Book Freak 180: How to learn any language and never forget it

A science-based approach to rapid language learning through customized flashcards, spaced repetition, and deep memory techniques

Get Fluent Forever

In Fluent Forever, opera singer turned language learning expert Gabriel Wyner presents a systematic approach to learning languages that draws on memory science, cognitive psychology, and his own experience becoming fluent in multiple languages on tight deadlines.

The core of his method involves three key principles: 1) Learn the sounds of the language first, before vocabulary or grammar, 2) Avoid translating between languages by using images and personal connections instead of English translations, and 3) Use spaced repetition software to optimize the timing of review sessions.

Through this approach, learners create personalized flashcards that connect sounds, images, and memories in ways that make foreign vocabulary and grammar stick permanently in long-term memory.

Rather than relying on rote memorization or translation drills, Wyner’s system aims to rewire how the brain processes the new language from the ground up.

Here are four key pieces of advice from the book:

Start with pronunciation training before vocabulary

The basis of any language is its sounds, not its words. If you begin with sounds, you’ll remember words better. You’re not trying to learn a written language with some sounds tacked on; you’re trying to learn a spoken language that happens to have a written form.

Don’t use translations — use images instead

Translation is a crutch that keeps you from thinking in your target language. Instead of learning that “gato” means “cat,” learn that “gato” conjures up the image and concept of an actual cat. Use pictures and personal memories rather than English translations.

Use spaced repetition systems to review optimally

The brain learns best when it’s about to forget something. By using spaced repetition software like Anki to test yourself on information right before you would naturally forget it, you can learn much more efficiently and make memories that last.

Make personal connections to every word and rule

You’ll remember words and grammar rules much better if you connect them to your own life experiences. When learning grand-mère (grandmother), think about your own grandmother. These personal connections make foreign words feel less foreign and more meaningful.

05/2/25

Flight Mileage Deals/Free TV Feeds/Cheap Living Abroad

Nomadico issue #153

Point.me for Searching Mileage Flights

I need to fly to France in the autumn for business and since that’s not high season, I’m hoping I can get there on airline miles instead of buying a flight. Using Point.me on a paid plan, what would normally be a time-consuming chore is a fast and easy one. I can search every available airline option in one place, quickly adjusting departure city, date, and cabin class to see the best options for point redemptions. I found a 20K round trip from one airport and 32K from another that’s closer (plus airport taxes). There are even more options if you have a credit card where you can transfer points to multiple programs or you pay your rent using Bilt Rewards and rack up points from that.

Free Wi-Fi Eventually on 4 U.S. Airlines

With American Airlines announcing recently that they’re going to offer free satellite Wi-Fi to loyalty members on flights, this means all 3 legacy U.S. carriers should have it in place by next year. It was already free on JetBlue. On Alaska Air you can get it free if you’re a T-Mobile customer but on Southwest, not at all unless you bought a Business Select ticket.

Cheapest Places to Live in the World, Take 2

At the end of last year I put up an article on the cheapest places to live in the world and apart from a degradation in the value of the greenback lately because of the economic chaos, it’s still the best guide out there if you’re looking to cut your monthly expenses in half. Some people would rather watch than read though, so I put together a video on the subject on my YouTube channel. Check it out here. (Want more detailed advice? Get my book.)

Live TV Channel

If you’ve cut the cord or are traveling and miss live TV, then the website TV Garden is for you. It shows feeds of TV shows around the world, so you can use it to tune into what’s local or see channels from your home country. You can get BBC news on there and the selection from the USA is surprisingly robust, with CNBC, the Food Network, local network affiliates, and various Adult Swim animated channels available.

A weekly newsletter with four quick bites, edited by Tim Leffel, author of A Better Life for Half the Price and The World’s Cheapest Destinations. See past editions here, where your like-minded friends can subscribe and join you.

05/1/25

What’s in my NOW? —Michael Sloyer

issue #211

Former Goldman Sachs equity derivatives trader turned life coach. Now at Upbuild, a leadership development firm born in a monastery. I help people clarify what truly matters, discover who they are, and stay accountable to living with meaning and impact.

