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May 2023

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Elliott Custom Brokers acquisition

The March 2023 acquisition of Elliott Custom Brokers allowed us to expand our Canadian customs brokerage operation, by adding the Elliott team and their client base.  With this acquisition, we welcomed Lizanne Gray and Karen Gasbarino to the Universal Team.  We named Lizanne as our Manager – Customs Operations, Toronto Airport.   

Since April 17th, Lizanne and Karen have continued to handle the Canadian customs brokerage needs of the previous Elliott Custom Brokers clients, while providing the high level of client service that the Elliott clients have become accustomed to.


Summer Family Event – Bruce’s Mill

Come one, come all, to this year’s carnival themed Summer Event!  We’re returning to Bruce’s Mill in Stouffville on Saturday, July 8th for an afternoon of fun featuring:

 Interactive Inflatables…

Jungle Combo Hungry Hippo

Carnival & Racing Games…

Sack races, tug of war, and more!

Airbrush Tattoos & Magic Mirror Photo Booth…

Air Brush Magic Mirror

And of course,

Delicious Food, Drinks & Ice Cream!

Food truck Ice cream truck

It’s not too late to join the fun – please let Claudia know as soon as possible if you can attend!


Save The Date

Christmas Party

Believe it or not – the Christmas Season is just around the corner!  And so is our Staff Christmas Party, which will be held on:

  • Friday, December 15

Please save the date and plan on attending. We will be at a new venue this year – stay tuned for more details in the coming months!


Conferences & Crabs: CTN Sri Lanka & a Reunion with Charlie
Contributor: Mark Glionna

This year’s Certified Transportation Network (CTN) conference took us half way around the world to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, also known as the Teardrop of India, Sri Lanka.

Paul and I travelled to Colombo, Sri Lanka and met with over 50 companies from around the globe.  Meeting in person with our freight forwarding agent partners from all corners of the world gives us a unique understanding and perspective of local markets and conditions that affect international trade.  We use these valuable insights to enhance our operations and to share with our clients.

One of the added bonuses of travelling to Sri Lanka was the opportunity to say hello to an old friend of the Universal Logistics family – Charlie (Chalaka) Herman.  It was fantastic to see Charlie again; he hasn’t changed, he’s still smiling and he and his family are doing great.

Family
Left to Right: Paul, Anushka, Onella, Emith, Charlie, Thehan, Mark

Charlie was a most generous host.  He entertained us with wonderful meals, and toured us around the city of Colombo and beyond.  We enjoyed a 5 course lunch together at Mr. Crab, located in Negombo by the beach.

Before dinner

Take a closer look at the “after dinner” photo below and try to spot the difference from the “before dinner” photo above (…hint – we had a lot of fun!!).

After dinner

We passed along everyone’s well wishes to Charlie and he was most happy to share in his fond memories of his Universal friends – highlighted by some of Charlie’s famous dance moves at the Universal Christmas party.


Oswaldo’s Trip to Thailand
Contributor: Oswaldo Arteaga

     

Fight Poster

On March 10th, I embarked on a new self-growth journey to Thailand, where I would take part in a 5-day Muay Thai seminar that was hosted by grandmasters and former professional fighters, champions, and living-legends of the sport.  The seminar took place in the ancient city of Ayutthaya, which was the capital of Thailand (formerly known as the Siam Kingdom) until the 18th century.  

The uniqueness of this seminar was not only highlighted by the fact that the practical teachings were run by icons and true ambassadors of the art, but also by classroom teachings and in-person visits to historic sites, which are considered to be sacred to the culture and heritage of Thailand.

Upon completion of the seminar, I travelled from Ayutthaya back to Bangkok, and then the northern city of Chiang Mai – birthplace of my teacher, and friend of Universal Logistics, Ajahn Suchart Yodkerepauprai.

In Chiang Mai, I attended a gym known as Boon Lanna Muay Thai, which is owned by Ajahn Suchart’s nephew.

On Sunday, March 19th, I arrived in Chiang Mai and wanted to further experience some fighter training in the motherland of the sport.

