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Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Modern travel is rotting our brains but I have found a solution'
Do you ever ask yourself, "Well, how did I get here?" Like the Talking Heads, I'm sometimes confronted by that question. Most often, after a long drive. Something about being plugged into a satnav—watching the time-to-arrival tick by and the purple line wiggle through the digital landscape—removes me from the real world. Half the country can pass by, and I've barely noticed. It turns out I'm not alone in this feeling. Over the past decade, multiple studies have shown satnavs chip away at our sense of direction. Scientists at the University College London concluded that plugging in stops drivers from making memories of the world around them—perhaps explaining why TomTom-assisted travel can be so hard to recall. An increasing number of people are concerned about this. Over four in five motorists aged 35+ say using a satnav or map app has made their navigation skills worse, while three out of five young drivers would never go anywhere without some form of technological guidance. The worry is that, as the tech gets better, the negative long-term impact on our brains will only grow. A small but alarming MIT study published this month suggests ChatGPT users quickly became lazy, prone to shortcuts, and very forgetful when given essay-writing tasks—compared to those who weren't using a large language model. In broader societal terms, it's a problem for the deep-thinking future of our species. When it comes to travel specifically, each time tech takes on a bit more of the organisational burden, are we also losing some of the joy of adventure? I decided to find out (albeit in a very unempirical, non-scientifically rigorous way) by heading out on a tech-free, analogue road trip. The rules were simple: no satnav, no phone maps, no looking up anything online before or during the trip. Just me, my partner, a car, a guidebook, and an OS map. After picking up a beautiful BMW 3 Series from Sixt—which has 2,200 rental outlets worldwide, including a newly opened branch at London Liverpool Street—the first challenge was figuring out how to switch off its massive dashboard console. It immediately sprang to life, eager to offer me a spot of digital assistance. Once effectively shut down, the next task was getting out of London. As a relatively inexperienced driver with four failed tests (and one pass!) checkering my record, I hate driving around the English capital perhaps more than most. It's a blood-pressure-raising nightmare of indicating buses, swerving Lime Bikes, and three-point-turning cabbies—something I'd trade for an expensive train ticket any day. But years of cycling London's streets and hopping on tubes to its outer reaches in the cause of local journalism have left me with a decent understanding of how it all hangs together. My wife and I made it to Epping and then smoothly onto the M11 with just our bare wits, some road signs, and no arguments. Conveniently, much of the UK's motorway network is built atop Roman roads—meaning they're very straight and very long. Reach the A1, and before you know it, you're in Northumberland, no turns required. After heading west to Hexham, I realised I didn't have the address for the beautiful YHA Ninebanks where we were staying, and I'd yet to invest in a proper map (that was a Day 2 purchase). My top tip for analogue travellers in this situation? Head to your nearest Waitrose and ask the cashier for directions. Without fail, they're friendly locals with the time and inclination to help. Half an hour later, we'd settled into the YHA—a stone-brick building filled with geologists attracted to an area known for its excellent rocks and whooping curlew population. Had we searched online for accommodation instead of taking a recommendation, we may never have met the lovely owners, Pauline Elliott and her partner Ian Baker. They cook, clean, and welcome guests to this incredibly remote hillside refuge. (If you're interested, they're currently looking to sell the hostel.) The next two days unfolded as relaxed and stress-free as possible. Without anywhere we had to be—and without a satnav feeding us a false sense of urgency—we stopped off wherever and whenever we fancied. A tour around Hexham Abbey was followed by a druid-filled midsummer morning at Dilston Physic Garden, before stops at the iconic Ovingham Goose Fair, a cricket pitch in the shadows of Warkworth Castle, the chart-toppingly pretty Bamburgh, and then Holy Island. There is a small but growing movement of people embracing analogue travel, realising that tech doesn't switch itself off when the holiday begins—and that it can get in the way of a truly relaxing, restorative break. Katie King, who owns a hospitality company, 'absolutely loves switching off.' The 38-year-old works remotely and suffers from 'digital exhaustion sometimes,' which is why she chooses holiday destinations without phone signal or WiFi. The East Midlander loves to ditch Google reviews in favour of testing out restaurants herself; she saves up her holiday snaps to post once she's home; and she switches off from work completely. 'Addicted to checking emails? Perfect time to detox and reset that habit. Enjoy the surroundings—if it's urgent, they'll text you. I work in hospitality, not hospitals. I deal with ads, not A&E,' Katie told The Mirror. 