Tech Stuff

The 3-2-1 Backup System: My Low-Tech Security Blanket (Minus the Forbidden Words)

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Young man with laptop surveying a server room

So the other day, while I was reorganizing my digital life—meaning, dragging random screenshots into folders I will absolutely forget about—I had one of those tiny zings of panic. You know the one. The “Oh no, what if my computer decides today is the day to go belly-up?” feeling. My laptop fans made a noise that sounded like an aging walrus, and suddenly I was imagining years of writing, photos, tax documents, and that one recipe for maple-glazed tofu disappearing into the digital ether.

And because we’re just starting off a new year (the season of fresh planners and good intentions), I figured it’s actually not a terrible moment to get serious about backups. Like, real backups. Not the dragging everything to a USB drive once every three years and calling it good kind.

I’m talking about the 3-2-1 Backup System, the method nerds, creatives, and people who’ve lived through catastrophic hard-drive failure preach with the enthusiasm of someone who has seen things.

So…What Exactly Is the 3-2-1 Method?

It’s basically a simple formula that sounds more complicated than it is:

3 copies of your data

Not one. Not two. Three.
Your original + two backups.

This is the part where people usually blink slowly at me like, “Do I look like someone who has three versions of anything besides screenshots of my cat?” But stick with me.

2 different types of storage

This means you shouldn’t rely on only one format.
For example:

  • Your computer
  • An external hard drive
  • A cloud service

Pick at least two kinds, like one physical and one cloud-based. Don’t put everything in the same basket unless that basket is fire-proof, water-proof, pet-proof, and mythological.

1 copy stored offsite

This could be a cloud backup or a drive you leave at your sister’s house. I know that feels very spy-movie, like you’re delivering a mysterious encrypted device only you can access, but it works. The main idea is: if something happens at home—flood, fire, spilled latte, rogue cat—you still have a version somewhere else.

That’s it. That’s the whole recipe. No incense or chanting required.

☕ How I Implement This at Home (AKA: Roger’s Semi-Functional System)

Let me walk you through what this looks like in actual life, not in the fantasy world where I’m perfectly organized and label all my drives with cute stickers.

1. The Original Copy

This is just…your main working device. Laptop, desktop, tablet, whatever you create or store things on. Mine is my MacBook, which I treat better than some relatives.

2. The External Hard Drive

I have a small stack of external SSDs (they’re fast and don’t make that whirring noise that sounds like a tiny gremlin trying to escape).

Because I’m on a Mac, I have an SSD drive connected to my laptop which constantly backs up my data to Time Machine (it’s a Mac thingie).

I also have an SSD drive that I plug one in once a week—usually Sunday morning while coffee is brewing—and let my backup software do it’s thing (I use Carbon Copy Cloner). It takes maybe ten minutes and makes me feel like a responsible adult.

If you’re not on a Mac, there are tons of backup apps that do automatic scheduled backups to an external drive. Pick one. Any one. Just…pick one before something dramatic happens.

3. The Cloud Copy

I use a cloud backup service because, frankly, I don’t trust myself to remember to carry a backup drive to another location like some wandering monk.
Cloud backups are the “offsite” part of the 3-2-1 rule because the servers are somewhere else—usually far, far away from wherever your coffee mug is sitting.

Some people use iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Backblaze, pCloud—whatever fits your budget and how much digital clutter you produce. (Writers produce a lot. We hoard versions of drafts like dragons guard jewels.)

Now some people state that Google Drive isn’t private, that Dropbox can’t be trusted, etc. Truth be told, it doesn’t really matter because you’re want to encrypt your data before saving it to a Cloud drive (see my post on using Cryptomator). I never trust my raw data to any cloud provider — I always encrypt it first before uploading.

Cloud backup is the easiest part because it’s fully automatic. I love anything that does its job while I’m asleep or scrolling through TikTok.

🎧 Implementing This at Home Without Losing Your Mind

If the whole thing still sounds like too much, here’s a simple starter version:

  1. Buy one external SSD.
  2. Sign up for one cloud backup service.
  3. Let both run automatically.
  4. Reward yourself with something sweet for being a functional human.

Seriously, that’s enough. You can get fancy later.