While the gym is normally closed on Sundays, it opened its doors for their North American visitors; one Canadian instructor, two fighters from the U.S., and three instructors from Mexico.  Session One took place and was completed in two hours of rigorous training.

I imagined fighting in Thailand as a dream, but was unsure if I would be able to compete, since I didn’t go through any specific camp to do so.  However, I asked Ajahn if competition would be an option, and Ajahn gave me his blessing by stating that I “was ready”.

Typically, visitor fighters must train for at least one week before being allowed to compete in the name of the gym.  However, after careful observation of the first training session, Master Boon approved of my technique and allowed me to fight, offering me a fight in 48-hours against an opponent completely unknown to me. 

With Ajahn’s blessing, I accepted the fight.

The fight was scheduled to take place at the main city’s stadium on the night of Tuesday, March 22nd.  It was to be a professional fight – no protection, just gloves, and all weapons allowed.  Each of the 5 rounds would last 3 minutes. 

The following day, I attended two more training sessions at the gym, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.  I ended the day sore and exhausted, wondering if I would be able to recover in time for the fight.  I knew that, from this point on, until the fight, the challenge would be mental.

On the day of the fight, I woke up and spent it mostly alone in my hotel room.  I meditated, read and disconnected from the world of social media.  This, in great part, meant disconnecting from my family in Canada and limiting interactions with my wife, who was now extremely nervous for me.

Fighters

I joined my companions, who at this point decreased to the two US fighters, and one instructor from Mexico.  We shared some laughs over dinner before heading to the stadium.  When we arrived, we noticed posters all over the streets, highlighting the fights of a Canadian and an American against two Thai fighters.  I was scheduled to be the co-main event of the night.

     

 

Oswaldo & his opponent

It was time.  After reminding myself of the goal I aimed to accomplish, I was warmed up and ready to enter the ring.  My name was called as the representative of both the local gym and Canada: “Oswaldo, Boon Lanna Muay Thai, from Canada!”

I kneeled before the stairs to the ring, and performed a ritual prayer that was taught to me in the seminar.  As I ascended the stairs, I touched the ropes and prayed again before hopping over, walking to the middle of the ring and saluting the judges, the referee, and the crowd.

Part of the Muay Thai tradition is the Wai Kru Ram Muay, a pre-fight dance where the fighter shows gratitude and respect to his teachers, trainers, family, the sport and the land of Thailand.  I performed a beautiful ritual and walked back to my corner for last minute instructions and respective blessing.  The referee then called both fighters to the middle of the ring to remind us of the rules.  We went back to our corners and the bell rang.

     

Behind the Scenes

  Behind the Scenes

Round one.  My instructions were to keep it simple in order to study the opponent.  It is imperative to note that it has been seven years since I last fought; therefore, it was crucial that I also regulated myself to avoid exhaustion and to get accustomed to being back in the ring.  The opponent attacked with solid kicks and I blocked most of them, landing some kicks of my own.  Three minutes went by and the fight started with a typical, but not guaranteed, slow pace.

Round two.  I was instructed to use my hands more, and pick the aggression up a bit.  Knowing that my opponent would initiate with kicks, I began to work my counter-strategy, avoiding being hit as much as possible, and shooting in return while cutting off the ring to trap my opponent against the ropes.  In this round, I managed to land some hard shots, which seemed to earn my opponent’s respect.

Round three. I felt more confident as the final round began.  I managed to continue avoiding my opponent’s shots and landed my own with timing and precision.  And then, in an exchange from both fighters, I managed to land a left kick on my opponent’s liver.  My opponent went down and I was declared the winner via knock-out.

Knockout
Knockout

As the crowd cheered, I was relieved to see the outcome, smiled and thanked everyone for the support by bowing.  I went over to my opponent and payed my respects by bowing and thanking him for the fight.

Winner
Winner

It was such a happy moment.  I immediately called my family to share the news and to let everyone know that I was okay and unharmed.  I shared the news on my social media and the love and support that I received by the community in Canada was overwhelming.

