If you’re learning a new language and want to learn how it actually works — not just memorize tourist phrases — try Language Transfer. I’ve used Language Transfer for years. I recommend it.  Language Transfer teaches you the structure and logic of a language. Instead...

I hate advertisements. Ad in Latin means “toward.”  Verto in Latin means “I turn.”  To advertise is literally to “turn toward.”   What are we being turned toward? Think about it.  You turn on your computer to get some work done, and advertisements (designed to turn...

Ever find yourself typing your email address into your phone?   I find the process annoying.  My email ends in dwanethomas.com.  Since my parents didn't buy extra vowels, no one knows how to spell my name.  Duane.  Dwayne.  Dewayne.  The options are many.   When...

I live near Nashville, Tennessee.  If you haven't heard, a severe ice storm hit Nashville through a severe ice storm this week.  Last weekend, a winter storm blanketed the city in ice.  Hundreds of thousands of people lost power.  Some are still without power. ...

Sometimes, while reading long articles online, I find myself wanting to do something else at the same time—like clean my desk.   Turns out, there is a way.  You can listen to articles online.   The Read Aloud Chrome extension lets you listen to articles, stories, and...

Big goals inspire.  “I want to speak French,” or “I want to be fluent in Spanish.”  But, once the thrill of the big goal fades, reality sets in.  To hit big goals, we have to change daily habits, or develop new habits. And, small steps really do add up.  So, instead...

Happy New Year! I hope your year is off to a great start! I have been sending out a weekly tip now since January of 2015.  Thank you for being a reader!  I really do appreciate it.   I’m a big believer in goals.  Even wrote a book about them—still unpublished, but if...

I am turning my computer over to tech support in a few days and I will not have it for a week, or so.  Since I can't handle email on my phone (too addictive), this will likely be my last email to you in 2025.   It's been fun corresponds with so many of you this year....

Digital planners are convenient, but it turns out pen and paper work better—at least for me. Writing by hand slows your thinking, sharpens your memory, and makes ideas feel real—not swipeable, dismissible, or forgotten. I tried using only digital planners this year. I...

The other day, I read a blog post from a woman lamenting her struggle to find something to buy for her husband.  “Men are hard to buy for,” she said. I suspect she’s right. I am a guy, and I don’t really want or need much. If she had called me, I would have been no...

Tip of the Week: Pack Smart — Keep a Travel-Only Toiletry Kit Here's a small habit that can save you from a big headache: keep a toiletry kit packed just for travel.  Have a kit— toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant — ready to go at all times.  No more last-minute...

Want to get more done? Try time blocking - assign blocks of time for focused work, meetings, and breaks. Time blocking keeps distractions in check and stops multitasking from taking over.  Start with your most important tasks, then schedule short breaks to recharge. ...