CBI Scotland has stated that with record levels of devolved funding from Westminster announced in the UK Budget, “there is no time to waste“ in building momentum to achieve long-term growth. In its Scottish Budget submission, the trade body also argued that it is an opportune time to embark on new period of collaboration between…
It comes in different colors and the labels are customizable.Check it out on TikTok!Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small business that was founded by Steph Hon as a way to eliminate single-use travel-sized plastics. The containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. BuzzFeed contributor Abby Kass has these and loves them! Here’s what she has to say about them: “I recently got a set of four of these, and, wow, I love them so much. I used them on a six-day trip recently, and they were perfect. I customized the label so I knew which one was my shampoo vs. conditioner and did a general label for any other things I wanted to bring along. They do hold a surprising amount. According to the brand, they hold approximately one to two weeks of skincare products, more than two weeks’ worth of serum, two to three days’ worth of haircare, and more than 15 tablets (for medicine and such). And while two to three days worth of haircare might not seem like enough, I found it held more than that for me, but I also don’t wash my hair every single day. They were small enough to slip right into my toiletries bag and go through TSA with no problem. The container was easy to open in the shower (even with wet hands), and I had no leakage from them (like I did from my face wash bottle that will not be making the trip with me next time. SMH). These are an incredibly useful tool anyone who travels will want in their luggage.”Get the daily routine capsule set from Amazon for $130 or a set of seven from Cadence for $161 (available in seven colors and with label customization).
Travel Expert Samantha Brown Shares Airport Kindness Tip
Traveling for the holidays can bring up a lot of stressful feelings. But even though things can get a little taxing toward the end of the year, there’s one tip you can incorporate into your “airport routine” to make your travel experience a little more enjoyable.
Samantha Brown, who has been a television travel host for over 25 years (you may know her from hosting Travel Channel shows like Great Hotels and Passport to Europe), recently posted a video on Instagram about an incredibly helpful and thoughtful tip: “Here is my best travel hack on how you can make the airport a wonderful place; a great experience.”
“Okay, you know how I say, ‘Always confirm your gate before you do anything else?’ (i.e., you go to the restroom, get a cup of coffee, or that kind of thing).”
“So, you’re at your gate. Right now, take a look around. Is there a person who’s in a wheelchair that’s all alone? They can’t go anywhere. Maybe there’s a single caregiver whose hands are full with kids or an aging parent. Go up to them and say, ‘Hey, I’m going to get a cup of coffee, would you like one? Or can I get you anything? Can I get ya a bottle of water, a snack?'”
“It’s my privilege; of course, I don’t charge — and it’s just a nice thing to do. As we’re all talking about how we can make the world a kinder place, this is just one way to do it.”
After when Samantha posted this video, not only did people love this idea, but someone who uses a wheelchair confirmed this tip could be helpful for those who need assistance.
A person with kids also confirmed this as well.
And finally, another person from the loved one’s point of view provided their thoughts.
People also provided alternative, non-financial ways to show kindness to others in the airport.
For instance, this person said to ask if a wheelchair user needs to go to the bathroom.
Then someone provided an example of how they helped someone who just broke their foot.
Someone else said you can also ask the ticket agents if they need anything if they can’t leave their post.
However, another user said it would be great for airports to hire teams to provide assistance as well.
At the end of the day, it’s nice to hear all the ways we can be kinder to strangers.
So, do you have any kind travel gestures that may help others? Tell us what they are and why they work in the comments below.
