What to do if your phone is stollen?

 

• Use a phone unlock passcode: Don’t make the passcode obvious, and if possible use biometrics like a fingerprint, or facial recognition, to unlock your device.

• Check your screen lock time: Your screen lock time determines how quickly your device locks once you've stopped using it, if you make that short it is harder for thieves to access your phone after it has been snatched.

• Set up a PIN for your SIM card: Even if your phone stays fully secured, criminals might still take the out the SIM and put it into another phone to steal your money or even your identity. A SIM PIN can prevent that.

• Set up a ‘Find My’ App on your phone: These services allow you to access your phone remotely, meaning you can lock it or even erase all your data. On Apple devices this can be done via the Find My app and on Android you can use the Find My Device app.

• Find your IMEI number: Every phone has an IMEI number which helps police and insurance companies to identify it if it's stolen. UK network operators can also stop a stolen phone from working across their networks with its IMEI. Find your IMEI number by dialling *#06# from your phone and keep a written note of it.

• Be aware of your surroundings: Be careful when using your phone in busy places in cities, that's where smartphone snatchers like to operate. You can get more safety advice from the Metropolitan Police here https://www.met.police.uk/phonesnatch and from Crimestoppers here https://crimestoppers-uk.org/news-campaigns/campaigns/city-of-london-phone-snatching

First Response

If your phone is stolen you should take these immediate actions.

• Access your phone remotely: Use a different device, like a laptop, a tablet, or even a friend’s phone, to access your phone remotely as soon as possible. This will allow you to lock or even erase your device entirely. Different manufacturers have different systems but they all operate in a similar way.

• iPhone - visit iCloud.com/find or open the Find My app on another one of your Apple devices.

• Android - visit android.com/find or open the Find My Device app on another one of your devices.

• Samsung - visit findmymobile.samsung.com and sign in with your Samsung account.

• Speak to your network provider: They can block your SIM ensuring a big bill can’t be racked up on your account. UK network operators can also stop a stolen phone from working across their networks with its IMEI. You should also ask about any new ‘charge to bill’ payments and ask for the facility to be cancelled.

• Speak to your bank and/or credit card provider: They can disable payment methods like Apple Pay or Google Wallet.

• Speak to the Police: Give them your IMEI number in case they can recover the device.

• Apple Stolen Device Protection: This protection adds an additional layer of security requiring Face ID or Touch ID biometric to access certain functions when you are away from familiar locations, like work and home. While the Security Delay function means that some security functions, like changing your Apple Account password, require you to wait an hour and then perform a second Face ID or Touch ID authentication. Giving you time to disable the account if the phone is snatched. You can find out more about how to enable this function on your device here https://support.apple.com/en-gb/120340

• Android Theft Protection: Theft Detection Lock uses Google AI to sense if someone snatches your phone from your hand and tries to run, bike or drive away. If a common motion associated with theft is detected, your phone screen quickly locks helping to keep thieves from easily accessing your data. This is available for newer models of Android phone, you can find out more here https://security.googleblog.com/2024/10/android-theft-protection.html

Parts of Sleeping Bag

 

Most of the sleeping bags you look at won't have every single one of these features, but keep an eye out for them, nonetheless. Sleeping bag technology, parts and features have a common goal -- to stop heat loss and keep you comfortable while you sleep in the great outdoors.

Shell - The shell fabric is what makes up the exterior of the sleeping bag. The shell fabric is usually more durable than the lining fabric, and sometimes features water-resistant or waterproof breathable technology.

Lining - The interior fabric of the sleeping bag is the lining. It is usually soft and comfortable, and sometimes feature moisture-wicking technology.

Anatomical Hood - The hood of a sleeping bag is insulated and works to prevent heat loss from your body and the sleeping bag. An "anatomical" hood is a hood that is designed to fit the shape of your neck and head for increased comfort and thermal efficiency.

Pillow pocket - A pocket inside the hood where you can stuff clothes or a camp pillow for head cushioning and support.

Stash pockets - Some sleeping bags feature stash pockets in the hood, chest or other areas. A hood pocket is perfect for keeping your watch nearby when you know you have to get an early start on a climb the next day. A chest pocket is great for keeping music at the ready.

Draft collar - The draft collar, sometimes referred to as a "head gasket," is an insulated collar around the hood. The draft collar stops heat from escaping the sleeping bag. It can usually be tightened or loosened by a drawcord.

Drawcord collar - A drawcord collar tightens and loosens the hood or draft collar of the sleeping bag to prevent heat loss.

Baffle - See the seams running across the shell of your sleeping bag? Those are baffles. They're needed to keep the insulation from shifting or clumping. By keeping insulation in place, baffles keep cold spots and heat loss to a minimum.

Draft tube - An insulated tube that runs along and behind the zipper to stop cold drafts from getting in and warm air from getting out.

Side Seams - The side seams of a sleeping bag are what connect the front and back of the sleeping bag shell together. Some sleeping bags feature ground-level side seams, which are more thermally efficient because they allow the front layer of the sleeping bag to wrap all the way around the body.

Two-way zippers - Two-way zippers allow you to close or open different sections of the sleeping bag to regulate temperature.

Zipper lengths - Full-length zippers make it easier to get in and out of the bag and regulate temperature, half-length zippers save a bit of weight, and no-zipper sleeping bags are ideal for ultralighters.

Footbox - The footbox of a sleeping bag is the section where your feet will be located when you're sleeping. A "trapezoidal" or flared footbox allows more space for your feet to rest comfortably. Some mountaineering sleeping bags have more spacious footboxes to allow room for hot water bottles and boot liners.

