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643 episodes — Page 5 of 13

Episode 443: Immediate Electric Smugness

<p>DISCUSSED: Merlin has a cool new voice from talking to friends late last night; Dan has an automotive collision anecdote, while Merlin has thoughts on how preparation fails us in extreme moments; in follow-up, <a href="https://twitter.com/swhitt">Listener Steve</a> has terrific advice on dealing with bad hotel room technology; your hosts love insider information from pilots and other category pros; Dan ordered a watch, and Merlin is apparently not actually wrecking a plane; the guys respond to listener letters about ages of people in movies, Dan's world-destroying Disney fact (that he can't remember), plus a listener's concern about company password hygiene; and finally, Dan has great news about refreshing an iMac, but less great news about household password hygiene.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DFiLdByWIDY" class="link" target="_blank">Lizzo: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M4I1BAY?pldnSite=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Inteset 4-in-1 Universal Backlit IR Learning Remote for use with Apple TV, Xbox One, Roku, Media Center/Kodi, Nvidia Shield, most Streamers and other A/V Devices: Electronics</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://lifehacker.com/override-your-hotel-room-thermostat-and-set-it-as-hot-o-1462595059" class="link" target="_blank">Override Your Hotel Room Thermostat and Set It As Hot or Cold You Like</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfS8QgUdeGYr7gUFsqYKdzo5hGLwBxRY5" class="link" target="_blank">Rivals of Waterdeep - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+GxizHvHSg" class="link" target="_blank">Scooters (and Roller Skates) — Pessimists Archive Podcast — Overcast</a><br />As cities freak out over e-scooters today, it’s worth looking back at when these devices were actually new. Why did people love motorized scooters in 1915, what’s different a century later, and what does all of this have to do with roller skates? They’re big questions. And the answers just might lead us to rethink how our cities are designed. </li><li><a href="https://www.universalremotes.net/inteset-universal-remote-control-device-code-lookup.html" class="link" target="_blank">Inteset Universal Remote Control Device Code Lookup</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/swhitt" class="link" target="_blank">Steve Whittaker (@swhitt) / Twitter</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/swhitt/status/1172220276198793218" class="link" target="_blank">Steve Whittaker on Twitter: "@hotdogsladies Also I always enable VIP mode on my hotel thermostat if it matches this guy: https://t.co/19pNzwgRCx" / Twitter</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/swhitt/status/1172219895175663616" class="link" target="_blank">Hotel remote trick</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cockpit-Confidential-Everything-Questions-Reflections-ebook/dp/B07DKJ429B/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" class="link" target="_blank">Cockpit Confidential: Everything You Need to Know About Air Travel: Questions, Answers, and Reflections, Patrick Smith, eBook - Amazon.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.askthepilot.com/" class="link" target="_blank">AskThePilot.com » THE ULTIMATE RESOURCE SITE FOR EVERYONE WHO FLIES</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://blog.1password.com/toward-better-master-passwords/" class="link" target="_blank">Toward better Master Passwords | 1Password</a><br />The strength of a password creation system is not how many letters, digits, and symbols you end up with, but how many ways you could get a different result using the same system. </li><li><a href="https://xkcd.com/936/" class="link" target="_blank">xkcd: Password Strength</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/513/129-cars" class="link" target="_blank">129 Cars - This American Life</a><br />We spend a month at a Jeep dealership on Long Island as they try to make their monthly sales goal: 129 cars. If they make it, they'll get a huge bonus from the manufacturer, possibly as high as $85,000 — enough to put them in the black for the month. If they don't make it, it'll be the second month in a row. So they pull out all the stops. </li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-T5-Portable-SSD-MU-PA1T0B/dp/B073H552FJ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=MU-PA1T0B%2FAM&qid=1568912612&sr=8-1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Samsung T5 Portable SSD -

Sep 19, 20191h 19m

Episode 442: Dog Eating Chair Digestion

<p>Dan and Merlin discuss the upcoming big Apple event and why this one's potentially interesting. Also, dog anecdotes.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.aviatorvfx.com/?cmd=frontendOverview&id=color" class="link" target="_blank">AVIATOR VISUAL EFFECTS - BEHIND THE SCENES</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Crystal" class="link" target="_blank">The Dark Crystal - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Crystal:_Age_of_Resistance" class="link" target="_blank">The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.relay.fm/upgrade/261" class="link" target="_blank">Upgrade #261: The 2019 iPhone Event Draft - Relay FM</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/7129767" class="link" target="_blank">Supported devices - Computer - YouTube TV Help</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/7452153?hl=en" class="link" target="_blank">Watch YouTube TV on your TV - YouTube TV Help</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/samoyed/" class="link" target="_blank">Samoyed Dog Breed Information</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly</a> (Go to <a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly.com/backtowork</a> to get 20% off your Grammarly premium account today).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://eero.com">eero</a> (For free overnight shipping to the US or Canada, visit <a href="http://eero.com">eero.com</a> and at checkout select overnight shipping then enter BACKTOWORK to make it free).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/itsyourshow">Squarespace</a> (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure to use the offer code ITSYOURSHOW to get 10% off your first purchase).</p></li> </ul>

Sep 10, 20191h 13m

Episode 441: Boggle, Boggle!

<ul> <li>hurricanes!</li> <li>hyperactivity</li> <li>exposing kids to the canonical films</li> <li>that weird, affected Hollywood accent</li> <li>a name for that time comparison phenomenon</li> <li>making your voice interactions more fun</li> <li>catching up on the Platinum Age of TV</li> <li>dealing with device charging at scale</li> </ul> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saffir%E2%80%93Simpson_scale" class="link" target="_blank">Saffir–Simpson scale - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at5+shtml/144923.shtml?cone" class="link" target="_blank">HURRICANE DORIAN</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://spaghettimodels.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Mike's Weather Page... powered by Sparks Energy!</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Neddy" class="link" target="_blank">Hurricane Neddy - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://simpsons.fandom.com/wiki/Hurricane_Neddy" class="link" target="_blank">Hurricane Neddy | Simpsons Wiki | FANDOM powered by Wikia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Aviator_(2004_film)" class="link" target="_blank">The Aviator (2004 film) - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLibNZv5Zd0dzmgAyav3R8SfXc-64Oly_k" class="link" target="_blank">Technique Critique - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/1/15500876/ben-affleck-armageddon-commentary" class="link" target="_blank">Ben Affleck’s Armageddon commentary resurfaces, along with a few other confessionals - Polygon</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVWdTwWIfN4" class="link" target="_blank">Can you bike to the top of GTA 5, with ONLY your voice? - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://slate.com/culture/2019/05/genesis-phil-collins-peter-gabriel-charts.html" class="link" target="_blank">Pop overachievers Genesis—including Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel—competed head to head on the charts.</a><br />Meet chart overachievers Genesis: ’70s prog rockers turned ’80s pop juggernaut, spinning off multiple careers, countless hits, and thundering drums. </li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+KeyDwMqaM" class="link" target="_blank">The Invisible Miracle Sledgehammer Edition — Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Sticker-Collection-Studios-stickers/dp/1465478868" class="link" target="_blank">Ultimate Sticker Collection: Marvel Studios: With more than 1000 stickers: DK: 9781465478863: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078YJGL4Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: CKCOCO Multi Charger Cable 2Pack 5FT Nylon Braided Universal 4 in 1 Multiple USB Charging Cord Adapter with 8Pin x2/Type-C/Micro USB Port Connectors for Cell Phones Tablets and More (Charging Only): Cell Phones & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PWC32ZD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: USB C Charger, Anker 60W PIQ 3.0 & GaN Tech Dual Port Charger, PowerPort Atom III (2 Ports) Travel Charger with a 45W USB C Port, for USB-C Laptops, MacBook, iPad Pro, iPhone, Galaxy, Pixel and More: Cell Phones & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Charger-Anker-PowerCore-20100mAh/dp/B00X5RV14Y/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3HW1X6M2TELVD&keywords=anker+portable+charger&qid=1567548459&s=gateway&sprefix=anker%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-4" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Portable Charger Anker PowerCore 20100mAh - Ultra High Capacity Power Bank with 4.8A Output and PowerIQ Technology, External Battery Pack for iPhone, iPad & Samsung Galaxy & More (Black): Gateway</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://monday.com/backtowork">Monday.com</a> (Start your 14-day free trial by going to <a href="http://monday.com/backtowork">monday.com/backtowork</a>).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://drinkcirkul.com/backtowork">Cirkul</a> (Get your own Cirkul bottle plus two flavor cartridges for just $5 by go

Sep 3, 20191h 43m

Episode 440: It's Never Been About the Suit

<p>Lots of talk about the changing media landscape, plus some odds and sods.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+QLhXiElgw" class="link" target="_blank">Jia Tolentino on what happens when life is an endless performance — The Ezra Klein Show — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+R7MivBnxc" class="link" target="_blank">Disney World: Celebrating Utopia — Nice Try! — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Married-Mouse-Disney-World-Orlando/dp/0300098286" class="link" target="_blank">Married to the Mouse: Walt Disney World and Orlando: Richard E. Foglesong: 9780300098280: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Trick-Mirror-Self-Delusion-Jia-Tolentino/dp/0525510540/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=jia+tolentino&qid=1566919837&s=books&sr=1-1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion (9780525510543): Jia Tolentino: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NVWL1KF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Logitech Rugged Protection Combo Keyboard and Folio Case for iPad 9.7 (5th Gen) / (6th Gen) - Bulk Packaging - Navy Blue: Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078YJGL4Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: CKCOCO Multi Charger Cable 2Pack 5FT Nylon Braided Universal 4 in 1 Multiple USB Charging Cord Adapter with 8Pin x2/Type-C/Micro USB Port Connectors for Cell Phones Tablets and More (Charging Only): Cell Phones & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://techpilotlabs.com/" class="link" target="_blank">TechPilot Labs - TechPilot Labs</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://techpilotlabs.com/schoolmdm/" class="link" target="_blank">SchoolMDM Mobile Device Management for Schools - TechPilot Labs</a><br />The intuitive, cloud-based MDM designed specifically for schools. We bring simplified mobile device management to Apple deployments. </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1jGnFt78H8" class="link" target="_blank">Monster Factory: Fallout 4 — Episode 1 - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://hyperice.com/hypervolt?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl8C1wr-j5AIV4f_jBx2H_AX8EAQYAyABEgIvVvD_BwE" class="link" target="_blank">Hyperice | Hypervolt featuring Quiet Glide™ technology</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://relaxtheback.com/products/i-puffy-massage-cushion" class="link" target="_blank">i-Puffy Massage Cushion - Relax The Back</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeghGhVdt9s" class="link" target="_blank">[593] Gallium vs. Titalium - Abus Padlock Meets a Gruesome End - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/joesteel" class="link" target="_blank">Joe Rosensteel on Twitter</a><br />Follow Joe! </li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://nativedeodorant.com">Native</a> (For 20% off your first purchase, visit <a href="http://nativedeodorant.com">nativedeodorant.com</a> and use promo code BACKTOWORK during checkout).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://monday.com/backtowork">Monday.com</a> (Start your 14-day free trial by going to <a href="http://monday.com/backtowork">monday.com/backtowork</a>).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://zapier.com/backtowork">Zapier</a> (Right now through November, try Zapier free for 14 days by going to <a href="http://zapier.com/backtowork">Zapier.com/backtowork</a>).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://casper.com/backtowork">Casper</a> (Get $100 toward select mattresses by visiting <a href="http://casper.com/backtowork">Casper.com/backtowork</a> and using BACKTOWORK at checkout).</p></li> </ul>

Aug 27, 20191h 38m

Episode 439: Servant of the Red Badge

<p>DISCUSSED: finding an actor's age and height; time analogies; Merlin needs help naming two critical phenomena; Dan is dissatisfied with how cars look; could Wolverine get a Caillou tattoo, and would it grow back, hmmmm?; Merlin is getting into plants (no, <em>not sexually</em>); the return of that time when Danny held the license plate; and finally, Merlin has a long stemwinder on an admittedly amorphous topic: the unimpeachable benefits of undoing most of the buttons we've clicked.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://asmoothsea.com/actorsage/index.php" class="link" target="_blank">How Old Were the Actors</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0942385/" class="link" target="_blank">Tropic Thunder (2008) - IMDb</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cognitive_biases#Frequency_illusion" class="link" target="_blank">List of cognitive biases - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.kungfugrippe.com/post/169873399/clackity-noise" class="link" target="_blank">Making the Clackity Noise | kung fu grippe</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=star+wars+release+date+to+today" class="link" target="_blank">star wars release date to today - Wolfram|Alpha</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/27" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #27: Danny, Hold the License Plate</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.merlinmann.com/roderick/ep-348-the-other-oregon.html" class="link" target="_blank">Ep. 348: "The Other Oregon" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin Mann</a><br />The Problem: It was mostly pranks. </li><li><a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.askdavetaylor.com/ios-12-on-iphone-how-many-daily-notifications/%3fezoic_amp=1" class="link" target="_blank">iOS 12 on iPhone: How Many Daily Notifications? - Ask Dave Taylor</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/itsyourshow">Squarespace</a> (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure to use the offer code ITSYOURSHOW to get 10% off your first purchase).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://monday.com/backtowork">Monday.com</a> (Start your 14-day free trial by going to <a href="http://monday.com/backtowork">monday.com/backtowork</a>).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly</a> (Go to <a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly.com/backtowork</a> to get 20% off your Grammarly premium account today).</p></li> </ul>

Aug 20, 20191h 30m

Episode 438: The Mashed Potatoes Need You

<p>DISCUSSED: Merlin has a little visitor today. Dan has some thoughts on conference scheduling. This leads to a broader discussion of the sensitivities we may or may not have to other peoples' limitations and constraints. It's nice to meet people.</p> <p>For some reason, religion, churches, and clergy are discussed. "<em>This is what Peter did say!</em>"</p> <p>Finally, the guys answer a listener question about working from home. Merlin poses a challenge.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2019-08-06/disney-misses-profit-estimates-as-parks-slump-fox-film-flops?__twitter_impression=true" class="link" target="_blank">Disney’s Surprise Star Wars Stumble Hammers Quarterly Results</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan" class="link" target="_blank">Ramadan - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7u63yhxrd0" class="link" target="_blank">Jon Stewart On Religion - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/siracusa/status/894710652719288320" class="link" target="_blank">John Siracusa on Twitter: "@atpreferences Why does everyone forget the comma?" / Twitter</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/itsyourshow">Squarespace</a> (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure to use the offer code ITSYOURSHOW to get 10% off your first purchase).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://awaytravel.com/backtowork">Away</a> (Visit <a href="http://awaytravel.com/backtowork">awaytravel.com/backtowork</a> and use the code BACKTOWORK at checkout to get $20 off a suitcase).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly</a> (Go to <a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly.com/backtowork</a> to get 20% off your Grammarly premium account today).</p></li> </ul>

Aug 13, 20191h 13m

Episode 437: The Credit Section

<p>Dan and Merlin explore the complexities of personal style. Not personal style as in fashion, but as in preferences, identity, and modes of interaction. How do we let others know <em>how we are</em>?</p> <p>How do we derive a sense of what works best for us, and why is it such a shameful struggle to effectively communicate that to others? What do AirPods, Snapchat, and Bloomberg Terminals potentially have in common?</p> <p>And, would it be cool if I just listen to this podcast instead of talking about my blouse and the weather?</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2780880/" class="link" target="_blank">"Nathan for You" Private Investigator/Taxi Company (TV Episode 2013) - IMDb</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.ft.com/content/5d6c2d9c-1f61-11e5-ab0f-6bb9974f25d0" class="link" target="_blank">The Bloomberg terminal: clunky, costly, addictive, ubiquitous | Financial Times</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/07/the-egg-is-bigger-than-before-what-is-5-minute-crafts.html" class="link" target="_blank">The Egg Is Bigger Than Before: What Is 5-Minute Crafts?</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/435" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #435: Scanner of Horizons</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://eero.com">eero</a> (For free overnight shipping to the US or Canada, visit <a href="http://eero.com">eero.com</a> and at checkout select overnight shipping then enter BACKTOWORK to make it free).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://warbyparker.com/backtowork">Warby Parker</a> (Head to <a href="http://warbyparker.com/backtowork">warbyparker.com/backtowork</a> to order your free Home Try-On’s today).</p></li> </ul>

