Back to Work

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: You Are That Little Dot.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about notifications, beeps, bloops, flashes, and all the stuff we have <em>zero control over</em>. There's about a million ways people can contact us and just as many ways we can unintentionally disappoint every one of them.</p> <p>There's sanity in realizing which stuff you actually control, which stuff you have to let go, and how many of the expectations in-between can be reasonably managed.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.macdrifter.com/2014/10/email-drafts-the-hard-way.html" class="link" target="_blank">Email Drafts the Hard Way</a><br />"I learned a hard lesson early in my adventures of writing words on a computer screen: The last thing you write is the recipient address." </li><li><a href="http://peg.gd/17d" class="link" target="_blank">peg.gd: Bacon Ray - “Tomfoolery” 7-inch (AAJ Records, 1995)</a><br />Reminder: you can download the theme song from B2W for free here. </li><li><a href="http://www.selfdeterminationtheory.org/" class="link" target="_blank">selfdeterminationtheory.org — An Approach to human motivation & personalityHome - selfdeterminationtheory.org</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.comixology.com/Silver-Surfer-Vol-1-New-Dawn/digital-comic/152755?ref=c2VyaWVzL3ZpZXcvZGVza3RvcC9saXN0L1JlY2VudEFkZGl0aW9ucw" class="link" target="_blank">Silver Surfer Vol. 1: New Dawn - Comics by comiXology</a><br />The Silver Surfer, sentinel of the cosmos, is often alone on his quest to defend space. All that changes when Surfer meets earthling Dawn Greenwood, a young woman determined to push the Surfer's boundaries. Plus, the introduction of the villain known as Never Queen! When Surfer tries to return Dawn home, he finds himself in his strangest battle yet with Shuma-Gorath! </li><li><a href="http://technicaldifficulties.us/episodes/080-a-history-of-computing" class="link" target="_blank">Technical Difficulties - 080 - A History of Computing with Dr. Drang</a><br />Dr. Drang returns to explore his background in computing from the late 1970s to today. Along the way we discover what happens when you mess up a punchcard, what Linux was like in the early days, why he uses a Mac today, and his perspectives on the near future of computing. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/incomparable/217" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | The Incomparable #217: Weird Reverse Hidden Charisma</a><br />Come with us if you want to live! It's time for our re-watch of 1984's classic sci-fi/horror/monster/car chase movie "The Terminator." It's a film that offers a fine distillation of everything '80s, from Linda Hamilton's Guess jeans to the pulsating Casio keyboard soundtrack. How do Kyle Reese's stolen pants remind him of home? And whatever you do, keep an eye out for a gigantic Austrian!With panelists Erika Ensign, David J. Loehr, and Steve Lutz. </li><li><a href="http://deadline.com/2014/10/benedict-cumberbatch-doctor-strange-movie-cast-862815/" class="link" target="_blank">Benedict Cumberbatch As ‘Doctor Strange': Actor Cast In Marvel Movie | Deadline</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://gokarbon.com/scratch/" class="link" target="_blank">Scratch — Your Quick-Input Notepad</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://agiletortoise.com/drafts/" class="link" target="_blank">Drafts - Agile Tortoise</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://omz-software.com/editorial/" class="link" target="_blank">Editorial for iOS</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://bywordapp.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Byword • Simple and efficient text editor for Mac, iPhone and iPad.</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM" class="link" target="_blank">Sugar: The Bitter Truth - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/192" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #192: Party City Trophies</a><br />TOPIC: Reinforcement, Aikido, and FearThis week, Dan and Merlin try to tackle positive versus negative reinforcement. </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrIeP798hiQ" class="link" target="_blank">Just give me all the bacon and eggs you have... - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/241" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br />Listener-submitted titles for this episode. </li><li><a href="http://badassdigest.com/2014/10/27/film-crit-hulk-smash-on-despair-gamergate-and-quitting-the-hulk/" class="link" target="_blank">Fi

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Reinforcement, Aikido, and Fear</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin try to tackle positive versus negative reinforcement.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://adfreetime.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Ad-free time! | Blocking ads, unblocking Netflix, Pandora, Hulu, BBC and more</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dAl76hkaPw" class="link" target="_blank">Ernie Kovacs - Droongo - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.technologyreview.com/view/531911/isaac-asimov-mulls-how-do-people-get-new-ideas/" class="link" target="_blank">Published for the First Time: a 1959 Essay by Isaac Asimov on Creativity | MIT Technology Review</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/katienotopoulos/bathroom-habits-poll-results#2v44k0" class="link" target="_blank">24 Surprisingly Divisive Pooping Habits</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.merlinmann.com/roderick/ep-129-museo-de-garbagemen.html" class="link" target="_blank">Ep. 129: "Museo De Garbagemen" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin Mann</a><br />Deep dive on the Savannah Cat mentioned after recording last week. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_for_the_Practicing_Musician" class="link" target="_blank">Guitar for the Practicing Musician - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/21/7026095/guardians-of-the-galaxy-mixtape-will-be-released-on-cassette-tape" class="link" target="_blank">The awesome 'Guardians of the Galaxy' mixtape will be released on cassette | The Verge</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Red_Machine" class="link" target="_blank">Big Red Machine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Garvey" class="link" target="_blank">Steve Garvey - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Stephanie-s-New-Born-Lamb-41029" class="link" target="_blank">Stephanie's New Born Lamb | LEGO Shop</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00GSN5DPU/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: LEGO Friends 41029' Stephanie's New Born Lamb: Toys & Games</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/538/is-this-working" class="link" target="_blank">Is This Working? | This American Life</a><br />Stories of schools struggling with what to do with misbehaving kids. There's no general agreement about what teachers should do to discipline kids. And there's evidence that some of the most popular punishments actually may harm kids. </li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restorative_practices" class="link" target="_blank">Restorative practices - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/235" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvMrBYlwHqU" class="link" target="_blank">Stanley Jordan playing "Over the Rainbow" - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapping" class="link" target="_blank">Tapping - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Tapping is a guitar playing technique, where a string is fretted and set into vibration as part of a single motion of being pushed onto the fretboard, as opposed to the standard technique being fretted with one hand and picked with the other. </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8CcTYsMHYU&feature=youtu.be&t=3m11s" class="link" target="_blank">Autograph - Turn up the Radio - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDGsh-Hrxho" class="link" target="_blank">The Mountain Goats - "Cubs in Five"</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikido" class="link" target="_blank">Aikido - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury. </li><li><a href="http://www.kungfugrippe.com/post/96467299669/avol-how-i-look-to-my-kid-the-morning-after" class="link" target="_blank">"AVOL" How I look to my kid the morning after... | kung fu grippe</a>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: People, amirite?</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about neighbors, dogs, Macs, MLB.tv, and flavors of reinforcement.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.patreon.com/5by5" class="link" target="_blank">Support Dan Benjamin creating Podcasts and videos</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/230" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/190" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #190: C-3PO's Beard</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/subscriptions/index_streaming.jsp?&partnerId=MLBTVREDIRECT" class="link" target="_blank">Watch Live Streaming Major League Baseball Games Online with MLB.TV | MLB.com: Subscriptions</a><br />LOT of asterisks there. </li><li><a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/184/neighbors" class="link" target="_blank">Neighbors | This American Life</a><br />"Stories of people trying to love their neighbors...and failing." </li></ul><p>Sponsored by <a href="http://squarespace.com/backtowork">Squarespace</a> (use code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off and don't forget to check out all the brand new Squarespace 7 has to offer), <a href="http://lynda.com/backtowork">lynda.com</a> (Start learning something new by visiting lynda.com/backtowork and get a FREE 7-day trial where you can access all of their 2,400+ courses), and consider supporting 5by5 on <a href="http://patreon.com/5by5">Patreon</a>.</p>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: The Ultimate Existential Investor</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin vent about Apple as only its superfans really can. What happens when things…don't…<em>just work</em>?</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/three-ring-binder-tickets-11473159529" class="link" target="_blank">Three Ring Binder Tickets, San Francisco - Eventbrite</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.comixology.com/Batgirl-2011-35/digital-comic/147405" class="link" target="_blank">Batgirl (2011-) #35 - Comics by comiXology</a><br />Barbara Gordon is no stranger to dusting herself off when disaster strikes so when a fire destroys everything she owned, she spots the opportunity for a new lease on life—and seizes it! </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FoxPro" class="link" target="_blank">FoxPro - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.strava.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Running and Cycling GPS Tracker, Performance Analytics, Maps, Clubs and Competition | Strava</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2014/10/06/ios-8-adoption-stagnates/" class="link" target="_blank">iOS 8 Adoption Stagnates Just Two and a Half Weeks After Launch - Mac Rumors</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000VZW2PA/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Gan Mao Ling, 100 ct, Plum Flower: Health & Personal Care</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002OTRBV6/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Bi Yan Pian, Nose Inflammation Pills, 120 Tablets: Health & Personal Care</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002SFXTV2/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Gan Mao Ling ECONOMY SIZE, 500 ct, Plum Flower: Health & Personal Care</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.kungfugrippe.com/post/99003847854/50-00-for-sale-since-2010-fifty-dollars" class="link" target="_blank">$50.00 For sale since 2010. Fifty dollars. ... | kung fu grippe</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.dccomics.com/comics/batgirl-2011/batgirl-35" class="link" target="_blank">BATGIRL #35 | DC Comics</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_52:_Futures_End" class="link" target="_blank">The New 52: Futures End - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.nomachetejuggling.com/2011/11/11/the-star-wars-saga-suggested-viewing-order/" class="link" target="_blank">Absolutely No Machete Juggling » The Star Wars Saga: Introducing Machete Order</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramsay_Hunt_syndrome_type_II" class="link" target="_blank">Ramsay Hunt syndrome type II - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPAloq5MCUA" class="link" target="_blank">David Fincher - And the Other Way is Wrong - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FOzD4Sfgag" class="link" target="_blank">Edgar Wright - How to Do Visual Comedy - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/224" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.flophousepodcast.com/2013/11/episode-139-star-wars-episode-ii-attack-of-the-clones/" class="link" target="_blank">Episode #139 – Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones The Flop House</a><br />The three peaches spend this episode cloning around about Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones, as part of a podcrawl with Read it and Weep (who took on Episode I) and Proudly Resents (who will be taking on Episode III). Meanwhile, Dan’s space gaydar is misaligned, Elliott explains the proper way to steal a cake, and the greatest secrets of Stuart’s nerdiness are revealed. </li><li><a href="http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/PhonyAds/silverad.html" class="link" target="_blank">Colloidal Silver: Risk Without Benefit</a><br /></li></ul><p>Sponsored by <a href="http://gotomeeting.com">Citrix GoToMeeting</a> (If you sign up for GoToMeeting before October 10, 2014 – you’ll get another Citrix product of your choice FREE for 6 months!) and <a href="http://squarespace.com/backtowork">Squarespace</a> (use code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off).</p>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Starting the stuff we haven't started.</p> <p>This week—after some entertaining random talk and a handful of hardware and software recommendations—Dan and Merlin dive back into a familiar evergreen topic: why is it so hard to get started with a project? And, just as importantly, what can we <em>learn</em> from that persistent difficulty?</p> <p>In a nut? Just start trying to suck more regularly.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.confreaks.com/videos/4617-e4e2014-advanced-tricycling" class="link" target="_blank">Advanced Tricycling - Merlin Mann - Constant Contact 2014</a><br />Video of Merlin's recent presentation on the elusiveness of getting better—and learning what to get better _at_. Presented on September 12, 2014 at Constant Contact's e4e Developer conference in Waltham, Mass. </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00L5KI0E2/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Marvel Infinite Series Rocket Raccoon Figure, 3.75": Toys & Games</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_supernatural_beings_in_Chinese_folklore#Shui_gui" class="link" target="_blank">List of supernatural beings in Chinese folklore - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/library-extension/chkgcmmjoejpekoegkedcpifgfhpjmec" class="link" target="_blank">Library Extension - Chrome Web Store</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/ban-lan-gen-isatis-root/" class="link" target="_blank">Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root)</a><br />Main functions are to clear heat-toxicity, cool blood, and relieve sore throat. Main usage and indications are macula due to pestilential toxicity invasion, high fever, headache, infection with swollen head, dark reddish purple tongue, scarlet fever, erysipelas, mumps, pharyngitis, sore boils and bunacles, chicken pox, measles, hepatitis, cold and flu, epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, epidemic encephalitis B, pneumonia, unconsciousness, hematemesis, bleeding from five sense organs or subcutaneous tissue, swollen throat, pinkeye causing by inflammation, shingles, and osteomyelitis, etc. </li><li><a href="http://www.libraryextension.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Library Extension - See book availability from your local library while you browse Amazon.com | Library Extension for Chrome</a><br />Library Extension The </li><li><a href="http://template-extension.org/" class="link" target="_blank">Template</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.tunnelbear.com/" class="link" target="_blank">TunnelBear</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00DES2FQW/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">ASUS Dual-Band Wireless Router (RT-AC56U) at Amazon.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B007PTCFFW/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: TP-LINK TL-WR702N Wireless N150 Travel Router, Nano Size, Router/AP/Client/Bridge/Repeater Modes, 150Mpbs, USB Powered: Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00ADHPP6Y/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Edimax N150 Wireless Personal Hotspot and Travel Router (BR-6258nL) at Amazon.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/217" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br />Listener-submitted suggestions for this week's episode. </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0965510999/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!: RSI Theory and Therapy for Computer Professionals: Suparna Damany MSPT, Jack Bellis: 9780965510998: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Fleurs_du_mal" class="link" target="_blank">Les Fleurs du mal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />"—Hypocrite lecteur,—mon semblable,—mon frère!" </li><li><a href="http://www.maximumfun.org/sound-young-america/maxfuncon-merlin-mann-doing-creative-work-sound-young-america" class="link" target="_blank">MaxFunCon: Merlin Mann on Doing Creative Work; The Sound of Young America | Maximum Fun</a><br />Merlin Mann talks about the process of doing creative work, and particularly how to abandon the quest for perfection, get off your butt and get started. </li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Situation_awareness" class="link" target="_blank">Situation awareness - Wikipedia,

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Media, Rarely Well Done</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the modern consumer media landscape and how we seem to be changing almost as fast as the technology. <em>Almost</em>.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://merlinm.com/meetup" class="link" target="_blank">Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #5 — Merlin Mann</a><br />MERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, September 25th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” </li><li><a href="https://readdle.com/blog/2014/09/introducing-exclusive-ios-8-updates-for-all-readdle-apps/" class="link" target="_blank">Introducing Exclusive iOS 8 Updates For All Readdle Apps | Readdle</a><br />Without further ado lets dive into the hottest news our team has prepared for you. </li><li><a href="http://www.merlinmann.com/roderick/ep-125-all-the-great-shows.html" class="link" target="_blank">Ep. 125: "All the Great Shows!" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin Mann</a><br />The Problem: John wasn’t actually a big fan. </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJfLoE6hanc" class="link" target="_blank">BIRDMAN - Official International Trailer - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.foxsearchlight.com/birdman/?gclid=CJDAwffb98ACFQwV7Aod63cACQ" class="link" target="_blank">Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis | Birdman | Fox Searchlight</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002E4Z8M/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone, Cardioid: Musical Instruments</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005G6CZRE/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Presonus AudioBox 22VSL 24-Bit/96 kHz 2x2 USB 2.0 Audio Interface: Musical Instruments</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0785191283/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Marvel Famous Firsts: 75th Anniversary Masterworks Slipcase Set (9780785191285): Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Don Heck, Joe Sinnott, Joe Orlando, Bill Everett, Marie Severin: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.jackals.us/" class="link" target="_blank">Jackal Podcasts</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://naturebox.com/peanut-butter-nom-noms.html" class="link" target="_blank">NatureBox</a><br />Description: Enjoy the comforting sweetness of cookie dough without the guilt. The only problem is deciding whether you should share these hand-made Nom Noms! </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0785191283/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Marvel Famous Firsts: 75th Anniversary Masterworks Slipcase Set (9780785191285): Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Don Heck, Joe Sinnott, Joe Orlando, Bill Everett, Marie Severin: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1785905" class="link" target="_blank">iPhone 6 Plus slightly bent after 2 days - MacRumors Forums</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://plex.tv/" class="link" target="_blank">Plex Media Server: Your Media on all of Your Devices - Plex.tv</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://smilesoftware.com/blog/entry/textexpander-snippet-expansion-comes-to-every-app-in-ios-8" class="link" target="_blank">Smile Blog: TextExpander Snippet Expansion Comes to Every App in iOS 8</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.macdrifter.com/2014/09/ios-8s-new-key-logger.html" class="link" target="_blank">iOS 8’s New Key Logger</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://readdle.com/blog/2014/09/meet-ultimate-productivity-bundle-by-readdle/" class="link" target="_blank">Meet “Ultimate Productivity Bundle” by Readdle | Readdle</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://flexibits.com/fantastical-iphone" class="link" target="_blank">Flexibits | Fantastical 2 for iPhone | The fast and friendly calendar app.</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.comixology.com/Edge-of-Spider-Verse-2-of-5/digital-comic/140681" class="link" target="_blank">Edge of Spider-Verse #2 - Comics by comiXology</a><br />Gwen Stacy as Spider-Woman! In one universe, it wasn't Peter Parker bitten by the radioactive spider, but Gwen Stacy! She's smart, charming and can lift a car, just don't tell her Police Chief father! How is she involved in Spider-Verse? </li><li><a href="htt