'Want to navigate from one part of an unknown country to another, on the other side of the road? Map out your route and factor in 'getting lost' time. When we 'got lost,' we found some of the most incredible spots for lunch, shopping, swimming and more. When you accidentally wander off the beaten tourist track, the real adventure begins.' Hector Hughes and his company Unplugged have been at the forefront of digital detox travel for years. They welcome guests into charming cabins across the UK and invite them to truly switch off. 'We include everything people need to be offline for three days: a phone lockbox, physical map and compass, cassette radio player, instant camera, and analogue entertainment like books and board games. Our cabins are completely analogue, with the only tech being an old-school Nokia to call local eateries or contact friends and family if needed. This helps people relax, with no outside noise or distractions—so they can feel human again,' Hector explained. After burning out while working at a fast-paced tech start-up, Hector sought a 'hard reset' in a silent retreat in the Himalayas. He left relaxed, and with a new goal: to help others unwind amidst what he calls the 'screen epidemic.' 'A three-day digital detox has a magnitude of mental and physical benefits. Spending 72 hours offline and in nature dramatically reduces stress levels, improves sleep quality, boosts creativity and original thought, and brings you back to the present moment. Recent studies show that three days offline can start to curb phone addiction and even rewire your brain,' Hector said. 'Without Google or ChatGPT, you don't have an instant answer for everything. You can't just Google a question—you discuss it or think deeply about it. You also see everything through your own eyes, not through a lens. We strip all of this back and remind you what it feels like to feel and be present.' At the end of my mini-analogue trip, I completely agree. It was the calmest, most engaging adventure I've had in a long time—and I'm already planning another. The old adage is that travel broadens the mind, but I'd argue that too much satnav, Google Translate, and Instagram recommendations, and we risk shrinking it.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
The clever eBay trick that can give your old car a high-tech makeover from just £300 – so how did we buff up this BMW?
Almost a third of the 36 million cars on our roads are more than 12 years old. Which means lots are missing out on useful tech 3BAY The clever eBay trick that can give your old car a high-tech makeover from just £300 – so how did we buff up this BMW? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EVERY week it seems there's a new special edition to drum up sales. But here's something we haven't seen before. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 This 20-year-old BMW 3 Series was bought for £9k and now it's been updated with a host of high-tech kit for just £2k Credit: Supplied 9 The fun starts with the M Sport gearshift knob for £78 Credit: Supplied 9 It's got Apple CarPlay for music and maps Credit: Supplied The eBay Edition. Upgrade your motor — of any age — with some modern low-cost tech you can fit in a jiffy at home. Search for eBay's 'My Garage' page, tap in your car reg, and away you go. Only parts and accessories compatible with that vehicle will show up. This 20-year-old BMW 3 Series, a tasty 330CI, was bought on eBay for a smidge under £9k. Manual gearbox. Rear-wheel drive. Sweet 3-litre in-line six with just 85,000 miles on the clock. Goes like stink. But it didn't have any of the in-car tech people want today. Incredible car modification from Hum Rider means you will never have to sit in traffic again It does now. It's got Apple CarPlay for music and maps. Head-up Display to project speed and other data on to the windscreen in front of you. Even a reversing camera to stop you hitting something you shouldn't. All for less than £300. 9 Head-up Display to project speed and other data onto the windscreen was added for just £20 Credit: Supplied 9 Blind spot warning sensors - added Credit: Supplied 9 Then there's the bangin' aftermarket Gladden sound system with the woofer fitted neatly inside the spare wheel in the boot Credit: Supplied Some drivers like the added assurance of blind spot warning sensors, dash cams and a GPS tracker. So it's got them too. Then there's the bangin' aftermarket Gladden sound system with the woofer fitted neatly inside the spare wheel in the boot. BMW M Sport floor mats — from BMW's official eBay store — and refurbished kick plates freshen things up. The Michelin rubber was ordered and fitted via eBay's one-stop tyre shop. My friend spent a total of £2,123 on kit. So that's just over £11k all-in. For a stonking 'E46' Beemer that's been modernised and personalised yet still looks exactly as it should. I'm a little bit jealous. Almost a third of the 36 million cars on our roads are more than 12 years old. Which means there's lots of drivers missing out on useful everyday tech. If that's you, jump on t'interweb and configure your own eBay Edition. Then ask a mate to help fit it. 9 Even a reversing camera to stop you hitting something you shouldn't Credit: Supplied 9 BMW M Sport floor mats — from BMW's official eBay store — and refurbished kick plates freshen things up Credit: Supplied 9 A GPS tracker is also onboard Credit: Supplied
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
The clever eBay trick that can give your old car a high-tech makeover from just £300 – so how did we buff up this BMW?
