelin-starred experience when you dine at home on this set of two stoneware pieces created by Studio Hap. The intergalactic speckling pattern is an iconic emblem for this Turkish pottery firm, while its organically-shaped rims add to the experience.

Pastel Vessel from Rwanda

The gourd-shaped, foot-tall vase is handwoven from organically dyed sisal fiber and sweet grass. The subtle hues of pink, peach, and terra-cotta blend seamlessly with modern decors while Kazi artisans receive fair compensation (the Kazi has also been certified by Nest Seal-certified, one of the most rigorous standards used to evaluate artisan work production and supply chain management in Africa).)

Takazawa Nanao Candles from Japan

A long-running Ishikawa chandler handcrafts these curvaceous starter candles. Each shape pays homage to different plants found along the Noto peninsula and features sumac wrapped around a washi base that produces an enormous flame that flickers for two hours. Combine it with Takazawa’s sturdy cast-iron Koma stand for extra points!

Zaaf, the Indica Afar Weekender, Is Crafted in Ethiopia

Created by Ethiopian designer Abai Schulze, this stylish weekend bag features handwoven fabrics adorned with vibrant hornet colors. Each pouch takes approximately three weeks to craft, and its waxed leather is durable enough for any trip you take next.

Au Sabot Paris Steak Knife from France

If these stunning table knives look familiar to you, chances are you’ve spent plenty of time in Parisian bistros. Au Sabot’s stainless-steel blades are handmade in La Monnerie le Montel and attached to a Bubinga handle for durability and exceptional French artistry – which has been their forte for over 145 years! Not only that, but the company has earned itself the highly sought-after Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant seal for outstanding French artistry since 1845!

At Flomato&Fork, you’ll find plenty of trending stories, 42 best things to do in Paris, Julia Eskins’ 28 best activities to do in Barcelona, and more. Gemma Akham offers inspiration on The 36 Most Beautiful Places In Italy, while Caitlin Morton covers couples’ travel for some truly romantic destinations around the globe. CNT Editors has put together this list based on expert opinions compiled from many sources over time.

Cielo Baskets from Colombia

Handwoven using Chocolatillo and Pajama Tetera – two natural fibers indigenous to Colombia and Peru – these stunning baskets come in two sizes and are strong enough for shopping at a farmer’s market. Procured through fair-trade arrangements with 25 artisans from Guapi, a riverside village only four miles from the Pacific Ocean.

Ceramic Straws from Denmark

Are you looking to reduce your plastic use and opt for something more sustainable? Frida Ceramics offers these exquisite Danish ceramic straws. Each straw is unique due to the marbleized clay base available in seven colors; plus, these straws are dishwasher-safe!

Suhani Pittie Earrings from India

Suhani Pittie Earrings feature white pearls and sea-green anemones in these gold-plated earrings designed by Suhani Pittie from Hyderabad. Nickel free and hypo-allergenic to 100 percent, these nickel-free earrings will stay looking new no matter how many holiday gatherings you wear them too!

Red Clay Serving Bowl

Zapotec women from San Marcos Tlapazola, Oaxaca, handmade these earthenware bowls with rustic designs. After firing in an outdoor kiln, these pots can be safely used in the oven.

Yaguarete Vs Curuyu Tapestry of Argentina

Graphic designer Alan Berry Rhys from Buenos Aires designed this striking tapestry, but Rosa Ines Andrade, an expert stitcher from Tinogasta in Catamarca, Argentina, performed the actual embroidery. (She learned this art from her mom Alddisira Flores de Andrada.) Each 23″-by-31″ banner featuring a sacred jaguar wrestling with a snake takes around 40 days to construct.

Cushendale Corran Wool Throw from Ireland

Ahh…hygge! Nothing beats curling up with a good book, drinking hot tea,

and snuggling under an inviting woolen blanket! Barrow Valley designed these stunning throws in the Kilkenny region, where Cushendale Woollen Mills has been running a family business for six generations. Sourced from Irish farmers raising indigenous Galway sheep, this wool is dyed, spun, and woven at two heritage-owned mills in Ireland: silver, indigo, sage, and heather pink.