It was truly an unforgettable experience.


CN Tower Climb for Nature
Contributors: Alice Yan & Sharon Fong

CN Tower Ice cream truck

Standing at 533.3 meters tall (1,815.3 feet), 114 storeys above ground, the CN Tower is a go-to for tourists and locals alike.  But how many dare to climb the stairs from the ground up to the Observation Level?  In 1989, Brendan Keenoy set the all-time record for climbing the CN Tower, 7 minutes and 52 seconds.  This year, nearly 5,000 participants signed up to conquer the daunting 1,776 steps up the CN Tower in support of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).  In this joint effort, a whopping $1.36 million was raised for the conservation efforts of WWF-Canada

When Alice Yan brought up the idea to rise to the challenge, I immediately said no – whereas Alice is like the Energizer Bunny, I resonate more with WWF’s logo, the giant panda.  Upon realizing that it was for charity, I, begrudgingly, agreed.  We attempted to recruit friends, family and coworkers to join our trek up the steps, to no avail.  However, everyone was very ready to cheer us on and donate to our page, and we doubled our initial goal of $500.00, donating our personal fundraising prizes back to the charity. 

MTCC

We both had our initial anxieties, after all, we signed ourselves up to climb 144 flights of stairs!  We woke up bright and early on Sunday, April 16th to make it to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) for our 8:00AM start time, ready to abandon all non-medical belongings at coat check since they were prohibited.  Climbers from all walks of life were welcomed by children’s artwork, in a wonderful amalgamation of animals and messages of support.  At the line-up to enter, we were advised of the paramedics situated on every few floors, ready with buckets.  Alice was not too pleased at the mention of buckets. 

Exiting the MTCC, we followed the volunteers’ directions to the belly of the beast.  When I imagined this climb, I thought it would be dungeon-like and entirely concrete, but the stairs are metal and I kept imagining my puffer falling between the steps and hitting someone on the way down.  Alice thought the steps would be steeper and that the journey would be smellier (see: buckets), but she was pleasantly surprised and all her previous anxieties melted away – until we took my first puffer break, then her anxieties were directly tied to my meager lung capacity. 

     

Panda

Getting to the final flights, more and more support poured out of fellow participants who encouraged each other as we all made our final strides to the finish.  Unfortunately for us, the 144th flight was not the last flight of stairs that we would have to take before actually making it to the Observation Level. 

After scanning our wristbands to lock down our time, there was something like 10 more flights of stairs to get to the top – more pictures of encouragement were in these stairwells, pretty, but not easing any of the burning in my legs.  To get to the elevators, there were more stairs.  On our way back to the MTCC there were more stairs.  I think that we definitely ended up climbing more than the advertised 144 flights. 

Alice Yan & Sharon Fong after surviving the CN Tower stairs!

     

After the Climb

We finished the climb in 53 minutes and 30 seconds!  The average amount of time it takes is
30-40 minutes, but we are still very proud of our time and look forward to improving next year – both in time and number of teammates! 

The fastest climber this year was Shaun Stephens-Whale, 10 minutes and 31 seconds, who is also the record holder for WWF-Canada’s fastest ever climb, 9 minutes and 55 seconds, in 2017.  

Maybe next year, we will follow his 10-week training program

 


Something’s Brewing
Contributor: Alice Yan

Extreme Sports!

From snowboarding and skateboarding to wingsuit flying and mountain hiking, there is no shortage of thrilling activities for adrenaline junkies. 

Extreme Sports is a term used for sports that require participants to show considerable skill and physical ability whilst under the considerable risk of physical harm.  In 2022, the most popular Extreme Sports globally were base jumping, highlining, and ice climbing.  In the U.S. alone, the top 3 were
skateboarding, mountain biking and rock climbing.

Parachutes Climbing

BENEFITS – These sports are wildly different than those we are familiar with.  They aren’t team sports, nor are there any direct opponents.  The only opponent the participant faces is themselves and nature.  Extreme Sports can help increase confidence, focus, and body control.