Aug 6, 20191h 5m

Episode 436: Better Than a Lipstick

<p>DISCUSSED: the admirable candor of B.B. King; the simple joys of the Ordinary Night; movies that are or are not dated and how that affects your enjoyment; how sci-fi seemed to mostly miss the internet; our embarrassment of media options; tech in media and what it means for plot stuff; technology adoption curves are definitely speeding up; doing everything you can not to use your phone as a phone; more generational stuff; how time and context changes our perception; should they take <em>all</em> the smoking out of movies and tv?; remember: you're not making errors—you're adding information; and, finally, Dan has an exciting announcement and a wet notebook.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/434" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #434: Grist for an Unnecessary Mill</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._P._Lovecraft" class="link" target="_blank">H. P. Lovecraft - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._G._Wells" class="link" target="_blank">H. G. Wells - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1031449/" class="link" target="_blank">"The Office" Chair Model (TV Episode 2008) - IMDb</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.visualcapitalist.com/rising-speed-technological-adoption/" class="link" target="_blank">Chart: The Rising Speed of Technological Adoption</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.asymco.com/2013/11/18/seeing-whats-next-2/" class="link" target="_blank">Seeing What’s Next | Asymco</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/amplified/157" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Amplified #157: A Three Year Cold</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://communityrising.kasasa.com/gen-x-gen-y-gen-z/" class="link" target="_blank">Who Are Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z?</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starman_(film)" class="link" target="_blank">Starman (film) - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Starman-Ted-White/dp/0767812166" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Starman: Karen Allen, Jeff Bridges, Charles Martin Smith, Ted White, Richard Jaeckel, John Carpenter, Larry J. Franco, Columbia Pictures Corporation: Movies & TV</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/amplified" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Amplified</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rite-Rain-Weatherproof-Top-Spiral-735-3/dp/B01N0139W7/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=rite+in+the+rain&qid=1564504768&s=gateway&sr=8-8" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com : Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Top-Spiral Notebook, 3" x 5", Black Cover, Universal Pattern, 3 Pack (No. 735-3) : Gateway</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgstEs-l2s4" class="link" target="_blank">"Detective Jigsaw" -MBMBAM Animatic - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICcEOXVZ3F0" class="link" target="_blank">TOSLINK: That one consumer fiber optic standard - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/hotdogsladies/status/1151189854232825856" class="link" target="_blank">Merlin Mann on Twitter: ""Remember, you're not making errors; you're adding information." —Isaac the Gamescape Guy (on figure painting)" / Twitter</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065488/" class="link" target="_blank">The Boys in the Band (1970) - IMDb</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><a href="http://rhone.com/backtowork">Rhone</a> (Get 20% off your first purchase by going to <a href="http://rhone.com/backtowork">Rhone.com/backtowork</a>).</li> </ul>

Jul 30, 20191h 10m

Episode 435: Scanner of Horizons

<p>DISCUSSED: kindness; eyeglasses, at length—including eyeglasses indignities, discounts, and injuries; a renewed surfeit of dingalings, fake friends, and a dumb podcast hit piece; and, finally, your hosts respond to a listener question on getting stressed about personal quantization.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-convince-someone-when-facts-fail/" class="link" target="_blank">How to Convince Someone When Facts Fail - Scientific American</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0785NNSR5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Closed Dynamic Headphones Bundle with Blucoil 6-FT Headphone Extension Cable (3.5mm) and Headphone Hook: Home Audio & Theater</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/1053121-Sharpener-sharpens-blades-pointers/dp/B002C2UV0I/ref=sr_1_2?crid=23T0N0U7D6Q0J&keywords=kum+long+point+pencil+sharpener&qid=1563896318&s=gateway&sprefix=kum+long%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-2" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: AS2M (1053121), Long Point Sharpener, sharpens in 2 steps; 2 spare blades includes. With lead pointers for 2 mm and 3.2 mm. BLUE only: Gateway</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm7jp5A9Vks" class="link" target="_blank">Portlandia - The Knot Store - HD - YouTube</a><br />"I think we've arrived." </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yuIE1OYnVI" class="link" target="_blank">His Dark Materials: Season 1 | San Diego Comic-Con Trailer | HBO - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3fAl33bnEk" class="link" target="_blank">Dorkus Malorkus - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XY_problem" class="link" target="_blank">XY problem - Wikipedia</a><br />The XY problem is a communication problem encountered in help desk and similar situations in which the real issue, X, of the person asking for help is obscured, because instead of asking directly about issue X, they ask how to solve a secondary issue, Y, which they believe will allow them to resolve issue X. </li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+KS3rwdM/51:26" class="link" target="_blank">MBMBaM 188: Holler Smarts — My Brother, My Brother And Me — Overcast</a><br />"Have you considered LegalZoom?" </li><li><a href="https://5by5.tv/b2w/433" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #433: The Muscle of Worry</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thinking,_Fast_and_Slow" class="link" target="_blank">Thinking, Fast and Slow - Wikipedia</a><br />The central thesis is a dichotomy between two modes of thought: "System 1" is fast, instinctive and emotional </li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><a href="http://manscaped.com">Manscaped</a> (Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code BACKTOWORK at <a href="http://manscaped.com">Manscaped.com</a>).</li> </ul>

Jul 23, 20191h 14m

Episode 434: Grist for an Unnecessary Mill

<p>Show notes are short this week because Merlin had to go buy contrast paints for his figs.</p> <p>Main topic is speculating about <em>speculation</em>.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://twitter.com/stroughtonsmith/status/1146815604957093895" class="link" target="_blank">Steve Troughton-Smith on Twitter: "Wow. For a single coat, Contrast looks amazing. Maybe the hype is real? Of course, I understand it’s a very situational paint, but for organics and cloth this could be perfect… https://t.co/10RBmU49mC"</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjaAJ0yJI_A" class="link" target="_blank">The TRUTH behind GW Contrast Paints - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4NRIXAT9Rc" class="link" target="_blank">Citadel Contrast Paints: Resisting the Hype? - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warhammer_(game)" class="link" target="_blank">Warhammer (game) - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/d5337f91-6e81-465a-ba66-cdaf67687187" class="link" target="_blank">Squeezed and pulled and hurt my neck in 1988</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.hilariousworld.org/episode/2019/07/08/the-perils-and-rewards-of-travel" class="link" target="_blank">The Perils and Rewards of Travel | The Hilarious World of Depression</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macular_degeneration" class="link" target="_blank">Macular degeneration - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS_IYe5JTZ4" class="link" target="_blank">Yngwie Malmsteen-Arpeggios From Hell - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/hotdogsladies/status/1150126485711118336" class="link" target="_blank">Merlin Mann on Twitter: "Weird how the most competent and well-run aspect of United is their website for tracking your lost luggage."</a><br />Weird how the most competent and well-run aspect of United is their website for tracking your lost luggage. </li><li><a href="https://www.tbs.com/shows/angie-tribeca" class="link" target="_blank">Angie Tribeca | TBS.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.maximumfun.org/my-brother-my-brother-and-me/mbmbam-candlenights-2017" class="link" target="_blank">MBMBaM: Candlenights 2017 | Maximum Fun</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><a href="http://molekule.com">Molekule</a> (For $75 off your first order, visit <a href="http://molekule.com">Molekule.com</a> and enter BACKTOWORK at checkout).</li> </ul>

Jul 16, 20191h 13m

Episode 433: The Muscle of Worry

<p>DISCUSSED: Dan has found a terrific solution for his son's iPad case; on the benefits (and challenges) of getting away from our devices for a while; listener recommendations for YouTube keyboard commands, a book about cities, and some Disney scholarship; and, finally, your hosts respond to a listener's question about "circular thoughts."</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7631406?hl=en" class="link" target="_blank">Keyboard shortcuts for YouTube - YouTube Help</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.coaster101.com/2018/08/07/len-testa-and-touringplans-com-part-one-the-origins/" class="link" target="_blank">Len Testa and TouringPlans.com - Part One: The Origins - Coaster101</a><br />Last month, we were able to connect with Len Testa, President of TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, and The Unofficial Guide to British Theme Parks, to learn more about how TouringPlans got its start, how a Touring Plan “works,” and to learn more about this vital Disney vacation planning guide. </li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143112708/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bDQdDb05R61Q5" class="link" target="_blank">The Works: Anatomy of a City: Kate Ascher: 8601400935996: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NVWL1KF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Logitech Rugged Protection Combo Keyboard Case for iPad 9.7 (5th and 6th Generation) - Bulk Packaging - Navy Blue: Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.penny-arcade.com/news/post/2008/02/08/dear-diary" class="link" target="_blank">Penny Arcade - News - Dear Diary</a><br />The best way I can describe it is "Chain worrying." </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHscMam4W7s" class="link" target="_blank">Meet the designer cats with wild blood - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/yak_shaving" class="link" target="_blank">yak shaving - Wiktionary</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stack_(abstract_data_type)" class="link" target="_blank">Stack (abstract data type) - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://forums.plex.tv/t/smart-playlist-creation-help/193054/2" class="link" target="_blank">Smart Playlist Creation Help - General / General Discussions - Plex Forum</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/506874-you-are-the-sky-everything-else-it-s-just-the" class="link" target="_blank">Quote by Pema Chödrön: “You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just th...”</a><br />“You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather.” </li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/itsyourshow">Squarespace</a> (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure to use the offer code ITSYOURSHOW to get 10% off your first purchase).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://linode.com/backtowork">Linode</a> (Visit <a href="http://linode.com/backtowork">linode.com/backtowork</a> to learn more)</p></li> </ul>

Jul 2, 20191h 8m

Episode 432: Fingerspace Pollution

<p>DISCUSSED: Merlin is a little hoarse; but what's an actual pony versus an actual little horse?; there's a lot of sadness and housing problems in the Hundred Acre Wood; the challenges of recommending starter media; the further challenges of being a media super-fan; (and how this relates to not seeing <em>The Flintstones</em> and stealing a copy of <em>Fight Club</em> from Blockbuster Video); Florida is hot; may everyone live long enough to feel bad for saying something really stupid on a podcast; is Piglet a small pig or just a pig baby?; Dan needs your help to find Cash a durable iPad case and keyboard solution; Merlin needs your help understanding the logic of keyboard media keys; to Dan, Piglet was always a baby pig; then, there's some follow-up on Disney parks; Dan again threatens to permanently ruin Disney for you, but he promises to clearly bracket it; and, finally, Dan has <strong><em>had it</em></strong> with people stealing flu valor. Just stop it, people.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/itunes1459712981/the-chernobyl-podcast" class="link" target="_blank">The Chernobyl Podcast — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.boxysuite.com/blog/mac-productivity" class="link" target="_blank">20+ Mac Productivity Hacks from CEOs, Artists, Developers, Youtubers and More | Boxy Suite</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80100172" class="link" target="_blank">Netflix - "Dark"</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piglet_(Winnie-the-Pooh)" class="link" target="_blank">Piglet (Winnie-the-Pooh) - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.apple.com/ipad-9.7/" class="link" target="_blank">iPad 9.7-inch - Apple</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073WHKVWX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: ZAGG – Rugged Messenger – Backlit Case and Bluetooth Keyboard – Compatible with 2018 (G6) and 2017 (G5) Apple iPad 9.7” – Durable Case with Built-In Stand – Multiple-Device Pairing – Black: Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DJB43W2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: OtterBox DEFENDER SERIES Case for iPad Pro9.7" VERSION - Retail Packaging - BLACK: Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pz2BXUcYgKc" class="link" target="_blank">Roller Coaster Safety: How to Manage Too Many Trains at Once - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+Pb7G8183U" class="link" target="_blank">‘Deadwood: The Movie’ and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge | The Watch — The Watch — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c99Uzo_uqVQ" class="link" target="_blank">Our Vlog About Opening Day at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://medium.com/maxistentialism-blog/star-trek-the-next-generation-in-40-hours-c4a6762cbd3" class="link" target="_blank">Star Trek: The Next Generation In 40 Hours – Maxistentialism Blog – Medium</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://medium.com/maxistentialism-blog/star-trek-deep-space-nine-in-82-5-hours-10acde591fd2" class="link" target="_blank">Star Trek: Deep Space Nine In 82.5 Hours – Maxistentialism Blog – Medium</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU6IndADEWI" class="link" target="_blank">The Replacements - Unsatisfied (REMASTERED) - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWz2Km0UbCY" class="link" target="_blank">Satisfied - Hamilton Musical - YouTube</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://rhone.com/backtowork">Rhone</a> (Get 20% off your first purchase by going to <a href="http://rhone.com/backtowork">Rhone.com/backtowork</a>).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/itsyourshow">Squarespace</a> (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure to use the offer code ITSYOURSHOW to get 10% off your first purchase).</p></li> </ul>

Jun 25, 20191h 15m

Episode 431: Costly Branded Waiting

<p>First and most importantly, Dan is back! Woo!</p> <p>Second, now, listen: please bear with me, and do not leave. Because, when I say we talked mostly about Disney—and especially Disney properties—it's way more interesting than you'd think. Or, so we hope.</p> <p>Essentially, Walt Disney World in particular has the control, data, and means to be <em>extremely</em> good at resource management, and that's just fascinating to think about.</p> <p>There's also some thank-you's, as well as some podcast recommendations, plus a response to a listener's question about choosing to use Apple's native apps.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/430" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #430: Shiny Red Cleric</a><br />Dan's away this week, so Merlin tries going it alone. </li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+NB2OwEuws" class="link" target="_blank">Episode 348: David Epstein — Longform — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/itunes1278737605/layers" class="link" target="_blank">Layers — Overcast</a><br />A Miniature Painting Podcast </li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+bu6wBmoc" class="link" target="_blank">Food Safety Talk 185: Hot Diapers — Food Safety Talk — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfh7A0lH1ac&feature=youtu.be" class="link" target="_blank">Remain Seated Please - The Hoot and Chief Story (Epcot Horizons) - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.wired.com/2015/03/disney-magicband/" class="link" target="_blank">Disney's $1 Billion Bet on a Magical Wristband | WIRED</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/bands-cards/understanding-magic-band/" class="link" target="_blank">What is a MagicBand? | Walt Disney World Resort</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/bands-cards/multiple-magic-bands/" class="link" target="_blank">Managing Multiple MagicBands | Walt Disney World Resort</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://disneynews.us/disney-parks-attendance/" class="link" target="_blank">Annual Disney Park Attendance Statistics and Charts | Disney Resources</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/news/star-wars-hotel-disney-galaxys-edge/" class="link" target="_blank">Everything We Know About Disney's Star Wars Hotel</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.arqbackup.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Backup Software for Mac and Windows</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/hotdogsladies/status/1137141503225081861" class="link" target="_blank">Merlin on the complexity of SF transit options</a><br />"Trying to explain anything about transit is insane…" </li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stock_keeping_unit" class="link" target="_blank">Stock keeping unit - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just-in-time_manufacturing" class="link" target="_blank">Just-in-time manufacturing - Wikipedia</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">Luna Display</a> (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to <a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">www.lunadisplay.com</a> and enter the promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout)</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/itsyourshow">Squarespace</a> (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure to use the offer code ITSYOURSHOW to get 10% off your first purchase).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://mackweldon.com">Mack Weldon</a> (For 20% off your first order, visit <a href="http://mackweldon.com">mackweldon.com</a> and enter promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout. Mack Weldon, it's better than whatever you're wearing right now).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly</a> (Go to <a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly.com/backtowork</a> to get 20% off your Grammarly premium account today).</p></li> </ul>

