The Crosswalk
Just How Different Are Our Online Experiences?
A reflection on how algorithms in streaming and social media create isolated digital worlds, reducing shared cultural experiences.
Posts in thoughts
AI Detectors Can't Determine Student Cheating (And Schools Keep Using Them Anyway)
AI detectors used by schools give inconsistent results and can't prove plagiarism. Learn why universities should stop relying on them to accuse students and demand accountability from people, not algorithms.
I Couldn't Find Tap to Pay on Graphene, and I Learned Something Completely Unexpected About All of Us
When a gas station emergency exposed the limits of tap-to-pay options on GrapheneOS, I discovered that building human connection beats the all-or-nothing pursuit of perfect privacy.
Why a 40-Year-Old Software Idea Still Saves Your Money (and Freedom) Today
September 27, 1983 marked when Richard Stallman announced the GNU Project. Learn how free software choices still save families money and protect privacy today.
But What IS Linux, Really?
Linux isn't just for programmers and tinkerers. Get a better feel for what Linux actually is, why it can be much more private and secure than Windows or macOS, and why it might be for you.
Why The Motorola + GrapheneOS Partnership Matters for Everyone
Motorola and GrapheneOS just announced a partnership bringing another option for secure, private smartphones to mainstream users. Here's what it means for moms, families, and anyone tired of big tech tracking.
Google Play Services Explained: What It Collects and How GrapheneOS Gives You Control
Wondering what data Google Play Services collects from your phone? Learn what information is being tracked, why it matters for your family's privacy, and how GrapheneOS lets you keep using essential apps while controlling what gets sent out.
When Your Favorite Book Could Be the Last Copy Left
From Bartz v. Anthropic to Project Panama, discover how AI companies are destructively scanning rare books for training data, the copyright settlements involved, and what this means for cultural heritage preservation.
Why Everyone Makes Linux Sound More Complicated Than It Is: Kernel vs. Distro
New to Linux and confused by terms like kernel and distro? Here's a plain-language breakdown, plus why Zorin OS and Linux Mint are solid picks for regular people and parents.
Browser Privacy Guide: Which Browser Actually Respects You?
Learn about browser options that block trackers and protect your privacy. Compare Firefox, Brave, Opera, Vivaldi, LibreWolf, and Chrome for secure web browsing on Linux systems.
The Distance Between Ordinary People and Power
A personal story about discovering an impervious smart meter box that disabled my A/C during a heatwave, and why surveillance isn't just about data collection, but about losing control over our daily lives to distant actors. The people who shape our lives are farther away from us than ever.
Push notifications and privacy
You can have a super secure message, but if it appears on your lock screen in plain text, anyone holding your phone can read it.
Alternative Phones to Google and Apple
One busy parent's real-world experience using GrapheneOS daily. What works, what doesn't, and whether open source alternatives are practical for regular people who don't want to fight their phone.
Why I Switched to Linux (and Why You Should Too)
Tired of Windows 10 end-of-life issues, BitLocker lockouts, and forced updates? Discover how switching to Linux (specifically Zorin OS) saved me money, sped up my old laptop, and gave me back control over my data. A beginner-friendly guide to making the switch.
Intro to the Crosswalk
An introduction to the blog's mission. Guiding regular people from expensive, ad-filled big tech traps to affordable, privacy-respecting open source alternatives without losing convenience.