But—and I’m saying this with love—your future self will adore you for setting this up now instead of “when I have time,” which is code for never. Especially since we’re tiptoeing toward a new year, and it’s the season where everyone pretends they’re going to get their life together. This is one goal you can actually hit with very little effort. You set it up once, and then you relax knowing your digital treasures are safe.

Imagine typing away on your next book or sorting through holiday photos and not having that little whisper of doom in the back of your head. It’s honestly kind of freeing.

Why Now? Because January You Deserves a Break

Look, new-year energy is infectious. Even if we all know resolutions tend to evaporate by February, backup systems don’t require ongoing willpower. You just set them up, flip a metaphorical switch, and boom—you’re protected.

Plus, is there anything more demoralizing than starting the new year by losing your files? I’ve been there. I still twitch thinking about the time I lost half a novel draft in 2013. I had to rewrite entire chapters from memory, which is never as noble or romantic as it sounds.

Give Future You a gift.
Implement the 3-2-1 system now.
Then brag about it to your friends like you’ve achieved inner peace.

book cover for Spectral Symphony, young man in Fedora in front of Carnegie Opera Hall

A ghostly melody haunts New York’s grandest opera house.

When a piece of forbidden music resurfaces, paranormal detective Lucien Knight is forced to confront a mystery where ghosts perform, musicians vanish, and some notes carry a deadly price.

Grab your copy HERE

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Can I Actually Ditch My Mac for an iPad? Maybe… Probably… I Don’t Know, Let’s Talk It Out

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Young man working on iPad

So I’ve been having thoughts, my friends. Dangerous thoughts. The kind of thoughts that sneak in when you’re sipping a latte and scrolling through tech blogs on your iPad, feeling a little smug because the screen is shiny and the keyboard clicks just the way you like it.

Lately, I keep bumping into all these posts from people who’ve gone full iPad. They’re out there living that sleek, cable-free, digital-nomad-at-the-café life. Meanwhile, I’m over here with my faithful MacBook, which—bless its aluminum heart—is basically glued to my monitor like it has separation anxiety.

And now I’m wondering… should I be more like those iPad people?

I mean, I love my MacBook. Love. It does everything. It handles my writing, my spreadsheets, my research rabbit holes, my attempt at organizing my life in twelve different apps because I apparently refuse to learn from past failures. But it stays on my desk like a loyal houseplant that never ventures out.

My iPad, though? That thing is a social butterfly. I take it everywhere. It’s light, it’s flexible, it’s fun. If tech had personalities, my iPad would be the friend who says “Let’s go to the library, it’ll be adorable,” while my Mac would say, “No, we are staying right here next to this monitor like grown-ups.”

The 80–90% Theory

Here’s what sparked this whole internal monologue: I realized I could probably do about 80 to 90 percent of my actual daily work on the iPad without breaking a sweat. Writing? Absolutely—Ulysses runs beautifully, and I’ve turned into one of those people who cackles while dragging snippets around with my finger. Emails? Easy. Social stuff, blog stuff, journaling, reading PDFs, making my endless to-do lists? Not a problem.

The iPad handles all of that like it’s lounging on a chaise with grapes.

But then there’s… Photoshop.

Cue dramatic piano chord.

Photoshop: The Final Boss

I design my own book covers, right? So Photoshop on the Mac is something I rely on heavily. Layers, masks, smart objects, finicky tweaks at 800% zoom—stuff that feels a little like performing tiny digital surgeries.

I’ve heard decent things about Photoshop on the iPad, but “decent” has a different meaning depending on who you ask. Some folks claim it’s fantastic for painting and drawing, which is great if you want to illustrate a dragon or sketch a mountain. My needs are a bit more “here is a ghost detective in a fedora; please make him dramatic but not too dramatic.”

From what I gather, iPad Photoshop is… fine. Like, it tries. It does a respectable job for many things, but it’s missing enough features to make cover design feel like assembling IKEA furniture with two screws and a verbal apology. The bones are there, but sometimes you just need the full muscle of desktop Photoshop to finish the job.

So that 10–20% remaining? Yeah. That’s where the Mac still wins.

But Here’s the Tug

I love working on the iPad more.