Jun 20, 20191h 41m

Episode 430: Shiny Red Cleric

<p>Dan's away this week, so Merlin tries going it alone.</p> <p>Topics include lessons from painting D&D minifigs, listener letters, and some recommendations.</p> <p>Feel better soon Dan; <strong>we need you!</strong></p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://twitter.com/danbenjamin/" class="link" target="_blank">Dan Benjamin (@danbenjamin) | Twitter</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://nationalparktypeface.com/" class="link" target="_blank">National Park Typeface</a><br />A TYPEFACE DESIGNED TO MIMIC THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SIGNS THAT ARE CARVED USING A ROUTER BIT. </li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Band_of_Brothers_(miniseries)" class="link" target="_blank">Band of Brothers (miniseries) - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.gamescapesf.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Gamescape</a><br />Excellent games and nerd store on Divisadero here in San Francisco. </li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2MRxqT6" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Miniatures Paint Set, 10 Model Paints with FREE Highlighting Brush, 18ml/Bottle, Miniature Painting Kit, Non Toxic Acrylic Paint Set, Wargames Hobby Starter Paint Set by The Army Painter (New Version): Gateway</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2MP5tLS" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: D&D NMU: Human Male Paladin W3: Gateway</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7mYtNRrdUIZZymc5epjYHE?si=iEV2NYrYSA6f5oRbZZ_uBg" class="link" target="_blank">Chvrches - The Bones of What You Believe</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mTRvJ9fugM" class="link" target="_blank">CHVRCHES - The Mother We Share - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2F8MkOy" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Tile Pro with Replaceable Battery - 2 pack: Gateway</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSp54e6_FFc" class="link" target="_blank">MINIATURE BASICS - HOW TO PAINT MINIATURES THE EASY WAY! FOR BEGINNERS! - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoJgUdyO4vM" class="link" target="_blank">How to Paint Miniatures - The Basics - NPC Chris Vlog 004 - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k6Fvu3RH9Q" class="link" target="_blank">Miniature Painting -Beginner Tutorial ( 1 mini in under 1 hour) - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.tonybuzan.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Tony Buzan – Inventor of Mind Mapping</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZx887udEnM" class="link" target="_blank">The COMPLETE Game of Thrones Recap | CRAM IT - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2XfXBa6" class="link" target="_blank">Wings of Fire Boxset, Books 1-5 (Wings of Fire): Tui T. Sutherland: 9780545855723: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2RmLaUI" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Funko 5 Star: Game of Thrones - Jon Snow: Toys & Games</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.testors.com" class="link" target="_blank">Testors Paints</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.maximumfun.org/adventure-zone/ep-10-murder-rockport-limited-episode-one" class="link" target="_blank">Ep. 10. Murder on the Rockport Limited - Episode One | Maximum Fun</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.tomsguide.com/us/tile-mate-tile-pro,review-5795.html" class="link" target="_blank">Tile Pro and Tile Mate Review: The Best Key Finders Just Got Better</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">Luna Display</a> (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to <a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">www.lunadisplay.com</a> and enter the promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout)</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/itsyourshow">Squarespace</a> (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure to use the offer code ITSYOURSHOW to get 10% off your first purchase).</p></li> </ul>

Jun 14, 201959 min

Episode 429: A Seer of Trees

<p>DISCUSSED: Merlin has a catastrophic off-by-one-week error; Roderick's June is very triggering to your hosts; sometimes, it's nice to be exposed to stuff you didn't expect, but…; at a certain point in life, you mostly just see trees of inconvenience and risk; this leads to a long (and surprisingly pretty good) meditation on FOMO, acceptance, and not pretending to be a person you never actually were; Dan helps Merlin unpack a scene near his workplace; Merlin gets in the weeds about Roger Deakins, Torquay, and two different Richards Burton; then, there's a brief side trip into the reboot of Nick Fury; and, finally the boys answer listener questions about taking notes in college and feeling resistance to completing tasks.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/b/?node=19149164011" class="link" target="_blank">Alexa Privacy Settings @ Amazon.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2464851/the-wild-way-samuel-l-jackson-got-the-role-of-marvels-nick-fury" class="link" target="_blank">The Wild Way Samuel L. Jackson Got The Role Of Marvel’s Nick Fury</a><br />The original Nick Fury, i.e. the one from the main Marvel Comics universe, Earth 616, is a white man, but in the Ultimate universe continuity, which launched in 2000, he's a black man who looks just like Samuel L. Jackson. That wasn't initially the case, but when writer Mark Millar began penning The Ultimates limited series in 2002, he decided to model Fury after Jackson, who was his favorite actor. As Millar told THR, he had no idea that Jackson was a comic book fan, and after seeing his likeness alongside these Marvel heroes, the actor called up his agents, who got in touch with Marvel. The company apologized and promised to include Jackson in future movie adaptations, should they even be made. </li><li><a href="http://lsc.cornell.edu/notes.html" class="link" target="_blank">The Cornell Note-taking System – Learning Strategies Center</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_three_(writing)#Comedy" class="link" target="_blank">Rule of three (writing) - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.bottomofthehill.com/calendar.html" class="link" target="_blank">Bottom Of The Hill > Calendar & Tickets</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.bottomofthehill.com/images/1299a.jpg" class="link" target="_blank">1299a.jpg 1,637×1,265 pixels</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://slate.com/human-interest/2019/05/the-waves-on-the-curvy-wife-guy-the-incels-seeking-out-plastic-surgery-and-fleabag.html" class="link" target="_blank">The Waves on the Curvy Wife Guy, the incels seeking out plastic surgery, and Fleabag.</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">Luna Display</a> (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to <a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">www.lunadisplay.com</a> and enter the promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout)</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://eero.com">eero</a> (For free overnight shipping to the US or Canada, visit <a href="http://eero.com">eero.com</a> and at checkout select overnight shipping then enter BACKTOWORK to make it free).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly</a> (Go to <a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly.com/backtowork</a> to get 20% off your Grammarly premium account today).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://backblaze.com/backtowork">Backblaze</a> (Visit <a href="http://backblaze.com/backtowork">Backblaze.com/backtowork</a> to receive a fully featured 15-day no-risk free trial).</p></li> </ul>

Jun 4, 20191h 32m

Episode 428: Prepare for Draculas

<p>DISCUSSED: Nobody got enough sleep last night, but they're gonna power through anyhow; your hosts fawn over the amazing <em>Chernobyl</em> miniseries; various hardware mute button options are discussed; Merlin can't draw but is very excited about making pictures on an iPad; Dan is looking forward to seeing more Olyphant; your hosts address a listener's question about their "everyday carry," but honestly mostly end up talking about bags; also, you really need a bag in a bag in a bag; and, finally Merlin has an admittedly privileged aspiration involving keys.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://procreate.art/" class="link" target="_blank">Discover Procreate</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.tombihn.com/products/brain-bag?variant=13210149716031" class="link" target="_blank">Brain Bag - Backpacks - Laptop Bags – TOM BIHN</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/base-camp-travel-canister-2#hero=0" class="link" target="_blank">BASE CAMP TRAVEL CANISTER | United States</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N78Y3X5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Fenix LD12 320 Lumen LED Tactical Flashlight USB rechargeable kit with EdisonBright AA battery - - Amazon.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ShortStop--pro-co-short-stop" class="link" target="_blank">Pro Co Short Stop | Sweetwater</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PowerMute--pro-co-power-mute" class="link" target="_blank">Pro Co Power Mute | Sweetwater</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://linea-app.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Linea – Drawing tools for your iPad and iPhone</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.earwolf.com/episode/timothy-olyphant/" class="link" target="_blank">Timothy Olyphant, episode #14 of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend on Earwolf</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://theoffice.fandom.com/wiki/Danny_Cordray" class="link" target="_blank">Danny Cordray | Dunderpedia: The Office Wiki | FANDOM powered by Wikia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P5H9T41/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">LEATHERMAN - FREE P4 Multitool with Magnetic Locking, One Hand Accessible Tools and Premium Nylon Sheath and Pocket Clip - - Amazon.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UWGFTQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Tul Retractable Gel Pens 0.5mm Needle Point, Black 4/pk: Office Products</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.tombihn.com/products/freudian-slip?variant=16409089479" class="link" target="_blank">Freudian Slip - Travel Accessories – TOM BIHN</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RBMK" class="link" target="_blank">RBMK - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.tombihn.com/products/synapse-25?variant=19611978055" class="link" target="_blank">Synapse 25 - Backpacks - Travel Bags – TOM BIHN</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.patagonia.com/product/atom-backpack-18-liters/48290.html?dwvar_48290_color=NENA&cgid=luggage-backpacks-casual#tile-12=&start=1&sz=36" class="link" target="_blank">Patagonia Atom Backpack 18L</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075S5RT7B/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: tomtoc Laptop Accessories Pouch Bag Sleeve fit for Laptop Tablet Power Adapter, Charger, Mouse, Cable, Hard Drives, Pen Case Pencil Pouch, Travel Toiletry Organizer Shaving Dopp Kit Cosmetic Bag: Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZ9286T/ref=dp_prsubs_2" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: tomtoc Portable Canvas Storage Pouch Bag Case Accessories Organizer compatible with Laptop Mouse, Power Adapter, Cables, Cellphone, SSD, HDD Enclosure, Power Bank: Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ti-WdTF2Qr8" class="link" target="_blank">Chernobyl. Cleaning the roofs. Soldiers (reservists). 1986. - YouTube</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Not

May 28, 20191h 24m

Episode 427: C. Thomas Hobbled

<p>DISCUSSED: nasty, brutish, and short sleep; watching TV with a game controller; Dan has to deal with suite concatenation; your hosts crave the expertise of a craftsman; Merlin realizes he and his lady friend see very different forests (spoiler: hers is way better); popcorn ceiling comes in cans; your hosts contrast their views on kipple, sentimentality, and need; Dan struggles to turn off his buttons, and Merlin loves his iPad's Paste button; provisional, anecdotal praise for AT&T's Call Protect service; there's a distinction between long sleep and <em>good</em> sleep; Dan has to stab a prestige TV doppelgänger, and Merlin learns about Night Company; Merlin has recommendations for a Mac automation app, a new David Sparks Field Guide, and a handy new IoT dingus; speculation that smart home adoption truly won't tip until the interactions get less dorky; mobile charging options for travel are debated; everybody needs a Dad Hat; and, finally, with only three days of school left, Dan receives a very concerning email.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://brettterpstra.com/projects/bunch/" class="link" target="_blank">Bunch - BrettTerpstra.com</a><br />Bunch is a little macOS app that sits in your Dock. It doesn’t have any windows. When you right/ctrl-click it, it gives you a list of “Bunches” you can select from, each one launching a group of applications that you configure. Bunches can be configured to open apps, specific files in an app, and even web pages in your default browser. </li><li><a href="https://www.macsparky.com/blog/2019/5/announcing-release-of-the-keyboard-maestro-field-guide" class="link" target="_blank">Announcing Release of the Keyboard Maestro Field Guide — MacSparky</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.store.meethue.com/us/lutron-aurora-always-ready-smart-bulb-dimmer/" class="link" target="_blank">Lutron Aurora Always Ready smart bulb dimmer</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popcorn_ceiling" class="link" target="_blank">Popcorn ceiling - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://rogueamoeba.com/audiohijack/" class="link" target="_blank">Rogue Amoeba | Audio Hijack: Record Any Audio on MacOS</a><br />Record any application's audio, including VoIP calls from Skype, web streams from Safari, and much more. Save audio from hardware devices like microphones and mixers as well. You can even record all the audio heard on your Mac at once! If you can hear it, Audio Hijack can record it. </li><li><a href="http://startly.com/products/quickeys/mac/4/" class="link" target="_blank">Startly - QuicKeys 4 for Mac OS X</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/pinworm/fact_sheet.htm" class="link" target="_blank">Pinworm Infection</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://gameofthrones.fandom.com/wiki/Bronn" class="link" target="_blank">Bronn | Game of Thrones Wiki | FANDOM powered by Wikia</a><br />Lord Bronn is the Lord of Highgarden, Lord Paramount of the Reach, Master of Coin, and the founder of his house. Bronn is a skilled and dangerous sellsword who comes to prominence when he champions for Tyrion Lannister in his trial by combat at the Eyrie. Bronn subsequently enters Tyrion's service as his personal bodyguard, assassin, and enforcer and in return was given knighthood, power, and wealth. </li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07617BK8N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Game of Thrones: The Complete Seasons 1-7 (BD + Digital): Various: Movies & TV</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.att.com/features/security-apps.html" class="link" target="_blank">Security Apps to Protect You & Your Phone - AT&T</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www2.meethue.com/en-us/p/hue-tap-switch/046677473365" class="link" target="_blank">Hue Tap switch 046677473365 | PHILIPS</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://daringfireball.net/thetalkshow/2019/05/14/ep-251" class="link" target="_blank">The Talk Show: Ep. 251, With Special Guest Merlin Mann</a><br />Very special guest Merlin Mann returns to the show. Topics include sleep and sleep-tracking (with Apple Watch), regional fast-casual dining, the nature of podcasting, and, of course, more. </li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">Luna Display</a> (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by

May 21, 20191h 38m

Episode 426: New Wave Night

<p>DISCUSSED: Dan has a new setup, and Merlin randomly recommends a kids' book; your hosts remember too much; Dan realizes he took the wrong shop class, and Merlin realizes why Generation X was (and remains) mostly useless; Dan walks us through his new setup, and the boys talk about the joys of VNC; Merlin is excited about the new "Guard" functionality of the Amazon voice dingus; <em>Ferris Bueller's Day Off</em> is still very good; what is the sound of one Koan falling?; your hosts discuss an article proposing why everything should take 20 minutes; Merlin dives deep on his own longstanding use of this heuristic; this leads to some classic <code>#productivity</code> talk; there's some instamatic camera nostalgia; Dan has a new project, and you should maybe contact him; <em>Once AGAIN!</em>; the glory of <em>Spirited Away</em> is discussed; Dan recommends a good TV show for date night; and, finally, Dan and Merlin admit they'd probably watch basically anything about <em>Watchmen</em>.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://theoutline.com/post/7425/everything-should-take-twenty-minutes?zd=1&zi=2rlknwyl" class="link" target="_blank">Everything should take 20 minutes | The Outline</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornell_Notes" class="link" target="_blank">Cornell Notes - Wikipedia</a><br />The Cornell Notes system (also Cornell note-taking system, Cornell method, or Cornell way) is a note-taking system devised in the 1940s by Walter Pauk, an education professor at Cornell University. Pauk advocated its use in his best-selling book How to Study in College </li><li><a href="https://everydaycarry.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Everyday Carry - What are your EDC essentials?</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=18021383011" class="link" target="_blank">Alexa Guard</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://edovia.com/en/screens-mac/" class="link" target="_blank">Screens for macOS - Control Any Computer Remotely from your Mac</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010VLWFVE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: GUND Spirited Away Ootori-Sama Fluffy Chicken Stuffed Animal Plush, 6": Gund: Toys & Games</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KC592VY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Kimkoala Spirited Away No Face Man Figure Figurines Anime Toy Home Gardening Decor Micro Landscape Decoration Ornaments Resin Crafts Doll: Toys & Games</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooter_(30_Rock)" class="link" target="_blank">Cooter (30 Rock) - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.cibosausalito.com/" class="link" target="_blank">CiboSausalito</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471" class="link" target="_blank">Mount Tamalpais State Park</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.theincomparable.com/theincomparable/194/" class="link" target="_blank">The Incomparable | A Real Imaginary Friend (Episode 194)</a><br />Grab your black cat and portable radio, climb on your mom’s broomstick, and join us for a king-sized 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. </li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Put-List-Kristen-Darbyshire/dp/0525479066/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?crid=JD1I1QX1RIEJ&keywords=put+it+on+the+list+by+kristen+darbyshire&qid=1557864243&s=gateway&sprefix=Put+it+on%2Caps%2C231&sr=8-1-fkmrnull" class="link" target="_blank">Put It On the List: Kristen Darbyshire: 9780525479062: Amazon.com: Gateway</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">Luna Display</a> (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to <a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">www.lunadisplay.com</a> and enter the promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout)</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://eero.com">eero</a> (For free overnight shipping

May 14, 20191h 28m

Episode 425: Off the Cushion

<p>DISCUSSED: Dan explains what the photos he sends mean; Merlin encourages Dan to air a beef, and Dan kindly assents; Oh, boy, Windows! My old nemesis…<em>Windows!</em>; the Mac's interoperability glory days were amazing; it really sucks to watch a computer start up and start up and start up; ports confuse Merlin, who is now officially an old; Dan and Merlin talk about a few things they enjoyed watching on YouTube; Merlin has a recommendation for downloading internet videos (purely for educational reasons); Merlin also recommends a really good podcast episode about "data-driven parenting"; then, Merlin kinda pops off a little; hey, listen: you can rarely have benefits without risks (and kinda vice-versa); Dan's watching <em>Deadwood</em> again, and Merlin gets kinda excitable again and does lots of quotes for some reason; and, finally, Merlin has a super-tip about improving your results in Apple Health.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204351#prioritize" class="link" target="_blank">Manage Health data on your iPhone, iPod touch, or Apple Watch - Apple Support</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+Nu9WeEm4g" class="link" target="_blank">376. The Data-Driven Guide to Sane Parenting — Freakonomics Radio — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://freakonomics.com/podcast/parenting/" class="link" target="_blank">The Data-Driven Guide to Sane Parenting (Ep. 376) - Freakonomics Freakonomics</a><br />Humans have been having kids forever, so why are modern parents so bewildered? The economist Emily Oster marshals the evidence on the most contentious topics — breastfeeding and sleep training, vaccines and screen time — and tells her fellow parents to calm the heck down. </li><li><a href="https://www.uaudio.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Universal Audio | Audio Interfaces | UAD Plug-Ins</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://software.charliemonroe.net/downie/" class="link" target="_blank">Downie - YouTube Video Downloader for macOS - Charlie Monroe Software</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://ytdl-org.github.io/youtube-dl/" class="link" target="_blank">youtube-dl</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Disk_Mode" class="link" target="_blank">Target Disk Mode - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.idownloadblog.com/2016/05/23/mac-startup-key-combinations/" class="link" target="_blank">19 useful Mac startup key combinations you should familiarize yourself with</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201544" class="link" target="_blank">How to use disk mode on your iPod - Apple Support</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x50cdbp" class="link" target="_blank">WWF - Mankind vs The Undertaker (Hell in a Cell) - video dailymotion</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/afterdark/530" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | After Dark #530: After Back to Work 424</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/11/lies-damned-lies-and-medical-science/308269/" class="link" target="_blank">Dr. John Ioannidis Exposes the Bad Science of Colleagues - The Atlantic</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly</a> (Go to <a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly.com/backtowork</a> to get 20% off your Grammarly premium account today).</p></li> <li><p><a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">Luna Display</a> (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to <a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">www.lunadisplay.com</a> and enter the promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout)</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://twist.com/5by5">Twist</a> (Visit <a href="http://twist.com/5by5">twist.com/5by5</a> to get $100 in Twist Unlimited credits when you sign up for a new account).</p></li> </ul>