Little Lovely Lamp from Sweden

Created especially for Swedish Ninja founder Maria Gustavsson, this fun table lamp was handmade in Sweden with two Opaline globes that sway gracefully on metal beams that have been powder coated and covered in hand-pressed leather. A cork-like bottom helps protect it from scratching furniture too! Available in various shades such as strawberry red, sunshine yellow or bubblegum pink – there’s sure to be a style that suits your mood perfectly!

Indigo Arrows Lumbar Pillow from Canada

Do you feel one with the cosmic? Bring this soft Moon-shaped copper pillow from Destiny Seymour’s Elements collection – designed by an Anishinaabe textile designer from Winnipeg, Manitoba – into your home. Each pillow is printed by hand on natural linen with non-toxic inks and comes complete with an insert that can be removed and a hidden brass zipper for easy access.

These Zig Zag Salad Servers from Kenya

Will have guests asking you about the story behind them. Crafted out of wild African olivewood and finished with bone sustainably harvested from two artisan groups: Wood Carvers of Kenya and Acacia Creations, these beautiful tools make ideal gifts for hostesses or other special guests.

Tombo Towels Are Hand Crafted in Japan

Anyone who’s experienced the bliss of a Japanese sendo can attest to how rejuvenating they can be. Now, you can bring this ancient cleansing ritual home with a Tombo hand bath and face towels made by Tombo. Crafted using shuttle looms in Southern Osaka’s Senshu region where togarashi — finer weave after post weave — reign supreme. Available in dove, snow white, gray, or midnight blue — Tombo towels feature two layers of ultra-absorbent pile inside for softness but durability; quick drying too!

As part of the judging process, more than 18,000 companies from 130 countries were evaluated. At the end of the year, more than 3,000 companies across different regions were announced. There were several top brands present at the event from around the globe. The awards ceremony was marked by guest speeches by Mr Emmet Kelly, Mr Gustavo A. Montero, Dr Emmanuel Lamptey, and Mr Ritu Kant Ojha, followed by the awards presentation by H.E. Dr Sania A. Ansariand  Mr Gustavo A. Montero.

This year’s Global Brands Magazine awards night provided executives from top brands across the globe with an opportunity to come together and receive coveted awards. The event was embraced by diverse brands such as Etihad, Dubai duty-free, Tecno Mobile, FBN Bank, AG&P, Awe Research, Labaid and other prominent brands.

Commenting on the awards, Jay Reddy, Director at Global Brands Magazine, stated, “The awards this year were quite elaborate with more than 18000 companies being evaluated across various categories and criteria. The combined brand value of these companies was more than 1 trillion pounds. At the end of the process, we are honoured to have these prestigious companies under one roof. The companies place the greatest value on building long-term brand value through long-term customer satisfaction.”

About Global Brands Magazine

Global Brands Magazine (GBM) has been at the forefront, bringing news, views, and opinions on brands shaping the future of their industry. The UK-based magazine provides the latest news and information on best-in-class brands across the globe. Each year, GBM develops a series of awards for companies that stand out and have a unique vision, exceptional service, innovative solutions, and consumer-centric products among their industry leaders. Global Brands Magazine Awards provide high levels of recognition and reviews to its Partners, which significantly impact their BRANDING in SOCIAL & DIGITAL spaces.

The Central Bank of Cameroon (Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale – BEAC) regulates and supervises the country’s banking sector. It is responsible for ensuring stability and soundness in the financial system, as well as promoting financial inclusion and supporting economic growth.

Despite the growth in the banking sector, access to financial services remains a challenge for many Cameroonians, particularly those in rural areas. The government and the Central Bank of Cameroon have launched initiatives aimed at increasing financial inclusion and promoting the use of formal financial services.

Overall, the banking sector in Cameroon plays a critical role in supporting the country’s economic development, and efforts are ongoing to make it more inclusive and accessible to all.

Here’s a list of notable banks in Cameroon with their headquarters address:

Please keep in mind that this information is subject to change, and it’s always best to check with the bank directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.