Those travelling to Tenerife have been warned to take extreme action after the sunshine island was ‘gripped by deadly infection’. A huge rise in ‘deadly’ winter viruses has arisen on the Canary Islands which is popular among winter sunshine hotspots overseas. But there has been a surge in the number of cases of Covid, flu…
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The Met Office has slapped a rare amber weather warning on four UK regions as Storm Bert threatens to wreak havoc across large parts of Britain later this week.The 10-hour alert is in place for parts of Scotland this weekend, as gusts of up to 70mph will hammer into the British Isles.The Grampian, Central, Tayside & Fife, Highlands & Eilean Siar, and Strathclyde areas are all impacted by the severe warning between 7am and 5pm on Saturday, November 23.Storm Bert’s arrival follows a week of wintry showers and freezing temperatures, which have already caused hazardous conditions across northern and exposed areas.Snow and ice warnings remain in place for parts of the UK through Friday, as cold air persists.The weather warning from the Met Office reads: “Heavy snow will spread northeastwards on Saturday morning, giving significant accumulations in many areas. Accumulations of 10-20 cm are likely on ground typically above 200m, with potentially as much as 20-40 cm on hills above 400m.”Snow will eventually revert to rain during Saturday afternoon, but may be preceded by a short spell of freezing rain in places adding to the ice risk.Strengthening winds will lead to drifting of lying snow, with difficult travelling conditions likely on higher level routes, and the risk of interruptions to power supplies. A fairly rapid thaw of lying snow is then likely on Saturday night as milder air moves in.”Southern and western regions of the UK will face heavy rainfall, with 50-75 mm expected widely and over 100 mm possible in parts of Wales and southwest England.Rapid snowmelt and periods of strong winds are likely to exacerbate the risks of flooding and travel disruption. In northern England and Scotland, snowfall could be heavy, particularly over elevated areas.What to ExpectTravel Delays: Roads are likely to face significant delays, with some vehicles and passengers potentially stranded.Power Cuts: Outages are likely, impacting mobile phone coverage and other essential services.Rural Communities: Some rural areas may become cut off due to heavy snowfall.Rail Travel: Delays and cancellations are expected across the rail network.Hazardous Surfaces: Untreated pavements and cycle paths may become impassable.Injuries: Slips and falls on icy surfaces are likely, posing risks to pedestrians.The Met Office urges everyone to prepare for severe weather impacts and follow updates as Storm Bert approaches.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued Cold Health Alerts for England, urging health and social care professionals to prepare for the impacts of prolonged cold weather. The public is also encouraged to stay informed and take precautions.RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “With freezing temperatures already causing disruption, we advise motorists to plan well and ensure vehicles are winter-ready. Stick to major roads, reduce speeds, and carry essentials like blankets, warm clothing, and phone chargers.”The unsettled weather is expected to persist into early next week, with strong winds and showers affecting many areas.Although temperatures will average out for most, a brief return to colder conditions with wintry showers may occur before milder weather resumes by the end of next week.
Behind the physical prowess of fighters, there’s a mental game going on in the background. A major component of that game is fear. One can imagine stepping into a ring in front of thousands in the crowd millions behind the screen. The world is watching. The screams and shouts fill the atmosphere, and the noise deafens. Lights illuminate the ring. The person on the other side is ready to kill if needed. Fear is bound to creep in here. It’s imminent. The battle started long before the bell rang. The build-up, the weigh-ins, media, fans so many other things have been eating away at the psyche. The Science of FearThe body activates the sympathetic nervous system in the face of danger. It gives us two options: fight or flight. We can either face the danger or run away from it. In a ring, flight is never an option. One can only pick the other one. As a result, the heart rate shoots up, the skin starts to sweat profusely and blood rushes into the veins. Fear and anxiety are part and parcel of this process. In combat sports, fighters often describe time as slowing down and feeling hyperaware of their surroundings. Yet, fear also tends to distort perception, making them hesitate or second-guess their decisions—potentially fatal errors in the ring. Managing these physiological and psychological changes becomes a vital skill for fighters.
Read More: Indian Philosophical Perspectives on Anxiety and FearHistorical PerspectiveIn prehistoric times, fear was essential for survival since there were predators all around. It was the fear of getting hurt or mauled that made us run away. While fear once meant survival, today it’s a mental opponent in the ring. It doesn’t matter if one is getting his face pounded in or his ribs are being cracked up from the punches. The fight will stop only when they are no longer conscious or if they have given up. Taking words from fighters’ accounts, no feeling is worse than watching yourself get upbeat in front of millions. Fear can stem from many things. The fear of getting injured is beyond repair. Also, the fear of a career-ending concussion. The fear of getting a loss on the record. The fear stems not just from physical pain but from the humiliation, the tarnished legacy, and an overwhelming sense of failure.