There, I said it.

There’s something energizing about being able to grab my little glass slab and head outside. Or to a coffee shop. Or to the library, where I can pretend I’m some babbling writer from the 1920s scribbling a masterpiece (except instead of a fountain pen, I’m tapping on a Magic Keyboard and hoping the Wi-Fi doesn’t hiccup).

And since I’m more mobile again—walking places, leaving my house, rediscovering the joy of not staring at the same four walls—it’s been really tempting to rethink my setup entirely. The iPad feels like the tool that fits this new chapter better. It’s portable, it’s fun, and it lets me work anywhere without feeling like I’m lugging around a small metal suitcase.

The Question: Could I Actually Move to iPad Full-Time?

I keep circling around the idea that it might be worth investigating. Really investigating. Maybe even doing a little experiment—like a weeklong “iPad-only” challenge to see what breaks first: my workflow or my spirit.

Maybe I’ll discover that Photoshop for iPad is secretly brilliant and I’ve been worrying for nothing. Maybe I’ll find myself running back to the MacBook like it’s an ex I never should have left. Or maybe—just maybe—I’ll split the difference and let each device do what it’s best at.

Honestly, that sounds the most likely: iPad for the daily roaming writer life, Mac for the deeper “let me manipulate this book cover until I’m convinced the shadows look moody enough without swallowing the poor detective whole” work.

But the idea of trimming down my tech life and actually embracing the iPad as my main machine? It keeps tugging at me.

Anyway, you know me—I’ll probably overthink this for another week and end up sitting in a café with the iPad anyway, pretending I’ve already made the switch because it just feels right.

Murder at the Savoy book cover image - man in fedora in front of the Savoy night club

Lucien Knight came to New York to escape scandal.
He found a dead singer, a beautiful liar, and a ghost that won’t let go.
Murder at the Savoy — jazz-soaked noir meets the supernatural.

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Me, My Eyes, and My Beloved Boox Note Air 4C

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young man in a cafe reading on an e-ink device

So, picture me squinting at my iPad mini like a grandpa reading the stock listings under a dusty lamp. That was my life for a while—thinking I’d cracked the code to digital reading nirvana with that tiny tablet—but my eyes pretty much staged a rebellion. Burning. Watering. The whole dramatic opera. I wanted to read for hours, not blink through a headache. And honestly, I felt betrayed. I bought the iPad for ebooks. That was supposed to be our thing.

But the universe nudged me in another direction.

I fell down the rabbit hole of e-ink readers, the way one falls into YouTube at 11 p.m. thinking, just one more review. Before I knew it, I was comparing refresh rates, note-taking latency, warm vs cool front lights, storage sizes, screen clarity, stylus feel, color rendering—you know, stuff I swore I’d never care about. I became that person. The research gremlin. I even caught myself stroking my chin like a philosopher while reading Reddit threads titled “Is Boox worth it??”

And then—cue soft glow and faint angel chorus—I found the one.

The Boox Note Air 4C

Sleek. Kinda classy. Understated like a writer who wears black sweaters and drinks strong tea.

The first time I powered it on, the screen looked like paper. Not “sorta-like-paper if you squint” paper—actual paper vibes. That warm matte texture makes my words feel real, and the color display (yes, color e-ink!) gives book covers just enough personality without punching me in the eyeballs with bright LED cheerfulness.

My eyes? Instantly happier.
I’m talking long reading sessions—two coffee refills deep—and zero regret. No stabbing brightness. No glare bouncing off the window. Just me sunk into a story, the device weight perfectly chill in my hands, as though it was designed for marathon reading binges and existential literary crises.

And Then I Realized This Thing Was More Than a Reader

This is where my Boox Note Air 4C surprised me. I originally bought it to read—full stop. But somewhere between chapter three of a mystery novel and my second peppermint tea, I thought:

Huh, I could edit my draft on this.

And I did.
And it was divine.

There’s this very pleasant scratch-to-stylus feel that tricks your brain into thinking you’re writing on real paper. I can scribble notes directly on PDFs, circle dialogue that feels clunky, doodle a sad stick-figure detective in the margin (for morale purposes), and highlight entire chapters like I’m a professor marking essays. It’s writable, in the most comforting sense. The digital pages take ink with little resistance.