EVERY week it seems there's a new special edition to drum up sales. But here's something we haven't seen before. 9 This 20-year-old BMW 3 Series was bought for £9k and now it's been updated with a host of high-tech kit for just £2k Credit: Supplied 9 The fun starts with the M Sport gearshift knob for £78 Credit: Supplied 9 It's got Apple CarPlay for music and maps Credit: Supplied The eBay Edition. Upgrade your motor — of any age — with some modern low-cost tech you can fit in a jiffy at home. Search for eBay's 'My Garage' page, tap in your car reg, and away you go. Only parts and accessories compatible with that vehicle will show up. This 20-year-old BMW 3 Series, a tasty 330CI, was bought on eBay for a smidge under £9k. READ MORE MOTORING NEWS Manual gearbox. Rear-wheel drive. Sweet 3-litre in-line six with just 85,000 miles on the clock. Goes like stink. Most read in Motors But it didn't have any of the in-car tech people want today. Incredible car modification from Hum Rider means you will never have to sit in traffic again It does now. It's got Head-up Display to project speed and other data on to the windscreen in front of you. Even a reversing camera to stop you hitting something you shouldn't. All for less than £300. 9 Head-up Display to project speed and other data onto the windscreen was added for just £20 Credit: Supplied 9 Blind spot warning sensors - added Credit: Supplied 9 Then there's the bangin' aftermarket Gladden sound system with the woofer fitted neatly inside the spare wheel in the boot Credit: Supplied Some drivers like the added assurance of blind spot warning sensors, dash cams and a GPS tracker. So it's got them too. Then there's the bangin' aftermarket Gladden sound system with the woofer fitted neatly inside the spare wheel in the boot. BMW M Sport floor mats — from BMW's official eBay store — and refurbished kick plates freshen things up. The Michelin rubber was ordered and fitted via eBay's one-stop tyre shop. My friend spent a total of £2,123 on kit. So that's just over £11k all-in. For a stonking 'E46' Beemer that's been modernised and personalised yet still looks exactly as it should. I'm a little bit jealous. Almost a third of the 36 million cars on our roads are more than 12 years old. Which means there's lots of drivers missing out on useful everyday tech. If that's you, jump on t'interweb and configure your own eBay Edition. Then ask a mate to help fit it. 9 Even a reversing camera to stop you hitting something you shouldn't Credit: Supplied 9 BMW M Sport floor mats — from BMW's official eBay store — and refurbished kick plates freshen things up Credit: Supplied 9 A GPS tracker is also onboard Credit: Supplied KEY FACTS: 2005 BMW 330CI Price: £8,990 Engine: 3-litre 6cyl petrol Power: 231hp 0-62mph: 6.5 secs Top speed: 155mph Economy: 28mpg Co2: 231g/km
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- The Citizen
Gunfire erupts during Mpumalanga liquor store robbery: 2 arrested, cop wounded
Two suspects, aged 37 and 40, were arrested during an armed robbery that escalated into a shoot-out with the police in Leandra in Mpumalanga. Ridge Times reports that the shoot-out, which happened on Tuesday, saw a 38-year-old police constable wounded in the crossfire. According to Mpumalanga Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, police officers from Leandra were conducting routine patrols in the area when they encountered a robbery in progress. The suspects allegedly opened fire on the officers, who retaliated. It was during this exchange that the constable was shot in the hip. He was transported to hospital for medical treatment. Preliminary investigations suggest that a gang of about seven armed men, wearing police reflector vests, entered a liquor outlet in Leandra. They allegedly identified themselves as police officials on duty, investigating counterfeit liquor. The suspects reportedly questioned the owner and spent nearly an hour at the premises before trying to carry out an armed robbery. At that point, members of the Leadra Visible Policing unit arrived on the scene, prompting the shoot-out. Some of the suspects managed to evade arrest during the gunfire and