Cold is a far greater threat to survival than it appears and it is one of the most difficult survival situations. It decreases your ability to think and weakens your will to do anything except to get warm.

Blizzards can occur even during sunny and clear weather. Here are some basic tips for surviving blizzards.

Outdoors

In a vehicle

Indoors

Victoria Lewis tries out the controversial smoking cessation tool. Will she quit or miss?

Everyone’s vaping these days: the supposedly healthier alternative to smoking, where users inhale a more benign combo of nicotine and water vapour. E-cigarettes are even designed to look like regular fags for that authentic feel. So far so good, or at least better than a 20-a-day smoking habit surely?

Indeed, if quitters’ forums and word-of-mouth is to be believed, these analogue smokes run rings around other quitting products. But because they remain unregulated and little is known about their long-term effects on the body, these faux fags have ignited a fair bit of a controversy. Naturally, I was keen to see what the fuss was about. With my eighth year as a smoker fast approaching and numerous failed attempts under my belt, I wanted to knock this nasty habit on the head.

I’d tried cold turkey (hell), nicotine gum (I hate gum) and lozenges (disgusting). So even with their dubious reputation, e-cigarettes must be worth a try? And in case of spontaneous combustion or other life-threatening side effects, I decided to write about my first days in the world of smoke-free smoking. Would it help me kick my habit, or turn me into even more of a nicotine junkie?

Day 1: The First Drag

Helpfully, the ‘shisha pen’ came without instructions. It took half an hour to open the child-proof bottle of flavoured nicotine liquid. Went outside for my first ‘vape’ in a desperate attempt to simulate normal smoking conditions, fully expecting to be disappointed by my faux fag. The first drag blew my head off, the throat hit much stronger than my usual smoke, Amber Leaf. Two puffs were enough, nicotine cravings more than sated. Only needed the e-cig twice today, a lot less than my usual 10-15 roll-ups a day. Either the e-cig is too strong, or some kind of miracle cure? My dry throat and headache suggest the former, but the first day as a non-smoker was pleasantly surprising.

Day 2: The Side Effects

Woke up coughing, with a mouth like sandpaper and the high-pitched ringing of tinnitus. Expected to feel a tad healthier. The first fag of the day was always my favourite so felt a pathetic pang of longing while making my coffee. Held my nerve and used the e-cig instead, not as satisfying as a real smoke but is a suitable surrogate. Using it in public was another matter. I felt strangely embarrassed proffering my fake fag. Fortunately, all fears of being shooed out of the Starbucks smoking area by the ‘real’ smokers were unfounded. On the contrary, was met with curiosity and respect for making the switch.

“Using it in public was another matter. I felt strangely embarrassed proffering my fake fag.”

Day 3: A Breath of Fresh Air

For the first time in years I didn’t crave a roll-up on waking, went for a run instead. Usually my lungs give in after ten minutes rendering me a hyperventilating mess, but today felt like the next Paula Radcliffe. Ok, not quite, but running was easier and wheeze-free. Who knew I’d feel the benefits of quitting so quickly? The idea of chogging on a fag already seems repulsive. Although using an e-cig isn’t risk-free, I’m already feeling healthier. My housemate persuaded me into having a drink this evening, something I’d vowed to avoid while quitting. I imagined how nice a smoke would be with my smooth glass of red, but will power held firm! A couple of puffs on the e-cig were all it took to banish thoughts of real smoking.

Day 4: The Hangover

Still have tinnitus. Lack of sleep and the effects of yesterday’s wine put me in a foul mood. Strangely, I’m not craving roll-ups. Getting used to the e-cig, yet don’t feel the need to use it as often as I used to smoke. My previous attempts to quit using other nicotine replacement therapies were horrible and involved intense cravings, mood swings, irritability, even feelings of depression. This time I’ve experienced none of that, it’s been remarkably easy. Being quite strict on myself and never vape inside, preferring to simulate my old smoking routine. I do recognise how easy it could be to start vaping more often than one smoked, thus substituting one habit for another.

