1. Visual Voicemail
I don’t get many phone calls, and I like it that way. Don’t get me wrong; I much prefer chatting on the phone to messaging, but ideally, I’d do neither. One benefit of talking on the phone is that it’s a better activity when paired with ambling around the room or walking. I don’t mind a 20-minute phone call if some fresh air accompanies it.
Last week, I learnt there’s an alternative to cancelling, silencing, or picking up a call. There’s now an option on iPhone to send the caller directly to voicemail, view a live transcription of what they're saying, and even answer the call mid-way through the voicemail, just like the old days with the landline when the caller was pushed to the answering machine. Click here to see how to do it. Happy avoiding!
2. Santa’s Nuclear Bunker
I have always loved Simon Reeve's documentaries. He reminds me of Bryan Cox, and not just because they share the same youthful genes and indie haircut. They also share an engaging and enthusiastic presentation style without being overly saccharine. Simon’s most recent series is based in and around Scandinavia, a region I’ve become more familiar with since working for a company founded by a Finn.
One of my favourite segments delved into the Finnish protectionist psyche, showcasing the might of their military (universal male conscription is in place) and the passion they have for their country and way of life. Over the last decade or so, the Finns have ramped up the development of a vast network of bunkers in public facilities, such as swimming pools, car parks, and even in Santa’s shopping mall in Lapland. There are over 5,500 “civil defence shelters” in Helsinki alone, with enough supplies for the city's entire population (630,000) for two weeks.
Finland has a long history of defending itself in the modern era, dating back to the invasion by the Soviet Union. With tensions increasing since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it is now mandatory for all buildings over a specific size to have a shelter. However, to remain economical, most need to serve a dual purpose (see above, Santa’s grotto).
There’s a quote from the series that struck me as quite poignant, and one that I suspect doesn't ring as true in the UK or other Western European countries:
The model is that the civil society should defend itself. Not outsource it.
Have a great week, all 🙏