My manuscript drafts look like someone spilled rainbow confetti on them—in the best possible way. Edits everywhere. Arrows. Stars. Angry punctuation. Tiny compliments to myself like good metaphor, past Roger.

It’s become my traveling writing companion. Coffee shops, park benches, planes—if the mood hits, I’m editing. And because the screen feels so gentle on the eyes, I can work longer without that throbbing behind-the-socket sensation that pretty much defines trying to revise on an iPad backlit at 2 a.m.

Things I Do With My Boox Without Shame

  • Read on the couch until the cat demands food
  • Annotate drafts like I’m preparing for a dissertation defense
  • Highlight entire paragraphs because they “spark joy”
  • Carry it around like a pocket-sized creative brain
  • Flip between ebooks, PDFs, handwritten notes, and doodles like some kind of literary wizard

It’s funny—tech is usually so loud. Flashy. Shiny. Begging for attention. The Boox Note Air 4C feels more like a notebook that just happens to know how to sync files and display entire novels. It encourages slowing down, focusing, thinking. My writing sessions feel less like work and more like wandering through my thoughts with a pen.

And that’s exactly what I wanted.

I still love my iPad—don’t get me wrong. It’s great for apps, shows, gaming, hopping online when boredom hits. But for reading? For editing? For deep-thought creative sessions where I’m half annoyed and half in love with my own sentences?

No contest.

The Boox wins.

I guess this is my way of saying

I didn’t expect to fall for a device. But here I am, stroking its cover like it’s a hardcover first edition. If you’re like me—eyes tired, brain craving paper but unwilling to sacrifice digital convenience—this little beauty may be your new confidant.

I read more. I write more. I think more.
And honestly? That feels like magic.

Ghost Oracle Box Set image

My Ghost Oracle Box Set (Nick Michelson) is now available from your favorite online retailer.
Here’s a link for Books 1-3: https://books2read.com/u/mBKOAv
Here’s a link for Books 4-6: https://books2read.com/u/mVxr2l

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🔐 Why Cryptomator Has Become My Little Digital Vault (And Why You Might Want One Too)**

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(A ramble about privacy, files, and the magic of encryption — minus the headache)

I promised myself I wasn’t going to turn into one of those people who goes on and on about internet security, but here we are. I blame past-me — the same past-me who wrote a blog post a while back about staying safe online. That little article planted a seed. A seed that sprouted into my ongoing obsession with guarding my files like they’re the crown jewels. Jewelry I keep in the cloud, no less.

So today I want to talk about something I use almost daily — Cryptomator. And honestly, it’s one of those apps I forget exists until the moment I need it, like a flashlight that sits quietly in a drawer until the power goes out and suddenly you’re like oh good, you again.

☁️ Life in the Cloud — Fun Until It Isn’t

Using cloud storage is kind of like throwing your belongings into an invisible attic. Super convenient… until you remember anyone else could climb up there if they try hard enough. And look — I love convenience. I have files everywhere: Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud — the usual digital clutter. Novel drafts, tax documents, private photos that consist mostly of groceries and screenshots of weird error messages.

All that is great until I picture some faceless stranger opening my files like they’re flipping through a diary. Worse yet — judging my folder naming system. (‘FINAL FINAL FINAL REALLY THIS ONE’ — anyone?)

So that’s where Cryptomator sauntered into my life.

🗝 What Cryptomator Does (In Plain Speak)

Forget complicated encryption jargon. I’ll put this how I understand it:

Cryptomator locks your files before they travel to the cloud. Like zip-tying a suitcase shut before checking it at an airport. Yes, the airline can move it. No, they can’t snoop inside unless they guess your key.

You create a “vault.”
You put files inside.
Cryptomator scrambles them into nonsense.
Only you hold the unlocking phrase.

It’s like whispering secrets in a language only you speak.

The nice part? You don’t need a degree in cybersecurity. It’s free, it’s open-source, and it works on basically every device — Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android — you name it. I like tools that don’t boss me around about what platform I’m using.

Why I Use It Constantly

Let me paint a little picture.