May 7, 20191h 30m

Episode 424: A Roach Riding a Rat

<p>DISCUSSED: the restorative tonic of a good night's sleep; a return to sleep as video game; it's okay to tweet your hosts about hoagies and Publix; concerns about butt cancer; Dan recommends a Netflix series; Merlin endorses Overcast clips; the difficulty of balancing user requests with reality; Merlin commends the deliberate simplicity of his daughter's spork; Merlin recommends a podcast; and, finally, your hosts respond to a listener's email about the therapeutic benefits of "controlling a small area."</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://marco.org/2019/04/27/overcast-clip-sharing" class="link" target="_blank">Clip sharing with Overcast – Marco.org</a><br />With today’s 2019.4 update, you can now share audio or video clips, up to a minute each, from any public podcast. Simply tap the share button in the upper-right corner. </li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/itunes1455379351/against-the-rules-with-michael-lewis" class="link" target="_blank">Against the Rules with Michael Lewis — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+NGNmH9okM" class="link" target="_blank">Breaking Government with Michael Lewis — Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mise_en_place" class="link" target="_blank">Mise en place - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/385" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #385: A Picture of a Clown</a><br />Dan and Merlin also answer listener questions about mise en place and doubting one's future after college. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/222" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #222: Full-Stack Obsessive</a><br />Merlin and Dan use The Aviator as a jumping-off point to talk about OCD as it relates to perfectionism, creativity, and drive in the workplace. They discuss rituals and their consequences, the importance of mise en place, and eliminating disruptive processes. </li><li><a href="https://tonic.vice.com/en_us/article/598wn8/why-cleaning-makes-some-people-feel-less-anxious" class="link" target="_blank">Why Cleaning Makes Some People Feel Less Anxious - Tonic</a><br />If you're one of those people, there could be a few explanations for why cleanliness translates to lower levels of stress and anxiety for you, says Darby Saxbe, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Southern California. “[Cleaning] gives people a sense of mastery and control over their environment,” she says. “Life is full of uncertainty and many situations are out of our hands, but at least we can assert our will on our living space. Clutter can be visually distracting, too, and serve as a nagging reminder of tasks and chores undone.” </li><li><a href="http://autosleep.tantsissa.com/" class="link" target="_blank">AutoSleep</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.sleepwatchapp.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Sleep Watch App — Apple Watch Sleep Tracker App</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRNU_2Jj_oo" class="link" target="_blank">Yass Cat (Original Vine) - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80244996" class="link" target="_blank">Netflix</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqRQ5Y6OYi4" class="link" target="_blank">Netflix Commercial - SNL - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/e-mail-addresses-it-would-be-really-annoying-to-give-out-over-the-phone" class="link" target="_blank">List: E-mail Addresses It Would Be Really Annoying to Give Out Over the Phone - McSweeney’s Internet Tendency</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://fireside.fm" class="link" target="_blank">Fireside Podcast Hosting</a><br />Use promo code DRAGONGLASS for 20% off for three months. </li><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0652156/" class="link" target="_blank">"Mr. Show with Bob and David" Life Is Precious and God and the Bible (TV Episode 1998) - IMDb</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.structuredprocrastination.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Structured Procrastination</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">Luna Display</a> (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to <a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source

Apr 30, 20191h 13m

Episode 423: It Only Hurts for a Minute

<p>DISCUSSED: Dan and Merlin get hungry, but they've <em>had it</em> with all the bread; the trough food is <strong>so</strong> costly; no one is sweating Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Marvel-ish movies are discussed, including the new one with Lady Sansa; Merlin is very concerned about aphasias; Dan introduces us to Forbidden Snacks and endorses his new shoe appliance; shoe appliances are then discussed; Dan hasn't had to use his sword…<em>yet</em>; people sure love them some pencils; there was some weather, so the seder got all fakakte; the finer points of Judaism and sundry Hebraica are clarified; Dan got scrolls-on-tape from a sympathetic cantor; <em>Buster Scruggs</em> is recommended; the boys receive a quick surprise visit from the great Tom Waits; and, finally, your hosts talk about a terrific <a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=nuCRgeD4CQA">YouTube video</a> about what we can all learn from our worst trainwrecks.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuCRgeD4CQA" class="link" target="_blank">Adam Neely - "My Worst Trainwreck" - YouTube</a><br />"Train wrecks happen on the bandstand. This is the story of a particularly nasty one at a wedding where we totally butcher a perfectly decent Elton John ballad." </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/havic5/videos" class="link" target="_blank">Adam Neely - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/forbiddensnacks/" class="link" target="_blank">Forbidden Snacks</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/GGI-International-Metal-Shoe-Horns/dp/B00X48ANPW" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Set of 2 Metal Shoe Horns, 7.5" Long - Top Quality: Shoes</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/itunes1455379351/against-the-rules-with-michael-lewis" class="link" target="_blank">Against the Rules with Michael Lewis — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphasia" class="link" target="_blank">Aphasia - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Incredible-Hulk-Planet-Greg-Pak/dp/0785120122" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk (9780785120124): Greg Pak, Carlo Pagulayan, Aaron Lopresti, Juan Santacruz, Gary Frank, Takeshi Miyazawa: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://bgr.com/2019/04/18/avengers-endgame-premiere-marvel-timeline-and-movies-you-need-to-see/" class="link" target="_blank">The 12 Marvel movies you need to see to make the most of ‘Avengers: Endgame’ next week – BGR</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.peanutchews.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Home | Peanut Chews | Celebrating 100 Years | Join the Party</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destroying_angel_(Bible)" class="link" target="_blank">Destroying angel (Bible) - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/70129195" class="link" target="_blank">"Planet Hulk" - Netflix</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabbat_elevator" class="link" target="_blank">Shabbat elevator - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activities_prohibited_on_Shabbat" class="link" target="_blank">Activities prohibited on Shabbat - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2Tn8w1w2_Y" class="link" target="_blank">Tango till they're sore -- Tom Waits - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/61/fiasco" class="link" target="_blank">Fiasco! - This American Life</a><br />Stories of when things go wrong. Really wrong. When you leave the normal realm of human error, fumble, mishap, and mistake and enter the territory of really huge breakdowns. Fiascos. Things go so awry that normal social order collapses. This week's show is a philosophical inquiry in the nature of fiascos — perhaps the first ever. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/3" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #3: The Second Arrow</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://hullopillow.com/backtowork">Hullo Pillow</a> (Visit <a href="http://hullopillow.com/backtowork">hullopillow.com/backtowork</a> to learn more).</p></li> <li><p><a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podc

Apr 23, 20191h 28m

Episode 422: Magic Rub

<p>DISCUSSED: Dan has just started a new pen; there's some pen, pencil, and eraser talk; Dan has an important anecdote about utilizing eraser-based people skills; Dan's iMac is working fine, but he's concerned about the poofs coming out of the balloon blower; Dan saw <em>Venom</em> and has some thoughts; Merlin commends a comic and a podcast and an app launcher; the evolution of computer interaction has rewired our brains; why do they have to make the print so small?; Merlin has songs in his head; and, finally, Merlin apologizes to Nick Fury.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuCRgeD4CQA" class="link" target="_blank">My Worst Trainwreck - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/havic5/videos" class="link" target="_blank">Adam Neely - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://funfact.fm/" class="link" target="_blank">Fun Fact, a podcast by Arik Devens and Allen Pike</a><br />Arik Devens and Allen Pike serve up fun facts, including the practical, historical, technical, and trivial. New episode every other Friday. </li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/itunes1445347384/fun-fact" class="link" target="_blank">Fun Fact — Overcast</a><br />Two people talk about topics they find interesting. </li><li><a href="https://www.obdev.at/products/launchbar/index.html" class="link" target="_blank">LaunchBar 6</a><br />Start with a single keyboard shortcut to access and control every aspect of your digital life. </li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kneaded_eraser" class="link" target="_blank">Kneaded eraser - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.officesupply.com/school-supplies/student-teacher-supplies/basic-school-supplies/pencil-erasers/prismacolor-magic-eraser-vinyl-dozen/p28283.html?request_type=mlt" class="link" target="_blank">Prismacolor MAGIC RUB Art Eraser, Vinyl, Dozen | OfficeSupply.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.officesupply.com/school-supplies/student-teacher-supplies/basic-school-supplies/pencil-erasers/pentel-clic-eraser-pencil-style-grip-eraser-black/p26282.html?request_type=mlt" class="link" target="_blank">Pentel Clic Eraser Pencil-Style Grip Eraser, Black | OfficeSupply.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.winsornewton.com/uk/shop/easels-and-accessories/other-accessories/medium-kneaded-rubber-rubber-7030576" class="link" target="_blank">Medium Kneaded Rubber | Winsor & Newton</a><br />A medium size ‘plastic’ or ‘putty’ rubber which may be moulded to a fine point for minute erasures. Useful for picking out highlights and erasing pencil, chalk or charcoal without smearing. </li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Precise-Retractable-Rolling-Point/dp/B0182HSFF4/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=pilot+precise+v7+rt&qid=1555430130&s=gateway&sr=8-3" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com : Pilot Precise V7 RT Retractable Rolling Ball Pens, Fine Point, Black Ink, 6 Pack : Gateway</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sakura-44162-Identi-Pen-Permanent-Assorted/dp/B000S12GWQ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=identipen&qid=1555430148&s=gateway&sr=8-1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Sakura 44162 8-Piece Identi-Pen Permanent Marker Set, Assorted Colors: Gateway</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Technical-Mechanical-Pencil-780BK/dp/B000YQEFGU/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=lead+holder&qid=1555430236&s=gateway&sr=8-3" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com : Staedtler Mars 780 Technical Mechanical Pencil, 2mm. 780BK : Steatdler Mechanical Pencil : Gateway</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.macsales.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Apple Mac Upgrades - RAM, SSD Flash, External Drives and More</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Uncanny-X-Force-Rick-Remender-Collection/dp/0785188231/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=uncanny+x-force&qid=1555431112&s=gateway&sr=8-1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Uncanny X-Force by Rick Remender: The Complete Collection Volume 1 (8601418338321): Rick Remender, Leonardo Manco, Jerome Opena, Rafael Albuquerque, Esad Ribic, Billy Tan, Mark Brooks, Robbi Rodriguez: Gateway</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Uncanny-X-Force-Vol-Apocalypse-Solution/dp/0785148558" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Uncanny X-Force, Vol. 1: The Apocalypse Solution (9780785148555): Rick Remender, Jerome Opena, Leonardo Manco: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="

Apr 16, 20191h 10m

Episode 421: Black Dress Cowboy Boots

<p>DISCUSSED: What we talk about when we talk about <em>optimism</em>; the power of "Act as Though"; on edibles; a YouTube recommendation, then more YouTube recommendations; how even do we tell YouTube what we never want to see again? <strong>HOW?!</strong>; the difficulty of sensible algorithms; the fascinating concept of "pareidolia"; Professor Shoelaces's extensive metatags; your hosts answer a listener's question about when to go physical versus when to go digital.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://twitter.com/cnagele/status/1085556530227888128" class="link" target="_blank">Chris Nagele on Twitter: "In other words, I'm trying to treat my computer more like a sewing machine or table saw. Something to do a job when I need it, and to walk away from it when I don't."</a><br />In other words, I'm trying to treat my computer more like a sewing machine or table saw. Something to do a job when I need it, and to walk away from it when I don't. </li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stopping-Noise-Your-Head-Overcome/dp/0757319068" class="link" target="_blank">Stopping the Noise in Your Head : the New Way to Overcome Anxiety and Worry: Dr. Reid Wilson PhD: 9780757319068: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amu2mOsIz-w" class="link" target="_blank">Forgery Experts Explain 5 Ways To Spot A Fake | WIRED - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZSCGZphjq0" class="link" target="_blank">Movie Accent Expert Breaks Down 31 Actors Playing Real People | WIRED - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhRgw0HfrYU&t" class="link" target="_blank">Exploring the World of E-Ink - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Qy-4esLdXmO1F6k5kz0Qg" class="link" target="_blank">Ripple Training - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvCR76uY0R8mjVETskWRvg" class="link" target="_blank">Larry Jordan - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfh7A0lH1ac" class="link" target="_blank">Remain Seated Please - The Hoot and Chief Story (Epcot Horizons) - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhRgw0HfrYU" class="link" target="_blank">Exploring the World of E-Ink - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZSCGZphjq0&t=1s" class="link" target="_blank">Movie Accent Expert Breaks Down 31 Actors Playing Real People | WIRED - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aglet" class="link" target="_blank">Aglet - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/" class="link" target="_blank">Ian's Shoelace Site – Introduction</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ProfessorShoelace/videos" class="link" target="_blank">ProfessorShoelace - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://5by5.wufoo.com/forms/q1269vkj0zyh6jd/" class="link" target="_blank">Back to Work Listener Survey 2019</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663662/quotes/?tab=qt&ref_=tt_trv_qu" class="link" target="_blank">Pacific Rim (2013) - Quotes - IMDb</a><br />Today, we are canceling the apocalypse! </li><li><a href="https://www.quotes.net/mquote/108789" class="link" target="_blank">Nick Fury: Until such time as the world ends, we will act as though it intends to spin on.</a><br />Nick Fury: "Until such time as the world ends, we will act as though it intends to spin on." </li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/itsyourshow">Squarespace</a> (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure to use the offer code ITSYOURSHOW to get 10% off your first purchase).</p></li> <li><p><a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">Luna Display</a> (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to <a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">www.lunadisplay.com</a> and enter the promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout)</p></li> <li><p><a href="ht

Apr 9, 20191h 12m

Episode 420: Baby Thorin

<p>DISCUSSED: Merlin is back on his old cans; Dan is pivoting to video; Cash stepped in paint, and kids are terrible storytellers; a book recommendation; a case for the Oxford comma, please and thank you; Dan starts asking for help with his new iMac; gross nickel–and-diming by Apple; praise for Southwest Airlines; Dan (finally) gets to finish asking for help with his new iMac; a cool new open source Mac video app; the Mac laptop keyboard problems ain't going away; Dan really likes Final Cut; Merlin fights with UPS, both on principle and as a game; Merlin thinks Dan's egg cooker rules.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://rogueamoeba.com/audiohijackpro/" class="link" target="_blank">Rogue Amoeba | Get Audio Hijack 3</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2-5mDyCKac" class="link" target="_blank">Brian Regan- You Too! - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Fu6H_vheg" class="link" target="_blank">"Best Buy Rewards Card"- Pacific Rim Animatic - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dreyers-English-Utterly-Correct-Clarity/dp/0812995708/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=style&qid=1554219764&s=gateway&sr=8-3" class="link" target="_blank">Dreyer's English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style: Benjamin Dreyer: 9780812995701: Amazon.com: Gateway</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/2019/02/05/691618854/fresh-air-for-feb-5-2019-random-house-copy-chief-benjamin-dreyer" class="link" target="_blank">Fresh Air for Feb. 5, 2019: Random House Copy Chief Benjamin Dreyer : NPR</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.tedsfarmbbq.com/menu" class="link" target="_blank">Menu for Ted's Farm Barbecue & Coffee Austn, TX Menu</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://stancarey.wordpress.com/2014/09/15/oxford-commas-nelson-mandela-and-stephen-king/" class="link" target="_blank">Oxford commas, Nelson Mandela, and Stephen King | Sentence first</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://iina.io/" class="link" target="_blank">IINA - The modern media player for macOS</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dash-Rapid-Egg-Cooker-Scrambled/dp/B00DDXWFY0/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=egg+cooker&qid=1554222870&s=gateway&sr=8-3" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Dash Rapid Egg Cooker: 6 Egg Capacity Electric Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled Eggs, Poached Eggs, Scrambled Eggs, or Omelets with Auto Shut Off Feature - Black: Electric Egg Cookers: Gateway</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/ditzkoff/status/1112514478195830784" class="link" target="_blank">Dave Itzkoff on Twitter: "“Walter, I’m sure there’s a reason you brought your dirty undies.” “That’s right, Dude. The weight. The ringer can’t look empty.”… https://t.co/edrOW3ELK5"</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly</a> (Go to <a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly.com/backtowork</a> to get 20% off your Grammarly premium account today).</p></li> <li><p><a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">Luna Display</a> (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to <a href="https://lunadisplay.com/?utm_source=Back%20To%20Work&utm_medium=Podcast%20Show%20Notes&utm_campaign=Back%20To%20Work%20Podcast%20Sponsorship">www.lunadisplay.com</a> and enter the promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout)</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://do.co/backtowork">Digital Ocean</a> (Discover why developers love DigitalOcean and get started with a free $100 credit at <a href="http://do.co/backtowork">do.co/backtowork</a>).</p></li> </ul>