Day 5: The Run

Constant tinnitus is starting to grate a little. Instead of reaching for a rollie or the e-cig, went for run and did 8 miles – furthest I’d ever run before. Amazed how effortless running feels since being smoke-free and I doubt I’d have lasted this long without the e-cigs. Simulating the action of smoking is as important as nicotine replacement. Is this the key to e-cigs’ success? As the days go by, I’m craving fags less. Only use the e-cig about 4 times a day, taking four puffs max. Genuinely shocked by this! Moved to a lower strength nicotine liquid, keen to reduce my nicotine intake asap. Although it’d be quite easy to increase it if you aren’t careful.

Day 6: The Smoking Shelter

Day 6 already! Wanted to announce my success on Facebook, but remembered my mum would read it. Never want her finding out I smoked! Told some friends about me switching to e-cigs, the response has been positive but all seem surprised I’ve got this far. Hearing about others who’ve made the switch, the general consensus seems to be that e-cigs worked when other things haven’t. Went to the pub this evening, hated standing out in the smoking shelter to vape. Why should people who’ve quit be subjected to the very thing they’re trying to avoid? It’s like sending an alcoholic to an off license for some orange juice. Chatted to another vaper who agreed but did recognise that vaping should be regulated as it has the potential to be more addictive than smoking.

Day 7: The Week

Almost done a whole week smoke-free! It feels ace! Do worry about what I’m putting into my new healthy body every time I vape, ironic considering all the fags I’ve smoked over the years. I’m in some kind of smoking-vaping limbo: don’t feel like a smoker anymore, but wouldn’t say I’m a vaper either as I plan to quit e-cigs too with time. For me they serve a purpose, but it’s easy to see how people could enjoy them too much. Few comment on my use of the e-cig, as though vaping is just as accepted as smoking. Any comments are positive, so far vaping has been an unexpectedly good experience.

The verdict

Compared with previous attempts to quit, all of which lasted less than 4 days, this attempt has gone way better than anticipated. I was a sceptic, especially as a study in the New England Journal of Medicine recently linked vaping to the production of carcinogenic chemical formaldehyde. I’m 100% certain inhaling anything other than fresh air is bad for you, after all.

However, I am now on my 9th smoke-free day, vape 3-4 times a day, my lungs are clear and I feel healthier than I’ve done in years. I still think about smoking, but vaping has proved a suitable analogue enabling me to quit for long enough to feel the benefits and give me the confidence to stay smoke-free.

Yes, I’m still a sceptic. I’m not about to sing their praises on a quitters’ forum, or become one of ‘those’ ex-smokers, but I understand that if used sensibly, e-cigarettes can be a viable quitting tool. For me, giving up smoking is like losing a really mangy limb and vaping is a temporary crutch, not a long-term solution.

UPDATE : Now 21 smoke-free days, going strong with no intention of ever going back to the fags!

NHS advice on stop smoking treatment and their stance on e-cigarettes

New England Journal of Medicine study on the contents of e-cigarette vapour

In Season 5, Episode 2 of TV series The Big Bang Theory, Howard is trying to show Leonard something that will help his long distance relationship. Raj volunteers for a trial with Howard to use the kissing machine described as ‘Internet kissing’.

This is TV so may be a little over dramatic, but in reality there are several tools that people can use to make their long distance partner seem closer.

1. Between

An app for long distance relationships, it offers a private space where you can share each moment with that special someone only. Long distance relationships usually involve time differences but when you use Between these problems can be solved. You can create, share, and remember all your moments with each other. It works fast with a Wi-Fi connection and you can have secure one-to-one chat using stickers to express your love. What’s more, it has an easy-to-use calendar for important dates and anniversaries.