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani: Praise be to God that our country, Qatar, has been successful at management. Its management is exemplary in many aspects. The country has a great global standing, with good relationships built on mutual respect and shared interests with other countries. This is attractive to investors both from Qatar and abroad.I believe that Qatar will one day become one of the most important commercial centres in the world, just like Singapore and Hong Kong. We have the potential to become like these countries. When Doha created Al Dafna, and towers were built there, it was the private sector that built 70-80% of them. The Pearl was also built by the private sector, where as the government focused on building infrastructure.The same applies to Lusail. The government ensured compliance with quality standards, and so on. The same approach was followed in the manufacturing sector, as in Mesaieed Industrial City. The more opportunities the government offers, whether in manufacturing, business, real estate, or any other sector, the more creative businessmen, citizens, and entrepreneurs are.Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faisal Al Thani: Much investment has been made in the country, especially in infrastructure. If we look at the airport today in Qatar, it is one of the leading airports globally. One of the advantages that we have today is the new port in Doha, which makes accessibility in Qatar much easier. The free zone is also one of the key strengths of the market here, offering a one-stop shop and all the foundations required for any manufacturing business. These are all aspects that provide a great opportunity for any business or investor that is looking to invest in Qatar.Tarek El Sayed: As part of its economic diversification strategy, Qatar has been focusing on improving its hospitality sector to make it a world-class tourist destination. Al Faisal Holding has created an iconic hotel portfolio through its fully-owned subsidiary, ARTIC. As of early 2024, the ARTIC portfolio had 35 hotels, 12 of which are in Qatar. The remaining are elsewhere in the MENA region, Europe and the US. Al Faisal Holding was one of the first Qatari companies to successfully expand its operations overseas.Sheikh Turki Bin Faisal Al Thani: Al Faisal Holding is a very diverse company that is investing in many different sectors. Having access to the knowledge of those sectors is hugely beneficial to Al Jazi Real Estate. One of the main points of knowledge that we have is the impact of digital transformation on these different sectors.Sherif Shehata: We are starting to think about the next vision, which will focus on health IT. We will continue our business in medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, and we will expand into health IT. We managed to secure a significant countrywide project with the Hospital Information Exchange (HIE) initiative, as well as track-and-trace for medications, which will enhance healthcare services in Qatar.Sheikh Jassim Bin Faisal Al Thani: Qatar National Vision 2030 provides the main guidelines for investors to choose the sectors they want to invest in. We are beginning to recognise that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles have become critically important to investors. As a private equity investor, we place great importance on ESG.Sheikha Al Jazi Bin Faisal Al Thani: Qatar has become a cultural hub by showcasing its local heritage and also hosting and displaying its global heritage. The population of Qatar is growing at a fast pace, and it is ethnically and nationally diverse. This have provided the country an opportunity to become a cultural hub for both local and global heritage. We have created one of the largest private museums in the world, the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. It houses more than 17,000 artefacts and covers over 25,000 square meters in size. The museum is a symbol of our commitment to the local community, and to nurturing a place for heritage for future generations to enjoy.Mona El Helbawi: The museum launched an international exhibition, “The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue,” and it has traveled to many European cities and countries, visiting under the patronage of UNESCO. Culture, education, and sports have been essential pillars at Al Faisal Holding. This is due to the vision of the founder, Sheikh Faisal, over the past 40 years.This focus comes not just from his vision, but also, I believe, from a true passion for investing in future generations. Many organizations have been established within the sports sector, such as the Sheikh Faisal Sports Academy, which is affiliated with various national federations in Qatar and the Olympic Committee. We also have the Al Samriya Riding School, which operates in line with international equestrian standards in terms of facilities and programs.Mohammad Ramahi: Al Faisal Holding operates in a dynamic environment, leveraging the strength of its diversified operations. This diversification allows us to mitigate risks and navigate fluctuations in economic conditions and market terms.Ali Mahmoudy: We are a group with more than 60 years of heritage, which is why we need to have solid corporate governance that will ensure family succession, and meet business needs in a rapidly changing environment. In today’s world, we are living in a very complex business environment that pushes all groups to be agile and ensures good corporate governance. This is essential to growing our footprint while preserving our heritage.Abdulrazzaq Kuwari: Currently, Al Faisal Holding has a very robust procurement department. We focus mainly on supporting small and medium local businesses here, depending on their specialty. We look into the companies in terms of how we can support them, offering assistance to all our entities, and following international best practices.Rashid Al Mansoori: Aamal was one of the first companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) in 2007. The chairman, Sheikh Faisal, has been a key player in the Qatari economy for 60 years. When he was thinking of listing Aamal, he selected a number of companies that were suitable to be listed on the stock exchange. He thus created a catalyst and motivated other companies in Qatar to list on the QSE, as they saw the success of Aamal in capital markets. If you consider the current cost of finance, the listing of family-owned companies is a more affordable means of financing and raising capital.Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani: The most important element of success is adhering to highly moral values, and to want for others what you want for yourself. Do not look at competitors as enemies. The market is big enough, and each investor will get their share. You should not try to control the whole market.If you do that, you will fail. Look at competitors as brothers, and support one another. That is better than competing. I was lucky to choose the right people to start this journey with me.I chose people who loved to work. This is the most important pillar of success. The people working with me are more important than capital or any other factor. In the last few years, I have aimed to have an impact on the Qatari, Arab, and global societies.I started with charity work through the Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation, which is focused on education. We try to try to educate others as much as possible; I believe that education is what matters. It is the one thing nobody can take away. If you offer someone something to eat or wear, it will be consumed quickly – but if you provide them with education, they and their family will evolve.Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faisal Al Thani: Qatar had humble beginnings, starting with the discovery of oil. Today it has transformed into a more sustainable economy that is less reliant on the hydrocarbons sector. All this has been achieved by having a vision and a private sector that supports that vision. At Al Faisal Holding, we are very proud of what has been achieved over 60 years.Sheikh Tamim Bin Faisal Al Thani: Al Faisal Holding is an excellent example of a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), as it started as a small business founded by my father, Sheikh Faisal. Over time, it grew bigger and bigger, and now it is one of the most diverse companies in the country, setting an example of what can be achieved by SMEs. You always have to start with something, even if it is something small.Sheikh Thani Bin Faisal Al Thani: I believe family businesses provide strong foundations for younger generations, as they encourage entrepreneurship. One thing that makes me proud is that we are always together. When I see people working, I see a family working.Sheikh Khaled Bin Faisal Al Thani: If you go back 20 years, there were only a few people involved in the private sector. Today, many hundreds of Qataris are joining the private sector. They have their own businesses; it has become part of the culture. A lot of Qataris, once they grow up and finish high school, start thinking about what to do to create their own business. There is a lot of encouragement from the government for growth. There is also a lot of encouragement for foreign investment, so there is much potential to be seen over the next 10 years.
Starbucks is currently weighing its options regarding its Chinese operations and considering the possibility of selling shares in the business to a local partner, according to a report.The international coffee chain, which has been experiencing declining demand for its beverages in key markets like the U.S. and China, has been in discussions with advisers to consider bringing a local partner on board, Bloomberg reported, citing people in knowledge of the matter. ‘This development comes as Starbucks aims to revamp its U.S. stores while gaining a deeper insight into its operations in China. The company has been actively gauging interest from potential investors, including domestic private equity firms.A stake sale could also attract interest from Chinese conglomerates or local firms with industry expertise. However, Starbucks is still in the evaluation phase and has not made a final decision.The coffee chain has been under a lot of pressure from Elliott Investment Management, which wants the company to thoroughly review its Chinese business. This approach is not unprecedented, as similar restaurant chains like McDonald’s and Yum! Brands have opted to sell shares to local entities to better harness growth and cater to local tastes.China ranks second in terms of global market share of Starbucks. The Chinese market alone generated approximately US$3 billion of net revenue in the most recent financial year, thanks to an extensive store expansion in the country.Earlier this week, a spokesperson for Starbucks said that the company is “fully committed to our business and partners, and to growing in China.””We are working to find the best path to growth, which includes exploring strategic partnerships,” the spokesperson added.Meanwhile, under the leadership of new CEO Brian Niccol, Starbucks is focused on improving employee work conditions, an issue that’s become so prevalent that it led to unionization. Niccol plans to tackle operational challenges by increasing staffing in 3,000 stores and implementing the Siren Craft System — a legacy from former CEO Laxman Narasimhan — to streamline operations and minimize bottlenecks.Niccol wants to recover the brand by making Starbucks more employee-friendly like his previous employer, Chipotle, which has seen its shares increase by 31%.This year, Starbucks shares have underperformed, with its stock currently valued at 3 times its total sales in 2023. This is lower than McDonald’s, which is valued at 8 times its sales, and Dutch Bros, which is valued at 3.7 times its sales.