We have two trainings coming up that are now open for registration.

• Upbuild Coaching Certification Program (starts in Oct)
• Upbuild Enneagram Training (starts in May)
• You can connect with me on LinkedIn

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PHYSICAL

• Photosynthesis for people. In a 2018 blog post on productivity, Sam Altman wrote that using a full-spectrum LED light for 10 minutes in the morning while reading emails was a “ridiculous gain,” so I obviously had to try it. It’s hard to know if it is the placebo effect, but I do feel extra productive with a fake sun blasting my face during meditation. Worst case, I’m a well-lit overachiever. Best case, I’ve hacked my circadian rhythm and achieved peak human performance.
• Sleek minimalist wallet that’s always ready to be found. “Hey Siri, find my wallet” is a daily ritual for me. The Ridge Wallet does the trick with form and function. They sell an AirTag cash strap add-on for those as prone to losing things as I am.
• Solving the airline headphone jack tragedy. You board a flight, settle in, and realize your Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones are useless. The AirFly Pro connects them wirelessly to in-flight entertainment, gym treadmills, and more. It’s basically a peace treaty between past and present technology.

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DIGITAL

• Some see photography as art, a job, or a hobby. For me, photography is about connection. Photography is connection to the transient moments that are once and never again. Photography is connection to the beauty in the mundane. Photography is connection to the organized chaos of the world. Photography is connection to a common human spark. Photography is connection to the life living life all around me. Antarctica. Cuba. Istanbul. India. Myanmar. Nepal. Bali. New York. Rwanda. Tanzania. Ghana. Sri Lanka. Japan. And beyond. Top 50 photographs of all time. Turn up the sound. Hit full screen.https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/nKcbBlD_1KM?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0
• Imagination as the Path of the Spirit, John O Donohue. Two of my favorite takeaways: A blank white page is the best mirror + A death bed is a great place to feel alive.https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/RkXRaFm33Eg?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0

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INVISIBLE

“The exclusive purpose of human existence is to purify our hearts.” — Radhanath Swami

So clear, and as far as I can tell, so true. This is why it feels so good to be around people who are pure. People who, as my partner Hari says, “want something for us, not something from us.” It is also why life’s difficulties are necessary. They cultivate humility and purify the heart. And why it feels so good to serve others, spend time in nature, sing in the shower, and have a dance party with kids.

Sign up here to get What’s in my NOW? a week early in your inbox.

04/30/25

The Stars / A Field Guide to Redheads

Issue No. 64

THE STARS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE COSMOS

The Stars: The Definitive Guide to the Cosmos
by DK
2016, 256 pages, 10.8 x 12.1 x 0.9 inches (hardcover)

Buy on Amazon

I’ve always been fascinated with the cosmos (who isn’t?), and I even once splurged for a telescope to put in the garden for my family to enjoy. But with only one college astronomy class (101) under my belt, my knowledge of the stars falls into the “Dummies” category. Which is why I loved DK’s new book, The Stars: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Cosmos.

Not that it’s only for dummies. The large 10.1 x 12.8 book is for astro newbies as well as the more seasoned who will enjoy the scenery and surely pick up some new stellar facts. It’s for teens as well as adults, jam-packed with starry science that falls into three sections. The first, “Understanding the Cosmos,” covers the basics and beyond, from the Big Bang, starbirth, supernovae and neutron stars to black holes, colliding galaxies, galaxy clusters and a lot more.

“Constellations,” the second and largest section, is loaded with the significance and charts of constellations – some popular ones (like those from the zodiac) as well as many I’d never heard of before (like Vulpecula the fox and Monoceros the unicorn). The third, smallest section of the book, “The Solar System,” just touches on our sun and planets, and was the one section that the authors could have expanded.