fled, abandoning a white BMW 3 Series, with a false registration number, and a white Ford Focus that had reportedly been stolen in Bronkhorstspruit in March. Both vehicles were seized and taken to the police station for further investigation. Believing that not all suspects had fled, police conducted a search of the area, which led to the arrest of two suspects who were found hiding in an enclosed storeroom. They were charged with attempted murder, armed robbery and possession of suspected stolen vehicles. Crime scene experts are continuing to process the area, and further developments are expected as the investigation unfolds. The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Leslie Periodical Court tomorrow. The remaining suspects are still at large. Acting provincial commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrests and condemned the attack on law enforcement. 'Attacking police officers will be dealt with accordingly. We will not rest until the remaining suspects are brought to justice,' he said. Police are appealing to the public who may have information that could assist in their arrest to contact Detective Constable Thembayona Mkhulisi on 066 577 6013 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Alternatively, tip-offs can be sent via the MySAPS App. All information received will be treated confidentially, and callers may remain anonymous. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
18-06-2025
- The Citizen
Two suspects caught after robbery and shootout with Leandra Police
Two suspects, aged 37 and 40, were arrested during an armed robbery that escalated into a shootout with the police in Leandra on June 17. A 38-year-old police constable was wounded in the crossfire. According to Mpumalanga Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, police officers from Leandra were conducting routine patrols in the area when they encountered a robbery in progress. The suspects allegedly opened fire on the officers, who retaliated. It was during this exchange that the constable was shot in the hip. He was transported to hospital for medical treatment. Preliminary investigations suggest that a gang of about seven armed men, wearing police reflector vests, entered a liquor outlet in Leandra. They allegedly identified themselves as police officials on duty, investigating counterfeit liquor. The suspects reportedly questioned the owner and spent nearly an hour at the premises before trying to carry out an armed robbery. At that point, members of the Leadra Visible Policing (Vispol) unit arrived on the scene, prompting the shootout. Some of the suspects managed to evade arrest during the gunfire and fled, abandoning a white BMW 3 Series with a false registration number, as well as a white Ford Focus that had reportedly been stolen in Bronkhorstspruit in March. Both vehicles were seized and taken to the police station for further investigation. Believing that not all suspects had fled, police conducted a search of the area, which led to the arrest of two suspects who were found hiding in an enclosed storeroom. They were charged with attempted murder, armed robbery, and possession of suspected stolen vehicles. Crime scene experts are continuing to process the area, and further developments are expected as the investigation unfolds. Ndubane said the public will be updated as new information becomes available. The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Leslie Periodical Court on Friday. The remaining suspects are still at large. Police are appealing to the public who may have information that could assist in their arrest to contact Detective Constable Thembayona Mkhulisi at 066 577 6013 or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Alternatively, tip-offs can be sent via the MySAPS App. All information received will be treated confidentially, and callers may remain anonymous. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrests and condemned the attack on law enforcement. 'Attacking police officers will be dealt with accordingly. We will not rest until the remaining suspects are brought to justice,' said the General. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