Apr 3, 20191h 7m

Episode 419: The Elephant in the Sword

<p>DISCUSSED: allergy attack!; big anniversary today; elegy for Two Cats Comics; some D&D talk; Dan got a sword!; yet more D&D talk; key commands for line-moving; Dan got his YouTube URL back; a Theranos book recommendation; Dan almost got cast in a TV show; some observations and reckons about Apple's big Services event.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Blood-Secrets-Silicon-Startup/dp/152473165X" class="link" target="_blank">Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup: John Carreyrou: 9781524731656: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0785NNSR5/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Closed Dynamic Headphones Bundle with Blucoil Audio 6-Ft Extension Cable and Stick-On Under Desk Dual Headphone Stand Mount: Home Audio & Theater</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.texrenfest.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Texas Renaissance Festival – Tickets and Information</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Players-Handbook-Dungeons-Dragons-Wizards/dp/0786965606/ref=sr_1_1?crid=361YATI522URF&keywords=players+handbook+5th+edition&qid=1553615484&s=gateway&sprefix=player%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-1" class="link" target="_blank">Player's Handbook (Dungeons & Dragons): Wizards RPG Team: 8601421717694: Amazon.com: Gateway</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C1J543P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Frienda Zinc Alloy Metal Polyhedral 7-Die Dice Set for Dungeons and Dragons RPG Dice Gaming D&D Math Teaching, d20, d12, 2 Pieces d10 (00-90 and 0-9), d8, d6 and d4 (Black and Red): Toys & Games</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+NAi9leJ8Y" class="link" target="_blank">The Satanic Panic — You're Wrong About... — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/hotdogsladies/status/902222633525116933" class="link" target="_blank">Merlin Mann on Twitter: "“I would marry my firstborn daughter to a juggalo before I let her date a juggler.” —Justin McElroy"</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_M._Schoen" class="link" target="_blank">Lawrence M. Schoen - Wikipedia</a><br />"Schoen founded the Klingon Language Institute…" </li><li><a href="https://brettterpstra.com/projects/keybindings/" class="link" target="_blank">KeyBindings - BrettTerpstra.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/danbenjamin" class="link" target="_blank">Dan Benjamin - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.apple.com/apple-arcade/?mnid=sZBEJVBDv-dc_mtid_690zkl2zl0_pcrid_339978072612_&cid=wwa-us-kwgo-arc-slid--&mtid=690zkl2zl0&aosid=p238" class="link" target="_blank">Apple Arcade - Apple</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.apple.com/apple-card/" class="link" target="_blank">Apple Card - Apple</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://molekule.com">Molekule</a> (For $75 off your first order, visit <a href="http://molekule.com">Molekule.com</a> and enter BACKTOWORK at checkout).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly</a> (Go to <a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly.com/backtowork</a> to get 20% off your Grammarly premium account today).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://hullopillow.com/backtowork">Hullo Pillow</a> (Visit <a href="http://hullopillow.com/backtowork">hullopillow.com/backtowork</a> to learn more).</p></li> </ul>

Mar 26, 20191h 42m

Episode 418: This Man…This Monster!

<p>DISCUSSED: Top o' the Morling!; praise for the home release of <em>Spider-Verse</em>; Dan and Merlin offer some more TV recommendations; Merlin endorses an excellent "turns out" podcast; a deep dive on slow-rise squishes and related stress toys; Merlin wears his childhood privilege on his sleeve.</p> <p>Finally, the guys answer an excellent listener question about the complex work of maintaining a household with someone you love.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://merlinm.com/meetup" class="link" target="_blank">Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #25 — Merlin Mann</a><br />MERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, Do By Friday, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, March 21st to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” It's free and it's fun. </li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/itunes1380008439/youre-wrong-about" class="link" target="_blank">You're Wrong About... — Overcast</a><br />Returning to misremembered history </li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PEN15" class="link" target="_blank">PEN15 - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.indiewire.com/2019/02/love-death-robots-trailer-david-fincher-tim-miller-netflix-1202044825/" class="link" target="_blank">Love Death + Robots Trailer: David Fincher Presents Animated Anthology | IndieWire</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+NAi_eAuvw" class="link" target="_blank">Stranger Danger — You're Wrong About... — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/TrimakeShop-Dinosaur-Squishies-Collection-Decorative/dp/B07LBSDRZX/ref=sr_1_117?keywords=slow+rise&qid=1553011894&s=gateway&sr=8-117" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: TrimakeShop Jumbo Cute Cartoon Dinosaur T-Rex Kawaii Cream Scented Squishies Very Slow Rising Kids Toys Doll Gift Fun Collection Stress Relief Toy Hop Props, Decorative Props Large: Gateway</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077TKVGLZ/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B077TKVGLZ&pd_rd_w=HxLTu&pf_rd_p=80559f3c-f83b-49c1-8a72-40f936e9df7a&pd_rd_wg=6JEvm&pf_rd_r=1GJDM9RGE5P5FYGJMP1X&pd_rd_r=b8628c02-4a61-11e9-8389-5995d9cc0e53" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: AIKEMI Easter 6.5'' Slow Rising Squishies Slice Jumbo Soft Rainbow Sheep Cream Scented Squeeze Hand Wrist Gifts (Sheep): Toys & Games</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique" class="link" target="_blank">Pomodoro Technique - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.relay.fm/rd/98" class="link" target="_blank">Reconcilable Differences #98: You’re Killing Your Father - Relay FM</a><br />John has a mental model about how the TV remotes flow, but no one seems very interested. Unsurprisingly, this leads to the airing of household grievances.Can't we just always have the flaps face the same way? Shouldn't we just stack the forks here in the forks area? Why is Daisy leaving caltrops in the hallway? Does a child's backpack really need to extend seventeen feet? Can we please just leave some space that accommodates the snack bags? Do we really need all this toothpaste? </li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/thesophie/status/1103782601662304256" class="link" target="_blank">Question from Listener Sophie</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/itsyourshow">Squarespace</a> (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure to use the offer code ITSYOURSHOW to get 10% off your first purchase).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly</a> (Go to <a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly.com/backtowork</a> to get 20% off your Grammarly premium account today).</p></li> </ul>

Mar 19, 20191h 13m

Episode 417: Fish Bishop

<p>DISCUSSED: Merlin is trying some new things and probably needs to adjust his DIP switches; audio equipment is discussed; remembering Hal Blaine; German words; fish dropsy; dining at Alamo Draft House; kids and crafts; follow-up on Power Puttering; recommending a Siracusa anecdote; recommending a philosophy podcast; recommending several cool products; some strong (if muddled) thoughts on the Michael Jackson documentary.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://merlinm.com/meetup" class="link" target="_blank">Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #25 — Merlin Mann</a><br />MERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, Do By Friday, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, March 21st to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” It's free and it's fun. </li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Blaine" class="link" target="_blank">Hal Blaine - Wikipedia</a><br />Hal Blaine (born Harold Simon Belsky </li><li><a href="http://philosophizethis.org/" class="link" target="_blank">Philosophize This! – A free podcast dedicated to sharing the ideas that shaped our world!</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/itunes659155419/philosophize-this" class="link" target="_blank">Philosophize This! — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+EMrT_Vk" class="link" target="_blank">Episode #121 … Michel Foucault pt. 1 — Philosophize This! — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.relay.fm/rd/99" class="link" target="_blank">Reconcilable Differences #99: Coconut Scenario - Relay FM</a><br />Merlin needs to be rebooted, and John shares a harrowing ordeal involving Apple IDs. </li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+E5INZFORs/1:14:09" class="link" target="_blank">Reconcilable Differences 99: Coconut Scenario — Reconcilable Differences — Overcast</a><br />Siracusa's Apple ID ordeal begins after 1:14:09 </li><li><a href="https://www.uaudio.com/audio-interfaces/arrow.html" class="link" target="_blank">Arrow | Desktop Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface | Universal Audio</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Audio-Portable-Studio-Recorder/dp/B0794P3R35" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Universal Audio Arrow Portable Studio Recorder, Gray: Musical Instruments</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GUNP9RE/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: WHOOSH! Award-Winning Screen Cleaner – Safe for All Screens – Smartphones, iPads, Eyeglasses, Kindle, LED, LCD & TVs – Includes 3.4 Oz Bottle + 1 Premium Antimicrobial Microfiber Cloth: Electronics</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GPVQVCO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Zeiss Lens Care Pack - 2 - 8 Ounce Bottles of Lens Cleaner, 2 Microfiber Cleaning Cloths: Health & Personal Care</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OJE1SG8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: TechMatte MagGrip Universal Air Vent Magnetic Mount Car Phone Holder with Powerful Magnetic Grip Technology (1 Pack) - Black: Cell Phones & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00186URTY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Addalock - (1 Piece ) Portable Door Lock, Travel Lock, AirBNB Lock, School Lockdown Lock - Door Levers - Amazon.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://slate.com/culture/2019/03/leaving-neverland-culture-gabfest-michael-jackson-hbo.html" class="link" target="_blank">Slate’s Culture Gabfest on Michael Jackson abuse documentary Leaving Neverland.</a><br />This week, Steve, Dana, and Julia discuss Leaving Neverland, a new documentary from HBO that centers on Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who allege that they were sexually abused by Michael Jackson beginning when they were 7 and 10 years old, respectively. </li><li><a href="https://slate.com/culture/2019/02/michael-jackson-leaving-neverland-cancel-culture-metoo.html" class="link" target="_blank">Michael Jackson, the Leaving Neverland documentary, and the limits of cancel culture.</a><br />Nor would that be going far enough. </li><li><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/home/Public/mp3s?preview=03+Go+Through+Hell.mp3" class="link" target="_blank">Merlin Mann - "Go

Mar 12, 20191h 10m

Episode 416: A Squishy for the Ages

<p>DISCUSSED: Merlin is living the Domino lifestyle; R.I.P. Two Cats Comics; praise for iA Writer; Merlin needs help with his sudden Gmail spam; a meditation on comics as some awesome fun and an ugly damned business; nostalgia for hobby shops and <em>Expedition to the Barrier Peaks</em>; and finally Merlin reintroduces the concept of "Power Puttering."</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://merlinm.com/meetup" class="link" target="_blank">Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #25 — Merlin Mann</a><br />Friend, it’s time for this epic arc to come to its conclusion. After five years, twenty-five meet-ups, and countless new friends made and awesome comics recommended, this will be our last Ungainly X-Mann Meetup with our dear friends at Two Cats Comics Three-Twenty West Portal Avenue. My all-time favorite comic shop will be closing for good on March 26th. </li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CND3CSS/ref=pd_luc_rh_sspa_dk_huc_pt_expsub_0?psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: AIKEMI Easter Cute Pig Squishy Slow Rising Soft Scented Animal Long Eyelashes Stress Relief Baby Toys Gifts: Toys & Games</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://ia.net/writer" class="link" target="_blank">iA Writer: The Focused Writing App for Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone and iPad</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.merlinmann.com/roderick/ep-326-the-cat-and-the-kettle.html" class="link" target="_blank">Ep. 326: "The Cat and the Kettle" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin Mann</a><br />The Problem: John could funny crash. </li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/344" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #344: The Microwave Moment</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/HadToHurt/comments/ax2xb6/dude_smokes_the_worlds_hottest_peppercarolina/" class="link" target="_blank">Dude smokes the world's hottest pepper(Carolina Reaper) : HadToHurt</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rerj92ZPuV4" class="link" target="_blank">Brave man vapes a Carolina Reaper, the world's hottest pepper - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domino_(comics)" class="link" target="_blank">Domino (comics) - Wikipedia</a><br />In addition to her exceptional marksmanship and hand-to-hand skills, Domino possesses mutant probability-altering powers, similar to those of the mutant Longshot. </li><li><a href="https://www.marvel.com/characters/domino-neena-thurman" class="link" target="_blank">Domino (Neena Thurman) | Characters | Marvel</a><br />Given good luck thanks to her powers, Neena Thurman has served as both a dangerous mercenary and a tough and resilient hero. </li><li><a href="https://www.marvel.com/comics/discover/934/domino" class="link" target="_blank">Domino | Comics | Marvel.com</a><br />Domino’s “good luck” powers activate, she escapes and takes up the life of a mercenary and eventually becomes a super hero as a mainstay member of X-Force. </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV4UpCq2azs" class="link" target="_blank">"One Last Time" - Hamilton At The White House #ObamaLegacy - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expedition_to_the_Barrier_Peaks" class="link" target="_blank">Expedition to the Barrier Peaks - Wikipedia</a><br />Expedition to the Barrier Peaks is a 1980 adventure module for the Dungeons </li><li><a href="https://www.relay.fm/rd/97" class="link" target="_blank">Reconcilable Differences #97: Invisible Work - Relay FM</a><br />This week's sprawling main topic is "Emotional Labor." Why is it that women usually get saddled with being the Office Mom (as well as the "House Mom"), and why the heck doesn't Ralphie's dad help Randy put on his snowsuit? Who ends up ordering the birthday cake as well as justifying the ways of boss to employee? Further, how do we account for the tonnage of invisible work that, by custom more than policy, some people end up having to both identify and do? </li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2EQpADs" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com : Kershaw Clash Black Serrated Pocket Knife (1605CKTST) 3.1" Stainless Steel Blade with Black-Oxide Coating; Glass-Filled Nylon Handle with SpeedSafe Open, Locking Liner and Reversible Pocketclip; 4.3oz : Hunting Knives : Sports & Outdoors</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://eero.com">eero</a> (For free overnight shipping to the US or Canada, visit <a

Mar 5, 20191h 15m

Episode 415: Fifty and Monogamous

<p>DISCUSSED: Dan has an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHt1m6-vbMI">awesome new video</a>; <em>Spider-Verse</em> is out!; Merlin's dorky Segway is discussed; app recommendations for a clean new Gmail and an even-smarter Dark Sky; Dan spills the beans on his new sound bar setup; TV selection and purchase is a known thistle; idiot trolls hassle poor Carol Danvers; Dan has an important new egg technology; and, finally, the boys fret about Apple's new 2FA requirements a little.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHt1m6-vbMI" class="link" target="_blank">This Is Fireside - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://darksky.net/" class="link" target="_blank">Dark Sky</a><br />Hyperlocal weather forecasting. </li><li><a href="https://www.tomsguide.com/us/hdmi-arc-faq,news-26262.html" class="link" target="_blank">What Is HDMI ARC?</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/arc.aspx" class="link" target="_blank">HDMI :: Manufacturer :: HDMI 1.4 :: Audio Return Channel</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-new-Sonos-Beam-built-Streaming/dp/B07D4734HR/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=sonos+beam&qid=1551200611&s=gateway&sr=8-3" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: All-new Sonos Beam – Compact Smart TV Soundbar with Amazon Alexa voice control built-in. Wireless home theater and streaming music in any room. (Black): Gateway</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.rtings.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Reviews and Ratings - RTINGS.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/lg/e7-oled" class="link" target="_blank">LG E7 OLED Review (OLED55E7P, OLED65E7P) - RTINGS.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://news.avclub.com/sorry-trolls-rotten-tomatoes-will-no-longer-let-users-1832898760" class="link" target="_blank">Sorry, trolls: Rotten Tomatoes will no longer let users review a movie before its release </a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.yubico.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Yubico | YubiKey Strong Two Factor Authentication for Business and Individual Use.</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://appleinsider.com/articles/19/02/09/apple-being-sued-because-two-factor-authentication-on-an-iphone-or-mac-takes-too-much-time" class="link" target="_blank">Apple being sued because two-factor authentication on an iPhone or Mac takes too much time</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://mashable.com/article/twitter-reply-guys/?utm_cid=mash-com-Tw-main-link#dagqPEm2zZqU" class="link" target="_blank">The curse of the Twitter reply guy</a><br />On Twitter, a place where a lot of bad things happen, there's a mostly harmless but decidedly annoying phenomenon. A lot of people, mostly women, have noticed that one or two men always, no matter what, reply to their tweets. </li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dash-Rapid-Egg-Cooker-Scrambled/dp/B00DDXWFY0" class="link" target="_blank">Dash Rapid Egg Cooker: 6 Egg Capacity Electric Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled Eggs, Poached Eggs, Scrambled Eggs, or Omelets with Auto Shut Off Feature - Black</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://freshbooks.com/backtowork">FreshBooks</a> (To claim your month long unrestricted free trial, go to <a href="http://freshbooks.com/backtowork">FreshBooks.com/backtowork</a> and enter BACK TO WORK in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://keeps.com/backtowork">Keeps</a> (Stop worrying about hair loss for good! To receive your first month of treatment for free, go to <a href="http://keeps.com/backtowork">keeps.com/backtowork</a>).</p></li> </ul>