DOWNSIDES – Like it or not, extreme situations go hand in hand with risks to human life and health.  Very often, inexperience and accidents can lead to serious injury.  Moreover, Extreme Sports put the entire body under stress, so it is imperative to gradually adapt it to heavy loads of this pressure.  Constant bursts of adrenaline can also hurt the human body.

     

BMX

Nowadays, a sponsor nearly synonymous with Extreme Sports itself, is Red Bull.  Their attempt at sports sponsorship as a marketing exercise started in the 1990s.  Initially, much of their activities were focused on the Extreme Sports sector, such as cliff diving, BMX, skiing, flying, and skateboarding.  Red Bull is now better known for their two Formula One teams, three football clubs, and endless string of Extreme Sports events.

Top Red Bull Extreme Sports events around the world

Simple Session – skating

Simple Session – BMX

Volcom Pipe Pro

Freeride World Tour

Red Bull’s marketing strategy proved to be hugely successful, with models handing out free cans of the drink, and ensuring that everything related to Extreme Sports was branded with their name and logo.

Summer 2023 – In the next 2 months, we can explore the Red Bull events below.  You can enjoy these in the host country, or you can watch all the games through Red Bull TV.

  Red Bull Pit Stop Challenge:  May 15-June 15Multiple locations in Quebec, Canada.
  Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series:  June 3Boston, United States (Live on Red Bull TV).
  Canadian Grand Prix 2023:  June 16-June 18Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, QC, Canada.

     

Rafting

If these Extreme Sports are too wild for you, there are still adventures that you can embark on this summer!

Ziplining – Niagara Falls / Whistler Sasquatch

Extreme Rafting – Kicking Horse River

Helicopter Tour – New York / Manhattan

Jet Ski Tour – New York Harbor

 Question:  What is the Guinness World Record for the longest wheelchair ramp jump?

A. 27.67 feet
B. 328 feet
C. 21.35 feet
D. 70 feet

Click on the question above, submit your answer to Sharon, and you’re eligible to win!

Submission deadline
Friday, June 9th (Noon)

Prize
$25 Tim Hortons, Starbucks or Amazon gift card for the 2 winners
(If more than two contestants have the right answer, we will pick the winning names out of a hat)


Kudos Corner

Kudos Corner

Kudos (Noun) – Praise & honour received for an achievement

Kudos Corner is a forum where Universal employees can recognize the efforts of their co-workers.  Bring forward candidates for Kudos Corner at your next Team Meeting or simply drop your Manager a line whenever you feel someone’s efforts should be recognized in Universal & You.

For this issue we received the following entries:

Submitted by John Leis of our Client Relations team:

On March 17th, Michael Glionna shared the good news of Universal’s acquisition of ECB!  A month later, on April 17th, Lizanne Gray and Karen Gasbarino started their journey with Universal, working alongside our wonderful Airport Office Team.  From the moment they arrived, our friendly Airport Team members went out of their way to ensure that Lizanne and Karen were warmly welcomed with a kind word, a friendly smile or even a warm cup of coffee!  Kudos to Michael A, Michael O, Michael S, Cindy, Veena, Roshin, Jikku and Socrates for always creating such a warm, welcoming environment at the AP Office and for representing our company so well with our new friends from ECB!

Submitted by Ivy Woo of our Customs Consulting Services team:

Brianna Murray of our Customs Operations team in Fort Erie brought to my attention that the country of origin for one of the Colgate products is listed incorrectly in the database.  When I looked into the past entries, we had two shipments that needed corrections.  I brought the issue to the client’s attention and they agreed to submit adjustments.  This helps us keep the database accurate and the client in compliance.  Well done Brianna!


Growing again

In Universal & You, we want to introduce all new employees.  We have new additions at the Airport office.  Please join us in welcoming Socrates Vijayarangan, Lizanne Gray, and Karen Gasbarino to the team!