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Knowing What You'll Need to Know</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about a recent presentation Merlin gave on expertise and curiosity. They also pour out a 40 for <em>Macworld Magazine</em>.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://quoteinvestigator.com/2014/09/14/keep-going/" class="link" target="_blank">If You’re Going Through Hell, Keep Going | Quote Investigator</a><br />In conclusion, the above citations represent a snapshot of current knowledge and future discoveries are possible. QI would tentatively credit Douglas Bloch with the adage containing the phrase “don’t stop” based on the 1990 citation. </li><li><a href="http://relay.fm/analogue/5" class="link" target="_blank">Analog(ue) #5: The Only Way Out Is Through - Relay FM</a><br />On this episode Casey and Myke are joined by Stephen Hackett. They talk about what it's like to share private family matters on the internet. </li><li><a href="http://www.heroinitiative.org/" class="link" target="_blank">Hero Initiative</a><br />The Hero Initiative creates a financial safety net for comic creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. Since inception, the Hero Initiative has been fortunate enough to benefit over 50 creators and their families with over $500,000 worth of much-needed aid, fueled by your contributions! It's a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. </li><li><a href="http://scottknaster.blogspot.com/2013/10/inside-first-issue-of-macworld.html" class="link" target="_blank">Witless to history: Inside the first issue of Macworld</a><br />Having a whole new magazine devoted to the Mac was pretty cool back in 1984. You've seen the cover of the first issue, right? </li><li><a href="http://www.engineers4engineers.org/" class="link" target="_blank">Engineers4Engineers 2014 Developer Conference</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/seanhussey" class="link" target="_blank">Sean Hussey (seanhussey) | Twitter</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreyfus_model_of_skill_acquisition" class="link" target="_blank">Dreyfus model of skill acquisition - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://chrisbreen.com/words/2014/9/12/letter-of-recommendation" class="link" target="_blank">Letter of recommendation — Hair-Breened Ideas</a><br />But I’m not here to feed Internet tittle-tattle. Rather, as someone who’s been with Macworld (and MacUser before it) for a very long time, I’d like to provide potential employers (and those who are simply interested in their favorite writers) some details about my departed colleagues. </li><li><a href="http://www.macworld.com/article/2683913/when-a-door-closes.html" class="link" target="_blank">When a door closes | Macworld</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.theincomparable.com/theincomparable/" class="link" target="_blank">The Incomparable - a podcast from The Incomparable</a><br /></li></ul><p>This episode was sponsored by our friends at <a href="http://caspersleep.com/backtowork">Casper</a> (It's time for you to lay down on a premium mattress that you got at a fraction of the price. Use the code COMICS for $50 towards towards your order and for every bed sold Casper will donate $50 to the charity chosen by Merlin & Dan), <a href="http://lynda.com/backtowork">lynda.com</a> (Start learning something new by visiting lynda.com/backtowork and get a free 7-day trial where you can access all of their 2,400+ courses), and by <a href="http://www.sharefile.com/try/rt/?src=display-5by5&utm_source=5by5&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=backtowork">Citrix ShareFile</a> (Click the link then click on the microphone at the top of the homepage and enter the code BTW for a special 30-day FREE trial).</p>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Grab bag.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about—what? Well. They talk about privilege, empathy, bikes, bass players, Merlin's new mic, more bathroom signs, and a controversial anecdote about how Apple was maybe kinda not nice to a customer.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://gigaom.com/2014/09/01/what-is-the-blue-light-from-our-screens-really-doing-to-our-eyes/" class="link" target="_blank">What is the blue light from our screens really doing to our eyes? — Tech News and Analysis</a><br />“I discovered that using light at night is bad for people’s health and interferes with their sleep. I felt a moral obligation to do something about it, particularly when I learned it’s the blue component in ordinary white light that is suppressing the production of melatonin. And melatonin not only helps you sleep but is a marvelous material that has a very big influence on health in general </li><li><a href="http://alittlemoresauce.com/2014/08/20/what-my-bike-has-taught-me-about-white-privilege/" class="link" target="_blank">What My Bike Has Taught Me About White Privilege | A Little More Sauce</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/blanco/status/507644069250891776" class="link" target="_blank">blanco on Twitter: "@hotdogsladies Sorry for the delay your Samson Microphone package should be there today. Hope you enjoy it."</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/usb-microphones/c01upro/" class="link" target="_blank">Samson — C01U Pro</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87LGmm1M5Is" class="link" target="_blank">Louis CK - Time Travel is Excluslively a White Privilege - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorized.apple/posts/925197197495586" class="link" target="_blank">(30) On August 18, 2014 we lost our house and many... - Karen Scholz Leibfred</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://mightyfineburgers.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Mighty Fine Burgers Fries & Shakes – Austin</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.apple.com/support/products/iphone.html" class="link" target="_blank">Apple - Support - AppleCare+ - iPhone</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://daringfireball.net/2014/09/security_tradeoffs" class="link" target="_blank">Daring Fireball: Security Trade-Offs</a><br />I’ve heard from Genius Bar staffers who eventually left the job because of the stress of dealing with customers suffering data loss. </li><li><a href="http://www.engineers4engineers.org/" class="link" target="_blank">Engineers4Engineers 2014 Developer Conference</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/200" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restorative_practices" class="link" target="_blank">Restorative practices - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Restorative practices is a social science that integrates developments from a variety of disciplines and fields — including education, psychology, social work, criminology, sociology, organizational development and leadership — in order to build healthy communities, increase social capital, decrease crime and antisocial behavior, repair harm and restore relationships. </li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olestra" class="link" target="_blank">Olestra - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />In the late 1990s, Olestra lost its popularity due to side effects, but products containing the ingredient can still be purchased at grocery stores in some countries. </li><li><a href="http://www.flophousepodcast.com/" class="link" target="_blank">The Flop House</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://chrisbreen.com/words/2014/9/12/letter-of-recommendation" class="link" target="_blank">Letter of recommendation — Hair-Breened Ideas</a><br /></li></ul><p>Sponsored by <a href="http://squarespace.com/backtowork">Squarespace</a> (use code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off) and <a href="http://harrys.com">Harry's</a> (Get a better more affordable shave by using the code COMICS at checkout and you'll get $5 off your first purchase).</p>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: The Durable Impossibility of Email.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin return to an evergreen topic: <em>the impossibility of email</em>.</p> <p>Chaotic, paradoxical, debilitating, frustrating, buoyant, and occasionally capable of causing short-term madness, email is still the medium that we'll <strong>never</strong> get right.</p> <p>But, quixotically, it never stops us from trying.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.engineers4engineers.org/" class="link" target="_blank">Engineers4Engineers 2014 Developer Conference</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.kungfugrippe.com/post/96304718464/two-wheelin-per-this-weeks-back-to-work" class="link" target="_blank">[VIDEO] Two-Wheelin’ Per this week’s Back to Work. ... | kung fu grippe</a><br />In which Merlin's kid scoots like a big kid. </li><li><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Rotten Tomatoes: Movies | TV Shows | Movie Trailers | Reviews</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.jackals.us/better-know-a-jackal" class="link" target="_blank">Jackal Podcasts</a><br />A weekly interview show with fans of podcasting </li><li><a href="http://www.daisydiskapp.com/" class="link" target="_blank">DaisyDisk - Analyze disk usage and free up disk space on Mac</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3I88wsFKao" class="link" target="_blank">Iron Maiden - Flight Of Icarus - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6594?hl=en" class="link" target="_blank">Keyboard shortcuts for Gmail - Gmail Help</a><br />Learn them. Love them. </li><li><a href="http://www.mailboxapp.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Mailbox</a><br />We redesigned the inbox to make email light, fast, and mobile-friendly. Quickly swipe messages to your archive or trash and scan entire conversations in a chat-like view. It's a whole new inbox. </li><li><a href="http://www.dispatchapp.net/" class="link" target="_blank">Dispatch: TextExpander-enabled Email App for iPhone</a><br />Dispatch makes it easy to act on mails even when you're on the move. Based on Merlin Mann's idea of managing your inbox, it helps you tame your inbox by letting you delete, defer, delegate, generate actions and even respond to your mails with ease. </li><li><a href="http://parislemon.com/post/73047961333/yes-another-email-rant" class="link" target="_blank">ParisLemon — Yes, Another Email Rant</a><br />I know all of this sounds crazy. But given my hatred of email, I often find myself thinking about the psychology behind it. And thinking about if there’s something here to give me the upper hand. </li><li><a href="http://www.43folders.com/2006/01/04/email-dmz" class="link" target="_blank">Fresh Start: The Email DMZ | 43 Folders</a><br />Like a lot of the best fresh starts, this one's a total psych-out </li><li><a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/guardians_of_the_galaxy/" class="link" target="_blank">Guardians of the Galaxy - Rotten Tomatoes</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_Jest" class="link" target="_blank">Infinite Jest - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />The lengthy and complex work takes place in a semi-satiric future version of North America, centering on a junior tennis academy and a nearby substance-abuse recovery center. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Supposedly_Fun_Thing_I%27ll_Never_Do_Again" class="link" target="_blank">A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />In the title essay, originally published in Harper's as "Shipping Out", Wallace describes the excesses of his one-week trip in the Caribbean aboard the cruise ship MV Zenith, which he rechristens the Nadir. </li><li><a href="http://harryshearer.com/le-show/" class="link" target="_blank">Le Show - Harry Shearer</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_laureth_sulfate" class="link" target="_blank">Sodium laureth sulfate - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), is an anionic detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste etc.). SLES is an inexpensive and very effective foaming agent </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0785166076/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Guardians of the G

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Is there anything else you want to tell me?</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin discuss what bathrooms can teach us about learning, expertise, and empathy.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.sfbike.org/resources/bicycle-law/rules-of-the-road/" class="link" target="_blank">Rules of the Road - San Francisco Bicycle Coalition</a><br />The SF Bicycle Coalition is proud to be the leading resource for street safety in San Francisco. Every year, we reach tens of thousands of people with the Bicycle Rules of the Road. Here are the 10 bike laws you need to know to pedal safely and legally: </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/specials/29" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | 5by5 Specials #29: Four Places at Once</a><br />Dan and his 6 year old son Cash discuss antenna breaks in the upcoming iPhone 6 housing, iPad as a gaming platform, the technology of podcasting and live streaming, the limits of Magneto's powers, Adventure Time, deadly amoebas, visiting Four Corners, Bigfoot, rodeos, a crystal tooth, and more. </li><li><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2014/08/25/california-kill-switch-law/" class="link" target="_blank">California Law Now Requires All Smartphones to Have Built-In Kill Switches By July 2015 - Mac Rumors</a><br />The law requires smartphones to include software or hardware that will render the device inoperable to an unauthorized user in the event that the phone is misplaced or stolen. The anti-theft technology, which has to be able to withstand a hard reset or operating system downgrade, must prevent reactivation of the smartphone on a wireless network except by the authorized user. The anti-theft tools must be installed during the phone's initial setup process, and it must be reversible so an authorized user can unlock the device if it is returned to their possession. </li><li><a href="http://www.macworld.com/article/2465171/life-after-death-resuscitating-a-drowned-iphone-5.html" class="link" target="_blank">Life after death: Resuscitating a drowned iPhone 5 | Macworld</a><br />Calling my iPhone “unsinkable” might be a bit much—in all fairness, it did actually sink. But I’m getting ahead of myself. </li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/emersunn/status/501755291000532992" class="link" target="_blank">Paul Emerson on Twitter: @sween My brother thought the edge of an Airblade was a place to squeegee the water off your hands.</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/183" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #183: Remember Who Has the Cannon</a><br />TOPIC: Wait, what'd I DO?!? This week, Dan and Merlin talk about anger, misunderstandings, and trying to do the right thing. How bewildering (and emotional) it can be to feel misunderstood—as well as trying to better understand what we may have done wrong. Emotions are armor-piercing bullets. </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1401307787/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Wherever You Go, There You Are (9781401307783): Jon Kabat-Zinn: Books</a><br />When Wherever You Go, There You Are was first published in 1994, no one could have predicted that the book would launch itself onto bestseller lists nationwide and sell over 750,000 copies to date. Ten years later, the book continues to change lives. In honor of the book's 10th anniversary, Hyperion is proud to be releasing the book with a new afterword by the author, and to share this wonderful book with an even larger audience. </li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/191" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br />Listener-submitted titles for this episode. </li><li><a href="http://www.carolbergman.net/blog.htm?post=592447" class="link" target="_blank">The Doorknob Effect - Carol Bergman</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreyfus_model_of_skill_acquisition" class="link" target="_blank">Dreyfus model of skill acquisition - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.freshstorebuilder.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon Affiliate Stores | Fresh Store Builder</a><br /></li></ul><p>Sponsored by <a href="http://squarespace.com/backtowork">Squarespace</a> (Create your own professional website and use the code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off your first purchase), <a href="http://http://smilesoftware.com/b2w?crcat=b2w&crsource=pdfpen-ipad&crcampaign=aug14">Smile</a> (Download a free demo, and see how easily you can edit PDFs with PDFpen), and <a href="http://www.varonis.com/backtowork">Varonis DatAnywhere</a&g

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Wait, what'd I DO?!?</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about anger, misunderstandings, and trying to do the right thing. How bewildering (and emotional) it can be to feel misunderstood—as well as trying to better understand what we <em>may</em> have done wrong.</p> <p>Emotions are armor-piercing bullets.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://popwatch.ew.com/2014/08/19/david-letterman-robin-williams/" class="link" target="_blank">David Letterman airs Robin Williams tribute | PopWatch | EW.com</a><br />Letterman gave us a glimpse of just how electric Williams’ late night appearances were with a compilation video of his times on the show. The video features some of Williams’ trademark physical, over-the-top comedy, but it also focuses on Williams’ laughter, how he threw his head back and guffawed. </li><li><a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/going-deep-with-david-rees/" class="link" target="_blank">Going Deep With David Rees | National Geographic Channel</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.anxietycoach.com/thought-stopping.html" class="link" target="_blank">Thought Stopping: Why it doesn't work, and what works better.</a><br />"Treat Worry like a Heckler, not a Mugger" </li><li><a href="http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/change.html" class="link" target="_blank">All About Change</a><br />"What, when I do it, will lead to my long-term well-being and happiness?" </li><li><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/matthieu_ricard_on_the_habits_of_happiness" class="link" target="_blank">Matthieu Ricard: The habits of happiness | Talk Video | TED.com</a><br />What is happiness, and how can we all get some? Biochemist turned Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard says we can train our minds in habits of well-being, to generate a true sense of serenity and fulfillment. </li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/188" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br />Listener-submitted titles for this episode. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/incomparable/207" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | The Incomparable #207: I Am Groot</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://lanesplittingislegal.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Lane Splitting is Legal in California</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defensive_driving" class="link" target="_blank">Defensive driving - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mett%C4%81" class="link" target="_blank">Mett? - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li></ul><p>This episode was sponsored by our friends at <a href="http://lynda.com/backtowork">lynda.com</a> (Start learning something new by visiting lynda.com/backtowork and get a free 7-day trial where you can access all of their 2,400+ courses), <a href="http://harrys.com">Harry's</a> (Get a better more affordable shave by using the code COMICS and you'll get $5 off your first purchase), and <a href="http://www.varonis.com/backtowork">Varonis DatAnywhere</a> (Try turning your own network shares into a private cloud free for 30 days with an unlimited amount of users and if you visit varonis.com/backtowork you get 5 users free forever).</p>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Thinking, Thinking, Thinking.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the inextricable links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. They also take some time to fondly remember Robin Williams.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.lifetimetv.co.uk/biography/biography-robin-williams" class="link" target="_blank">BIOGRAPHY: Robin Williams Lifetime</a><br />Williams was bullied badly during childhood for being chubby and would often spend much of his time playing alone in the family's large home to avoid his tormentors. Eventually, he conquered his overweight label though by joining the wrestling and tracks teams, and realised he could make the other children laugh as a way of gaining respect from them. </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1416553657/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life: Steve Martin: 9781416553656: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Evans_(actor)" class="link" target="_blank">Chris Evans (actor) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Christopher Robert "Chris" Evans (born June 13, 1981)[1] is an American actor and film director. Evans is best known for his superhero roles as Johnny Storm / Human Torch in Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw9Evwb1vtQ" class="link" target="_blank">[VIDEO] Craig Ferguson and Robin Williams Interview</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://mefiwiki.com/wiki/ThereIsHelp" class="link" target="_blank">ThereIsHelp - Mefi Wiki</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://bestof.metafilter.com/2014/08/Remembering-Robin-Williams" class="link" target="_blank">Remembering Robin Williams | Best Of MetaFilter</a><br />Among many stories and reminiscences, some members recall their IRL experiences with Robin Williams, "mensch, great talent... genuine soul" </li><li><a href="http://screenrant.com/captain-america-chris-evans-quitting-acting/" class="link" target="_blank">‘Captain America’ Star Chris Evans is Ready to Leave the Marvel Universe</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/08/11/338850091/for-a-more-ordered-life-organize-like-a-chef" class="link" target="_blank">For A More Ordered Life, Organize Like A Chef : The Salt : NPR</a><br /></li></ul><p>This week's episode of <a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w" title="5by5 | Back to Work - Hosted by Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin"><em>Back to Work</em></a> is kindly sponsored by <a href="http://squarespace.com/backtowork">Squarespace</a> (10% off with offer code, "<strong><code>ITSYOURSHOW</code></strong>").</p>