I draft stories in strange places: grocery store checkout lines, coffee shops, once on the floor of an Amtrak car (don’t judge — outlets were scarce). I keep my drafts in Cloudland so they’re accessible everywhere. But then I think… what if someone gains access to my drive and reads the entire ending to a book I haven’t published yet? Horror.

So into the Cryptomator vault they go. Along with:

  • Tax returns
  • Bills
  • Passport scans
  • Website credentials scribbled into badly formatted text files
  • Novel outlines I’m too shy to show anyone yet
  • Finished novels
  • Works in Progress
  • My Digital Journal
  • Finance and Business Spreadsheets
  • Legal Documents
  • Travel-related stuff
  • etc., etc., etc.,

Basically — anything that would make me cringe if it fell into the wrong hands.

🧊 The Interface Doesn’t Fight Me

Some apps feel like fighting a fridge door that won’t close. Cryptomator is more like a window latch — pull, click, done. Once you unlock the vault, it behaves like a regular folder. Drag stuff in. Drag stuff out. No need to chant arcane commands or wear blue-light glasses for intimidation purposes.

The best part? Even if your cloud account is breached, all the hacker sees is encrypted gibberish — filenames scrambled like alphabet soup. No one is reading those files unless they’ve got your vault password, and hopefully you didn’t name that password password123 (please tell me you didn’t).

🚪 Small Habit, Big Peace of Mind

I’m not paranoid — or maybe just comfortably cautious. The world is digital whether we like it or not. We toss data into the cloud constantly: bank statements, manuscripts, legal documents, receipts for that dress we panic-returned two days later. That’s modern life.

But adding a tiny layer of protection with something like Cryptomator?
Feels smart. Feels safe. Feels like locking your front door even though you live on the second floor and nobody has a ladder.

And yes — this whole post is basically just me nudging you to protect your private stuff too. Because I care. And because I’ve grown fond of the calm that comes with knowing my cloud storage isn’t a wide-open window at street level.

If you want to keep your files private, but you don’t want the headache of figuring out difficult encryption tools or reading tech documentation that feels like a foreign language, Cryptomator is genuinely worth trying. It’s one of those quiet little apps that make your digital life just a tiny bit safer — and that tiny bit matters more than we think.

If you try Cryptomator, let me know — I love hearing how people use it, and I’ll happily geek out about file security way longer than anyone asks for.

Murder at the Savoy book cover

New York, 1937.
Ex-Scotland Yard detective Lucien Knight trades the fog of London for the neon haze of Harlem—and lands straight in the heart of a scandal. A rising jazz singer lies dead, a lover demands justice, and whispers of a secret affair threaten to ignite the city’s rumor mill.
In a world where truth and desire can both get a man killed, Lucien must choose whom to trust—and how much of himself to reveal—before the Savoy’s glittering stage becomes his own grave.

Grab your copy HERE

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Why Reddit Is My Favorite Corner of the Internet (And No, It’s Not That Kind of Social Media)

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Young man working on his computer at night while on his bed

So, I’ve mentioned before that I’ve kinda bailed on most social media platforms (though recently, I’ve discovered BlueSky and I’m semi-obsessed). You might remember me ranting about the endless scrolling, the algorithm doom spiral, and the fact that I was basically stalking people I haven’t seen since middle school. But Roger, you might be thinking, isn’t Reddit social media? And honestly, maybe? Or maybe not? It’s like Schrödinger’s cat of internet platforms. Reddit’s technically a massive collection of forums, and really, that feels more like chilling in a library with a bunch of different club meetings happening around you than anything else.

I think the best part is that there’s a forum (or subreddit, if we wanna be fancy about it) for literally any interest you might have. Seriously, if you love Labradors, there’s a subreddit full of people posting pics of chonky lab pups living their best lives. Into playing cards? Yup, you got your r/playingcards subreddit ready with people discussing rare decks like they’re sports cars. Obsessed with credit card rewards? You bet there’s a group of folks in r/creditcards, plotting how to max out those sweet cashback points. It’s a little wild how niche it gets. Like the other day, I stumbled upon a subreddit all about sharpening knives. Knives! (Apparently, it’s a whole vibe.) And beyond that, you can even find local communities—cities like Milwaukee or Chicago have their own subreddits, and heck, even whole states do. It’s like the internet’s equivalent of a community potluck; everyone brings something to the table, even if it’s just memes.