In true DK fashion, The Stars compliments its smart yet accessible text with a heavy dose of charts, maps, sidebars, and brilliant photos. The authors managed to make every page highly fresh and engaging. – Carla Sinclair

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A FIELD GUIDE TO REDHEADS – AN ASSORTMENT OF PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS ALL TOPPED WITH RED

A Field Guide to Redheads: An Illustrated Celebration
by Elizabeth Graeber
Workman Publishing
2016, 160 pages, 5.1 x 0.7 x 7.1 inches (hardcover)

Buy on Amazon

For redheads, and people who love them, get past the slightly disturbing title and enjoy this collection of people, places, and things, all with red on top. The subjects are diverse, from movie stars to redheaded animals to L. Ron Hubbard to a recipe for carrot soup. The full-page, full-color, ink-wash illustrations are all charming and usually identifiable: Ron Howard is clearly nobody else, while Ginger Spice is less recognizable. Redheads of the White House, Thelma and Louise driving off a cliff, Mario Batali, and Malcolm X, all lovingly drawn here for your…your…well, it’s not clear what the point of the book is, but it’s enjoyable and odd, and isn’t that enough? – Sara Lorimer

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Once a week we’ll send out a page from Cool Tools: A Catalog of Possibilities. The tools might be outdated or obsolete, and the links to them may or may not work. We present these vintage recommendations as is because the possibilities they inspire are new. Sign up here to get Tools for Possibilities a week early in your inbox.

04/29/25

Dashboard

Tools for Possibilities: issue no. 135

Bargain spoken maps

Garmin Nuvi

The Nuvi is a superbly designed car navigation device that mounts on your dash.

Nav systems are so superior to driving with maps, that I find it hard to drive somewhere new without one. Spoken turn-by-turn directions are one of the great inventions of all time.

The only question today is whether to use a dedicated device, or your phone. While map updates, and added info such as traffic are better on the phone, the Nuvi has a better interface for driving. It shows lane changes in multilane roads better for instance. For the moment.

Of the GPS makers (Tom Tom, Magellan) Garmin makes the best models. Their high-end Nuvi50LM has lots of competitive features, while maintaining its highly-evolved interface. — KK

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Rock-steady arms

RAM Mounts

Heavy-duty devices to mount anything in or on any vehicle — car, truck, tank, motorcycle, airplane or boat. What you get while in motion: computers in cars, GPS units on motorcycles, fishing rods on boats, TVs in trucks. You name it, they got a ball and socket expanding-arm rack to mount it. Assemble your own from a modular part system. Says reader Les Hall, who recommends these especially for motorbike or cycle handlebars, “They are easy to adjust and when tightened are rock solid.” — KK

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Gadget car mount

Mountek MK 5000 CD Slot Mount

After I bought my smart phone, I wanted to find the best way to play mp3 and navigate with the built-in GPS when I am driving. Since then I have been searching for the best car mount. There are two common types of phone mount on the market, suction cup that sticks to the wind shield or flimsy clips that clip on to the air ventilation. I have tried both and found them to be inadequate and imperfect solutions.

I did some research and came across a mount that uses the CD slot. This is especially useful as I no longer use the CD player, but it is possible to play CDs at the same time. I have found that it is the perfect place to mount my smart phone. The MK5000 phone mount is very sturdy, and it has an adjustable blade than I can slide inside the CD slot and lock it tight. The mount supports vertical and horizontal rotation for easy screen rotation. It is adjustable and fits devices of different size.

I have been using the mount for a couple of months and it works very well. Every day when I hop into my car, I place my smart phone onto the mount and it holds really well. The only downside I have found is that it is more expensive than some of the other mounts, but it is definitely worth it. — Horace Chan

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Stabilizes items in cars

Sticky Pad

By some material genius, this pad holds stuff on your dashboard so it doesn’t fly off as you drive. Non-adheasive, non-magnetic, it grips cell phones, PDAs, sunglasses, GPS, binoculars, CDs, anything that you want to grab quickly and easily. I have no idea why it holds things so firmly, but it does without adhering to the object or your dash, keeping all in place on curves, hills, and sudden stops. After a year or two in the sun it will accumulate dust and grime, diminishing its effectiveness. The pad can be restored to most of its grippiness by washing it off with detergent and water. If you can keep out of direct sunlight, it will last longer. — KK

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A movable light for tasks in the car

Hella Car Reading Lamp

This is one of my all-time favorite and most-used vehicular tools: a hard-mounted interior reading light on a flexible stalk. This one is manufactured by Hella. I installed one in my first car, and used it for 12 incident-free years. The one in the Jeep is now 13 years old, and is still going strong. Both were/are mounted on the center of my dashboard, right above the radio.