<p>While Merlin takes a short sabbatical, Dan is joined by special guest David Sparks to talk about presentations, making your thing, balancing acts, iBooks author, paying for your kids' school with side projects, old man glasses, and more.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/mpu" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Mac Power Users</a><br />Learn about getting the most from your Apple technology with focused topics and workflow guests. Creating Mac Power Users, one geek at a time since 2009.Hosted by David Sparks and Katie Floyd. </li><li><a href="http://macsparky.com/" class="link" target="_blank">MacSparky</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.vertigocomics.com/comics/the-wake-2013/the-wake-1" class="link" target="_blank">THE WAKE #1 | Vertigo</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://macsparky.com/presentations/" class="link" target="_blank">Presentations — MacSparky</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map" class="link" target="_blank">Mind map - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />A mind map is a diagram used to visually organise information. A mind map is often created around a single concept, drawn as an image in the center of a blank landscape page, to which associated representations of ideas such as images, words and parts of words are added. Major ideas are connected directly to the central concept, and other ideas branch out from those.Mind maps can be drawn by hand, either as "rough notes" during a lecture, meeting or planning session, for example, or as higher quality pictures when more time is available. </li><li><a href="http://www.nuance.com/for-individuals/by-product/dragon-for-mac/dragon-dictate/index.htm" class="link" target="_blank">Dragon Dictate for Mac - Dragon Dictate speech recognition for the Mac - Nuance | Nuance</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/macsparky" class="link" target="_blank">David Sparks (MacSparky) on Twitter</a><br /></li></ul><p>Sponsored by <a href="http://lynda.com/backtowork">lynda</a> (Learn something new by visiting lynda.com/backtowork and get a 7-day free trial where you can access to over all of their 2,400 courses), <a href="http://warbyparker.com/dan">Warby Parker</a> (visit warbyparker.com/dan to get FREE 3-day shipping on your order of boutique-quality, classically crafted eyewear at a great price), and <a href="http://smilesoftware.com/b2w?crcat=b2w&crsource=pdfpen&crcampaign=jul14">Smile</a> (Start editing your PDFs the easy way with PDFpen from the great people over at Smile Software).</p>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Stupid can't stick to me.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the distinction between being against something vs. not having an opinion about it vs. just choosing not to let the world <em>stick to you</em>.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://marked2app.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Marked 2 - Smarter tools for smarter writers</a><br />Marked is a previewer for Markdown files. Use it with your favorite text editor and it updates every time you save. With robust features for previewing, reviewing and exporting beautiful documents, you can work in plain text while reveling in rich formatting. </li><li><a href="http://macsparky.com/presentations" class="link" target="_blank">Presentations — MacSparky</a><br />Most presentations are terrible. That, however, does not need to be the case for your presentations. Author David Sparks, a trial attorney and seasoned technology speaker, explains how to create your own exceptional presentation. This Presentation Field Guide explains how to plan a presentation that will connect with your audience, the technical wizardry to create a stunning presentation, and walks you through presentation day to make sure it goes off without a hitch. </li><li><a href="http://www.raptitude.com/2014/07/not-giving-a-shit/" class="link" target="_blank">The elegant art of not giving a shit</a><br />Giving a shit does not necessarily mean you’re doing anything useful, but it makes it seem like you are. It feels like there’s some kind of justice that you’re getting closer to with every moment you give a shit. But that’s not true, because giving a shit, by itself, is only thinking — and thinking has little use aside from figuring out what to do. </li><li><a href="http://marked2app.com/help/Keyboard_Shortcuts.html" class="link" target="_blank">Keyboard Shortcuts</a><br />A floating panel with a shortcut cheat sheet is available from the Help menu, or by pressing ??K. </li><li><a href="http://www.flophousepodcast.com/" class="link" target="_blank">The Flop House</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HomePage" class="link" target="_blank">Home Page - Television Tropes & Idioms</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://levien.com/type/myfonts/inconsolata.html" class="link" target="_blank">Inconsolata</a><br />Inconsolata is my first serious original font release. It is a monospace font, designed for code listings and the like, in print. There are a great many "programmer fonts," designed primarily for use on the screen, but in most cases do not have the attention to detail for high resolution rendering. </li><li><a href="http://technicaldifficulties.us/episodes/077-learning-vim-with-potatowire" class="link" target="_blank">Technical Difficulties - 077 - Learning Vim with Potatowire</a><br />Potatowire finally leaves the crib, joining Gabe and Erik to discuss command-line text editing with vim. We learn how he started, why he uses a forty-year old text editor, and some cool things you can do when your hands never have to leave the keyboard. </li><li><a href="http://villains.wikia.com/wiki/Pale_Man" class="link" target="_blank">Pale Man - Villains Wiki - villains, bad guys, comic books, anime</a><br />The Pale Man is a secondary villain from Guillermo del Toro's 2006 fantasy film Pan's Labyrinth. He was played by Doug Jones (who also portrayed the faun). </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/newsletter" class="link" target="_blank">5by5</a><br />Use the form below to subscribe to The Back to Work Newsletter. Sent only when we release an episode, the newsletter contains the latest episode's details, description, notes, and links, delivered right to your inbox. </li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070047/combined" class="link" target="_blank">The Exorcist (1973)</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/hypercritical/12" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Hypercritical #12: Nothing Is So Perfect</a><br />John Siracusa and Dan Benjamin turn a critical eye towards last week's episode on criticism, then try to pick the single biggest challenge facing three different wildly successful companies: Google, Facebook, and yes…Pixar. </li><li><a href="http://www.flophousepodcast.com/2009/03/the-flop-house-episode-34-mirrors/" class="link" target="_blank">The Flop House: Episode #34 – Mirrors The Flop House</a><br />We watch Kiefer Sutherland in Mirrors. We mean the movie– we didn’t break into his bathroom or anything. Meanwhile, Elliott pitches a crypt keeper movie, Dan

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: A Personal History of Personal Publishing</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the constantly-changing landscape of online publishing. How we got from home pages to blogs to social media and beyond. Things move around, things get shorter (or longer), and things get super-weird and unpredictable.</p> <p>How do you decide where your stuff goes and who do you expect it to reach in this whackadoodle environment?</p> <p>You won't <em>believe</em> what happens next!</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.merlinmann.com/roderick/ep-117-put-on-the-carrot-hat.html" class="link" target="_blank">Ep. 117: "Put on the Carrot Hat" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin Mann</a><br />The Problem: John’s Siri just speaks to him in Welsh. </li><li><a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/library-extension/chkgcmmjoejpekoegkedcpifgfhpjmec?hl=en" class="link" target="_blank">Chrome Web Store - Library Extension</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.nerdmeritbadges.com/products/inbox-zero" class="link" target="_blank">Nerd Merit Badges - 02: Inbox Zero</a><br />You’ve reached an empty email inbox. For extra credit, you maintain an empty inbox from Monday through Friday! </li><li><a href="https://medium.com/message/doomed-to-repeat-it-fb03757dfcca" class="link" target="_blank">Doomed to Repeat It — The Message — Medium</a><br />There’s always some big deal in email—in 2013 it was Mailbox, an app that made it easy to sort and process email. There was a long waiting list for people who wanted to download and use the software. It was like the cronut of apps. Later, Mailbox was acquired by Dropbox for about $100 million. People stopped talking about it after that. </li><li><a href="http://youarenotsosmart.com/2014/07/09/yanss-podcast-027-the-new-science-communicators-with-joe-hanson/" class="link" target="_blank">YANSS Podcast 027 – The New Science Communicators with Joe Hanson « You Are Not So Smart</a><br />I recently collaborated with Joe Hanson of the YouTube channel It’s Okay to be Smart and helped him write an episode about pattern recognition. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/cmdspace/103" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | CMD+Space #103: Everything in Moderation, with Matt Haughey</a><br />This week Myke is joined by Matt Haughey. They talk about Metafliter's past, it's troubles with advertising, accidental crowd-funding and the site's future. </li><li><a href="http://newdisrupt.org/blog/2014/6/5/i-never-metafilter-i-didnt-like-with-matt-haughey-episode-78" class="link" target="_blank">I Never MetaFilter I Didn't Like with Matt Haughey (Episode 78) — The New Disruptors</a><br />Matt Haughey founded MetaFilter, a well-moderated forum for discussions about interesting things that expanded to also answer questions. At just a few months over 15 years old, it's a veterans of many Internet lifecycles. In the last couple of years, however, MetaFilter began to face an existential challenge, which we'll talk about in this episode, along with its history, nature, and future. </li><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20020928143307/http://www.titlerecess.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Title Recess - Because names are what we call things</a><br />While the "Global Internet" has been a bonanza for tiny camera marketers and penis cream pitchmen, there's been precious little opportunity to create and share fake titles for Guided by Voices songs. That is why we now present TitleRecess.com. Please note that we also have a small but very real side interest in fake Dickens characters, fake Goth names, and fake terrible names for dot-coms. </li><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20030613005719/http://www.kungfugrippe.com/" class="link" target="_blank">kung fu grippe | weblog by merlin mann</a><br />Merlin's Kottke-inspired blog, circa 2003. </li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/164" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br />Listener-suggested titles for this episode. </li><li><a href="http://www.kungfugrippe.com/post/29500168195/blogger-lunch-january-2005-damn-this" class="link" target="_blank">Blogger Lunch (January, 2005) Damn. This... | kung fu grippe</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.43folders.com/2009/03/25/blogs-turbocharged" class="link" target="_blank">43f Podcast: John Gruber & Merlin Mann's Blogging Panel at SxSW | 43 Folders</a><br />SxSW ’09 - Gruber & Mann - HOWTO: 149 Surprising Ways to Turbocharge Your Blog With Credibility! My pal, John Gruber (from dari

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Yes. Yes.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin follow-up on their recent <em>5by5 at the Movies</em> <a href="http://5by5.tv/movies/3">episode</a> about <em>Glengarry Glen Ross</em>, talking more about sales culture, media consumption, how our personal data gets used to <em>close</em> us, and why Dan admires Ricky Roma.</p> <p>Or, <em>Tony Roma</em>, as you call him.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/movies/3" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | 5by5 at the Movies #3: A Slight Burglary: Glengarry Glen Ross</a><br />Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin talk about Glengarry Glen Ross. </li><li><a href="http://huffduffer.com/merlinmann/168945" class="link" target="_blank">A Slight Burglary: Glengarry Glen Ross on Huffduffer</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/997164309X/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">See You at the Top: Zig Ziglar: 9789971643096: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0140233032/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Naked Consumer: How Our Private Lives Become Public Commodities: Erik Larson: 9780140233032: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/round_tuit" class="link" target="_blank">round tuit - Wiktionary</a><br />A circular object giving its owner the ability to get done everything that would have otherwise been put off to a later date. </li><li><a href="http://www.quantumenterprises.co.uk/roundtuit/" class="link" target="_blank">'Original' Round Tuit! - Round Tuit gifts - Round Tuit Coins - Round Toit Origins - Round Tuit History</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/70129195?trkid=2361637" class="link" target="_blank">Watch Planet Hulk Online | Netflix</a><br />When Earth's superheroes exile the volatile Incredible Hulk to a distant planet called Sakaar, the muscle-bound green monster is sold into slavery. </li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/URFLAW_derek/status/486524360312647680" class="link" target="_blank">Twitter / URFLAW_derek: @Hotdogsladies & @danbenjamin ...</a><br />@Hotdogsladies & @danbenjamin - glengarry leads = femininity/object of desire (coloring in film & ornamentation). </li><li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/06/fashion/social-media-some-susceptible-to-internet-outrage.html?nytmobile=0" class="link" target="_blank">On Social Media, Some Are Susceptible to Internet Outrage - NYTimes.com</a><br />But Internet outrage often says more about the commenter than the cause, and its deployment may do more harm than good, to the instigator and the issue. </li><li><a href="http://eriklarsonbooks.com/the-books/the-naked-consumer/" class="link" target="_blank">The Naked Consumer « Erik Larson : Best-selling Author of In the Garden of Beasts</a><br />After receiving a sudden surge of junk mail directed at new parents—even though my wife at the time was merely pregnant—I set out to explore the lengths companies go to spy on individual consumers. It was fascinating, and a little scary. For example, I discovered one market-research firm that put human spies in stores to follow every move a shopper made, and another company that secretly commandeered viewers’ televisions to show them commercials no one else got to see. </li><li><a href="https://www.worldcat.org/title/naked-consumer-how-our-private-lives-become-public-commodities/oclc/25747170&referer=brief_results" class="link" target="_blank">The naked consumer : how our private lives become public commodities (Book, 1992) [WorldCat.org]</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.tonyromas.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Tony Roma’s Steakhouse Restaurant With Seafood, Ribs & More</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/merlin/sets/72157594480139775/" class="link" target="_blank">“She looks so pregnant!” - an album on Flickr</a><br />A celebration of Celebrity Baby Pr0n </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/movies/1" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | 5by5 at the Movies #1: Goodfellas</a><br />Dan Benjamin and John Siracusa discuss Goodfellas. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avengers_(comics)#1960s" class="link" target="_blank">Avengers (comics) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />The fi

<p>TOPIC: Motivation</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about their upcoming <em>5by5 at the Movies</em> <a href="http://5by5.tv/movies/3">episode on <em>Glengarry Glen Ross</em></a>, which segues naturally into a discussion of the many aspects of <em>motivation</em>.</p> <p>Carrots, sticks, bonuses, fear, status, and just growing up all shape our understanding of why we (and, yeah, others) do what we do.</p> <p>What happens when our motivation starts better accounting for how <em>other people</em> are motivated?</p> <p>Get them to sign on the line which is dotted.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://vimeo.com/99241853" class="link" target="_blank">A B2W HeroesCon Greeting on Vimeo</a><br />Dan Benjamin and Merlin Mann host a well-known (comics) podcast called "Back To Work". They couldn't be at HeroesCon 2014, so we put together a nice greeting, featuring a few favorite comics creators. </li><li><a href="http://captainawkward.com/2014/06/29/guest-post/" class="link" target="_blank">Guest Post: Breaking The Low Mood Cycle | Captain Awkward</a><br />"Thoughts influence behavior, which influences outcome, which in turn feeds back into your thoughts." [[via](https://twitter.com/tiff_frye/status/483644723425329152)] </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/movies/3" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | 5by5 at the Movies #3: Glengarry Glen Ross</a><br />Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin talk about Glengarry Glen Ross live at 1pm ET on Thursday, July 3, 2014. Join us! </li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338751/" class="link" target="_blank">The Aviator (2004) - IMDb</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Aviator_(2004_film)" class="link" target="_blank">The Aviator (2004 film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118715/" class="link" target="_blank">The Big Lebowski (1998) - IMDb</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Lebowski" class="link" target="_blank">The Big Lebowski - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104348/" class="link" target="_blank">Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) - IMDb</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glengarry_Glen_Ross_(film)" class="link" target="_blank">Glengarry Glen Ross (film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://cinearchive.org/post/65551650947/these-precious-commentaries-were-on-the-pioneer" class="link" target="_blank">Cinephilia and Beyond • These precious commentaries were on the Pioneer...</a><br />Don't miss Jack Lemmon's **fantastic** commentary track for _Glengarry Glen Ross_. </li><li><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-charles-schwab-got-his-workers-to-produce-more-steel-2013-7" class="link" target="_blank">How Charles Schwab Got His Workers To Produce More Steel - Business Insider</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_66/s0906028668952.htm" class="link" target="_blank">Best Ways to Pay Your Sales Staff - Businessweek</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/movies/1" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | 5by5 at the Movies #1: Goodfellas</a><br />Dan Benjamin and John Siracusa discuss Goodfellas. </li></ul><p>This week's episode of <a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w" title="5by5 | Back to Work - Hosted by Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin"><em>Back to Work</em></a> is kindly sponsored by:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.harrys.com">Harry's</a> ($5 off your purchase with discount code, "<strong><code>COMICS</code></strong>")</li> <li><a href="http://lynda.com/backtowork">Lynda.com</a> (7-day free trial!)</li> </ul>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: (Not) Solving People Problems With Technology.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the challenge of finding business workflows that…actually work. And, what happens if you try to fix a "people problem" with a technical solution.</p> <p>Also, detailed discussion on Wolverine's healing factor, gruesome hand-shaving, Florida's giant grasshoppers, dangerous bourbon foil, and varieties of elves.</p> <hr /> <h3>Come to <a href="http://merlinm.com/meetup">Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #4</a></h3> <p><strong>PSA</strong>: Hey, if you live in the Bay Area and you like comics and/or Merlin, please come out to Two Cats Comics on Thursday night and hang out with Merlin. [<a href="http://merlinm.com/meetup" title="Ungainly X-Mann Meetup No. 4">more »</a>]</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://merlinm.com/meetup" class="link" target="_blank">Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #4 — Merlin Mann</a><br />MERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, June 26th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” </li><li><a href="http://blog.sfgate.com/ontheblock/2014/06/24/is-west-portal-the-new-noe/#24398101=0&24472103=0" class="link" target="_blank">Is West Portal the ‘new Noe’? - On The Block</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/news" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | The News</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://heap.wbpsystems.com/" class="link" target="_blank">WBP SYSTEMS / Heap CRM / Keep all your information together, with the Small Business CRM / Messages, Contact Manager, Address Book, Calendars, Automation and Tasks</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.marketcircle.com/daylite/" class="link" target="_blank">Marketcircle | Daylite | Overview</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://highrisehq.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Highrise: Small Business CRM, Web-Based Contact Manager</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.wufoo.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Online Form Builder with Cloud Storage Database | Wufoo</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120903/quotes?item=qt0439749" class="link" target="_blank">X-Men (2000) - Quotes - IMDb</a><br />ROGUE: When they come out...does it hurt? WOLVERINE: Every time. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolverine_(comics)#Healing_and_defensive_powers" class="link" target="_blank">Wolverine (comics) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />"While the adamantium in his body stops or reduces many injuries, his healing factor must also work constantly to prevent metal poisoning from killing him." </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romalea_guttata" class="link" target="_blank">Romalea guttata - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />It can reach nearly 3 inches (8 cm) in size. </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486274543/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí (Dover Fine Art, History of Art): Salvador Dali: 9780486274546: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_Life_of_Salvador_Dal%C3%AD" class="link" target="_blank">The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrH5IcDfjDU" class="link" target="_blank">"enjoy your meal" - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jodorowsky's_Dune" class="link" target="_blank">Jodorowsky's Dune - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg4OCeSTL08" class="link" target="_blank">Jodorowsky's Dune (2014) - HD Trailer - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://grammarist.com/usage/flammable-inflammable/" class="link" target="_blank">Flammable vs. inflammable - Grammarist</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/jcenters" class="link" target="_blank">Josh Centers (jcenters) on Twitter</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://thedali.org/" class="link" target="_blank">The Dali Museum, St. Petersburg, FL</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://thedali.org/exhibit/eggs-plate-without-plate/" class="link" target="_blank">Eggs on the Plate without the Plate</a><br /></li><li><a href