2. LINE

LINE is a popular app used in Asia. Similar to Between, LINE is also an instant messaging app. The basic function: free messaging whenever, wherever on all smartphone devices over 3G/4G or Wi-Fi. Voice and video calls are also free with LINE so you don’t need to wait to hear your loved ones’ sweet voices or see their smiling faces. LINE lets you share your photos and videos and send voice messages, as well as contacts and location information easily with your lover. When you wake up in the morning, your partners’ movements will be shown on your screen. Also, the latest news update on LINE will give you more to talk about when you communicate and special coupons for popular artists and brands will give your more choices for your next date. LINE stickers such as ‘You can be my bunny and I can be your brownie’ are popular, fun and expressive.

3. FaceTime

This was the first free video call app. It is a universally-known, fabulous app in high definition. Now FaceTime for Mac supports video calls up to 720p. FaceTime is an essential Apple communicator that is widely used between Apple devices and enables people to talk, smile and laugh from any part of the world. Whenever your lover tries to reach you, the call rings through on your Mac even if FaceTime isn’t running.

4. Apple watch

A new product is coming soon. It will be a perfect symbol and elegant gift for a couple. In Apple’s words, “You will express yourself in new, fun and more personal ways. With Apple Watch, every exchange is less about reading words on a screen and more about making a genuine connection.” You may feel your lover’s heart beat with this magic watch. When you press two fingers on the screen, the built-in heart rate sensor records and sends your heartbeat. It’s a simple and intimate way to tell someone how you feel.

Some clothing industries are using chemicals in their production processes with possibly dangerous consequences to the environment and human health. Are you wearing clothes that are harmful to nature?

The clothes we are wearing right now may contain chemicals that can be dangerous for the environment and human health. Different brands have committed to stop using those chemicals in their production processes by 2020, but others have not taken a stance on the matter.

The scandal of hazardous chemicals came out in 2011, when the environmentalist group Greenpeace released the Dirty Laundry report, which exposed the fact that textile manufacturers in China discharged hazardous chemicals into the water. When discharged into the rivers, these chemicals accumulate in the soil and vegetation and are ingested by animals that often serve as food for humans. PFC, NPE, Antimony and Phthalates are chemicals that Greenpeace found in the investigation. The effects of these range from risk of cancer and high cholesterol to toxicity for reproductive development in mammals.

Greenpeace’s Detox campaign

Since 2011, Greenpeace has been conducting the “Detox” campaign, putting pressure on clothing brands to stop using these chemicals. The campaign has been supported by personalities from the fashion industry but also put heavy weighting on online petitions. It’s hard to put direct pressure on the clothing firms, but you can make your voice count by enhancing the environmentally friendly brands that have committed to detox.

Brands have surrendered to the pressure

To this point, some firms have committed to stop using the chemicals in their production processes by the end of 2020. Puma is the latest to join the group. Last November, the German firm stated that “We are committed to eliminate all PFCs across our global supply-chain by no later than 1 January 2015.”

Different brands submitted to the pressure of the environmentalist group and have committed to stop using chemicals by 2020, but others still remain silent. Greenpeace conducted several investigations such as the Polluting paradise and The big fashion stitch up which showed that different brands are still using chemicals in their water cycles, but the firms have not acknowledged the use of the chemicals to date.

These are the brands investigated by Greenpeace that have not yet admitted the use of chemicals in their clothes:

Brands committed to detox by 2020:

Find more information about Greenpeace’s Detox campaign here 

Paragliding is possible almost anywhere in the world. If you live near a steep cliff, you’ll have seen these brightly coloured parachutes soaring and swooping. Even if you live in a flat area, you could still see the giant coloured canopies travel across the sky.

But where are the top places in the world to go paragliding? Here’s a run-down of the most well known sites in the world.

10. Olu Deniz in Turkey

Olu Deniz remains one of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean. It has a secluded sandy bay at the mouth of Olu Deniz, on a blue lagoon. The beach itself is a pebble beach. This beautiful holiday destination in Southern Turkey provides with an unforgettable flight.