Feb 26, 20191h 10m

Episode 414: Inheritance of Pain

<p>Mostly one big topic: <em>screen time</em>.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="http://osxdaily.com/2018/12/27/fix-cellular-update-failed-iphone-no-service-data/" class="link" target="_blank">How to Fix “Cellular Update Failed” on iPhone with iOS 12.1.2 SMS, LTE, Cellular Data Issues</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.grammarly.com/blog/16-surprisingly-funny-palindromes/" class="link" target="_blank">16 Surprisingly Funny Palindromes | Grammarly Blog</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://pessimists.co/" class="link" target="_blank">Pessimists Archive Podcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_panic" class="link" target="_blank">Moral panic - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stretchy-Banana-Stretches-Shrink-3340-1p/dp/B07BGV6299/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=banana+toy&qid=1550596298&s=gateway&sr=8-8" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Super Stretchy Banana Assorted and Bouncy Ball Bundle by JA-RU | Stretches Long & Shrink Slow. Smells Good 3340 (Banana): Gateway</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003AU9Q34/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_X.gACbGETT775" class="link" target="_blank">Leviton 67W82 20 Amp, 277/480 Volt- 3PY, Flush Mounting Locking Receptacle, Industrial Grade, Grounding, Wetguard with Cover, Yellow - Electrical Outlet Covers - Amazon.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://frinkiac.com/meme/S09E18/713261/m/V0hBVCBJUyBZT1VSIEZBU0NJTkFUSU9OCiBXSVRIIE1ZIEZPUkJJRERFTiBDTE9TRVQKIE9GIE1ZU1RFUlk_" class="link" target="_blank">Frinkiac - S09E18 - WHAT IS YOUR FASCINATION WITH MY FORBIDDEN CLOSET OF MYSTERY?</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly</a> (For 20% off a Grammarly premium account, go to <a href="http://grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly.com/backtowork</a>).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://eero.com/backtowork">eero</a> (Get $100 off the ‘eero base unit and 2 beacons package,’ and 1 year of eero Plus, visit <a href="http://eero.com/backtowork">eero.com/backtowork</a> and at checkout enter the code BACKTOWORK).</p></li> </ul>

Feb 19, 20191h 11m

Episode 413: Bumbleditch Cumperdam

<p>DISCUSSED: It's the optimistic day, but Merlin really screwed up an edit; there's some <em>Inside Baseball</em> about how podcasts get made; it's nice to have someone notice the shaving cream on your jowl; movie ratings are explored; why all the bosoms in 80s movies?; Dan wonders if he should have approached a celebrity; Merlin introduces further thought technologies for not being a creep with a famous person; the paucity of public experiences; Dan talks about Austin's mussel water; we learn about the prevalence of weevils; meth sourcing; a nice note from a listener about when podcasts are absolutely <em>not</em> evil; and, finally, a desperate plea for podcast platforms to stay independent and open please please pretty please.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.macrumors.com/2019/02/06/macos-keychain-security-flaw/" class="link" target="_blank">macOS Keychain Security Flaw Discovered by Researcher, but Details Not Shared With Apple Over Bug Bounty Protest - MacRumors</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.austintexas.gov/news/austin-water-responds-unusual-odor-water-water-safe-drink" class="link" target="_blank">Austin Water Responds to Unusual Odor in Water - Water is Safe to Drink | AustinTexas.gov - The Official Website of the City of Austin</a><br />AUSTIN - Some customers are experiencing an unusual odor in their water. Water provided by Austin Water continues to meet all regulatory standards and is safe to drink. </li><li><a href="https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/austin-water-director-apologizes-says-zebra-mussels-a-known-risk/1773499879" class="link" target="_blank">Austin Water director apologizes, says zebra mussels a known risk</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+Bihkw625o" class="link" target="_blank">Exponent 162 — Why Exponent Isn’t on Spotify — Exponent — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/70202589" class="link" target="_blank">Netflix</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://dobyfriday.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Do By Friday</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.relay.fm/rd/" class="link" target="_blank">Reconcilable Differences - Relay FM</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://freshbooks.com/backtowork">FreshBooks</a> (To claim your month long unrestricted free trial, go to <a href="http://freshbooks.com/backtowork">FreshBooks.com/backtowork</a> and enter BACK TO WORK in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://LinkedIn.com/backtowork">LinkedIn</a> (Post a job today at <a href="http://linkedIn.com/backtowork">LinkedIn.com/BACKTOWORK</a> and get fifty dollars off your first job post).</p></li> </ul>

Feb 12, 20191h 16m

Episode 412: A Hobo in a Cartoon

<p>DISCUSSED: <em>Gong Hei Fat Choy!</em>; follow-up on the FaceTime bug and the complexity of getting bug and security reports from normals; the weirdness of bug-finders demanding a bounty; Merlin is fascinated to learn about "combinatorial explosion" and how it helps to explain why power-cycling fixes stuff; why you should always blow the dust out of the plug; recent examples of how restarting just fixes stuff; Merlin logs out of email apps and recommends an iOS calendar app; a case for killing OAuth where you don't need it; and, finally, your hosts respond to a listener question about whether podcasts can be "evil."</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://metro.co.uk/2017/01/24/how-to-say-happy-chinese-new-year-in-chinese-and-its-not-gong-hei-fat-choy-6402304/" class="link" target="_blank">How to say Happy New Year in Chinese, just in time for Chinese New Year | Metro News</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/how-teenage-fortnite-player-found-apple-s-facetime-bug-why-n963961" class="link" target="_blank">How a teenage 'Fortnite' player found Apple's FaceTime bug — and why it was so hard to report it</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+QN1qmjV7U/53:35" class="link" target="_blank">[53:35] Apple goes to war with Facebook and Google — The Vergecast — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combinatorial_explosion" class="link" target="_blank">Combinatorial explosion - Wikipedia</a><br />In mathematics, a combinatorial explosion is the rapid growth of the complexity of a problem due to how the combinatorics of the problem is affected by the input, constraints, and bounds of the problem. Combinatorial explosion is sometimes used to justify the intractability of certain problems. </li><li><a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/2019-super-bowl-was-the-least-watched-in-a-decade-2019-02-04" class="link" target="_blank">2019 Super Bowl was the least-watched in a decade - MarketWatch</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://deadline.com/2019/02/super-bowl-ratings-patriots-rams-marron-5-worlds-best-cbs-1202548893/" class="link" target="_blank">Super Bowl Ratings Hit 10-Year Low In Patriots’ Win | Deadline</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/04/sports/super-bowl-ratings.html" class="link" target="_blank">Boring Game Plus New Orleans Rebellion Leads to Ratings Drop - The New York Times</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3184724/" class="link" target="_blank">Diagnosis and Management of Supernumerary (Mesiodens): A Review of the Literature</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://developer.apple.com/bug-reporting/" class="link" target="_blank">Bug Reporting - Apple Developer</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/20040303-00/?p=40423" class="link" target="_blank">Blow the dust out of the connector – The Old New Thing</a><br />Here's the trick: Don't ask "Are you sure it's plugged in correctly?"If you do this, they will get all insulted and say indignantly, "Of course it is! Do I look like an idiot?" without actually checking.Instead, say "Okay, sometimes the connection gets a little dusty and the connection gets weak. Could you unplug the connector, blow into it to get the dust out, then plug it back in?" </li><li><a href="https://nspektor.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Calendar 366 by n.spektor - For Mac, iPhone, Apple Watch & iPad</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://abcradio.com/podcasts/the-dropout/" class="link" target="_blank">The Dropout Podcast - ABC Radio</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/brenankeller/status/1068615953989087232?lang=en" class="link" target="_blank">Good QA Joke</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+QWOXL9rcE" class="link" target="_blank">Olivia Colman — David Tennant Does a Podcast With… — Overcast</a><br />David Tennant talks with Olivia Colman. Stories about The Crown, The Favourite, Broadchurch and more. If you’re easily offended, there are some swears. </li><li><a href="https://podstand.co/profile/MerlinMann" class="link" target="_blank">Merlin Mann's subscriptions</a><br />Merlin Mann's podcast subscriptions </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXEPgjOdZt4" class="link" target="_blank">Big Star - "September Gurls" (1974) - YouTube</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li&

Feb 5, 20191h 16m

Episode 411: It's Not Butt

<p>DISCUSSED: Dan's fighting his computer and explores font corruption; Merlin hates pebbles in his shoe; Dan has an anecdote about massages; Merlin has an anecdote about the FaceTime exploit; this leads to discussion about how big companies deal with huge-scale, unexpected problems; some thoughts on The Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect; the problem with journalism about stuff we <em>actually</em> know about; remembering Michael Crichton; <em>Heartbeeps!</em>; a clever way to reduce damage from careless delivery; is there a new Browser War underway?; and answering a question from Listener Stephen about life after Editorial.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gell-Mann_amnesia_effect" class="link" target="_blank">Gell-Mann amnesia effect - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.bicycling.com/news/a20027122/vanmoof-tv-on-box-damaged-bikes/" class="link" target="_blank">Why This Bike Company Put a TV on Its Box</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-exec-riles-firefox-faithful-by-telling-mozilla-to-embrace-chrome/#ftag=CAD-09-10aai5b" class="link" target="_blank">Microsoft exec riles Firefox faithful by telling Mozilla to embrace Chrome - CNET</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaway_(1984_American_film)" class="link" target="_blank">Runaway (1984 American film) - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8JSFpbCwT8" class="link" target="_blank">Duracel Plastic Family & Creepy Parrot - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hudsucker_Proxy" class="link" target="_blank">The Hudsucker Proxy - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w/372" class="link" target="_blank">5by5 | Back to Work #372: Hole That Rabbit</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.imore.com/drafts-how-merlin-uses-it-and-what-gregs-doing-next" class="link" target="_blank">Drafts: How Merlin uses it and what Greg's doing next | iMore</a><br />Drafts is developed by Greg Pierce and used the hell out of by Merlin Mann. They sit down together to talk direction, workflows, and what's coming next. </li><li><a href="http://1writerapp.com/" class="link" target="_blank">1Writer - A beautiful and rich-featured Markdown editor for iPhone and iPad</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://bear.app/" class="link" target="_blank">Bear - Notes for iPhone, iPad and Mac</a><br />Bear is a beautiful, flexible writing app for crafting notes and prose. </li><li><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/how-teenage-fortnite-player-found-apple-s-facetime-bug-why-n963961" class="link" target="_blank">How a teenage 'Fortnite' player found Apple's FaceTime bug — and why it was so hard to report it</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/technology/companies/18amazon.html" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon Erases Orwell Books From Kindle Devices - The New York Times</a><br />In a move that angered customers and generated waves of online pique, Amazon remotely deleted some digital editions of the books from the Kindle devices of readers who had bought them. </li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://freshbooks.com/backtowork">FreshBooks</a> (To claim your month long unrestricted free trial, go to <a href="http://freshbooks.com/backtowork">FreshBooks.com/backtowork</a> and enter BACK TO WORK in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://tryhopsy.com/backtowork">Hopsy</a> (Go to <a href="http://tryhopsy.com/backtowork">tryhopsy.com/backtowork</a> and use promo code BACKTOWORK to get the SUB home draft machine, 2 mini-kegs of beer (equivalent to 2 six packs), 2 Hopsy glasses and free membership in the monthly beer Club for $99).</p></li> </ul>

Jan 29, 20191h 21m

Episode 410: The Childhood Cocktail

<p>DISCUSSED: dreams and whether people like hearing them; turns out: Merlin recommends a podcast episode about mental stuff; practice vs. rehearsal; visualization as a rehearsal thing; follow-up on science fair projects; our new, post-search-engine habits; Math is hard; Merlin didn't get Anna's emails; cool screen-grabbing mojo; and Dan reviews <em>excellent</em> listener book recommendations.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+Nu9WNZoDk" class="link" target="_blank">363. Think Like a Winner — Freakonomics Radio — Overcast</a><br />Great athletes aren’t just great at the physical stuff. They’ve also learned how to handle pressure, overcome fear, and stay focused. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to be an athlete to use what they know. </li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/raulriera/status/1087398657505329152" class="link" target="_blank">Raul Riera on Twitter: "TIL about COMMAND + SHIFT + 5… "</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Artemis-Fowl-Eoin-Colfer/dp/1423124529/" class="link" target="_blank">Artemis Fowl: Eoin Colfer: 8601400259580: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Prydain-Lloyd-Alexander/dp/1250000939/" class="link" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Prydain: Lloyd Alexander: 8601200472110: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Rising-Sequence-Greenwitch-Silver/dp/1442489677/" class="link" target="_blank">The Dark Is Rising Sequence: Over Sea, Under Stone; The Dark Is Rising; Greenwitch; The Grey King; Silver on the Tree: Susan Cooper: 9781442489677: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sub-Human-David-Simpson/dp/1478343982" class="link" target="_blank">Sub-Human (Post-Human): David Simpson, Autumn J. Conley, Jennifer Simpson: 9781478343981: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wool-Hugh-Howey/dp/1476733953" class="link" target="_blank">Wool: Hugh Howey: 9781476733951: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/So-You-Want-Be-Wizard/dp/015216250X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1548169785&sr=1-1&keywords=So+You+Want+To+Be+A+Wizard" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: So You Want to Be a Wizard: The First Book in the Young Wizards Series (9780152162504): Diane Duane: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alcatraz-vs-Evil-Librarians-Versus/dp/0765378949/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1548169828&sr=1-1&keywords=Alcatraz+vs+The+Evil+Librarians%C2%A0&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011" class="link" target="_blank">Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians (Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians): Brandon Sanderson, Hayley Lazo: 9780765378941: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Skyward-Brandon-Sanderson/dp/0399555773/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Skyward (9780399555770): Brandon Sanderson: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-Magician-Lisa-Maxwell/dp/1481432087/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1548169889&sr=1-1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: The Last Magician (9781481432085): Lisa Maxwell: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Divergent-Four-Book-Paperback-Box-Set/dp/0062421379/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1548169916&sr=1-1&keywords=Divergent+series+by+Veronica+Roth" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Divergent Series Four-Book Paperback Box Set: Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant, Four (0752423331765): Veronica Roth: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Runner-Complete-Collection-Boxed-5-Book/dp/1524771031/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1548169928&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Maze+Runner+series+by+James+Dashner" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: The Maze Runner Series Complete Collection Boxed Set (5-Book) (9781524771034): James Dashner: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Arlo-Finch-Valley-Fire-August/dp/1250294258/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1548169943&sr=1-1&keywords=Arlo+Finch+series+by+John+August" class="link" target="_blank">Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire: John August: 9781250294258: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Engines-8-Book-Collection