So, I’m not hanging out on r/pics waiting for someone to “like” my selfie (because, shockingly, I’m way past my selfie phase—I think). No, I’m over here searching things like, “Kobo ereader Reddit” or “Best post-shave balm Reddit” because seriously, when Google throws up nothing but sponsored reviewers trying to sell me stuff, Reddit is like a breath of fresh, unsponsored air. I just want to know if that Kobo is gonna feel like holding a tiny paperback in my hands or if it’s gonna make me long for the smell of bookshop dust. Is that too much to ask? And I’ll tell you what: Reddit doesn’t try to sell me $1,000 headphones I didn’t ask for, so it’s already earned major points with me.

It’s wild how Reddit has actually become part of how I search for things. Try it. Google anything—anything at all—and slap “Reddit” at the end of your search. Boom. You’ve unlocked a portal to real people’s real experiences, with zero immediate pop-ups asking you to subscribe to insert tech blog that you’ve never heard of. Honestly, it’s kinda refreshing not having an algorithm shove carefully curated (and sometimes suspiciously sponsored) content down your throat. You just wade into whatever topic you’re curious about and see what other folks have to say. Does it require an occasional grain of salt? Sure. But hey, Reddit’s kinda like scouring the world’s most eccentric public library—some days you find treasure, other days… well, let’s just say r/conspiracy theories exists for better or worse.

But okay, disclaimer: I get dangerously sucked in sometimes. Like, you’ll think you’re just dipping your toe in on a quick search, and suddenly it’s three hours later, and you’re on page 7 of a thread about whatever niche thing you’d never even thought about till now. One moment you’re reading honest reviews of an e-reader, next you’re 60 comments deep in some dude’s account of how his Roomba staged an uprising. Time? What is time on Reddit? So yeah, just saying, proceed with caution—Reddit is both the savior of your Google searches and the black hole you never see coming until it’s already eaten your afternoon. Yup, sounds fun, right?

I guess the “secret sauce” is that Reddit is this mishmash of education and entertainment. You’re learning stuff (the other day I learned that sloths actually poop only once a week, and admittedly that’s a weird thing to know), but it’s also, let’s be real—like super binge-able. One second you’re the responsible adult, researching real estate advice, then wham, you’re laughing at a meme about capybaras in hats. Seriously… capybaras! Why are they so chill all the time?

This whole “subscription” thing is genius, too. Not in the money-sucking, algorithm-feeding, soul-draining way that other platforms do. Nope. On Reddit, you subscribe to forums—or subreddits—that actually interest you, and suddenly your feed is filled with discussions, links, memes, and rants all tailored to whatever niche you’re vibing with at the moment. Checking out a new city? There are subreddits for that. I’m not even kidding, r/Milwaukee is a legit community where locals talk about my fair city’s best spots or complain about the weather (classic, right?). Add in a subreddit for Chicago, Wisconsin as a whole, heck even Lasagna probably has its own corner. There’s legit space for everything here.

Anyway, if you haven’t tried appending “Reddit” to your searches, I low-key challenge you to give it a go. It changes the game! Plus, there’s something unique about knowing you’re digging into thoughts from fellow internet adventurers, rather than getting spoon-fed by SEO-optimized, commercially-driven content. I’m forever grateful to those random humans typing away on long threads, especially at 3 AM when I’m deciding between two air fryers.

And hey, maybe the next time you get “lost” in Reddit-land, you’ll discover something that’s unexpectedly useful! Or at least get hot takes on the latest mediocre Netflix show. We can dream.

Until next time (maybe tomorrow?)…safe scrolling… and, uh, don’t blame me when the hours disappear.

Golem's Guardian book cover

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My Adventures in French with Language Reactor

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man studying frenchBonjour, mes amis! 🇫🇷

So, I’ve been on this mission to brush up on my French, right (I’m planning on going to France next year but that’s a topic for another post)? And let me tell you, it’s been quite the journey! 🌍 I stumbled upon this nifty tool called Language Reactor, and honestly, it’s been a game changer. Here’s the lowdown on my quirky adventure with it.