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: "Creativity" where you din't expect it.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about PIXAR, creativity, and FoldingText before finally succumbing to the treachery of Skype.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.foldingtext.com/" class="link" target="_blank">FoldingText — Plain text productivity for Mac users</a><br />For Mac users who love plain text. FoldingText is the markdown text editor with productivity features. Unlike other editors, FoldingText does outlining, todo lists, and more. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/incomparable/197" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | The Incomparable #197: Fail Fast</a><br />We love Pixar, and we're a bunch of creative professional types. So as you can imagine, we devoured "Creativity Inc.", by Pixar president Ed Catmull. Is it a business book or an anti-business book? How do you foster creativity? Is Pixar's formula one that provides safety while preventing works of staggering genius? How much is a director or writer the author of a Pixar movie, and how much is the studio itself? And is the wild success of "Frozen" proof of anything?Panelists John Siracusa, Glenn Fleishman, Lisa Schmeiser, and David J. Loehr. </li><li><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pet-pig-saves-family-fire-n126746" class="link" target="_blank">Pet Pig Saves Family From Fire - NBC News.com</a><br />[via doktorbuzzo](https://twitter.com/doktorbuzzo/status/476268511526801408) </li><li><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/retail/2014/06/why-a-publix-whole-foods-deal-makes-sense-and-why.html" class="link" target="_blank">Why a Publix-Whole Foods deal makes sense - and why it doesn't - Austin Business Journal</a><br />It seems like a foodies’ dream, too delicious to ignore: Publix, Florida’s No. 1 supermarket chain, considering a purchase of Whole Foods, the upscale grocer known for organic products. </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2h2lvhzMDc" class="link" target="_blank">Ed Catmull, Pixar: Keep Your Crises Small - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kKrqvsH928" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 WWDC 2014 Party - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812993012/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration: Ed Catmull, Amy Wallace: 9780812993011: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li></ul><p>This week's episode of <a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w" title="5by5 | Back to Work - Hosted by Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin"><em>Back to Work</em></a> is kindly sponsored by:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://lynda.com/backtowork">Lynda.com</a> (7-day free trial!)</li> <li><a href="http://squarespace.com/backtowork">Squarespace</a> (10% off with offer code, "<strong><code>TURNSOUT</code></strong>")</li> </ul>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Dan & Merlin in Fancy San Francisco</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin visit across a table in a darkened room to talk about WWDC, San Francisco's lesser-known features, and how to spend less time bogged down in day-to-day junk.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.hookturn.com.au/thenudge/020" class="link" target="_blank">Episode 20: Self Doubt with Merlin Mann — The Nudge</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://cottonbureau.com/products/sportsball" class="link" target="_blank">Cotton Bureau – Sportsball by Jory Raphael</a><br />Celebrate your love of sportsball with this officially sanctioned National Sportsball Association League shirt. Just in time for the Super World Bowl Series Championships. </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kKrqvsH928" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 WWDC 2014 Party - YouTube</a><br /></li></ul><p>This week's episode of <a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w" title="5by5 | Back to Work - Hosted by Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin"><em>Back to Work</em></a> is kindly sponsored by:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://squarespace.com/backtowork">Squarespace</a> (10% off with offer code, "<strong><code>ITSYOURSHOW</code></strong>") - Squarespace is the easiest way for anyone to create an exceptional website.</li> <li><a href="http://www.busymac.com/busycal/" title="BusyCal">BusyCal</a> - Powerful time-saving calendar features in a friendly, easy-to-use package.</li> </ul>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Culture is what we DO.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about processing a hotel room and leading by example.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://jdickerson.tumblr.com/post/86721307157/how-to-process-a-hotel-room" class="link" target="_blank">John Dickerson - How to Process a Hotel Room</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.kungfugrippe.com/post/49972928/howto-process-your-new-hotel-room-replace-any" class="link" target="_blank">HOWTO process your new hotel room Replace any... | kung fu grippe</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.redoxx.com/air-boss/91018/product" class="link" target="_blank">Red Oxx Air Boss Carry-on Bag Designed for 1 Bag Business Travelers.</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.redoxx.com/Cool-Luggage-Accessories/Travel-Basket/91006/170/Product" class="link" target="_blank">Red Oxx Travel Basket Key Tray and Coin Valet</a><br />HONEY, WHERE'S THE ROOM KEY? LOOK IN THE VALET! NEVER MISPLACE YOUR ESSENTIALS AGAIN. YOUR PERSONAL VALET. </li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/120" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br />Listener-submitted titles for this episode. </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0743292650/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">It's All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff: Peter Walsh: 9780743292658: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li></ul><p>Sponsored by <a href="http://smilesoftware.com/b2w?crcat=b2w&crsource=pdfpen-scan-plus&crcampaign=may14">PDFpen Scan+ from Smile</a>.</p>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: How to undig a river.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about an email message from a listener who's having trouble getting away from his inbox long enough to do what he needs to, introducing a mindfulness exercise that may help point to a deeper problem.</p> <p>(This is a good one)</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.esn.fm/giant-size/7-the-passionate-task" class="link" target="_blank">7: The Passionate Task</a><br />Rich Stevens and Merlin Mann join Moisés and John to discuss the state of digital comics, content discovery, and recommend some good reads. </li><li><a href="http://www.kungfugrippe.com/post/86472922869/elric" class="link" target="_blank">"Melnibonér" - kung fu grippe</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/117" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br />Listener-submitted titles for this episode. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_hegemony" class="link" target="_blank">Cultural hegemony - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />In Marxist philosophy, however, the term describes the domination of a culturally diverse society by the ruling class, who manipulate the culture of the society — the beliefs, explanations, perceptions, values, and mores — so that their ruling-class worldview becomes the worldview that is imposed and accepted as the cultural norm </li><li><a href="http://www.askthepilot.com/nonsense-from-huffington-post/" class="link" target="_blank">Nonsense From the Huffington Post</a><br /></li></ul><p>This week's episode of <a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w" title="5by5 | Back to Work - Hosted by Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin"><em>Back to Work</em></a> is kindly sponsored by <a href="http://lynda.com/backtowork">Lynda.com</a> (7-day free trial!)</p>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: It's like wallets and backpacks.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about H.R. Giger, Dan's latest Android experiment, more on app privacy, and why we need both wallets, backpacks, <em>and</em> suitcases. You know. Analogies.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://squarespace.com/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Build a Website — Squarespace</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/dan" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Online Eyeglasses & Sunglasses - $95 Rx Glasses | Warby Parker</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/incomparable/194" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | The Incomparable #194: A Real Imaginary Friend</a><br />Grab your black cat and portable radio, climb on your mom's broomstick, and join us for a discussion of Hayao Miyazaki's classic animated film "Kiki's Delivery Service." This film features a climactic scene featuring an out-of-control dirigible, so you know we love it.With panelists Merlin Mann, John Siracusa, and Steve Lutz. </li><li><a href="http://www.theincomparable.com/bonustrack/194b/" class="link" target="_blank">Bonus Track | Mann Canon (Episode 194b)</a><br />Many digressions from our “Kiki’s Delivery Service” episode, including all the stuff John Siracusa told us to remove because it’s just him making references to Merlin’s podcasts so obscure even Merlin doesn’t remember them.May 10, 2014 • 17 minutes • Jason Snell with Merlin Mann, Steve Lutz and John Siracusa </li><li><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/judge-expresses-concerns-casey-kasems-safety-23685112" class="link" target="_blank">Judge Expresses Concerns Over Casey Kasem's Safety - ABC News</a><br />A judge on Monday ordered an investigation into the whereabouts of Casey Kasem after an attorney for the ailing radio personality's wife said the former "Top 40" host had been removed from Los Angeles without his children's knowledge. </li><li><a href="http://kotaku.com/h-r-giger-has-passed-away-1575550732" class="link" target="_blank">H.R. Giger Has Passed Away</a><br />Swiss artist H.R. Giger, made famous for his work designing the iconic creatures in the Aliens series, has passed away at the age of 74. </li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112740/" class="link" target="_blank">Crimson Tide (1995) - IMDb</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099810/?ref_=nv_sr_1" class="link" target="_blank">The Hunt for Red October (1990) - IMDb</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://kk.org/cooltools/archives/14659" class="link" target="_blank">Cool Tools – What’s in My Bag? Mark Frauenfelder</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.kungfugrippe.com/post/4228511860/everyday-carry" class="link" target="_blank">EVERYDAY CARRY I need more knives. And a giant... | kung fu grippe</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/supercharged" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Supercharged</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/108" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br />Listener-submitted titles for Episode 171. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_priest#Subliminal_message_trial" class="link" target="_blank">Judas Priest - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (Subliminal message trial)</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2370224/combined" class="link" target="_blank">Milius (2013)</a><br />The true story of the greatest filmmaker you never knew </li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099810/combined" class="link" target="_blank">The Hunt for Red October (1990)</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0762153/" class="link" target="_blank">Miguel Sandoval - IMDb</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4psTeRpQ-1o" class="link" target="_blank">The Paul Lynde Halloween Special (1976) - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Paul_Lynde_Halloween_Special" class="link" target="_blank">The Paul Lynde Halloween Special - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />The Paul Lynde Halloween Special is a Halloween-themed television special starring Paul Lynde broadcast October 29, 1976 on ABC. It featured guest stars Margaret Hamilton in her first reprisal of her role as the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. Also guest starring are Billie Hayes as Witchiepoo from H.R. Pufnstuf, Tim Conway, Roz Kelly, Fl

<p>Merlin and Dan talk about Marked, Drafts, MLKSHK shutting down, App.net, routers, Hong King Phoey, poisoned meatballs, and more.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.hansure.co/product.html#preOrder" class="link" target="_blank">Hansure - Product Details</a><br />HansureTM is a wearable device that makes hand sanitization possible at the point of patient care. Where tradional approaches to increase hand hygiene compliance rely on monitoring, judging, forcing, penalizing and collecting HCW's data, HansureTM is built on the fundamental principle to simplify the hand hygiene process for the HCWs. HansureTM ensures that no opportunity for hand hygiene is ever missed by any HCW by addressing the real challenges that prevent HCWs from being compliant to the hand hygiene guidelines. HansureTM is available in two versions - A cost effective mechanical version and a fully automated electronic device. </li><li><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/More-suspected-poisoned-meatballs-in-S-F-5456894.php" class="link" target="_blank">More suspected poisoned meatballs in S.F. - SFGate</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://marked2app.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Marked 2 - Smarter tools for smarter writers</a><br />Marked is a previewer for Markdown files. Use it with your favorite text editor and it updates every time you save. With robust features for previewing, reviewing and exporting beautiful documents, you can work in plain text while reveling in rich formatting. </li><li><a href="http://agiletortoise.com/drafts/" class="link" target="_blank">Drafts - Agile Tortoise</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://atp.fm/episodes/63" class="link" target="_blank">Accidental Tech Podcast: 63: I Hold My Children To A Higher Standard</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://mlkshk.typepad.com/mlkshk/2014/04/goodbye.html" class="link" target="_blank">MLKSHK Shutting Down - mlkshk</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://blog.app.net/2014/05/06/app-net-state-of-the-union/" class="link" target="_blank">App.net State of the Union | App.net</a><br />The bad news is that the renewal rate was not high enough for us to have sufficient budget for full-time employees. After carefully considering a few different options, we are making the difficult decision to no longer employ any salaried employees, including founders. Dalton and Bryan will continue to be responsible for the operation of App.net, but no longer as employees. Additionally, as part of our efforts to ensure App.net is generating positive cash flow, we are winding down the Developer Incentive Program. We will be reaching out to developers currently enrolled in the program with more information. </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00DES2FQW/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: ASUS Dual-Band Wireless Router (RT-AC56U): Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Videogames_Changed_the_World" class="link" target="_blank">How Videogames Changed the World - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />How Videogames Changed the World was a one-off television special by Charlie Brooker which first aired on Channel 4 in November 2013. The show examines the 25 most significant video games according to Brooker, and through that, covers the history of the medium and its impact on wider culture. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cincinnati_Milling_Machine_Company" class="link" target="_blank">Cincinnati Milling Machine Company - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/cmdspace/94" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | CMD+Space #94: Words Are My Thing, with Brent Simmons</a><br /></li></ul><p>Sponsored by <a href="http://www.lynda.com/promo/trial/Default.aspx?lpk35=5825&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=backtowork&utm_campaign=link-sponsor-notes">lynda</a> (for 7 day free trial), <a href="http://squarespace.com/backtowork">Squarespace</a> (use code TURNSOUT for 10% off), and <a href="http://harrys.com">Harry's</a> (use code COMICS for $5 off your purchase).</p>

<p>Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin talk about comiXology and the future of online digital purchases.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1186373/combined" class="link" target="_blank">Wonder Woman (2009) (V)</a><br />A modern man's trespass of the island of the Amazons enables an imprisoned war god to escape and Princess Diana wins the responsibility to recapture him. </li><li><a href="http://www.askthepilot.com/nonsense-from-huffington-post/" class="link" target="_blank">Nonsense From the Huffington Post</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://blog.squarespace.com/blog/squarespace-metrics-for-ipad" class="link" target="_blank">Squarespace Metrics for iPad — The Official Squarespace Blog</a><br />With its fluid design and powerful inspection tools, Squarespace Metrics provides valuable insight into your data through key performance indicators, interactive charts, and dynamic views – all with a beautiful interface you can truly enjoy. Starting today, we’re pleased to offer Metrics for the iPad as a universal download. </li><li><a href="http://thomz.com/wordpress/?p=3325" class="link" target="_blank">The House Rules | The Thom Zahler Weblog</a><br />So, I’m taking the opportunity of the New Year to post my schedule. It’s important to manage expectations. How fast should you be expected to respond to an email? When is too early to call? So, here we go with my five house rules. </li><li><a href="https://www.comixology.com/Captain-America-Man-Out-of-Time/comics-series/4956" class="link" target="_blank">Captain America: Man Out of Time Digital Comics - Comics by comiXology</a><br />When the Avengers pull a frozen soldier from the sea, they bring back the Living Legend of World War II---a man whose memories of life 60 years ago are as fresh as yesterday! How will Steve Rogers adapt to the world of the 21st century? </li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/93" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://github.com/evilhero/mylar" class="link" target="_blank">evilhero/mylar · GitHub</a><br /></li></ul><p>Sponsored by <a href="http://smilesoftware.com/b2w?crcat=b2w&crsource=pdfpen-scan-plus&crcampaign=may14">PDFpen Scan+ by Smile Software</a>.</p>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Standing up to Attention Bullies.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the world's impossible expectations regarding each of our own time, attention, and access.</p> <p>What happens when we tacitly allow the universe to ask us anything any time for any reason? How do we develop the sympathy to understand how vastly our schedules and priorities differ at a given moment?</p> <p>Well. One possible solution is to learn to find the courage to not be terminally ""busy"" all the time. That's all on us.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.harrys.com/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Harry's - Quality Men’s Shaving Products. Fair Prices. Simple.</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=14314" class="link" target="_blank">Warren Ellis » How To See The Future</a><br />But I’ll suggest to you something. The theories of atemporality and manufactured normalcy and zero history can be short-circuited by just one thing.Looking around. </li><li><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/morgan-stanleys-parker-on-email-access-2014-4" class="link" target="_blank">Morgan Stanley's Parker On Email Access - Business Insider</a><br />In a new note to clients, Parker writes that he got an email from someone saying they had "limited access" to their email. He proceeds to explain how that's a lame excuse in this day and age. </li><li><a href="http://viralquake.com/2014/03/24/30-pilots-and-flight-attendants-confess-the-best-kept-secrets-you-dont-know-about-flying/" class="link" target="_blank">30 Pilots And Flight Attendants Confess Their Best Kept Secrets | Viral Quake</a><br />These questions were asked on Reddit, and the answers are insane. Are these true??? My mind has officially been blown. I travel a lot, so some of this is pretty scary if you ask me. Here is the text leaked from Reddit: </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEacXeAbHpQ" class="link" target="_blank">Cyrano de Bergerac (1950) - "Nose Speech" & "Fencing Ballade" - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/153" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #153: Anxiety's a Goat</a><br />TOPIC: The thoughts we think. And think. And think.This week, Dan and Merlin talk about anxiety, compulsive thoughts, and how to at least crack an air hole in a big problem. </li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/90" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br />Live, listener-submitted title suggestions for this week's episode. </li><li><a href="http://www.merlinmann.com/roderick/ep-34-a-shit-barge-full-of-long-pigs.html" class="link" target="_blank">Roderick on the Line, Ep. 34: "A Shit Barge Full of Long Pigs"</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQnd5ilKx2Y" class="link" target="_blank">That Mitchell and Webb Look - Send us your reckons - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1186373/combined" class="link" target="_blank">Wonder Woman (2009) (V)</a><br />A modern man's trespass of the island of the Amazons enables an imprisoned war god to escape and Princess Diana wins the responsibility to recapture him. </li><li><a href="http://davidco.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Getting Things Done®, GTD® and David Allen & CO | Home</a><br /></li></ul><p>This week’s episode of <a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w" title="5by5 | Back to Work - Hosted by Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin"><em>Back to Work</em></a> is kindly sponsored by <a href="http://www.harrys.com">Harry’s</a> Quality Men’s Shaving Products. ($5 off your purchase with discount code, “<strong><code>QUIT</code></strong>”) </p>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Ubi Sunt, LCS?</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the uneasy future of local comic shops—especially in light of Amazon's announced acquisition of comiXology.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.lynda.com/backtowork" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] lynda.com </a><br /></li><li><a href="http://stardustedsirens.wordpress.com/2014/04/14/favorite-podcasts-for-writers/" class="link" target="_blank">Favorite Podcasts for Writers | The Star-Dusted Sirens</a><br />"But some episodes also cover more esoteric issues like agency or creativity. Merlin excels at taking all those nebulous ideas about work that we’ve all had, and then nailing down the core of them so they can’t wiggle off the examining table and back into the dark recesses of our minds before we’ve at least identified the problem. Dan will then diffidently explain how the Buddha approached the same issue. And did I mention the comic books? They talk about comic books. A LOT." </li><li><a href="http://www.npr.org/2014/04/14/302899093/modern-medicine-may-not-be-doing-your-microbiome-any-favors" class="link" target="_blank">Interview: Martin Blaser, Author Of 'Missing Microbes' : NPR</a><br />"He tells Fresh Air's Terry Gross that with the overuse of antibiotics, as well as some other now-common practices like cesarean sections, we've entered a danger zone — a no man's land between the world of our ancient microbiome and an uncharted modern world." </li><li><a href="http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/monsters-inside-me" class="link" target="_blank">Monsters Inside Me: Animal Planet</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amazing_Spider-Man" class="link" target="_blank">The Amazing Spider-Man - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />The Amazing Spider-Man has been the character's flagship series for his first fifty years in publication, and was the only monthly series to star Spider-Man until Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man in 1976 (although 1972 saw the debut of Marvel Team-Up, with the vast majority of issues featuring Spider-Man along with a rotating cast of other Marvel characters). Most of the major characters and villains of the Spider-Man saga have been introduced in Amazing, and with few exceptions, it is where most key events in the character's history have occurred. The title was published continuously until </li><li><a href="https://pulllist.comixology.com/" class="link" target="_blank">comiXology - Pull, Rate, Preview, Discuss</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1452113882/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Super Graphic: A Visual Guide to the Comic Book Universe: Tim Leong: 9781452113883: Amazon.com: Books</a><br />The comic book universe is adventurous, mystifying, and filled with heroes, villains, and cosplaying Comic-Con attendees. This book by one of Wired magazine's art directors traverses the graphic world through a collection of pie charts, bar graphs, timelines, scatter plots, and more. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_Wars" class="link" target="_blank">Secret Wars - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />A cosmic entity called the Beyonder observes the mainstream Marvel universe. Fascinated by the presence of superheroes on Earth and their potential, this entity chooses a group of both heroes and supervillains and teleports characters against their will to "Battleworld", a planet created by the Beyonder in a distant galaxy. This world has also been stocked with alien weapons and technology. The Beyonder then declares: "I am from beyond! Slay your enemies and all that you desire shall be yours! Nothing you dream of is impossible for me to accomplish!" </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_Wars_II" class="link" target="_blank">Secret Wars II - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Secret Wars II is a nine-issue comic book limited series and crossover published from 1985 to 1986 by Marvel Comics. The series was written by Marvel's then Editor-in-chief Jim Shooter and primarily pencilled by Al Milgrom. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamite_(magazine)" class="link" target="_blank">Dynamite (magazine) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Dynamite was a magazine for children founded by Jenette Kahn and published by Scholastic Inc. from 1974 until 1992. The magazine changed the fortunes of the company, becoming the most successful publication in its history[1] and inspiring two similar periodicals for Scholastic, Wow and Bananas. </li><li><a href="https://www.comixology.c