Very handy in an infinite number of situations. Reading, obviously, but the directional nature of the light means a passenger can read in such that a drivers eyes are not blinded by glare. There’s even a version available with red and white lighting, for night-vision preservation. The new versions are LED. Havent used the new one, but Hella makes amazing stuff, so I’m very confident about a recommendation. — Todd Lappin

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Premium radar detector

Valentine One Radar Detector

I carry a Valentine One radar detector in my day bag. I drive multiple cars, so I can I transfer it from one car to the other, and I use it for rental cars as well. A radar detector may seem a wholly unnecessary item for a law-abiding citizen, but as police departments see their budgets threatened, they have become more active in pulling people over for small infractions such as failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, or even driving just a few miles in excess of the limit. Modern police radar is designed to be kept in standby mode, activated only when the officer points-and-shoots, but in my experience, many police are lazy and leave their radar guns active all the time.

Since I like to know where they are, the Valentine One is the only detector that shows me the direction of a radar source (whether ahead, behind, or either side). It’s very expensive at $495, but can easily pay for itself, depending on your driving habits. The after-sale service is remarkable; when my detector’s frequency setting drifted after about 8 years, I sent it in and they fixed it and sent it back without charge. They will also upgrade older models for a small fee. — Charles Platt

04/28/25

One Task X/AirSpot/Adobe Scan Mobile App

Recomendo - issue #459

One Task

One Task X is a simple task list that forces you to prioritize one thing at a time. You’re only allowed to have one “Today” task, and once it’s completed, you can drag another task into the box. Everything is stored in your browser, so there’s no sign-up or login needed—you can simply close the tab and return to it later. — CD

Personal air quality

The next health frontier will be personal air quality; what are you breathing? The best measurable proxy we have right now is the level of CO2 in the air. The more CO2 present, the more likely it is full of the exhalations of others, and the greater chance of infectious agents. The small, lightest CO2 monitor is AirSpot ($144), which is smaller than the size of a thumb drive, and will give you instant CO2 levels. I carry it in my pocket when travelling; if the levels get high, I can choose to mask, or exit if possible. (The highest level I’ve seen so far is in the waiting room at the DMV.) — KK

Quick document scans

The free Adobe Scan Mobile App converts physical documents into searchable, editable PDFs. It’s faster and easier to use than Apple Notes’ built-in scanner. It automatically detects document edges, corrects perspective, and improves text clarity. The OCR is accurate, letting you extract and edit text from scans instantly. I recently digitized a 50-page puzzle book in minutes using the high-speed scanning feature — just flip through pages and it captures each spread automatically, then splits them into individual pages. I’m using it to digitize snapshots, too. It straightens, color corrects, and crops the images, then saves them to my photo library. — MF

ChatGPT tips

Two ChatGPT tips: For a few minutes’ entertainment, let ChatGPT play 20 Questions. It is very hard to stump it. Just tell it you want to play 20 questions and it will usually guess your most obscure thing. Fun for kids. It can also play the other side. If you are an active user of ChatGPT, ask it to summarize your blind spots. It will be spot on, and most people find the succinct answer useful in its clarity. — KK

20 Verification Tools

This article lists 20 verification tools for combating misinformation. Included are fact-checking sites like Snopes and Google’s Fact Check Explorer, as well as reverse image search engines, identity verification sites, and AI detection tools. While this list is intended for journalists, these resources are useful for anyone who wants to critically evaluate what they read or find online. — CD

Best reusable lint brush

I wasted a lot of money on sticky tape lint rollers until discovering the Scotch-Brite Lint Brush. The angled fibers grab pet hair and lint more effectively than disposable rollers, especially on wool and furniture. What I like most is never having to buy refills — swipe your hand across the brush in the opposite direction to clean it off and it’s ready to use again. — MF

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04/27/25

What’s in my NOW? —Michael Sloyer