  Diving into the Deep End 🏊‍♂️

First off, let me set the scene. Picture me, a typical Tuesday evening, armed with a cup of coffee and an overwhelming desire to parler français like a pro. Enter Language Reactor. This little gem hooks right into Netflix (yep, you heard that right, Netflix!), turning my binge-watching sessions into a full-blown French lesson. 🎬🇫🇷

This super cool Google Chrome extension is like having a personal French tutor right at your fingertips . It works its magic on Netflix, Youtube, and tons of other websites, transforming them into interactive language learning labs .

How It Works:

Dual subtitles: See the original French alongside the English translation. No more frantic dictionary flipping!

Text-to-speech: Listen to the text being read aloud in crystal-clear French. Perfect for practicing your listening comprehension.

Word lookup: Click on any word to get its definition, pronunciation, and even add it to your personal vocabulary list for later study .

PhrasePump! This feature generates customizable sentence drills based on your current learning level . It’s like having a personalized French tutor whispering sweet grammar rules in your ear .

The Hilarity of Learning 😄. And let’s not forget the fun factor. Each language comes with its own quirks and surprises. Imagine learning Japanese and suddenly understanding anime without subtitles. Or cracking the code of those intense Spanish soap operas. It’s like unlocking a secret world where everything is slightly more awesome.

But wait, there’s more! Language Reactor isn’t just for French. This bad boy supports a plethora of languages like Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and the list goes on! Want to order pasta in perfect Italian? Check. ream of discussing Dostoevsky in Russian? You bet. Basically, it’s like a buffet of language learning goodness waiting to be devoured .

Beyond Just Words 🌐

Here’s the thing: Language Reactor isn’t just about learning words and grammar. It’s about diving headfirst into different cultures. One day, you’re a detective in a German thriller; the next, you’re laughing at a Chinese rom-com. It’s like a round-the-world trip without leaving your couch.

I’m telling you, this extension is a total game-changer for language learning. It’s fun, interactive, and super effective . And the best part? It’s completely free!

So, what are you waiting for? Go download Language Reactor and unlock your inner polyglot . Just remember, practice makes perfect, so get out there and start speaking French (or any other language you fancy) like a pro!

Merci for reading! Until next time,

Your friendly neighborhood language nerd,
Roger

P.S. Random Fact Alert 🚨

Did you know that the longest word in French is “anticonstitutionnellement”? It means “in a manner that is contrary to the constitution.” Thanks, Language Reactor, for that gem. I’ll definitely drop it in casual conversation. 😉

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Don’t Get Left in the Digital Dust: Why Keeping Up with Tech Matters!

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guy with a vr headset
Photo by @soberanes

Today, let’s have a cozy chat about why it’s super important to keep up with technology. Given how quickly technology changes these days, I thought this would be a relevant topic for discussion. I know many people find it challenging to try to keep up with tech and sometimes think it would be easier to give up.  But I’m here to tell you the opposite — that keeping up with tech is super important.

You know that feeling when you’re trying to figure out how to use your new-fangled smartTV, and it might as well be a spaceship control panel? Yeah, been there, done that, and let me tell you, it’s not fun. Trust me, you don’t want to be that person who’s stuck in a state of perpetual confusion because you don’t understand everyday technology. Let’s face it; we live in a digital age, and tech is everywhere. From smartphones to smart homes, from streaming to social media, it’s all around us.