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: The future we can't know.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about how quickly technology is evolving, how janky that evolution can be, and how terrible we all are at forecasting what will come next and beyond.</p> <p>Could Merlin have ever imagined he'd pay $3.00 for an episode of <em>Under the Gunn</em>? No, he could not.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://aeon.co/magazine/nature-and-cosmos/the-health-effects-of-a-world-without-darkness/" class="link" target="_blank">The health effects of a world without darkness – Rebecca Boyle – Aeon</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://youarenotsosmart.com/" class="link" target="_blank">You Are Not So Smart</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/List_of_cognitive_biases" class="link" target="_blank">List of cognitive biases - RationalWiki</a><br />Cognitive bias describes the inherent thinking errors that humans make in processing information. Some of these have been verified empirically in the field of psychology, while others are considered general categories of bias. These thinking errors prevent one from accurately understanding reality, even when confronted with all the needed data and evidence to form an accurate view. </li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-of-history_illusion" class="link" target="_blank">End-of-history illusion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />The end-of-history illusion is a ubiquitous psychological illusion in which teenagers and adults of all ages believe that they have consistently experienced significant personal growth and changes in tastes until now, but will somehow not continue to grow and mature in the future.[1] That is, despite knowing how much they have changed in the last ten years, they believe that ten years from now, they will think and feel the same as they do today. </li><li><a href="http://youarenotsosmart.com/2014/03/18/yanss-podcast-020-james-burke-and-matt-novak-ponder-the-future-and-why-we-are-terrible-at-predicting-it/" class="link" target="_blank">YANSS Podcast 020 – James Burke and Matt Novak ponder the future and why we are terrible at predicting it « You Are Not So Smart</a><br />In this episode of the You Are Not So Smart Podcast we sit down with James Burke and discuss the past, the present, and where he sees us heading in the future. Burke says we must soon learn how to deal with a world in which scarcity is scarce, abundance is abundant, and home manufacturing can produce just about anything you desire. </li><li><a href="http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/under-the-gunn" class="link" target="_blank">Project Runway: Under the Gunn - Episodes, Videos & Schedule - myLifetime.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://youarenotsosmart.com/2012/07/03/yanss-podcast-episode-four/" class="link" target="_blank">YANSS Podcast – Episode Four – The Self Illusion « You Are Not So Smart</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://youarenotsosmart.com/2010/06/23/confirmation-bias/" class="link" target="_blank">Confirmation Bias « You Are Not So Smart</a><br />The Misconception: Your opinions are the result of years of rational, objective analysis.The Truth: Your opinions are the result of years of paying attention to information which confirmed what you believed while ignoring information which challenged your preconceived notions. </li><li><a href="http://atp.fm/episodes/59-the-little-puck-that-could" class="link" target="_blank">Accidental Tech Podcast: 59: The Little Puck That Could</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://m.dictionary.com/definition/chit" class="link" target="_blank">chit | Definition at Dictionary.com Mobile</a><br /></li></ul><p>This week’s episode of <a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w" title="5by5 | Back to Work - Hosted by Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin"><em>Back to Work</em></a> is kindly sponsored by: </p> <ul> <li><a href="http://squarespace.com/backtowork">Squarespace</a> (10% off with offer code, “<strong><code>TOOTHFAIRY</code></strong>”)</li> <li><a href="http://www.busymac.com/busycal/" title="BusyCal">BusyCal</a> - BusyCal is an alternative to the built-in Calendar app on OS X that provides powerful time-saving features in a friendly, easy-to-use package.</li> </ul>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Words mean things.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the blight of buzzwords, jargon, and douchespeak writ large.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thought_Reform_and_the_Psychology_of_Totalism" class="link" target="_blank">Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism popularized the term "thought-terminating cliché". This refers to a cliché that is a commonly used phrase, or folk wisdom, sometimes used to quell cognitive dissonance. Though the clichéd phrase in and of itself may be valid in certain contexts, its application as a means of dismissing dissent or justifying fallacious logic is what makes it thought-terminating. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/cmdspace/90" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | CMD+Space #90: The First Bar, with Merlin Mann</a><br />This week Myke is joined by Merlin Mann, for an impromptu episode of CMD Space. They talk about scheduling your content to meet the needs of your audience, allowing your work to become 'yours', breaking the mould in your in environment, setting standards for your work and being a creative person in a corporate culture. </li><li><a href="http://www.merlinmann.com/roderick/ep-104-talismans-of-a-dead-age.html" class="link" target="_blank">Roderick on the Line - Ep. 104: "Talismans of a Dead Age"</a><br />The Problem: John does not believe in The Cloud. </li><li><a href="http://history.hanover.edu/courses/excerpts/111emerson-2.html" class="link" target="_blank">Emerson, "The American Scholar," 1837</a><br />Man Thinking must not be subdued by his instruments. Books are for the scholar's idle times. When he can read God directly, the hour is too precious to be wasted in other men's transcripts of their readings. But when the intervals of darkness come, as come they must, -- when the sun is hid, and the stars withdraw their shining, -- we repair to the lamps which were kindled by their ray, to guide our steps to the East again, where the dawn is. We hear, that we may speak. . . . </li><li><a href="https://www.comixology.com/Silver-Surfer-2014-1/digital-comic/83079" class="link" target="_blank">Silver Surfer (2014-) #1 - Comics by comiXology</a><br />"NEW DAWN". The universe is big. Bigger than you could ever imagine. And the SILVER SURFER, the lone sentinel of the skyways, is about to discover that the best way to see it... is with someone else. Meet the Earth Girl who's challenged the Surfer to go beyond the boundaries of the known Marvel U-- into the strange, the new, and the utterly fantastic! </li><li><a href="http://adventuretime.wikia.com/wiki/Betty_(episode)" class="link" target="_blank">Betty (episode) - The Adventure Time Wiki. Mathematical!</a><br />When a ritual changes Ice King back into Simon Petrikov, he enlists the help of Marceline, Finn, and Jake to recontact Betty in the past to tell her he's sorry for everything he has done. </li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/71" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot (Back to Work 165)</a><br />Listener suggestions for this week's episode title. </li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_%C3%A0_clef" class="link" target="_blank">Roman à clef - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Roman à clef or roman à clé (French pronunciation: ?[??m?? a kle], Anglicized as /ro??m?n??kle?/), French for novel with a key, is a novel about real life, overlaid with a façade of fiction. </li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jodorowsky's_Dune" class="link" target="_blank">Jodorowsky's Dune - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_(Unix)" class="link" target="_blank">cat (Unix) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />The cat program is a standard Unix utility that concatenates and lists files. The name is an abbreviation of catenate, a synonym of concatenate. </li><li><a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaslight_(1944_film)" class="link" target="_blank">Gaslight (1944 film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li></ul><p>This week’s episode of <a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w" title="5by5 | Back to Work - Hosted by Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin"><em>Back to Work</em></a> is kindly sponsored by: </p> <ul> <li><a href="http://squarespace.com/backtowork">Squarespace</a> (10% off with offer code, “<strong><code>TOOTHFAIRY</code&g

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Curiosity & Creativity</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk more about expertise and how it relates to the ineffable qualities of curiosity and creativity. Can curiosity be inspired or taught? Or, is it just something you either have or don't? How do we buck the implicit authority to explore the vast universe of "unnecessary things?"</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/chelsea-fagan/2014/03/21-compelling-reasons-why-florida-should-be-kicked-out-of-the-united-states/" class="link" target="_blank">21 Compelling Reasons Why Florida Should Be Kicked Out Of The United States | Thought Catalog</a><br />Let me just start this by saying that I was born in Florida, lived there for a while, and have/visit many a family member there. Losing Florida will be an emotional hit for me as well. But it’s high time we just took that table saw of democracy and severed Florida off to float in the Atlantic. Here is why. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/163" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #163: Head Lice :-(</a><br />TOPIC: LEGO and ExpertiseThis week, Dan and Merlin talk about LEGO and what becoming a Master Builder can teach us about expertise.Also: tooth fairies, binder clips, and the pedagogical warning shot.WARNING: This episode of B2W contains information about holiday-related personalities that may be of a sensitive nature. Listener discretion is advised. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/mpu/183" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Mac Power Users #183: Episode V: Merlin Strikes Back</a><br />Merlin Mann returns to Mac Power Users for his annual visit. This year we dive deep into Merlin's new obsession with home automation and talk about what makes some apps stick while others never do.Thanks to MPU listener Jigar Talati for assistance with the shownotes this week! </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knocking_on_wood" class="link" target="_blank">Knocking on wood - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Knocking on wood, or to touch wood, refers to the apotropaic tradition in western folklore[citation needed] of literally touching, tapping, or knocking on wood, or merely stating that you are doing or intend same, in order to avoid "tempting fate" after making a favourable observation, a boast, or declaration concerning one's own death. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neti_pot" class="link" target="_blank">Nasal irrigation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Nasal irrigation or nasal lavage or nasal douche is the personal hygiene practice in which the nasal cavity is washed to flush out excess mucus and debris from the nose and sinuses. The practice is generally well-tolerated and reported to be beneficial with only minor side effects.[1] Nasal irrigation in a wider sense can also refer to the use of saline nasal spray or nebulizers to moisten the mucous membranes. </li><li><a href="http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm316375.htm" class="link" target="_blank">Consumer Updates > Is Rinsing Your Sinuses Safe?</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_pulling" class="link" target="_blank">Oil pulling - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Oil pulling or oil swishing is a traditional folk remedy where oil is swished or held in the mouth. Ayurvedic literature states oil pulling is capable of improving oral and systemic health, including a benefit in conditions such as headaches, migraines, diabetes mellitus, asthma,[1] and acne, as well as whitening teeth.[2] Oil pulling is known as "Kavala" or "Gandusha" in the Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita.[1][3] Its promoters claim it works by "pulling out" "toxins", which are known as ama in Ayurvedic medicine, and thereby reducing inflammation.[4] </li><li><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/03/swishing-with-oil-for-oral-health-not-recommended/284490/" class="link" target="_blank">Swishing With Oil for Oral Health: Not Recommended - Julie Beck - The Atlantic</a><br />The Internet’s new quasi-health obsession is actually very old. Oil pulling—swishing oil (coconut and sesame seem popular, preferably unrefined) around in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes—is an oral health practice that has been done in India for years and years. It’s mentioned in the Charaka Samhita, one of the key texts of the Indian traditional medicine known as Ayurveda. </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002VKB4O8/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Flents Dental Disclosing Tablets (30) - Eliminate Plaque Build-up: Health & Personal Care</a><br /></li><li>&lt

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: LEGO and Expertise</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about LEGO and what becoming a Master Builder can teach us about expertise.</p> <p>Also: tooth fairies, binder clips, and the pedagogical warning shot.</p> <p><strong>WARNING</strong>: This episode of B2W contains information about holiday-related personalities that may be of a sensitive nature. Listener discretion is advised.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=FS3LcIURelY" class="link" target="_blank">How Much Good Is Antibacterial Soap Doing You? - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.npr.org/2014/03/13/289750726/its-been-25-years-since-the-world-wide-web-was-invented?ft=1&f" class="link" target="_blank">It's Been 25 Years Since World Wide Web Debuted : NPR</a><br />Since then it's transformed daily life. To look back at how far the web has evolved and where it may be headed in the next 25 years, Renee Montagne talks to Kevin Kelly, a founder of Wired magazine. </li><li><a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/13/to-keep-teenagers-alert-schools-let-them-sleep-in/?_php=true&_type=blogs&utm_source=nextdraft&utm_medium=email&_r=0" class="link" target="_blank">To Keep Teenagers Alert, Schools Let Them Sleep In - NYTimes.com</a><br />New evidence suggests that later high school starts have widespread benefits. </li><li><a href="http://priceonomics.com/life-as-a-lego-professional/" class="link" target="_blank">Life as a LEGO Professional</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/danbenjamin/status/445075179165589505" class="link" target="_blank">Twitter / danbenjamin: Serious question and something ...</a><br />Serious question and something to think about: have you ever bought a LEGO set and found a piece missing? Me: never once in my entire life. </li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreyfus_model" class="link" target="_blank">Dreyfus model of skill acquisition - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />In the fields of education and operations research, the Dreyfus model of skill acquisition is a model of how students acquire skills through formal instruction and practicing. Brothers Stuart and Hubert Dreyfus proposed the model in 1980 in an influential, 18-page report on their research at the University of California, Berkeley, Operations Research Center for the United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The original model proposes that a student passes through five distinct stages: novice, competence, proficiency, expertise, and mastery. </li><li><a href="https://www.zotero.org/groups/research_on_teaching_in_higher_education_online/items/itemKey/3D7ZXP5Q" class="link" target="_blank">Zotero | Groups > Research on Teaching in Higher Education Online > Library > A Five Stage Model of the Mental Activities Involved in Directed Skill Acquisition</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://stinet.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA084551&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf" class="link" target="_blank">[PDF] Five-Stage Model of the Mental Activities Involved in Directed Skill Acquisition. </a><br />(PDF of the original 1980 paper by the Dreyfus brothers) </li><li><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/public_lightbox.mhtml?lightbox_id=25213496&code=5eb57c687482635c268f5440303ae56f" class="link" target="_blank">lego : Shutterstock Stock Photography</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_stages_of_competence" class="link" target="_blank">Four stages of competence - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B004P95ABG/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com : LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon 7965 : Toy Interlocking Building Sets : Toys & Games</a><br />Kids ages 9 to 14 will be happy the old man got the tractor beam out of commission when they blast off with the Millennium Falcon LEGO Star Wars Set. Straight from the Death Star escape scene of Episode IV: A New Hope, this replica of Han Solo's iconic starship is crafted from more than 1,200 LEGO pieces for a detailed, articulating display. With twin flick missiles, rotating laser cannons, and detachable cockpit cover, this Millennium Falcon set's got more than a few surprises left in it. </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00IANTUVE/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com : LEGO Star Wars 75030 Millennium Falcon : Toys & Games</a><br