Jan 22, 20191h 1m

Episode 409: He Says Hard

<p>DISCUSSED: moisture; kids and watches; some recent media consumption; encouraging kids to have good taste; memories of watching VHS movies in school; follow-up on Dan's new keyboard experiment; Drobo concerns; thinking about modern backup and, gosh, how that's evolved; frustrating typos; Dan and Merlin have iOS concerns; Dan has further thoughts on <em>Bandersnatch</em>.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Becket_(1964_film)" class="link" target="_blank">Becket (1964 film) - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLCe5rr-KFE" class="link" target="_blank">The Beths 'A Little Death' | RNZ Music Live Session - YouTube</a><br />Weirdly, Merlin's kid likes this one too. </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct8AwQwlbNA" class="link" target="_blank">The Beths - "Happy Unhappy" (official lyric video) - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071J5WTT6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Vortexgear 75% Programmable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Grey Alu Casing - PBT DSA Profile Dye Sub Keycaps - Cherry Mx Switches [CNC Aluminium Casing] RGBY Modifiers (Cherry Mx-Brown): Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TU7UA7W/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac Clicky MX Blue Mechanical Keyboard (DASK4MACCLI): Computers & Accessories</a><br />Merlin's primary Mac keyboard. </li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0191YRL6Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02__o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Glorious Gaming Wrist Pad/Rest - SLIM TENKEYLESS - Black - Mechanical Keyboards,Stitched Edges,Ergonomic | 14x4 inches/13mm Thick (GSW-87) Slim Tenkeyless (Black): Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LenovoEMC" class="link" target="_blank">LenovoEMC - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyofWTw0bqY" class="link" target="_blank">West Side Story - "Maria" (1961)</a><br />"Say it soft and it's almost like praying." </li></ul><h3>Brought to you by:</h3> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://honeybook.com">Honeybook</a> (Visit <a href="http://honeybook.com">Honeybook.com</a> and enter promo code BACKTOWORK to get 50% off your first year).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://LinkedIn.com/backtowork">LinkedIn</a> (Post a job today at <a href="http://linkedIn.com/backtowork">LinkedIn.com/BACKTOWORK</a> and get $50 off your first job post).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly</a> (Go to <a href="http://Grammarly.com/backtowork">Grammarly.com/backtowork</a> to get 20% off your Grammarly premium account today).</p></li> </ul>

Jan 15, 20191h 4m

Episode 408: The Pwn Key

<p>DISCUSSED: Optimistic Tuesdays; office cleanup; a grave bleach mishap; follow-up on <em>Wirecutter</em>; a listener suggestion on, of all things, acupressure; Dan loves his cool new keyboard, but has a big caveat; Merlin is working with magnets; on "Hardware Disease"; request for Riordan-style book recommendations; exciting follow-up on the Burger Decay Project; plus, some closing thoughts on Apple's recent results dustup and what it <em>might</em> suggest about near-future tech trends.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://slate.com/technology/2019/01/apple-iphone-decline-china-replacement-alexa-siri.html" class="link" target="_blank">iPhone, move over. Make room for Alexa.</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.relay.fm/upgrade/227" class="link" target="_blank">Upgrade #227: Twenty Nine TeeVee - Relay FM</a><br />The new year starts with a bang, as Apple misses its iPhone sales forecast and announces surprising partnerships with Samsung and other TV makers in advance of the launch of its new video service. We discuss these earth-shattering issues in detail, not to mention Jason's world-exclusive trial of a new iPad Pro keyboard. </li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+Fcm_mHrao/57:25" class="link" target="_blank">Upgrade 227: Twenty Nine TeeVee — Upgrade — Overcast</a><br />It’s a new year and the news is huge: Apple missed its iPhone sales forecast and announced surprising partnerships with TV makers. Also Jason got to try the forthcoming Brydge keyboard for his iPad Pro.save in overcast </li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nayoya-Back-Neck-Pain-Relief/dp/B0049Q0P9M/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1546883703&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=acupressure+mat&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Nayoya Back and Neck Pain Relief - Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set - Relieves Stress, Back, Neck, and Sciatic Pain - Comes with a Vinyl Carry Bag for Storage and Travel - As Seen in USA Today: Health & Personal Care</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks" class="link" target="_blank">Science Snacks: Projects and Activities You Can Do! | Exploratorium</a><br />Hungry for fresh, exciting science activities based in amazing phenomena? Science Snacks are hands-on, teacher-tested, and use cheap, available materials. Satisfy your curiosity without ever getting full. </li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardware_disease" class="link" target="_blank">Hardware disease - Wikipedia</a><br />Hardware disease is a common term for bovine traumatic reticuloperitonitis. It is usually caused by the ingestion of a sharp, metallic object. These pieces of metal settle in the reticulum and can irritate or penetrate the lining. </li><li><a href="https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/magnetic-lines-of-force" class="link" target="_blank">Magnetic Lines of Force: Physics & Magnetism Science Activity | Exploratorium Teacher Institute Project</a><br />Iron filings trace out the lines of a magnetic field in three dimensions. </li><li><a href="https://portal.facebook.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Portal from Facebook: Voice Enabled Hands-Free Video Calling</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgCEWYDvnp8" class="link" target="_blank">Fixing HomePod for 2019 - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/nepxbz/i-gave-a-bounty-hunter-300-dollars-located-phone-microbilt-zumigo-tmobile" class="link" target="_blank">I Gave a Bounty Hunter $300. Then He Located Our Phone - Motherboard</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://slack.com">Slack</a> (Slack: Where work happens. Find out why at <a href="http://slack.com">Slack.com</a>).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://onemonth.com/backtowork">One Month</a> (Head to OneMonth.com/backtowork for 10% off any coding course).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://butcherbox.com/backtowork">ButcherBox</a> (For FREE bacon and $20 off your first box go to <a href="http://butcherbox.com/backtowork">Butcherbox.com/backtowork</a> and enter BACKTOWORK).</p></li> </ul>

Jan 8, 20191h 15m

Episode 407: The Wad-Shooter Option

<p>DISCUSSED: "Rabbit Rabbit!"; <em>partial</em> shutdown and the toilet problems it creates; updates on options for Bluetooth keyboards; some extremely random and anecdotal reckoning about the recent Big Apple News; your hosts' beef with <em>Wirecutter</em>; some odds and sods recommendations and cool life hacks.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/illuminated-keyboard-for-mac-ipad-iphone?crid=27" class="link" target="_blank">Logitech Backlit Wireless Keyboard for Apple Mac, iPad, iPhone & TV</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/multi-device-keyboard-k380?crid=27" class="link" target="_blank">Logitech K380 Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard, Multi-Device with Most OS's</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://netflix-codes.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Netflix categories codes - Find all categories codes</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071J5WTT6/?coliid=IRUFELFT2QIGI&colid=3GMZQOUWPO8X0&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Vortexgear 75% - Grey CNC Case - PBT DSA Keycaps - Cherry Mx CNC Aluminium Casing (Mx-Brown): Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://sixcolors.com/post/2018/12/my-current-keyboard-vortex-race-3/" class="link" target="_blank">My (current) keyboard: Vortex Race 3 - Six Colors</a><br />This is the rare mechanical keyboard that’s civilized to come with a set of alternate keycaps for Mac users (Command and Option rather than Win and Alt), as well as a few variant color keycaps for modifier keys and the arrow keys. (It’s also got a Mac keyboard mode, so all the keys work properly without any remapping required.) The keycaps feature very pleasant capital letters dead center, and come in shades of gray. I’ve swapped in a red Esc key, yellow arrow keys, and a blue Enter key. </li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/blankbaby/status/1080636818872303618" class="link" target="_blank">Twitter: Scott McNulty on the Apple News</a><br />Here’s my hot take: most people look at their smartphones as an appliance not as a device that needs to be upgraded often. Just check out how many people are using phones with shattered screens. Only nerds with too much money and not much sense update every cycle (I’m one!). </li><li><a href="https://daringfireball.net/2019/01/steve_jobs_and_apples_last_previous_earnings_warning" class="link" target="_blank">Daring Fireball: Steve Jobs and Apple’s Last Previous Earnings Warning</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://fruitjuiceapp.com/" class="link" target="_blank">FruitJuice -- battery maintenance app for Apple Mac laptop computers. —</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.coconut-flavour.com/coconutbattery/" class="link" target="_blank">coconutBattery 3.7.2 - by coconut-flavour.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/BrimleyLine" class="link" target="_blank">Brimley/Cocoon Line (@BrimleyLine) | Twitter</a><br />When 'Cocoon' reached theaters on June 21, 1985, Wilford Brimley was 18,530 days old. This account makes note of people who have reached that age. </li><li><a href="https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-shower-curtain/" class="link" target="_blank">The Best Shower Curtain for 2018: Reviews by Wirecutter | A New York Times Company</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://ogres-crypt.com/public/NetFlix-Streaming-Genres2.html" class="link" target="_blank">NetFlix Streaming by Alternate Genres</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/fraserspeirs" class="link" target="_blank">Fraser Speirs (@fraserspeirs) | Twitter</a><br />The teacher who set up the world's first 1:1 iPad school. Between podcasts right now. </li><li><a href="http://www.speirs.org/blog/2018/11/18/on-switching-from-ios-to-android" class="link" target="_blank">On Switching from iOS to Android — Fraser Speirs</a><br />I may be having the most boring mid-life crisis that any man has ever had, or I may be opening a whole new chapter of my computing life. I don’t know. </li><li><a href="http://www.speirs.org/blog/2018/11/30/on-switching-from-an-ipad-pro-and-a-macbook-to-a-pixelbook" class="link" target="_blank">On Switching from an iPad Pro and a Macbook to a Pixelbook — Fraser Speirs</a><br />The point, though, is that GSuite is so powerful and so much at the heart of everything I do at school that if you asked me to decide between giving up GSuite and giving up iPad, I’m afraid iPad has to go. It is for this reason

Jan 3, 20191h 33m

Episode 406: Peak Burger Decay

<p>It's the most wonderful time of the year, so the boys answer listener mail and get a little silly.</p> <p>Happy Holidays, jackals.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.writingclasses.com/toolbox/tips-masters/elmore-leonard-10-rules-for-good-writing" class="link" target="_blank">Elmore Leonard: 10 Rules for Good Writing - Gotham Writers Workshop</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/03/curb-your-enthusiasm/513833/" class="link" target="_blank">How Many Exclamation Points Do Great Writers Use?! - The Atlantic</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://9to5mac.com/2018/12/19/bent-2018-ipad-pro-not-defect/" class="link" target="_blank">Apple says some 2018 iPad Pros might ship with a bent chassis, but claims it's not a defect - 9to5Mac</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEjutUbgpH8" class="link" target="_blank">They Might Be Giants-Ana Ng - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_Toupee" class="link" target="_blank">Purple Toupee - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_(album)" class="link" target="_blank">Lincoln (album) - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://autosleep.tantsissa.com/home" class="link" target="_blank">AutoSleep</a><br />Automatically track your sleep from your Apple Watch. No buttons to press. Even the Watch app is optional. Just sleep! </li><li><a href="https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/andre-giant-holding-beer-can/" class="link" target="_blank">Is This Andre the Giant Holding a Beer Can?</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.macstories.net/reviews/autosleep-6-effortless-sleep-tracking-more-accessible-than-ever/" class="link" target="_blank">AutoSleep 6: Effortless Sleep Tracking More Accessible Than Ever – MacStories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003OBZ64M/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Uvex S0360X Ultra-spec 2000 Safety Eyewear, Orange Frame, SCT-Orange UV Extreme Anti-Fog Lens - Safety Glasses - Amazon.com</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://thetruesize.com/#?borders=1~!MTY4NjU4OTM.MjM2ODYxOA*MjkwMDI5MDA(ODQ4OTIyOA~!CONTIGUOUS_US*MTAwMjQwNzU.MjUwMjM1MTc(MTc1)MA~!IN*NTI2NDA1MQ.Nzg2MzQyMQ)MQ~!CN*OTkyMTY5Nw.NzMxNDcwNQ(MjI1)Mg" class="link" target="_blank">The True Size Of ...</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/americanbeetles/status/1075270323891650561" class="link" target="_blank">@americanbeetles</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.cc.com/video-clips/qq13yy/upright-citizens-brigade-power-marketing" class="link" target="_blank">Power Marketing - Upright Citizens Brigade (Video Clip) | Comedy Central</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/19/18148957/apple-ipad-bend-pro-2018-shipping-manufacturing-confirmed" class="link" target="_blank">Apple confirms some iPad Pros ship slightly bent, but says it’s normal - The Verge</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/itsyourshow">Squarespace</a> (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure to use the offer code ITSYOURSHOW to get 10% off your first purchase).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://palm.com">Palm</a> (Go to <a href="http://palm.com">palm.com</a> to learn more, and run to your nearest Verizon store to check out Palm for yourself).</p></li> </ul>

Dec 24, 201859 min

Episode 405: Can You Feed Coke to Rocks?

<p>Discussed: the harsh mistress of holidays, Hanukah presents, Cash's cool gift, the joys of good UX, some excellent very good recommendations, an exciting Science experiment involving hamburgers, kids are terrible at writing things down, things that changed Merlin's game, and some excellent follow-up on how we recognize number patterns.</p> <p>Happy Holidays, you jackals.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYaRZ4TNfus" class="link" target="_blank">Disney•Pixar Short Film "Bao" - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfuARMCyTvg" class="link" target="_blank">The Impossible Feat inside Your VCR - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SL6zs2bDks" class="link" target="_blank">Closed Captioning: More Ingenious than You Know - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CG7BDGB/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com : GPD XD Plus [2018 Update] 5" Touchscreen Android 7.0 Handheld Gaming Console Portable Video Game Player Laptop MT8176 Hexa-core CPU, PowerVR GX6250 GPU, 4GB/32GB, 6000mAh Battery : Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.hardkernel.com/shop/odroid-go/" class="link" target="_blank">ODROID-GO – ODROID</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzRLNnrMtiQ" class="link" target="_blank">Death Cab For Cutie - 405 (with lyrics) - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVwDlkJoITU" class="link" target="_blank">Moby 'Honey' - Official video - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Recomendo-brief-reviews-cool-stuff/dp/1726743659/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545152805&sr=8-1&keywords=recomendo" class="link" target="_blank">Recomendo: 500 brief reviews of cool stuff: Kevin Kelly, Mark Frauenfelder, Claudia Dawson: 9781726743655: Amazon.com: Books</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CFLCT/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com : Melitta Coffee Maker, 6 Cup Pour-Over Brewer with Glass Carafe, 1-Count : Single Serve Brewing Machines : Grocery & Gourmet Food</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EOM5RN0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Clever Coffee Dripper, Large, 18 Ounces: Kitchen & Dining</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy0tKL1T7wFoYcxCe0xjN6Q" class="link" target="_blank">Technology Connections - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/dec/17/alice-walker-antisemitic-david-icke-book" class="link" target="_blank">Alice Walker under fire for praise of 'antisemitic' David Icke book | Books | The Guardian</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlPZLDC_ZB8&t=449s" class="link" target="_blank">DECONSTRUCTING: Dear Evan Hansen - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://firstwefeast.com/eat/2014/10/how-long-does-it-take-for-fast-food-burgers-to-decay" class="link" target="_blank">How Long Does it Take for Fast-Food Burgers to Decay? | First We Feast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://mybyta.com/" class="link" target="_blank">byta - insulated stainless tumbler</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whole_Earth_Catalog" class="link" target="_blank">Whole Earth Catalog - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoxhDk-hwuo" class="link" target="_blank">Package Thief vs. Glitter Bomb Trap - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY1kMZp36IQSyNx_9h4mpCg" class="link" target="_blank">Mark Rober - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+PbDJkECQE" class="link" target="_blank">Giuliani’s Quest to Confuse Us Into Submission — Omnishambles — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/willsommer?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" class="link" target="_blank">Will Sommer (@willsommer) | Twitter</a><br />Tech and internet reporter @thedailybeast—I write a newsletter about conservative media http://www.rightrichter.com —email william.sommer at http://

Dec 18, 20181h 22m

Episode 404: Very Advanced Camping

<p>Discussed: Merlin worries that Dan is getting ground down; web sites are getting very thirsty; Dan thinks it's like pads in football; Dan has updates and more thoughts about doing development work on an iPad; Merlin thinks we should talk more about which devices we choose for doing which things; the boys also have some recommendations.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2SvzZrZ" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Clever Coffee Dripper, Large, 18 Ounces: Kitchen & Dining</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smudging" class="link" target="_blank">Smudging - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.blink.sh/" class="link" target="_blank">Mosh for iOS, Best SSH Client - Blink Shell for iOS</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWJCfOvochA" class="link" target="_blank">Quantum Computing Expert Explains One Concept in 5 Levels of Difficulty | WIRED - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLibNZv5Zd0dyCoQ6f4pdXUFnpAIlKgm3N" class="link" target="_blank">5 Levels - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://linea-app.com/sketch" class="link" target="_blank">Linea Sketch – Drawing tools for your iPad</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.relay.fm/rd/85" class="link" target="_blank">Reconcilable Differences #85: Comedy’s Not Funny - Relay FM</a><br />Finally, the horn fires off at 1:23:13 for a Spoiler Slot on A Quiet Place (2018). </li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://freshbooks.com/backtowork">FreshBooks</a> (To claim your month long unrestricted free trial, go to <a href="http://freshbooks.com/backtowork">FreshBooks.com/backtowork</a> and enter BACK TO WORK in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://palm.com">Palm</a> (Go to <a href="http://palm.com">palm.com</a> to learn more, and run to your nearest Verizon store to check out Palm for yourself).</p></li> </ul>