Socrates Vijayarangan            Lizanne Gray
Name: Socrates Vijayarangan
Team: Distribution Services
Start date: April 10, 2023
  Name: Lizanne Gray
Team: Canadian Customs
            Operations (Elliott)
Start date: April 17, 2023
     
Karen Gasbarino             
Name: Karen Gasbarino
Team: Canadian Customs
            Operations (Elliott)
Start date: April 17, 2023
   
     

Book Buzz
Contributor: Barbara Mulatinho

Audiobooks

There’s really nothing like making it through a good book, but not everyone has the time to sit down and crack open a tome.  For those people, audiobooks are the way to go.  I was hooked from the first time I ever listened to one.  It’s like listening to a movie.  Audiobooks enhanced my reading life in so many ways, plus I love being able to listen to them while I do things like drive, do chores, and work out.

In order to help you get started, here are some tips:

How to get an audiobook

Libby 

  

Libby:  A great way to try out your first audiobook is through Libby, an e-library app.  You can request an e-card from your local library website and use it on Libby to borrow audiobooks, as well as eBooks, for free.  You can try as many audiobooks as you’d like without worrying about the cost, listen to samples and choose the speed of the narration.  The only drawback is that library systems have limited supplies, so you might have to put books on hold.

 

Audible  

  

Audible:  Powered by Amazon, Audible is an online audiobook service that allows users to purchase and stream audiobooks.  This content can be purchased individually, or under a $14.95 CAD monthly subscription model (For US users, it is $7.95 USD for a regular membership, and $14.95 USD for the premium membership).  Users receive 1 credit each month (which don’t expire), that can be redeemed for content.  Audible has an on-demand library of content with free Audible Originals.  Credits can be purchased in the user’s account, or they pay discounted member rates for individual books.  They offer a 30-day free trial which gets you 2 free audiobooks.

Sample your first audiobook – recommendations from the
Universal & You Team!

The Night Shift by Alex Finlay

     

The Night Shift by Alex Finlay

On New Year’s Eve 1999, four teenagers working late at a Blockbuster video store are attacked.  Only one survives.  The police identify a suspect, who flees and is never seen again.  Fifteen years later, more teenage employees are attacked at an ice cream store in the same town and, again, only one makes it out alive.

In the aftermath of the latest crime, three lives intersect: the lone survivor of the Blockbuster massacre, the brother of the massacre’s accused suspect, and FBI agent Sarah Keller who must delve into the secrets of both nights to uncover the truth about murders on the night shift.

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

     

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

Sixty-year-old self-proclaimed tea expert, Vera Wong, enjoys nothing more than sipping a good cup of Wulong and doing some healthy ‘detective’ work on the internet (AKA checking up on her son to see if he’s dating anybody yet).  But when Vera wakes up one morning to find a dead man in the middle of her tea shop, it’s going to take more than a strong Longjing to fix things.

Knowing she’ll do a better job than the police possibly could – because nobody sniffs out a wrongdoing quite like a suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands – Vera decides it’s down to her to catch the killer.

Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

     

Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

Late October.  After midnight.  You’re waiting up for your eighteen-year-old son.  As you watch from the window, he emerges, and he isn’t alone:  he’s walking towards a man, and he’s armed.  He kills a stranger, right there on the street outside your house.  You don’t know who.  You don’t know why.  You only know your son is now in custody, his future shattered.

That night you fall asleep in despair.  All is lost.  Until you wake…and it is yesterday.  And then you wake again…and it is the day before yesterday.  Every morning you wake up a day earlier, another day before the murder.  With another chance to stop it.  Somewhere in the past lies an answer, the trigger for this crime – and you don’t have a choice but to find it…


Culture and Entertainment
Contributor: Barbara Mulatinho

New Comedies

Over the past few years, distractions, like laughter, have become one of our top priorities.  But what is funnyFunny can describe straight-up ha-ha pleasure, but it can also mean odd, disconcerting, or suspicious.  In today’s crop of TV comedy, funny is not simple.  What counts as being a comedy in the age of dark humour and dramedies?  Is there more to a great comedy than how many times it makes you laugh?  I’ve put together a list of the funniest shows – not simply the best comedies – on television right now.  Obviously, humor is subjective, but if the 3 series below don’t make you laugh out loud, you might want to get your funny bone checked.