9. Miraflores, Peru

Known for its gardens, flower-filled parks and beaches, it is one of the upmarket districts that make up the city of Lima. There are several tour companies operating from the area that can assist with paragliding lessons, while many people come from the city and enjoy their time flying by themselves.

8. Wengen, Canton of Bern, Switzerland

The hiking and skiing village is a nice place to visit at any time of the year. Here tourists are provided with various activities, that enable to explore the Jungfrau-Aletsch site protected by UNESCO. Paragliding is one of the favorite ones.

7. Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand

A resort town in the South Island is perfect for paragliders around the world at any time Queenstown is surrounded by the Southern Alps, that make it an excellent platform to jump and fly.

6. Castelluccio, Umbria, Italy

Castelluccio is the highest village in the Apennines— 1452 m high. The little village is best known for the colorful valleys, with all kinds of flowers blooming in spring and summer. In the town there are also hang gliding and paragliding schools, that give an unforgettable flight.

5. Danyang, South Korea

Denying is two and a half hour driving away from Seoul. The popular tourist town is found in the beautiful surroundings. Mt. Yangbangsan and Mt. Dusan are two runway for paragliding, from where wonderful sites of the mountains and valleys can be seen.

4. Abergavenny, Wales, UK

Located between Brecon Beacon national park and Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, it offers a lesson for beginners and is also a perfect venue for professionals.

3. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Situated 750 km off the mainland, the remote place is breathtaking. The archipelago is barely touched by civilisation. Only white sandy beaches and crystal clear water.

2. Seiser Alm, Dolomites, Italy

The famous skiing site is incredibly suitable for paragliding. From the rocky cliffs paragliders fly over the largest Alpine meadow in Europe. The flight with the pilot takes about half an hour – enough to enjoy the flight and the views. 

1. Hautes Alpes, France

The paragliding school near the Alps is suitable for both beginners and professionals. During the winter this is a renowned skiing resort, but in summer it becomes a paragliders’ heaven. Flying in the Alps – the biggest mountain range in Europe – is indeed incredible.

In this internet age, when we don’t necessarily have time to attend language courses, how can we become multilingual?

All you need is your smartphone, that’s what the app’s creators claim; whether you’re learning a language for the first time or just want to brush up. The language knowledge from apps you can fit into your break times, commutes or moments spent waiting in queues.  So why not give it a whirl?

These are the language learning apps that we think are the absolute best.

Duolingo

Duolingo turns learning a language into a game. You pick a daily goal, earn points and level up. By tracking your progress, getting daily reminders and duelling against your friends, you stay motivated to practice every day. These bite-sized lessons are fun, totally free and teach you to read, listen and speak.

Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish. Portuguese, Irish, Dutch, Danish, Swedish.

Price: FREE

Available: Apple and Android

The 50 language

Why just learn one language when you can pick up 50 at the same time? The 50 languages app takes you through a basic vocabulary so you will learn to get by in various situations abroad in no time. With many language options, from Albanian to Spanish or Chinese, you will never get bored. This app is easy to use and practical but includes only 30 free lessons.

Languages: 50+

Price: FREE

Available: Apple and Android

Busuu

Busuu connects learners with native speakers. It offers both free and paid plans. Along with a system of games and flashcard exercises, the app includes conversational practice with speakers of your language of choice. After you set a goal, there is a very clear path for your course. So You have no excuse not to keep up.

Languages: Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese, Polish, Russian, Portuguese, Turkish, Chinese, English

Price: FREE

Available: Apple and Android

HelloTalk

HelloTalk is more than just an instant messenger; it connects people all over the world. You learn a language through text and voice message exchange. You can also share photos about your life and home country culture. The app is fun and social, so ideal for short bursts of learning when you have a moment.  So say Hello and talk to your language partner today.

Languages: English, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Russian, Arabi

Price: £0.66 – £6.49

Available: Apple and Android