Pad loops - Some sleeping bags have pad loops on the sides that are meant to connect to your sleeping bag and keep it in place as you sleep.

Hanging loops - If there are loops on the bottom of your sleeping bag, they're intended for hanging the bag to dry. Hanging your bag to dry, rather than drying it flat, will maintain insulation loft.

Are you heading to D ?

 

Signs your relationship is heading for a divorce

1. Persistent Communication Breakdowns
   Constant misunderstandings, arguments, or a complete lack of meaningful conversation can signal deep-seated issues.
2. Emotional Distance
   Feeling like roommates rather than partners, with a noticeable lack of intimacy or emotional connection.
3. Frequent Criticism and Contempt
   Regularly criticising each other and showing contempt, such as sarcasm, eye-rolling, or mocking, can erode the relationship's foundation.
4. Unresolved Conflicts
   Recurrent arguments about the same issues without any resolution can indicate deeper incompatibilities.
5. Loss of Trust
   Trust is crucial in any relationship. If it's been broken and cannot be rebuilt, it may be a sign that the relationship is in trouble.
   
   
   
6. Different Life Goals
   Significant differences in future aspirations, such as career goals, lifestyle choices, or family planning, can create insurmountable divides.
7. Avoidance
   Preferring to spend time apart rather than together, whether through work, hobbies, or social activities, can indicate a desire to escape the relationship.
8. Lack of Support
   Feeling unsupported, whether emotionally, financially, or practically, can lead to feelings of isolation and resentment.
9. Financial Disagreements
   Constantly arguing about money, spending habits, or financial priorities can strain the relationship.
10. Infidelity
    Whether physical or emotional, infidelity can be a major breach of trust and a sign of deeper issues in the relationship.
11. Changes in Affection
    A noticeable decrease in affection, physical touch, or romantic gestures can indicate a loss of connection.
    
    
    

NEW YORK TIMES' 52 PLACES TO GO IN 2025

 

1.Jane Austen’s England

2.Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

3. New York City Museums

4. Assam, India

5. ‘White Lotus’ Thailand

6. Greenland

7. Aix-en-Provence, France

8. Sun Valley, Idaho

9. Lumbini, Nepal

10. Sydney, Australia

11. Coimbra, Portugal

12. Angola

13. Hamburg, Germany

14. Nicaragua

15. Dolomite Mountains, Italy

16. Asheville, N.C.

17. Magdalena River, Colombia

18. Los Cabos, Mexico

19. Alishan, Taiwan

20. Flow Country, Scotland

21. Kristiansand, Norway

22. Bukhara, Uzbekistan

23. Lexington and Concord, Mass.

24. Canfranc, Spain

25. Benin City, Nigeria

26. Amsterdam

27. New Orleans

28. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

29. Delphi, Greece

30. Toyama, Japan

31. French Basque Country

32. Kilifi, Kenya

33. British Virgin Islands

34. Lofoten Islands, Norway

35. East London

36. Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden

37. Kutaisi, Georgia

38. Osaka, Japan

39. Detroit

40. Trent-Severn Waterway, Ontario

41. Montserrat, Spain

42. Western Australia

43. Washington, D.C.

44. Nangma Valley, Pakistan

45. Sicily Divide Cycle Route

46. Ollantaytambo, Peru

47. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

48. Huangshan, China

49. Milan

50. Bulgaria

51. Rotterdam, the Netherlands

52. Montserrat, the Caribbean

Source: The New York Times 

Retirement Thoughts in Asia

 

When considering a retirement visa in Asia, several countries offer affordable options for British citizens, with varying requirements and living costs. 

Here are some of the more popular and cost-effective choices:

### 1. Thailand

   - Visa Type: Non-Immigrant O-A or O-X Visa.

   - Requirements: Must be 50 years or older, with proof of financial stability (either a bank deposit of 800,000 THB or a monthly income of 65,000 THB).

   - Cost of Living: Affordable living, especially outside major cities like Bangkok.

### 2. Malaysia

   - Visa Type: Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program.

   - Requirements: Must be at least 50 years old with an income of at least 10,000 MYR per month or liquid assets of 500,000 MYR for candidates under 50 years old.

   - Cost of Living: Generally affordable, with reasonably priced healthcare and housing.

### 3. Indonesia

   - Visa Type: Retirement Visa (B211A visa).

   - Requirements: Must be at least 55 years old, with proof of monthly income of at least USD 1,500 or savings of USD 18,000.

   - Cost of Living: Considered low-cost, especially in areas outside of Bali.

### 4. Philippines

   - Visa Type: Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV).

   - Requirements: Must be 50 years or older with a pension of at least USD 1,000 per month or a deposit of USD 20,000.

   - Cost of Living: Generally low, with many affordable options for accommodation and services.

### 5. Vietnam

   - Visa Type: Temporary Resident Visa (for long-term stays).

   - Requirements: While Vietnam does not have a specific retirement visa, options for long-term visas exist for individuals over 55 willing to meet certain requirements.

   - Cost of Living: Very affordable, especially in the countryside compared to major cities.

### Considerations

- Be sure to check the specific requirements and any changes to visa regulations, as immigration laws can change frequently.

- The overall cost of living in these countries can vary widely depending on lifestyle choices, location, and healthcare needs.

- It is advisable to consult with local embassies or immigration specialists for the most accurate and updated information before proceeding with your plans. 

By weighing the costs and benefits, you can find an option that fits your retirement needs and budget.

Info correct as of December 2024