     

Shrinking

Dramedy (drama + comedy):  Shrinking
Available on Apple TV+

Shrinking is a charming dramedy, shedding light on darker themes in an offbeat, familial sort of way.  The series sees Jimmy, grappling with grief after his wife’s death, ironically against the backdrop of his profession:  a psychotherapist, practicing the art of helping others daily.  His fellow psychotherapists are also not in the best places emotionally (one undergoing a divorce and the other diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease).

This premise lends itself naturally to the greater questions of the show.  How does someone grieving – in mostly unhealthy, hedonistic ways – offer guidance to others?  What happens when your personal life often puts you in conflict with your professional foundation?  Shrinking is attempting to pull back the curtain on the challenges of caregiving, in an earnest fashion.

     

Dark Comedy Drama:  BEEF
Available on Netflix

Beef creates commanding television by twisting the idea of a fateful encounter.  Usually, when humans talk about chance meetings with other humans, we think of the positive.  Beef proposes the frightening scenario in which a once-in-a-lifetime moment could result in finding your mortal enemy, and the terrifying possibility that someone we’ve never met before could change our lives for the worse.

What makes Beef so anxiety-inducing and so gripping is that it fully explores what it means to hurt someone. While Beef is primarily about vengeance, it sizzles as class warfare commentary, and at times, a satire of the intersections of wealth and ethnicity in America.

     

Abbott Elementary

Mockumentary Sitcom:  Abbott Elementary
Available on Disney+

Willard R. Abbott Elementary School is a predominantly Black Philadelphia public school, where a documentary crew is recording the lives of teachers working in underfunded, mismanaged schools.  Conditions at the school are harsh and most teachers do not last more than two years.  Optimistic second-grade teacher, Janine Teagues, together with her colleagues, is determined to help the students despite the circumstances.

The series premiered on December 7, 2021, and was met with critical acclaim; the show’s first season was nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards, winning three.  In January 2023, the series was renewed for a third season.


Health and Lifestyle
Contributor: Veena Ramesh

On the Trail with Nature: All About Camping

Camping is a wonderful way to connect with nature, enjoy the great outdoors and spend quality time with family and friends.  Camping is a fantastic way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and enjoy the natural beauty.  There is a wide range of camping experiences available, from rugged wilderness camping to well-equipped campgrounds with modern amenities.  Whether you are a beginner or an experienced camper, here are some camping basics to help you have a successful and enjoyable camping trip.

Campsite

Camping is all the more fun when we are well equipped and have chosen a good campsite.  We will be talking about camping equipment and the points to consider when choosing a campsite.  If you are a first-time camper and don’t want to invest in all of these, you can always rent equipment from outdoor retailers or camping outfitters.

Camping equipment:

Tent

Water

Sleeping bags

Clothing layers

Camping stove

First aid kit

Cooking utensils

Insect repellant

Camping chairs

Basic toiletries

Food

   

Choose a tent that suits the size of your camping group and the weather conditions.  Look for one that has good ventilation and waterproof features.  

Always opt for sleeping bags appropriate for the expected temperature range.  Consider factors such as insulation, size and weight.  

Camping chairs should be lightweight and collapsible with a comfortable seat.

To illuminate your campsite for nighttime activities, lanterns or headlamps provide stable, more reliable lighting.  

Cookware and utensils:  Pots, pans, plates, bowls, cups and cutlery should be lightweight.  Insulated coolers are useful to keep food and beverages cold, especially for longer camping trips. Cast iron pans are really useful, as they retain the heat for longer and you can make virtually anything, from chili to a pizza to brownies.  They are however, quite heavy.  Always plan your meals ahead of time and pack non-perishable foods that are easy to prepare.

     

Cooking

Leave no trace:  Practise the “leave no trace” principle to minimize your impact on the environment.  Pack up all of the trash and dispose of it properly.  Respect wildlife and natural resources and avoid damaging or disturbing your surroundings.