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: ““Experiencing Issues”” with Customer Service</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin analyze what's really going wrong when we get bad customer service. Spoiler: The brand is only as sound as its day-to-day implementation.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/161" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #161: Zeitgeist Helmut</a><br />TOPIC: Time, Sleep, and AspirationsThis week, Dan and Merlin talk about impossible trade-offs and the benefits of remembering this is actually your life. </li><li><a href="http://www.progressiveboink.com/2012/4/21/2960508/worst-rob-liefeld-drawings" class="link" target="_blank">The 40 Worst Rob Liefeld Drawings - Progressive Boink</a><br />This is Rob Liefeld. If that doesn't tell you everything you need to know about Rob Liefeld ... well, I'm sorry for this in advance. </li><li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyPw80a7BRI" class="link" target="_blank">Ron Swanson Supercut - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/comp.sys.sun.admin/UvGzD_TH6EU" class="link" target="_blank">Beam & Whiteside NFS daemon - Google Groups</a><br />|> I would like to know if anybody else than myself is using Beam </li><li><a href="http://www.jewfaq.org/torah.htm" class="link" target="_blank">Judaism 101: Torah</a><br />The word "Torah" is a tricky one, because it can mean different things in different contexts. In its most limited sense, "Torah" refers to the Five Books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. But the word "torah" can also be used to refer to the entire Jewish bible (the body of scripture known to non-Jews as the Old Testament and to Jews as the Tanakh or Written Torah), or in its broadest sense, to the whole body of Jewish law and teachings. </li><li><a href="http://www.esn.fm/thank-you-for-calling/2-hostile-professionalism" class="link" target="_blank">2: Hostile Professionalism</a><br />Airlines: we hate them, and it feels like they hate us. Is our only choice to "ride in the fucking toilet"? A former airline employee joins us to help peel back the curtain at Gate 21. (Part 1 of 2)Panelists: John Roderick, Jim Dalrymple, Lex Friedman, Brent Billings </li><li><a href="http://www.esn.fm/thank-you-for-calling/3-willing-to-negotiate" class="link" target="_blank">3: Willing to Negotiate</a><br />Airlines: we've heard the horror stories. Now we dig deeper into how to get the results we want at the gate, on the phone, and in the air. (Part 2 of 2)Are we stuck in a breadline in Kiev back in '78, waiting for shitty vouchers for shitty airlines, or could we eventually see Our Own Fuckin' Airline? </li><li><a href="http://www.seattleweekly.com/home/919582-129/johnroderickreverbresidency" class="link" target="_blank">Seattle News and Events | Eliminator Was ZZ Top's Best Album.</a><br />I'm not going to bore you by waxing sentimental over the undeniable mastery of early ZZ Top, or by singing the praises of their first seven records. Each one is a flawed masterpiece, some more flaw than masterpiece, which you can discover in your own time the same way I did, after you have fully absorbed the superlative greatness of Eliminator. Yes, that's right, ELIMINATOR! </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00HXDU6KQ/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour 120 Sprays, 0.57 Fluid Ounce: Health & Personal Care</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If_You_Had_Wings" class="link" target="_blank">If You Had Wings - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />The ride began with a vaguely simulated "takeoff" in which the ride ascended a slope, while projections of animated silhouettes of seagulls and airplanes swept past on the walls, enhancing the feeling of motion and gently suggesting flight. Riders passed through a series of colorful theater-like sets with embedded small screens looping rear-projected short filmed scenes, while their cars swiveled on their bases to afford good views throughout. In all, thirty-eight 16mm projectors were used in the attraction. The scenes showcased various Eastern destinations and appealed to potential tourists with straw-hat markets, fishermen, limbo dancers, steel drum bands, and more. Many scenes had their own special sound effects. The omnipresent theme music featured a chorus of singers tunefully chanting, </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methuselah" class="link" target="_blank">Methuselah - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Time, Sleep, and Aspirations</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about impossible trade-offs and the benefits of remembering this is actually your life.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/02/14/more-reflection-less-action/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0" class="link" target="_blank">More Reflection, Less Action - NYTimes.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=51089" class="link" target="_blank">CAPS To Launch Original Art Auction to Benefit Stan Sakai and Family - Comic Book Resources</a><br />Contributors include: Adam Hughes, Alex Maleev, Arthur Adams, Batton Lash, Eric Powell, Jan Duursema, Jerry Ordway, Jordi Bernet, Matt Groening, Michael Allred, Mike Mignola, Paul Gulacy, Sanjuliàn, Scott Shaw!, Jim Steranko, Tim Sale, William Stout, Bill Sienkiewicz, Cameron Stewart, Dan Brereton, Daniel Parsons, Dave Gibbons, Dean Yeagle, Doug Sneyd, Dustin Nguyen, Bill Morrison, Tone Rodriguez, Sergio Aragonés, Fabio Moon, Francisco Francavilla, Gene Ha, Geof Darrow, Gilbert Hernandez, Jack Davis, James O'Barr, Kevin Eastman, Jeff Lemire, Jeff Smith, Kazu Kibuishi, Liam Sharp, Tom Richmond, Michael Jantze, Olivia, Oscar Martin, Paul Chadwick, Richard Corben, Tom Mandrake, Walter Simonson, Charles Vess, Dan Spiegle, J. Scott Campbell and many more. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astonishing_X-Men" class="link" target="_blank">Astonishing X-Men - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Astonishing X-Men is the name of three X-Men comic book series from Marvel Comics, the first two of which were limited series. The ongoing series began in 2004, with its first run written by Joss Whedon and art by John Cassaday. It was then written by Warren Ellis with art by Phil Jimenez.[1] Daniel Way and Christos Gage then took over the title writing alternating stories. They were followed by James Asmus who wrote one issue, then Greg Pak, who took over for four issues in November 2011.[2] Marjorie Liu wrote the final 21 issues of the series until its end at issue </li><li><a href="http://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/HF3332_60/golite-blu-plus-rechargeable" class="link" target="_blank">Buy the goLITE BLU energy light HF3332/60 energy light</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001I45XL8/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device: Health & Personal Care</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias" class="link" target="_blank">Confirmation bias - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Confirmation bias (also called confirmatory bias or myside bias) is the tendency of people to favor information that confirms their beliefs or hypotheses.[Note 1][1] People display this bias when they gather or remember information selectively, or when they interpret it in a biased way. The effect is stronger for emotionally charged issues and for deeply entrenched beliefs. People also tend to interpret ambiguous evidence as supporting their existing position. Biased search, interpretation and memory have been invoked to explain attitude polarization (when a disagreement becomes more extreme even though the different parties are exposed to the same evidence), belief perseverance (when beliefs persist after the evidence for them is shown to be false), the irrational primacy effect (a greater reliance on information encountered early in a series) and illusory correlation (when people falsely perceive an association between two events or situations). </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0374533555/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Thinking, Fast and Slow: Daniel Kahneman: 9780374533557: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thinking,_Fast_and_Slow" class="link" target="_blank">Thinking, Fast and Slow - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Thinking, Fast and Slow is a 2011 book by Nobel Memorial Prize winner in Economics Daniel Kahneman which summarizes research that he conducted over decades, often in collaboration with Amos Tversky.[1][2] It covers all three phases of his career: his early days working on cognitive bias, his work on prospect theory, and his later work on happiness. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Cognitive_biases" class="link" target="_blank">Category:Cognitive biases - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/powergoat/popcordtm-the-cable-you-wont-forget-iphone-and-mic" class="link" target="_blank">pop

<p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about shaving, lights, and Dan's amazing new superpower.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/cmdspace/85" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | CMD+Space #85: Being a Geek, with John Siracusa</a><br />This week Myke is joined by John Siracusa. They discuss what it means to be a Geek and explore what John is geeky about.Special guest John Siracusa. </li><li><a href="http://www.merlinmann.com/roderick/ep-98-a-mastiff-of-spinach.html" class="link" target="_blank">Ep. 98: "A Mastiff of Spinach" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin Mann</a><br />The Problem: They made John check his jingle stick. </li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/settern/status/437710502173884417" class="link" target="_blank">Twitter / settern: I don't think I'm going to ...</a><br />(In which Serenity gets 59,000 on Threes) </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moxibustion" class="link" target="_blank">Moxibustion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Moxibustion (Chinese: ? </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003YJAZZ4/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Braun Series 7- 790cc Pulsonic Shaver System, Silver: Health & Personal Care</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaving#.22Traditional.22_wet_shaving" class="link" target="_blank">Shaving - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />There are two types of manual razors: straight razor and safety razors. Safety razors are further subdivided into double-edged razors, single edge, injector razors, cartridge razors and disposable razors. </li><li><a href="http://beapartofit.squarespace.com/#intro" class="link" target="_blank">Be A Part Of It</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_Charisma" class="link" target="_blank">Zero Charisma - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Zero Charisma is a 2013 American comedy film written by Andrew Matthews and co-directed by Matthews and Katie Graham. The film premiered at the South By Southwest film festival in 2013 and later screened at multiple North American Film Festivals including the Maryland Film Festival, the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal and the Newport Beach Film Festival. </li><li><a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-light-affects-our-sleep/#axzz2uMAnScJH" class="link" target="_blank">How Light Affects Our Sleep | Mark's Daily Apple</a><br />Blue light has its place, of course. A British study found that blue light-enhanced white lights in the workplace improved alertness, performance, and even nighttime sleep quality in employees. That’s during the day, though, when blue light exposure is normal and expected. Nighttime exposure to blue light disrupts our sleep hormones. Television, computer screens, even digital clocks with blue numbers – they’re all common sources of late night blue light that can affect our production of melatonin. </li><li><a href="http://www.catb.org/jargon/html/T/troglodyte-mode.html" class="link" target="_blank">troglodyte mode</a><br />Programming with the lights turned off, sunglasses on, and the terminal inverted (black on white) because you've been up for so many days straight that your eyes hurt (see raster burn). Loud music blaring from a stereo stacked in the corner is optional but recommended. </li><li><a href="http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/10/12/silver-surfer-soars-back-into-stores-from-dan-slott-and-mike-allred/" class="link" target="_blank">Silver Surfer Soars Back Into Stores from Dan Slott And Mike Allred - Updated - Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movies and TV News and Rumors</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.lectricshave.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Lectric Shave</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.dollarshaveclub.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Dollar Shave Club - Our Blades Are F***ing Great</a><br /></li></ul><p>This week's episode of <a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w" title="5by5 | Back to Work - Hosted by Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin"><em>Back to Work</em></a> is kindly sponsored by:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://getfreshbooks.com">FreshBooks</a> (60-day free trial. Tell 'em you heard about it on "<strong><code>Back to Work</code></strong>")</li> <li><a href="http://hostgator.com/">HostGator</a> (Use code "<strong><code>BACKTOWORK</code></strong>" for 30% off)</li> <li><a href="http://squarespace.com/backt

<p>Merlin and Dan talk about Library Elf, app launchers like Quicksilver and Alfred, Stanley Kubrick, pushing people to create greatness, not knowing what you like until you see it, the typefaces of Moon, and more.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.libraryelf.com/Default.aspx" class="link" target="_blank">Elf | Your Personal Email Library Reminder Service</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://typesetinthefuture.com/moon/" class="link" target="_blank">Moon | Typeset In The Future</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr6NcfKG8Tc" class="link" target="_blank">[VIDEO] Camper Van Beethoven - "Good Guys and Bad Guys"</a><br />"And let me plaaaaaaaay your guitar." </li><li><a href="http://io9.com/the-one-literary-reference-you-must-know-to-appreciate-1523076497" class="link" target="_blank">The One Literary Reference You Must Know to Appreciate ?True Detective</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://io9.com/true-detective-takes-us-to-the-void-at-the-center-of-me-1524756707" class="link" target="_blank">True Detective takes us to the void at the center of meaning</a><br /></li></ul><p>This week’s episode of <a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w" title="5by5 | Back to Work - Hosted by Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin"><em>Back to Work</em></a> is kindly sponsored by:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://squarespace.com/backtowork">Squarespace</a> (10% off with offer code, “<strong><code>SLEEP</code></strong>”)</li> <li><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/">Shutterstock</a> (25% off everything with discount code “<strong><code>BACKTOWORK214</code></strong>”)</li> <li><a href="http://www.backblaze.com/5by5">BackBlaze</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.busymac.com/busycal/" title="BusyCal">BusyCal</a></li> </ul>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Why We Have Doors.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about internet nostalgia, hacking vs. whacking, and why we have doors for a reason.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1x9s0e/faq_friday_what_have_you_wondered_about_sleep/" class="link" target="_blank">FAQ Friday - What have you wondered about sleep? : askscience</a><br />Tips for a good night of sleep are usually referred to in a scientific context as "good sleep hygiene". Here is a list from the National Sleep Foundation. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finger_protocol" class="link" target="_blank">Finger protocol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />In computer networking, the Name/Finger protocol and the Finger user information protocol are simple network protocols for the exchange of human-oriented status and user information. </li><li><a href="http://blog.capwatkins.com/defeating-email" class="link" target="_blank">Defeating Email</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=farce+definition&oq=farce&aqs=chrome.3.69i57j0l5.4358j0j1&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=91&ie=UTF-8" class="link" target="_blank">farce definition - Google Search</a><br />a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations. </li><li><a href="http://www.comixology.com/Adventure-Time-24/digital-comic/63677" class="link" target="_blank">Adventure Time #24 - Comics by comiXology</a><br />Princess Bubblegum faces the consequences of her science experiment gone wrong as she finally finds a way to save the day! But is it too late? Find out if Princess Bubblegum is able to right all her wrongs or if her friends will never be themselves again, it's a crazy conclusion to this arc! </li><li><a href="http://vimeo.com/17346855" class="link" target="_blank">Jack-Jack Attack. on Vimeo</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://showbot.5by5.tv/shows/30" class="link" target="_blank">Showbot</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eudora_(e-mail_client)" class="link" target="_blank">Eudora (email client) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wAADLJQZyAg&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DwAADLJQZyAg" class="link" target="_blank">Eudora - New mail - - YouTube</a><br /></li></ul><p>This week's episode of <a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w" title="5by5 | Back to Work - Hosted by Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin"><em>Back to Work</em></a> is kindly sponsored by:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://newrelic.com/backtowork">New Relic</a> (Use code "<strong><code>BACKTOWORK</code></strong>" to get your extended 30-day Pro trial)</li> <li><a href="http://www.lynda.com/backtowork">lynda.com</a> (Start learning now with a 7-day free trial)</li> <li><a href="http://getfreshbooks.com">FreshBooks</a> (They're giving away birthday cakes! Tell 'em you heard about it on "<strong><code>Back to Work</code></strong>")</li> <li><a href="http://hostgator.com/">HostGator</a> - (Use code "<strong><code>BACKTOWORK</code></strong>" for 30% off)</li> </ul>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: The Spreadsheet of You</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk more about sleep and how self-quantization can goose your mindfulness.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://squarespace.com/backtowork" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Build a Website — Squarespace</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Stock Photos, Royalty-Free Images and Vectors - Shutterstock</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://newrelic.com/backtowork" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Application Performance Management & Monitoring | New Relic</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.hostgator.com/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Website Hosting Services, VPS Hosting & Dedicated Servers - HostGator</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://merlinm.squarespace.com/meetup" class="link" target="_blank">Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #3 — Merlin Mann</a><br />MERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, February 13th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” </li><li><a href="http://blogs.adobe.com/jnack/2014/02/announcing-a-big-change-im-going-to-google.html" class="link" target="_blank">John Nack on Adobe : ** Announcing a big change: I’m going to Google.</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.bensherman.com/us/" class="link" target="_blank">Ben Sherman Menswear | The Official Ben Sherman Online Store</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001QWBM62/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Zoom H4N Handy Portable Digital Recorder: Musical Instruments</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/johnroderick" class="link" target="_blank">john roderick (johnroderick) on Twitter</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.rescuetime.com/" class="link" target="_blank">RescueTime</a><br />RescueTime helps you understand your daily habits so you can focus and be more productive. </li><li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGd1eiLKY_8" class="link" target="_blank">Pink Floyd - The Story of Wish You Were Here 2012 legendado PT-BR - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000LGA2K6/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Zoom H4 Handy Recorder: Musical Instruments</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://client.fitbit.com/flex" class="link" target="_blank">Fitbit® Flex™</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/saga-beautiful-diary-that/id611593488?uo=4&at=11laDR" class="link" target="_blank">Saga – The Essential Lifelogging App on the App Store on iTunes</a><br />Saga is the easy way to keep track of where you go and what you do, and share the true story of your life with friends, family, and followers. Live your life, and let Saga write your digital autobiography. </li><li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/moves/id509204969?mt=8&uo=4&at=11laDR" class="link" target="_blank">Moves on the App Store on iTunes</a><br />Moves automatically tracks your everyday exercise, commuting and time spent in important places. Just carry your phone in your pocket or bag. </li><li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pedometer++/id712286167?mt=8&uo=4&at=11laDR" class="link" target="_blank">Pedometer++ on the App Store on iTunes</a><br />Take advantage of the step counting capabilities in your iPhone 5s to improve your health. Pedometer lets you easily keep track of your daily and weekly step counts, without any impact on your battery life. </li><li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/argus-motion-fitness-tracker/id624329444?mt=8&uo=4&at=11laDR" class="link" target="_blank">ARGUS - Motion and Fitness Tracker by Azumio on the App Store on iTunes</a><br />24/7 Steps and active Calorie counter, GPS mapping of Running, Cycling and Driving </li><li><a href="http://www.syncmetrics.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Syncmetrics</a><br />We help you synchronize and analyze fitness and health data from Cycling Analytics, FatSecret, Fitbit, Garmin, iHealth, MapMyFitness, Nike , RunKeeper, Strava and Withings </li><li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/strava-run-gps-running-training/id488914018?mt=8&uo=4&at=11laDR" class="link" target="_blank">Strava Run - GPS Running, Train

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Better Sleep Habits</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin do a deep dive on building better sleep habits with a focus on the paradoxes and planning of daily activities that can make all the difference.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://newrelic.com/backtowork" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Application Performance Management & Monitoring | New Relic</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.squarespace.com/backtowork" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Build a Website — Squarespace</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.lynda.com/promo/trial/Default.aspx?lpk35=5825&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=backtowork&utm_campaign=vanity" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] lynda.com library | Trial Subscription</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://smilesoftware.com/b2w" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Smile - Welcome Back to Work Fans!</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/amplified/87" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Amplified #87: No Mac Pro for Me</a><br />While at NAMM, Jim joins Dan and special guest Merlin Mann to talk about their favorite Macs new and old, the future of the computer in the home, the power of portable and wearable devices, amps, guitars, Yamaha's purchase of Line 6, new gear, why Jim isn't getting a new Mac Pro, and more.Special guest Merlin Mann. </li><li><a href="http://blog.squarespace.com/blog/introducing-squarespace-logo" class="link" target="_blank">Logos Made Simple — The Official Squarespace Blog</a><br />Squarespace Logo helps anyone create a simple logo on their own. Logos can be comprised of a few basic elements: text, a tagline, and an icon. With the help of The Noun Project and Google Fonts, we provide a huge array of icons (7,000 and growing!) and fonts that you can easily turn into a unique logo for your business. </li><li><a href="http://blog.squarespace.com/blog/a-redesigned-help-experience" class="link" target="_blank">A Redesigned Help Experience — The Official Squarespace Blog</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_Smart" class="link" target="_blank">Rod Smart - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Torrold DeShaun "Rod" Smart (born January 9, 1977) is a former professional American football player. He played college football for the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers, and began his professional career in the short-lived XFL, where he played running back for the Las Vegas Outlaws and was known by the nickname "He Hate Me". He then played briefly in the Canadian Football League (CFL) before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He then spent four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, 2002–2005, playing in Super Bowl XXXVIII. He has also been on the roster for the San Diego Chargers (in 2000) and the Oakland Raiders (in 2006) and was selected to play in the never launched All American Football League. </li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1561755/combined" class="link" target="_blank">"Bob's Burgers" (2011)</a><br />Bob's Burgers centers on the Belcher family (consists of Bob, Linda, Tina, Gene and Louise) who own a hamburger restaurant </li><li><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/12/how-sleep-deprivation-decays-the-mind-and-body/282395/" class="link" target="_blank">How Sleep Deprivation Decays the Mind and Body - Seth Maxon - The Atlantic</a><br />Sleep deprivation is nearly as misunderstood as sleep itself, but it can physically and mentally harm people in myriad ways. Losing sleep can cause hallucinations, psychosis, and long-term memory impairment. Some studies have linked sleep deprivation to chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and bipolar disorder. </li><li><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/elements/2013/12/science-of-sleep-trouble-with-snooze-buttons.html" class="link" target="_blank">The Trouble with Snooze Buttons (and with Modern Sleep) : The New Yorker</a><br />One of the consequences of waking up suddenly, and too early, is a phenomenon called sleep inertia. First given a name in 1976, sleep inertia refers to that period between waking and being fully awake when you feel groggy. The more abruptly you are awakened, the more severe the sleep inertia. </li><li><a href="http://mindhacks.com/2013/12/10/how-sleep-makes-your-mind-more-creative/" class="link" target="_blank">How sleep makes your mind more creative « Mind Hacks</a><br />The experiment illustrates that combining what we know to generate new insights requires time, so