Now, I’m not saying you need to be a tech guru or an expert coder (unless you want to be, of course). But a basic understanding of technology is becoming as essential as knowing how to tie your shoelaces (or maybe even more so). Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Communication: Most of our communication these days happens online. Whether it’s texting, emailing, or video chatting with loved ones, technology is the glue that keeps us connected. Don’t want to be the friend who can’t join the Zoom call because you can’t figure out how to unmute yourself, right?
  2. Work: In the job market, tech skills are in high demand. Whether you’re a doctor, a chef, or an astronaut (okay, maybe not an astronaut), chances are you’ll need to use technology in your work. Plus, understanding tech can make you more efficient and competitive in your career.
  3. Everyday Life: From online shopping to banking to ordering food, technology makes our daily lives easier. Keeping up with it can save you time, money, and a whole lot of hassle.
  4. Not Getting Left Behind: In this digital era, not keeping pace with technology can mean getting left behind. As technology evolves, so does the way society functions. Whether it’s the job market, education, or daily interactions, everything is becoming more tech-centric. Staying updated prevents us from becoming obsolete in our skills and understanding of the world. For me, it is important not to be bumbling around the world in a state of confusion because I didn’t bother to try and understand everyday technology.
  5. Staying Safe & Secure: With the rise in digital technology, there’s also an increase in cyber threats. Understanding the latest in tech means you’re better equipped to protect yourself against cyberattacks and data breaches. Knowledge about things like secure passwords, two-factor authentication, and data encryption is super important.
  6. Making Informed Decisions: When you’re up-to-date with technology, you can make more informed decisions about the tech products and services you use. This knowledge can save you money (no more buying tech you don’t need!) and improve your overall experience with technology.
  7. Never Stop Learning: Finally, keeping up with technology is a continuous learning process. It keeps your mind active and engaged, and there’s always something new to discover. Whether it’s a new app, a software update, or a groundbreaking gadget, the tech world is constantly evolving, offering endless opportunities to learn and grow.

So what’s the secret?

For someone who isn’t tech-savvy, keeping up with technology can seem daunting. Heck, it’s even exhausting for those of us who enjoy tech. However, there are several accessible ways to gradually increase your understanding and comfort with new tech:

  • Start with Basic Online Tutorials: Look for beginner-friendly tutorials on platforms like YouTube or Khan Academy. They often have step-by-step guides on various tech topics, explained in simple terms.
  • Use Simplified Tech News Sources: Websites like Digital Trends or Tech for Luddites offer technology news and information in an easy-to-understand format, avoiding overly technical jargon.
  • Enroll in Introductory Tech Courses: Websites like Coursera, Udemy, or your local community college offer beginner courses in computer literacy, internet basics, and introductory courses in various software.
  • Leverage Interactive Learning Tools: Tools like Duolingo for languages or Codecademy for coding offer interactive, user-friendly ways to learn at your own pace, often starting from a very basic level.
  • Join Beginner-Friendly Tech Communities: Online forums or local clubs for beginners can provide a supportive environment for learning and asking questions. Platforms like Meetup can help you find local groups.
  • Explore Technology in Public Libraries: Many public libraries offer free access to computers and basic computer classes, as well as resources like books and online materials for learning about technology.
  • Ask for Help from Family and Friends: If you have family members or friends who are more tech-savvy, ask them for guidance or to explain things in a way that makes sense to you.
  • Use Technology in Daily Life: Incorporate technology into your daily activities, like using a smartphone for tasks like shopping or navigation, which can help you get comfortable with tech in a practical, hands-on way.
  • Set Small, Achievable Goals: Start with small goals, like learning to send an email, using a new app, or understanding how to protect your online privacy.
  • Stay Patient and Persistent: Remember that technology is a vast field and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time and celebrate small victories in your learning journey.
  • Read Tech Blogs: Well, I’m a big fan of tech blogs! I subscribe to several of them and make it a point to read them daily. These blogs are like my tech-savvy friends who keep me in the know about the latest gadgets, software updates, and tech trends. They break down complex tech jargon into everyday language, so even tech newbies can grasp the concepts.

By starting with the basics and gradually building up your skills, you can become more comfortable and confident in navigating the ever-changing world of technology.

So, the bottom line is this: Don’t let technology pass you by. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it to your advantage. Subscribe to a few tech blogs, follow tech influencers on social media, or join online tech forums to stay informed. It’s not about being a tech wizard; it’s about staying engaged with the world around you.

As technology continues to evolve at lightning speed, you don’t want to amble about in a state of confusion. Instead, be the person who confidently navigates the digital landscape, adapts to new tech effortlessly, and can impress their friends with their tech-savvy prowess. Who knows, you might even find that you enjoy it! So, stay curious, stay connected, and stay tech-savvy, my friends. 🚀📱💻

Roger

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