To keep yourself entertained and in the moment, away from devices, remember to pack activities that bring you together with your group.  This includes, but is not limited to, frisbees, balls, playing cards, board games, and musical instruments.

Climate varies significantly, so it’s essential to consider the weather conditions and pack accordingly.  Be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially in the northern regions or at higher elevations, even during the summer months.  Check weather forecasts and dress in layers to adapt to changing conditions.

Choosing a suitable campsite:  Look for a campsite that fits your needs and preferences.  Consider factors like location, amenities, nearby attractions, and regulations.  National parks, provincial parks and private campgrounds are common options.

Campgrounds in Canada range from primitive sites with minimal amenities to fully serviced campgrounds with electricity, showers, and laundry facilities.  If you prefer a more rustic experience, backcountry camping might be an option.  However, if you prefer a higher level of comfort, consider campgrounds that offer more facilities.

Once you arrive at your chosen campsite:

Find a flat and level area to set up your tent.

Clear the ground of any rocks, branches, or debris.

Remember to follow any specific rules or guidelines provided by the campsite.

Keep your campsite tidy and organized to avoid losing or misplacing items.

Use storage bins or bags to keep your gear and supplies organized.

Create designated areas for cooking, sleeping, and relaxing.

     


Campfire

     

Campfire

One of the fun aspects of camping is building a campfire, sitting around it, roasting marshmallows and singing campfire songs.  But we should also be very careful about fire safety.

Always build a campfire in a designated fire pit or ring.

Ensure the area around the fire is clear of flammable materials.

Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.

Extinguish the fire completely before leaving it unattended.

When it comes to camping snacks, it’s best to choose options that are portable, non-perishable and provide you with energy.  

Here are some ideas:

Trail Mix: a classic camping snack that combines nuts, dried fruits, seeds and chocolate or granola. It is a great source of protein and healthy fats. 

Dried fruit: Options like raisins, apricots, mangoes or cranberries have natural sugars and are good for some quick energy..

 

Granola bars 

Beef/Vegetarian jerky

Fresh fruit & veggie sticks

Nut butter

Rice cakes/crackers

Popcorn (air-popped is best)

All snacks should be packed in air tight containers so they are protected from moisture.

Always remember that camping is a time to relax, enjoy nature and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  Embrace the experience and make lasting memories in the great outdoors.


IT Corner

IT Corner

2 Safe Computing Tips

Tip #1: Beware of Phishing Emails & Social Engineering

Treat every email that demands non-public information, files, or unexpected requests with suspicion – especially if it tries to force you to rush the request.  If a request sounds dubious, take the time to call the requester and verify that their demands are legitimate.

If you receive a suspected phishing email, report it to the IT Solutions Team so that they can investigate.  Your employer may even be performing a phishing simulation that tracks how well employees respond to phishing attacks.

Tip #2: Avoid Using Company Devices for Personal Use

Browsing social media or accessing your personal email from a work computer might seem benign, but it can actually be a potential source of danger for sensitive data.  The websites you visit for leisure may potentially be not as secure as the ones that are normally accessed during the workday.

Personal email accounts are especially dangerous, as they are not protected by enterprise-grade secure email gateways.  This means that it is far more likely for you to receive dangerous phishing emails and malicious attachments in your personal inbox than your work-only inbox.


Calling all Universal Employees!

We are looking for volunteers to contribute short articles to Universal & You.  Topics can be team or industry-related or you might want to share a personal experience (e.g. volunteer work or travel) with your fellow employees.

Please forward your ideas to Sharon Fong.

 
  May 2023

Universal & You is produced bi-monthly for the employees of Universal Logistics. Reader comment and story ideas are welcome. Comments of general interest to all Universal & You readers will, with the permission of the writer, be published. Copyright © Universal Logistics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction for any commercial use is strictly prohibited.

Universal & You is produced by Universal Logistics, Editor: Sharon Fong, email: sfong@universallogistics.ca.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained herein, Universal Logistics accepts no responsibility or liability for errors or omissions.

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