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Isolation and Identity</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about civility, identity, Florida, and how you can't unsee <em>Idiocracy</em>.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://thelivingwiccan.tumblr.com/post/55692724129/curse-removal-reversal" class="link" target="_blank">The Living Wiccan, Curse Removal & Reversal</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/01/why-songs-get-stuck-in-your-head/282997/" class="link" target="_blank">Why Songs Get Stuck in Your Head - Elizabeth Hellmuth Margulis - The Atlantic</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.merlinmann.com/rightnow/" class="link" target="_blank">What Are You Doing Right Now? - Merlin Mann</a><br />"Is this really what you want to be doing right now?" </li><li><a href="http://www.43folders.com/2008/09/01/what-are-you-doing" class="link" target="_blank">"Right Now, What Are You Doing?" | 43 Folders</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/amplified/86" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Amplified #86: Nobody's Getting My Panties</a><br />This week, Merlin Mann sits in to chat with Jim about the Nest acquisition, the problem with Google's opaque creepiness, Jim's upcoming trip to NAMM, plus some special interactive tips from Jim on working the pentatonic blues solo.Homework: Practice on GnR's "Knocking on Heaven's Door."Special guest Merlin Mann. </li><li><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387808/combined" class="link" target="_blank">Idiocracy (2006)</a><br />The Future Is A No Brainer </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idiocracy#Release" class="link" target="_blank">Idiocracy (Release) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />In The New York Times, Dan Mitchell argued that Fox might be shying away from the cautionary tale about low-intelligence dysgenics, because the company did not want to offend either its viewers or potential advertisers portrayed negatively in the film noting that in the film, Starbucks delivers handjobs, and the motto of Carl's Jr. has degenerated from "Don't Bother Me. I'm Eating." to "F*ck You! I'm Eating!" </li><li><a href="http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Deceptive_Practice_The_Mysteries_and_Mentors_of_Ricky_Jay/70270768?trkid=2361637" class="link" target="_blank">"Deceptive Practice" (2012)</a><br />With wit and charm -- and lots of rare footage -- legendary illusionist Ricky Jay reveals his influences and offers insight into a secretive world. </li><li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jljt5Ml28FU" class="link" target="_blank">"Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants" (1996)</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrY-KSc-5Lo" class="link" target="_blank">"Penn and Teller at Caesar's Palace" - YouTube</a><br />Penn and Teller demonstrate the seven basic principles of magic. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_prison_experiment" class="link" target="_blank">Stanford prison experiment - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erikson's_stages_of_psychosocial_development" class="link" target="_blank">Erikson's stages of psychosocial development - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, as articulated by Erik Erikson, explain eight stages through which a healthily developing human should pass from infancy to late adulthood. In each stage, the person confronts, and hopefully masters, new challenges. Each stage builds upon the successful completion of earlier stages. The challenges of stages not successfully completed may be expected to reappear as problems in the future. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_Level_Examination_Program" class="link" target="_blank">College Level Examination Program - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a group of standardized tests that assess college-level knowledge in several subject areas that are administered at more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the United States created by the College Board.[1] There are 2,900 colleges which grant CLEP credit.[2] Each institution awards credit to students who meet the college's minimum qualifying score for that exam, which is typically 50, but it does vary by school and exam.[3] The tests are useful for students who have obtained knowledge outside the classroom, such as through independent study

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: The Attention Stack</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about—what?—maybe <em>the attention stack</em>. How what we pay attention to (and, yes spend our time on) can't help but affect how we see, think, feel, and decide.</p> <p>Not happy with any of those things? Start working your way down the stack.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/dan" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Designer Frames & Online Eyeglasses - $95 Rx Glasses | Warby Parker</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.squarespace.com/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Build a Website — Squarespace</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.lynda.com/promo/trial/Default.aspx?lpk35=5825&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=backtowork&utm_campaign=sponsor-notes" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] lynda.com/backtowork | Trial Subscription</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://getfreshbooks.com/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] FreshBooks - Online Invoicing, Accounting & Billing Software</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pronoia_(psychology)" class="link" target="_blank">Pronoia (psychology) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />In 2008 the writer and Electronic Frontier Foundation co-founder John Perry Barlow defined pronoia as "the suspicion the Universe is a conspiracy on your behalf". </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokononism" class="link" target="_blank">Bokononism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Bokononism is based on the concept of foma, which are defined as harmless untruths. A foundation of Bokononism is that the religion, including its texts, is formed entirely of lies </li><li><a href="http://help.squarespace.com/customer/portal/articles/1394549" class="link" target="_blank">What's new with the LayoutEngine? | 6 Squarespace Customer Care</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/1" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #1: Alligator in the Bathroom</a><br />In the inaugural episode of Back to Work, Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin discuss why they’re doing this show, getting back to work instead of buying berets, the lizard brain, and compare the Shadow of the Mouse to San Francisco, and eventually get to some practical tips for removing friction. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor_(typeface)" class="link" target="_blank">Windsor (typeface) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Monkey's_Paw" class="link" target="_blank">The Monkey's Paw - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />"The Monkey's Paw" is a horror short story by author W. W. Jacobs. It was published in England in 1902.The story is based on the famous "setup" in which three wishes are granted. In the story, the paw of a dead monkey is a talisman that grants its possessor three wishes, but the wishes come with an enormous price for interfering with fate. </li><li><a href="http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/untangling.html" class="link" target="_blank">Untangling the Present: The Role of Appropriate Attention</a><br />As anyone who has solved a complex problem knows, the trick to finding its solution lies in how you frame the issue: identifying the problem and sorting out the pattern of factors related to it. Seeing the pattern, you can decide which factors to focus on as crucial to its solution, and which ones you have to ignore so as not to get led down blind alleys. Framing the issue also means deciding how to approach each of the crucial factors so that instead of maintaining or exacerbating the problem, they aid with its solution. What this boils down to is, when faced with a problem, knowing which questions are helpful to ask about it, and which questions aren't. </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0019D546C/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Woolite Darks Laundry Detergent, 50 Ounce: Health & Personal Care</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/153" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #153: Anxiety's a Goat</a><br />This week, Dan and Merlin talk about anxiety, compulsive thoughts, and how to at least crack an air hole in a big problem.Way of the future. </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1556438184/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Pronoia Is the Antidote for Paranoia, Revised and Expanded: How the Whol

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: The thoughts we think. And think. <em>And think</em>.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about anxiety, compulsive thoughts, and how to at least crack an air hole in a big problem.</p> <p>Way of the <em>future</em>.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.squarespace.com/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Build a Website - Squarespace</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Stock Photos, Royalty-Free Images and Vectors - Shutterstock</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0316098809/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">The Rook: A Novel: Daniel O'Malley: 9780316098809: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.imagecomics.com/expo/" class="link" target="_blank">IMAGE EXPO 2014</a><br />Thursday January 9th at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts San Francisco, CA </li><li><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/01/surviving_anxiety/355741/?single_page=true" class="link" target="_blank">Surviving Anxiety - Scott Stossel - The Atlantic</a><br />I've tried therapy, drugs, and booze. Here’s how I came to terms with the nation's most common mental illness. </li><li><a href="http://www.npr.org/2014/01/06/260152542/fear-of-fainting-flight-and-cheese-one-mans-age-of-anxiety" class="link" target="_blank">Interview: Scott Stossel, Author Of 'My Age Of Anxiety' : NPR</a><br />Stossel's own fears include turophobia, a fear of cheese </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_hindrances" class="link" target="_blank">Five hindrances - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />In the Buddhist tradition, the five hindrances (Sanskrit: pañca niv?ra?a </li><li><a href="http://www.audiodharma.org/talks/audio_player/2572.html" class="link" target="_blank">[AUDIO] Andrea Fella: Anxiety Worry and Fear</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7UHKfqXYTU" class="link" target="_blank">[VIDEO] "The Office (UK)" - Keith - "Fanny means your arse. Not your minge."</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060730579/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Buddhism Is Not What You Think: Finding Freedom Beyond Beliefs: Steve Hagen: 9780060730574: Amazon.com: Books</a><br />Buddhism is Not What You Think is a clear, direct, and engaging guide to the most essential elements of spiritual inquiry: attention, intention, honesty with oneself, compassion, and the desire to awaken. A renowned Zen teacher, Steve Hagen offers a valuable hands-on guidebook in which examples from everyday life are presented alongside stories from Buddhist teachers past and present to banish misconceptions and inspire the newcomer and the knowledgeable practitioner alike. Buddhism is Not What You Think—it is both more…and less. </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0767903323/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Buddhism Plain and Simple: Steve Hagen: 9780767903325: Amazon.com: Books</a><br />"Buddhism Plain and Simple" offers a clear, straightforward treatise on Buddhism in general and on awareness in particular. Steve Hagan presents the Buddha's uncluttered, original teachings in everyday, accessible language unencumbered by religious ritual. </li><li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71yTOUicmEY" class="link" target="_blank">[VIDEO] Ronco Mister Microphone Commercial (1981)</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1585425524/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play: Neil Fiore: 9781585425525: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.marco.org/2014/01/02/the-triumph-of-new-age-medicine" class="link" target="_blank">The Triumph of New-Age Medicine – Marco.org</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://blog.squarespace.com/blog/introducing-layoutengine-2" class="link" target="_blank">Introducing LayoutEngine 2 — The Official Squarespace Blog</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://help.squarespace.com/customer/portal/articles/1394549-what-s-new-with-the-layoutengine-" class="link" target="_blank">What's new with the LayoutEngine? | 6 Squarespace Customer Care</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E3fX2_bxEkg&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DE3fX2_bxEkg"

<p><strong>TOPIC: Consistency, Change, and Counting-Down</strong></p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin return to the evergreen topic of new year's resolutions. Remember: in the main, you are what you've already done a lot.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.squarespace.com/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Squarespace</a><br />Squarespace is the easiest way for anyone to create an exceptional website. Pages, galleries, blogs, e-commerce, domains, hosting, analytics, 24/7 support - all included. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/47" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #47: Utter Failure & Hotel Steak</a><br />TOPIC: Resolving to skip the New Year's resolutions.In the last episode of 2011, Merlin and Dan talk about fresh starts and modest changes rather than rehearsing for sucking. You don't need a calendar to tell you to change. Whether you want to give up nail biting, onanism, or drinking a gallon of vodka a day, you need a plan and a tolerance for failure. Plus, a little care never hurts.How to do it? Keep it small, keep it time-limited, keep it action-oriented.Happy New Year, jackals. We love you. </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00GSN5BWA/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: LEGO Creator 31013 Red Thunder: Toys & Games</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B008B85TUE/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com : LEGO Small Storage Head : Toy Interlocking Building Sets : Toys & Games</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.revell.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Revell - The Authentic Model-Building Experience since 1945</a><br />Since 1945, Revell has been the leader in plastic model kits. Our designers are passionate about scale model authenticity and model building. Choose from our huge selection of accurately detailed cars, trucks, ships, aircraft, spacecraft plus much more and say "I Made That!" </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005L0MKS4/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Lego Sort and Store: Toys & Games</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00CNBGUHG/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com : LEGO Friends Downtown Bakery : Toy Interlocking Building Sets : Toys & Games</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/talkshow/72" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | The Talk Show #72: H.R. Fluffypuff</a><br />This week, John Gruber and Dan Benjamin wonder about girl hobbits, updating HR FluffyPuff to Ice Cream Sandwich, transforming tablets, RIM and Baghdad Bob, all the Kindle Fires under Christmas Trees, John's driving record, and John makes someone a millionaire with whiteout diamonds. </li><li><a href="http://www.npr.org/2014/01/06/260152542/fear-of-fainting-flight-and-cheese-one-mans-age-of-anxiety" class="link" target="_blank">Interview: Scott Stossel, Author Of 'My Age Of Anxiety' : NPR</a><br /></li></ul><p>This week's episode of <a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w" title="5by5 | Back to Work - Hosted by Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin"><em>Back to Work</em></a> is kindly sponsored by <a href="http://www.squarespace.com/">Squarespace</a> (10% off everything with discount code "<strong><code>grocerylist</code></strong>")</p>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Christmas and Control</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin meander through holiday matters, including the Winter Warlock-like impotence of having your electric meter blow up on Christmas Eve Eve.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/culture/2013/12/where-did-homeland-go-wrong.html?mbid=gnep&google_editors_picks=true" class="link" target="_blank">The 'Homeland' Finale, Reviewed : The New Yorker</a><br />When John le Carr? concocted such maneuvers, we saw the characters? machinations but didn?t understand their intent. ?Homeland,? by contrast, just did it all off-screen, and I can?t be the only viewer who felt misled, as opposed to misdirected, when it all was revealed. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/incomparable/173" class="link" target="_blank">The Incomparable #173: Santa-Based Christmas</a><br />'Tis the season for holiday music! Unfortunately, while we unabashedly love the holidays, only some holiday music strikes our fancy. Join us as we talk about what makes a good holiday song and then stick around (if you dare) as we complain about some of the worst the season has to offer. Happy holidays, folks! </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaslighting" class="link" target="_blank">Gaslighting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankfurt_School" class="link" target="_blank">Frankfurt School - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />Meanwhile, many of these theorists believed that traditional Marxist theory could not adequately explain the turbulent and unexpected development of capitalist societies in the twentieth century. Critical of both capitalism and Soviet socialism, their writings pointed to the possibility of an alternative path to social development. </li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Christmas_Shoes_(song)" class="link" target="_blank">The Christmas Shoes (song) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li></ul><p>This week's episode of <a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w" title="5by5 | Back to Work - Hosted by Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin"><em>Back to Work</em></a> is kindly sponsored by <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/" title="Stock Photos, Royalty-Free Images and Vectors - Shutterstock">Shutterstock</a> (25% off everything with discount code "<strong><code>BACKTOWORK1213</code></strong>")</p>

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Enough.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin meander around the meaning of, "enough," pondering the deep existential pit we dig for ourselves and maybe how to get out of it.</p> <p>Merry Christmas. Get your head out of your ass.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.npr.org/2013/12/17/248757580/even-an-85-mph-highway-cant-fix-austins-traffic-tangle" class="link" target="_blank">Even An 85 MPH Highway Can't Fix Austin's Traffic Tangle : NPR</a><br />Austin is the largest city in America with only one interstate running through it. Just six lanes wide through downtown, Interstate 35 backs up for miles regularly. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Postal_Service" class="link" target="_blank">The Postal Service - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />The Postal Service was an American electronic musical supergroup composed of vocalist Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab for Cutie), producer Jimmy Tamborello (of Dntel and Headset) with Jenny Lewis (of Rilo Kiley) on background vocals/keyboards & samplers live. For the band's reunion tour in 2013, Laura Burhenn (of the Mynabirds) joined the lineup throughout the tour to provide additional vocals and instruments, with Jen Wood filling in for a few shows. </li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operator_assistance" class="link" target="_blank">Operator assistance - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />A person-to-person call is an operator-assisted call in which the calling party wants to speak to a specific party and not simply to anyone who answers. The caller is not charged for the call unless the requested party can be reached. This method was popular when telephone calls were relatively expensive. </li><li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/17/health/fda-to-require-proof-that-antibacterial-soaps-are-safe.html?_r=0" class="link" target="_blank">F.D.A. to Require Proof That Antibacterial Soaps Are Safe - NYTimes.com</a><br />The Food and Drug Administration announced on Monday that it was requiring manufacturers of antibacterial soaps to demonstrate that their products are safe for long-term use or reformulate them. </li><li><a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/16/a-challenge-to-vitamins/?src=recg" class="link" target="_blank">Should We Toss Our Vitamin Pills? - NYTimes.com</a><br />One in two adults takes a daily vitamin pill, and Americans spend tens of billions of dollars each year on supplements. Now, a small coterie of physicians writing in a leading medical journal has offered this blunt advice: “Stop wasting money.” </li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/hotdogsladies/status/29683157687" class="link" target="_blank">Twitter / hotdogsladies: Appropriatism</a><br />'It's not that I'm opposed to "minimalism"—but, in practice, I get way more interesting results from "appropriatism."' </li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/hotdogsladies/status/190269627891326976" class="link" target="_blank">Twitter / hotdogsladies: Minimalism</a><br />'A blog series about introversion is like a cat lady about minimalism.' </li><li><a href="http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromecast/" class="link" target="_blank">Chromecast</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00DR0PDNE/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com : Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player : Streaming Media Clients : Electronics</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00GHGMCN4/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Roku LT Streaming Media Player (Purple) (2700R) (2013 Version): Electronics</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005CLPP84/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Roku 2 XS 1080p Streaming Player: Electronics</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00BGGDVOO/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com : Roku 3 Streaming Media Player : Streaming Media Clients : Electronics</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/25/3rd-gen-apple-tv-setup-with-tap-ios7/" class="link" target="_blank">Set up a 3rd-gen Apple TV with a tap from your iOS 7 device</a><br />Have a third-gen Apple TV and an iDevice running iOS 7? If you've yet to set up Cupertino's set-top box, you can do so now by simply touching your iPhone or iPad to the Apple TV. Okay, Apple's take on Bump requires a few more steps than that </li><li><a href="http://www.studioneat.com/products/cosmonaut" class="link" t

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Criticism and Its Discontents</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about criticism, people who don't like you, and how much to let each have anything to do with the work you produce.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.merlinmann.com/better/" class="link" target="_blank">Better - Merlin Mann</a><br />Politics, celebrity gossip, business headlines, tech punditry, odd news, and user-generated content. These are the chew toys that have made me sad and tired and cynical. </li><li><a href="http://jsnell.intertext.com/post/69570512310/how-to-watch-doctor-who" class="link" target="_blank">Snell-o-vision (How to watch "Doctor Who")</a><br />As someone who became a fan of the show in the mid-’80s and who re-engaged with the show during its 2005 comeback, I have happily promoted it to numerous people and I hope I’ve learned a few lessons along the way. At the very least, I have opinions.So here are a few different ways to get into “Doctor Who.” [For my ultimate recommendation, scroll down to the bottom.] </li><li><a href="http://www.smilesoftware.com/help/TextExpander/releasenotes.html" class="link" target="_blank">TextExpander Help: Detailed Release Notes</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://merlinm.com/meetup" class="link" target="_blank">Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #2 — Merlin Mann</a><br />MERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, December 12th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” </li><li><a href="http://smilesoftware.com/TextExpander/download.html" class="link" target="_blank">TextExpander: Mac Typing Shortcut Utility Saves You Time</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Stock Photos, Royalty-Free Images and Vectors - Shutterstock</a><br />Over 30 million stock photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos </li><li><a href="http://www.vicks.com/products/vapo-family/vapoinhaler-nasal-congestion-relief/" class="link" target="_blank">Vicks VapoInhaler for Nasal Congestion Relief</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://mycarmex.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Lip Care | Skin Care | Carmex Lip Care | Carmex Skin Care | Carmex Lip Balm & Skin Care Products</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmex" class="link" target="_blank">Carmex - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002HLHK9E/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Vicks Vapoinhaler 0.007 Oz: Health & Personal Care</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/12154.php" class="link" target="_blank">Vitamin C, Linus Pauling was right all along. A doctor's opinion - Medical News Today</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://hivelogic.com/articles/top-10-programming-fonts" class="link" target="_blank">Top 10 Programming Fonts</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.fsd.it/fonts/pragmatapro.htm#.UqdpcGRDuwE" class="link" target="_blank">PragmataPro™, coding font designed by Fabrizio Schiavi</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M+_Fonts" class="link" target="_blank">M+ Fonts - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/Walmart/status/410396075619414016" class="link" target="_blank">Twitter / Walmart: @danbenjamin Hi Dan - Perhaps ...</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/505/use-only-as-directed" class="link" target="_blank">Use Only as Directed | This American Life</a><br />One of the country's most popular over-the-counter painkillers — acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol — also kills the most people, according to data from the federal government. Over 150 Americans die each year on average after accidentally taking too much. And it requires a lot less to endanger you than you may know. We reported this alongside ProPublica. Their stories here and here. </li><li><a href="http://atp.fm/episodes/41-penny-wise-pound-foolish" class="link" target="_blank">Accidental Tech Podcast: 41: Penny Wise, Pound Foolish</a><br />Extended after-show: how we deal with criticism, trolls, and our own flaws when facing our audience. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/incomparable/169" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | The Incomparable #169: A Man with a Long S

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Gooseneck Options</p> <p>This week, with Dan <em>re</em>-sick and Merlin full of beans, the boys do a deep dive on hand washing, purpose-built bathroom activity gadgets, and the benefits of arming our children.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00AQT653G/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: CTA Digital Pedestal Stand for iPad 2/3/4 with Roll Holder: Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://technicaldifficulties.us/episodes/057-reinventing-yourself-with-merlin-mann" class="link" target="_blank">Technical Difficulties - 057 - Reinventing Yourself with Merlin Mann</a><br />Gabe and Erik are joined by Merlin Mann to talk about starting over, what you really should be doing with your life, verbing, inventors, and emotional petshops. </li><li><a href="http://www.muleradio.net/unprofessional/69/" class="link" target="_blank">Anastasia Helicopter - Unprofessional - Mule Radio Syndicate</a><br />Merlin Mann joins Dave and Lex to talk about Jimmy Carter and vocabulary words. </li><li><a href="http://atp.fm/episodes/41-penny-wise-pound-foolish" class="link" target="_blank">Accidental Tech Podcast: 41: Penny Wise, Pound Foolish</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://merlinm.com/meetup" class="link" target="_blank">Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #2 — Merlin Mann</a><br />MERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, December 12th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” </li><li><a href="http://usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/bobcat.asp" class="link" target="_blank">Cubs - Bobcat Rank</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts.aspx" class="link" target="_blank">Boy Scouts</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/cubscouts.aspx" class="link" target="_blank">Cub Scouts</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Beaver_Award" class="link" target="_blank">Silver Beaver Award - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. The Silver Beaver is an award given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service. It is given to those who do not actively seek it. </li><li><a href="http://www.npr.org/2013/12/03/247531636/as-rent-soars-longtime-san-francisco-tenants-fight-to-stay" class="link" target="_blank">As Rent Soars, Longtime San Francisco Tenants Fight To Stay : NPR</a><br />A recent city report finds that Ellis Act evictions have increased 170 percent over the past three years. Low- and middle-income tenants are unlikely to find another affordable apartment in San Francisco, where the median monthly rent has risen to about $3,400. </li><li><a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/craw" class="link" target="_blank">craw - definition of craw by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.</a><br />The crop of a bird or insect. The stomach of an animal. </li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00B3G8UGQ/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: CTA Digital 2-in-1 iPotty with Activity Seat for iPad: Baby</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003Y5HWJU/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Boardwalk Empire: The Complete First Season: Steve Buscemi, Michael Pitt, William Hill: Movies & TV</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005LAJ1HW/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Boardwalk Empire: The Complete Second Season (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy): Steve Buscemi, Michael Pitt, William Hill: Movies & TV</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B009LDD590/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Boardwalk Empire: The Complete Third Season (Blu-ray): Various: Movies & TV</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000LC65QA/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Potty Putter Toilet Time Golf Game: Sports & Outdoors</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://tardis.wik

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Perfectionism and Procrastination</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about why the classic meanings of <em>perfectionism</em> mostly miss the mark; it's less about being scared to finish and more about being terrified to start.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://smilesoftware.com/PDFpenPro/index.html" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] PDFpenPro: Mac PDF Editor - Create PDF Forms, PDF Table of Contents</a><br />Everything PDFpen can do and more! Make interactive forms, build tables of contents, and convert Web pages to PDFs when you go PDFpenPro. New in version 6: Microsoft® Word export! </li><li><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Stock Photos, Royalty-Free Images and Vectors - Shutterstock</a><br />Over 30 million stock photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos </li><li><a href="https://www.hostgator.com/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Website Hosting Services, VPS Hosting & Dedicated Servers - HostGator</a><br />Web Hosting made EASY and AFFORDABLE! </li><li><a href="http://www.broadsheet.ie/2013/11/26/one-dog-goes-one-way-and-the-other-dog-goes-the-other-way/" class="link" target="_blank">“One Dog Goes One Way And The Other Dog Goes The Other Way” | Broadsheet.ie</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/bestof/1" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | The Best of 5by5 #1: November 17 - 23, 2013</a><br />Highlights from this week's shows. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/incomparable/170" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | The Incomparable #170: Let Zygons Be Zygons</a><br />In this special unedited flashcast edition, we talk about the 50th Anniversary episode of Doctor Who, "The Day of the Doctor," immediately after viewing it! It just about made our heads explode and we want to watch it again immediately. Join us for our post-episode breakdown of what we saw and what we liked.Special guests Dan Moren, David J. Loehr, Scott McNulty, and Serenity Caldwell. </li><li><a href="http://www.dailycal.org/2013/04/17/fun-food-fact-of-the-week-why-asparagus-makes-urine-smell-funny/" class="link" target="_blank">Fun food fact of the week: Why asparagus makes urine smell funny - The Daily Californian</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0785168206/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">All-New X-Men, Vol. 1: Yesterday's X-Men: Brian Michael Bendis, Stuart Immonen: 9780785168201: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0785184872/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Hawkeye, Vol. 1: Matt Fraction, David Aja, Javier Pulido, Francesco Francavilla, Alan Davis, Jesse Hamm: 9780785184874: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0785189068/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">X-Men: Battle of the Atom: Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Wood, Jason Aaron, Frank Cho, Stuart Immonen, David Lopez, Chris Bachalo, Esad Ribic: 9780785189060: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1401235425/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Batman Vol. 1: The Court of Owls (The New 52): Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo: 9781401235420: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0785167048/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Superior Spider-Man, Vol. 1: My Own Worst Enemy (Spider-Man (Graphic Novels)): Dan Slott, Ryan Stegman: 9780785167044: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1401242340/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Batman Vol. 3: Death of the Family (The New 52): Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo: 9781401242343: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0785185216/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Superior Spider-Man, Vol. 1 (Marvel Now): Dan Slott, J. M. DeMatteis, Jen Van Meter, Richard Elson, Humberto Ramos, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stephanie Buscema, Ryan Stegman: 9780785185215: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0785168206/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">All-New X-Men, Vol. 1: Yesterday's X-Men: Brian Michael Bendis, Stuart Immonen: 9780785168201: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0785167048/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Superior Spider-Man, Vol. 1: My Own Worst Enemy (Spider-Man (Graphic Novels)):

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Going Mobile-<em>er</em>.</p> <p>This week, Dan and Merlin are very sick, so they talk about being sick. Then, they talk about what it would take to move to using just an iPad Air on the road.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.squarespace.com" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Build a Website — Squarespace</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.omnigroup.com/omnifocus/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] OmniFocus - The Omni Group</a><br />OmniFocus is designed to quickly capture your thoughts and ideas to store, manage, and help you process them into actionable to-do items. Perfect for many different systems, OmniFocus helps you work smarter by giving you powerful tools to stay on top of all the things you need to do. From ‘Call mom’ to ‘Submit Annual Report to Investors’. </li><li><a href="http://www.busymac.com/busycal/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] BusyCal</a><br />BusyCal is an alternative to the built-in Calendar app on OS X that provides powerful time-saving features in a friendly, easy-to-use package. </li><li><a href="http://www.muleradio.net/thetalkshow/61/" class="link" target="_blank">My_Feedback.ppt - The Talk Show - Mule Radio Syndicate</a><br />Very special guest Merlin Mann joins John Gruber for an as-usual rambling discussion about presentation slides, the new iPads, the Major League Baseball schedule, and Malcolm Gladwell. </li><li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-worlds-end/id686656998?uo=4&at=11laDR&uo=4&at=11laDR&uo=4&at=11laDR&uo=4&at=11laDR&uo=4&at=11laDR" class="link" target="_blank">iTunes - Movies - The World's End</a><br />Simon Pegg and Nick Frost reteam with director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) in this wildly entertaining thrill ride that critics call “funny as hell” (Richard Roeper, WLS-AM Chicago) and “sheer comic perfection” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone). </li><li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie-collection/three-flavours-cornetto-trilogy/id738661903?uo=4&at=11laDR&uo=4&at=11laDR&uo=4&at=11laDR&uo=4&at=11laDR&uo=4&at=11laDR" class="link" target="_blank">The Three Flavours Cornetto® Trilogy - Download The Three Flavours Cornetto® Trilogy on iTunes</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/2013/10/11/film-crit-hulk-smash-alcohol-withnail-and-gary-king-lower-caps-bruce-banner-edition/" class="link" target="_blank">Film Crit Hulk Smash: ALCOHOL, WITHNAIL AND GARY KING [Lower Caps Bruce Banner Edition] : Edgar Wright Here</a><br />The following essay by Film Critic Hulk is kindly re-blogged from: BadAssDigestThanks also go to Hulk for allowing me to publish this as a special lower case ‘Bruce Banner’ version. If you enjoy the article be sure to read the expansive and emotional comments on the original page. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/incomparable/164" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | The Incomparable #164: Put In the Zom and Out Comes Com</a><br />Grab a pint and marinate your brain as we discuss the "Cornetto Trilogy," three films by Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright that are linked in theme if not in characters: "Shaun of the Dead," "Hot Fuzz," and recent release "The World's End." Why aren't there more smart genre comedies? How do Pegg and Wright so deftly handle different genres? How are these movies like the Commedia dell'arte? Why do Jason and Jeff want to punch Nick Frost, then hug him? Plus, we give even more Incomparable love to "Spaced." </li><li><a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/511/the-seven-things-youre-not-supposed-to-talk-about" class="link" target="_blank">The Seven Things You're Not Supposed to Talk About | This American Life</a><br />Producer Sarah Koenig's mother lives by a set of rules about conversation. She has an actual list of off-limits topics, including how you slept, your period, your health, your diet and more. You don't talk about these things, she says, because nobody cares. This week we try to find stories on these exact topics that will prove her wrong. </li><li><a href="http://www.kungfugrippe.com/post/66941595707/simon-pegg-and-nick-frosts-star-wars" class="link" target="_blank">Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s ‘Star Wars’ | kung fu grippe</a><br />Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s ‘Star Wars’ </li><li><a href="http://macsparky.com/email/" class="link" target="_blank">Email Field Guide — MacSparky</a><br />This book tackles your over-stuffed inbox. The Email

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Grab bag</p> <p>This week, Dan takes a minute to sit down with Merlin to talk about bathroom GIFs, Marvel movies, private school ejection, and a <a href="http://thegreatdiscontent.com/merlin-mann">new interview</a> with Merlin that is very <em>very</em> long.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Stock Photos, Royalty-Free Images and Vectors - Shutterstock</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.hostgator.com/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Website Hosting Services, VPS Hosting & Dedicated Servers - HostGator</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://theweek.com/article/index/252545/the-best-way-to-pee-into-a-urinal-according-to-science" class="link" target="_blank">The best way to pee into a urinal, according to science - The Week</a><br />That splash is due to a fluid dynamics term called the Rayleigh Instability. Basically your stream loses power about 6 inches from the urethra, scattering your spray into messy droplets. </li><li><a href="http://vinescope.com/different-ways-how-i-open-the-bathroom-door-1071.html" class="link" target="_blank">VineScope - Different ways how I open the bathroom door</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/donnad/disney-shows-off-the-first-poster-of-angelina-jolie-as-malef" class="link" target="_blank">Disney Shows Off The First Poster Of Angelina Jolie As Maleficent</a><br />She really is Maleficent brought to life. Who else could carry off this bone structure? </li><li><a href="http://thegreatdiscontent.com/merlin-mann" class="link" target="_blank">[INTERVIEW] The Great Discontent: Merlin Mann</a><br />"It’s been one anxious block of uncertainty after another." </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/systematic/69" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Systematic #69: The Health Episode with Dr. Pam Peeke</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://unansweredpodcast.wordpress.com/2013/11/06/show-17/" class="link" target="_blank">Show 17: Spoilers | Unanswered</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00BPEJX12/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: The World's End (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD with UltraViolet): Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Paddy Considine, Martin Freeman, Eddie Marsan, Rosamund Pike, Edgar Wright, Nira Park, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner: Movies & TV</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_Helena" class="link" target="_blank">Boxing Helena - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.soundhound.com/" class="link" target="_blank">SoundHound Inc.</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/app/soundhound/id355554941?uo=4&at=11laDR&uo=4&at=11laDR&uo=4&at=11laDR" class="link" target="_blank">SoundHound on the App Store on iTunes</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moving_Units" class="link" target="_blank">Moving Units - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a><br />The band was formed in 2001 by Chris Hathwell, Blake Miller, and Johan Boegli, when Hathwell's previous band, Festival of Dead Deer, broke up.[1] They released their debut EP, Moving Units, on Three One G in early 2002. Their touring experience includes opening slots for Hot Hot Heat, Pixies, Blur and Nine Inch Nails. Their debut full-length album, Dangerous Dreams, was released on October 12, 2004 by Palm Pictures. </li><li><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=hipgnosis&espv=210&es_sm=91&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=uIqCUoDKDMTD2AXKiYH4BA&ved=0CEUQsAQ&biw=1151&bih=677" class="link" target="_blank">hipgnosis - Google Search</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://parislemon.com/post/66703416025/disneys-massive-2015-slate" class="link" target="_blank">ParisLemon — Disney's Massive 2015 Slate</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://marvel.com/news/story/21476/disneys_marvel_and_netflix_join_forces_to_develop_historic_four_series_epic_plus_a_mini-series_event" class="link" target="_blank">Disney's Marvel and Netflix Join Forces to Develop Historic Four Series Epic plus a Mini-Series Event | News | Marvel.com</a><br />Led by a series focused on "Daredevil," followed by "Jessica Jones," "Iron Fist" and "Luke Cage," the epic will unfold over multiple years of original programming, taking Netflix members deep

<p><strong>TOPIC</strong>: Perception and Perspective.</p> <p>In their second ever live, face-to-face episode, Dan and Merlin talk about goats, noise gate, and taking a step back for a better view of where you are.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.warbyparker.com/dan" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Designer Frames & Online Eyeglasses - $95 Rx Glasses | Warby Parker</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.squarespace.com" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] Build a Website — Squarespace</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.omnigroup.com/omnifocus/" class="link" target="_blank">[SPONSOR] OmniFocus - The Omni Group</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/bionic/66" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Bionic #66: Crossover Event</a><br />This week – with Matt on a secret Vlcnr mission – Myke is joined by Merlin Mann. They discuss the fact that Matt is probably on witness protection, the movies of Edgar wright, a little about Comic books and Blackberry in the enterprise. </li><li><a href="http://youlooknicetoday.com/episode/scat-academy-one" class="link" target="_blank">Scat Academy (Part 1) | You Look Nice Today</a><br />Welcome to the You Look Nice Today® Scat Immersion Program™.No dogs, babies, or squares allowed. </li><li><a href="http://needlifestyle.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Need / Curated Shopping for Men</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://blog.squarespace.com/blog/improving-squarespace-analytics" class="link" target="_blank">Improving Squarespace Analytics — The Official Squarespace Blog</a><br />The new Squarespace Analytics platform uses a method similar to Google Analytics, recording data from the browser using Javascript. This method provides a much better filter for non-human traffic from bots and crawlers. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/frequency/146" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | The Frequency #146: Dr. Ridley Scott</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/12/22/bt.germs.breed.on.plane/" class="link" target="_blank">6 places germs breed in a plane - CNN.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00857RAQ2/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">Park Madison Lighting PMF-3127-31 Contemporary Design 72-Inch High 150-Watt Incandescent Torchiere Floor Lamp, Black Finish with White Shade - Amazon.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001E8XZBI/5by5-20" class="link" target="_blank">GE Lighting 97763 50/100/150-Watt 615/1540/2155-Lumen A21 3-Way Light Bulb, Soft White, 2-Pack - Amazon.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/ErikJFisher/status/397779004561715200" class="link" target="_blank">Twitter / ErikJFisher: @hotdogsladies @danbenjamin ...</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/thanland/status/396680326979670016" class="link" target="_blank">Twitter / thanland: @hotdogsladies @danbenjamin ...</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=joker+anthony+misiano&espv=210&es_sm=91&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=48F5UrqOBqiziQLK9YEQ&ved=0CDgQsAQ&biw=2403&bih=1352#es_sm=91&espv=210&q=joker+%22anthony+misiano%22&tbm=isch" class="link" target="_blank">joker "anthony misiano" - Google Search</a><br /></li></ul><ul> <li><a href="http://WarbyParker.com/dan">Warby Parker</a> (get FREE 3-day shipping on your order)</li> <li><a href="http://squarespace.com/">Squarespace</a> (10% off with offer code, "<strong><code>nice</code></strong>")</li> <li><a href="http://www.omnigroup.com/omnifocus/">OmniFocus</a></li> </ul>