Dec 11, 20181h 13m

Episode 403: It's Just a Salad

<p>Discussed: Why Tuesday is the optimistic day; pourover coffee for Dan's wife; confirm shaming; updates on iPad keyboards and covers; approximately annual history of "Bawk Bawk!"; some thoughts on Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart; kids and learning Programming; the things that are difficult to teach <em>anyone</em>.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://twitter.com/computerality/status/1068160094712594432" class="link" target="_blank">Jay Little on Twitter: "@danbenjamin if you're still looking for a cheap ipad case, this one has been fine with strong magnets when closed and in the triangle https://t.co/I4DqGljeYi"</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/MoKo-Smart-Folio-Case-iPad/dp/B07H88S2DJ/" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: MoKo Smart Folio Case Fit iPad Pro 11" 2018 - [Support Magnetically Attach Charge/Pair] Slim Lightweight Shell Stand Cover, Strong Magnetic Adsorption, Auto Wake/Sleep for iPad Pro 11 Inch - Black: Electronics</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://confirmshaming.tumblr.com/" class="link" target="_blank">confirmshaming</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Coffee-Pour-Over-Brewer-1-Count/dp/B0000CFLCT/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1543941655&sr=1-5&keywords=melitta%2Bpour%2Bover&th=1" class="link" target="_blank">Melitta Coffee Maker, 6 Cup Pour-Over Brewer with Glass Carafe, 1-Count: Amazon.com: Home & Kitchen</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Ultra-Portable-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Android/dp/B00VUK4R08/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1543942144&sr=8-3&keywords=logitech+keys+to+go" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Logitech Keys-To-Go Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Keyboard for Android and Windows, Black: Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Keyboard-Keys-Go/dp/B00VBNSCM8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543942144&sr=8-2&keywords=logitech+keys+to+go" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Logitech Wireless Keyboard | Keys-to-Go: Ultra Portable Bluetooth Keyboard for iPad, iPhone, Apple TV, Desktop and More (Red): Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m3eJxZEai0" class="link" target="_blank">Thank you Easter Bunny, Bawk Bawk! - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.apple.com/swift/playgrounds/" class="link" target="_blank">Swift Playgrounds - Apple</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58nPEe-TU-w" class="link" target="_blank">Why this awful sounding album is a masterpiece - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9lpLm7jwQY" class="link" target="_blank">Captain Beefheart - Frownland - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logo_(programming_language)" class="link" target="_blank">Logo (programming language) - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turtle_graphics" class="link" target="_blank">Turtle graphics - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.relay.fm/rd/39" class="link" target="_blank">Reconcilable Differences #39: Rocks Aren’t Magic - Relay FM</a><br />This week’s main topic covers teaching kids about technology. When, how, and what should young students learn about computers at school? How far have things come since Merlin’s Business Administration class and the lectures John suffered on RAM vs. ROM? </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1jGnFt78H8" class="link" target="_blank">Monster Factory: Fallout 4 — Episode 1 - YouTube</a><br />Griffin and Justin play around with Fallout 4, and incidentally create one of the most horrific creatures to ever roam the wasteland. </li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/itsyourshow">Squarespace</a> (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure to use the offer code ITSYOURSHOW to get 10% off your first purchase).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://rxbar.com/backtowork">RXBAR</a> (For 25% off your first order of the best seller variety pack, visit <a href="http://rxbar.com/backtowork">RXBAR.com/backtowork</a> and enter the code BACKTOWORK at checkout).</p></li> </ul>

Dec 4, 20181h 22m

Episode 402: Watches & Barbecue

<p>Discussed: Thanksgiving; spatchcock chicken; kids and their stupid eating; Dan's concern about how we talk to each other; Merlin encourages people to try not to be terrible.</p> <p>Also, some odds and sods on iPad Pro updates, and thanks to our nice listeners.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://foobot.io/" class="link" target="_blank">Foobot - it's all about Indoor Air Quality Monitoring</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2r7ow6h" class="link" target="_blank">Foobot Indoor Air Quality Monitor for Homeowners Renters & HVAC Pros - Measures VOC PM2.5 Humidity Temperature - Works with 120+ IoT Devices via Wifi - Best Protection from Mold & Indoor Air Pollution: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.myscript.com/nebo/" class="link" target="_blank">Nebo | MyScript</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://medium.com/@myscriptapps/nebo-2-0-boost-your-productivity-be4a4eeb506a" class="link" target="_blank">Nebo 2.0: Boost Your Productivity – MyScript Apps – Medium</a><br />We’re coming with a new version of our note-taking application based on artificial intelligence. It’s super-duper, and it’s super easy. </li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JVBFXVB/" class="link" target="_blank">Ztotop Case for iPad Pro 11</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205773" class="link" target="_blank">Use Notes on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://molekule.com">Molekule</a> (Visit <a href="http://molekule.com">Molekule.com</a> and use the code BACKTOWORK at checkout for $75 off your first purchase).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/itsyourshow">Squarespace</a> (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure to use the offer code ITSYOURSHOW to get 10% off your first purchase).</p></li> </ul>

Nov 27, 20181h 23m

Episode 401: Carrier Fluid

<p>Discussed this week: Dan's MOSH setup on iPad; Dan's new <em>NEW</em> iPad; ease of setup on iOS; some iOS photo editing app recommendations; two things Merlin learned this week; and a little rant about how everybody apparently already knows everything.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.vim.org/" class="link" target="_blank">welcome home : vim online</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/krissys_kitchen/status/1064284784124444672" class="link" target="_blank">Krissy Brierre-Davis on Twitter: "How come you guys never told me this iPhone trick? I feel duped.… "</a><br />How come you guys never told me this iPhone trick? I feel duped. </li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://freshbooks.com/backtowork">FreshBooks</a> (To claim your month long unrestricted free trial, go to <a href="http://freshbooks.com/backtowork">FreshBooks.com/backtowork</a> and enter BACK TO WORK in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://TakeCareOf.com">Care/of</a> (For 25% off your first month of personalized Care/of vitamins, visit <a href="http://TakeCareOf.com">TakeCareOf.com</a> and enter promo code BACKTOWORK50).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://eero.com">eero</a> (Get $100 off the ‘eero base unit and 2 beacons package,’ and 1 year of eero Plus by visiting <a href="http://eero.com">eero.com</a> and enter BACKTOWORK at checkout).</p></li> </ul>

Nov 20, 20181h 17m

Episode 400: In The Penal Colony

<p>Dan and Merlin talk about their first week using the new iPad Pro.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://daringfireball.net/thetalkshow/2018/11/09/ep-234" class="link" target="_blank">The Talk Show: Ep. 234, With Special Guest Merlin Mann</a><br />Special guest Merlin Mann returns to the show. Topics include the new iPad Pro and the state of iOS as a work platform, the mid-term election results, and holiday parties of yore. </li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+B7NBWkimQ" class="link" target="_blank">234: ‘Welcome to Dongletropolis’, With Special Guest Merlin Mann — The Talk Show With John Gruber — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2SZIQ6i" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Newly Released Matias Laptop Pro Keyboard for Mac, Version 5: Computers & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2T5vsgT" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Viozon ipad Pro Stand, Tablet Stands 360° Rotatable Aluminum Alloy Desktop Mount Stand for Ipad Pro Ipad Air Ipad Mini Surface and Surface Pro: Cell Phones & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MRX72/smart-folio-for-11-inch-ipad-pro-charcoal-gray?fnode=37" class="link" target="_blank">Buy iPad Pro 11-inch Smart Folio - Apple</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.brydge.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Brydge - Award Winning Bluetooth Keyboards for iPad & Surface Pro</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://merlinm.com/playlists" class="link" target="_blank">Merlin’s Playlists — Merlin Mann</a><br />Sometimes I make playlists, especially for the particularly musical episodes of podcasts I do. I really like making these, so I'll probably do more. </li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Penal_Colony" class="link" target="_blank">In the Penal Colony - Wikipedia</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/itsyourshow">Squarespace</a> (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure to use the offer code ITSYOURSHOW to get 10% off your first purchase).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://freshbooks.com/backtowork">FreshBooks</a> (To claim your month long unrestricted free trial, go to <a href="http://freshbooks.com/backtowork">FreshBooks.com/backtowork</a> and enter BACK TO WORK in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://tryhopsy.com/backtowork">Hopsy</a> (Go to <a href="http://tryhopsy.com/backtowork">tryhopsy.com/backtowork</a> and use promo code BACKTOWORK to get the SUB home draft machine, 2 mini-kegs of beer (equivalent to 2 six packs), 2 Hopsy glasses and free membership in the monthly beer Club for $99)!</p></li> </ul>

Nov 12, 20181h 16m

Episode 399: Blue Whale Salt

<p>Discussed this week: coffee water, voting, inertia, new iPads on the way, difficult buying decisions, returning merchandise (as a thing), some TV suggestions, Dan's new ODROID, 80s video game nostalgia, asking for your iPad-at-work input, plus seeking suggestions for apps for new joggers.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+o7QiWzqU" class="link" target="_blank">Building A Better Ballot Box — To the Best of Our Knowledge — Overcast</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.brydge.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Brydge - Award Winning Bluetooth Keyboards for iPad & Surface Pro</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://support.logitech.com/en_hk/product/create-ipad-pro-case" class="link" target="_blank">CREATE - Logitech Support</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7493974/" class="link" target="_blank">Bodyguard (TV Series 2018– ) - IMDb</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://wiki.odroid.com/" class="link" target="_blank">start [ODROID Wiki]</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ODROID-GO-source-console-No-Operating-System/dp/B07FFZVWMC/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_63_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=M0YXSEJMG5AB278TR4EZ" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: ODROID-GO open source gaming console : Assembly and learning WHY, CODING CAMP: Video Games</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://ameridroid.com/products/odroid-go-game-kit" class="link" target="_blank">ODROID-GO Game Kit — ameriDroid</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.hardkernel.com/main/shop/good_list.php?lang=en" class="link" target="_blank">ODROID | Hardkernel</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorf" class="link" target="_blank">Gorf - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HKMY2VC/A/lg-ultrafine-4k-display" class="link" target="_blank">LG UltraFine 4K Display - Apple</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HKN62LL/A/lg-ultrafine-5k-display" class="link" target="_blank">LG UltraFine 5K Display - Apple</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/LVehlewald/status/1053298958494240772" class="link" target="_blank">Lindsey Vehlewald on Twitter: "1/[Thread] Storytime. Listen up. It’s a long one. But it's important, I promise."</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LG_Corporation" class="link" target="_blank">LG Corporation - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.merlinmann.com/roderick/ep-312-always-is-how.html" class="link" target="_blank">Ep. 312: “Always is How” - Roderick on the Line - Merlin Mann</a><br />The Problem: John hasn’t earned a chair. </li><li><a href="https://www.relay.fm/rd/90" class="link" target="_blank">Reconcilable Differences #90: Cargo-Cult Thoreau - Relay FM</a><br />This week kicks off with some Dear Evan Hansen talk, and Merlin admits he still hasn’t earned the second act. This leads John to interrogate this odd affliction of Merlin’s. Both hosts finally address how, whether, and when they commit to the full consumption of cultural products. Why does John so often stick with the whole season of a C-plus TV show, and when does Merlin know he’s ready for the second half of a given Broadway hit? </li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://slack.com">Slack</a> (Slack: Where work happens. Find out why at <a href="http://slack.com">Slack.com</a>).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://casper.com/itsyourshow">Casper</a> (Visit <a href="http://casper.com/itsyourshow">Casper.com/itsyourshow</a> and use the code ITSYOURSHOW for $50 towards select mattresses).</p></li> </ul>

Nov 6, 20181h 6m

Episode 398: So Much Unnecessary Beauty

<p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about Apple's Fall event in Brooklyn today. They liked the event.</p> <h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://molekule.com">Molekule</a> (Visit <a href="http://molekule.com">Molekule.com</a> and use the code BACKTOWORK at checkout for $75 off your first purchase).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://GreenChef.us/backtowork">GreenChef</a> (For $50 off your first box of Green Chef, go to <a href="http://GreenChef.us/backtowork">GreenChef.us/backtowork</a>).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://TakeCareOf.com">Care/of</a> (For 25% off your first month of personalized Care/of vitamins, visit <a href="http://TakeCareOf.com">TakeCareOf.com</a> and enter promo code BACKTOWORK).</p></li> </ul>

Oct 30, 20181h 23m

Episode 397: My Manager is Water

<p>Discussed: nailing it, the optimistic valence of Tuesdays, difficulties finding replacement parts on Amazon, headphone preferences, Alexa's service outage and new whisper mode, Austin's big water crisis and what it says about epistemology, reason, and society, plus 20 years of <em>The Big Lebowski</em>.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNzquU4hjpk" class="link" target="_blank">Jeff Bridges, John Goodman And Steve Buscemi Talk ‘The Big Lebowski’ In Extended Inteview | TODAY - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfRrpBYvDQY" class="link" target="_blank">Jeff Bridges Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ - YouTube</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Veins-Premium-Ethernet-Supports/dp/B0787M9JVT/" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Twisted Veins HDMI Cable 30 ft, 2-Pack, Premium HDMI Cord Type High Speed with Ethernet, Supports HDMI 2.0b 4K 60hz HDR Except with Apple TV 4K and Xbox One X Where it Only Supports 4K 30hz HD: Home Audio & Theater</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://9to5mac.com/2018/10/18/alexa-whisper-mode/" class="link" target="_blank">Alexa whisper mode rolling out to Echo starting today, here's how to enable it - 9to5Mac</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540309144&sr=8-3&keywords=mdr+7506&dpID=510Y-3A9kYL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone: Musical Instruments</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SC80YFI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xDG LIMITED EDITION Professional Studio Monitor Headphones: Musical Instruments</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MY4P9EZ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Plantronics Wireless Noise Cancelling Backbeat - Headphones (Black & Tan) (Pro 2): Cell Phones & Accessories</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://downdetector.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Status overview | Downdetector</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/22/18005724/google-home-hub-digital-photo-frame-review-specs-features-price" class="link" target="_blank">Google Home Hub review: the best digital photo frame - The Verge</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/expanding-brain" class="link" target="_blank">Expanding Brain | Know Your Meme</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistemology" class="link" target="_blank">Epistemology - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/male_answer_syndrome" class="link" target="_blank">male answer syndrome - Wiktionary</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://downdetector.com/status/amazon-alexa" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon Alexa down? Current problems and outages | Downdetector</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.greatwallhardware.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Home - Great Wall HardwareGreat Wall Hardware | Your Home Improvement Center</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Dash-Wand-With-Alexa/dp/B01MQMJFDK" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon Dash Wand With Alexa: Amazon.com: Grocery & Gourmet Food</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/itsyourshow">Squarespace</a> (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure to use the offer code ITSYOURSHOW to get 10% off your first purchase).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://eero.com">eero</a> (For free overnight shipping to the US or Canada, visit <a href="http://eero.com">eero.com</a> and at checkout select overnight shipping then enter BACKTOWORK to make it free).</p></li> </ul>

Oct 23, 20181h 20m

Episode 396: Bean in the Sleeve

<p>This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the FitBit Charge 3 and where it fits into their worlds—as well its place in the larger tracker and smart watch ecosystems.</p> <p>Excursions also include: BroBot, weather stations, weather apps, some TV and movie talk, some space talk, plus children's failures to understand how time basically works.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dew_point" class="link" target="_blank">Dew point - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074X85BMJ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: AcuRite 01014M Weather Station with AcuRite Access for Remote Monitoring, Compatible with Amazon Alexa: Home & Kitchen</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1213641/" class="link" target="_blank">First Man (2018) - IMDb</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6903296/?ref_=fn_al_tt_4" class="link" target="_blank">Above and Beyond: NASA's Journey To Tomorrow (TV Movie 2018) - IMDb</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5177088/" class="link" target="_blank">The Girl in the Spider's Web (2018) - IMDb</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/above-and-beyond-nasas-journey-to-tomorrow/full-episodes/above-and-beyond-nasas-journey-to-tomorrow" class="link" target="_blank">Above and Beyond: NASA's Journey to Tomorrow | Above and Beyond: NASA's Journey to Tomorrow</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyager_1" class="link" target="_blank">Voyager 1 - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyager_2" class="link" target="_blank">Voyager 2 - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://fsnot.es/" class="link" target="_blank">FSNotes App</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://github.com/glushchenko/fsnotes" class="link" target="_blank">glushchenko/fsnotes: Notes manager for macOS/iOS</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://freshbooks.com/backtowork">FreshBooks</a> (To claim your month long unrestricted free trial, go to <a href="http://freshbooks.com/backtowork">FreshBooks.com/backtowork</a> and enter BACK TO WORK in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section).</p></li> <li><p><a href="https://www.hubspot.com/podcasts/the-growth-show">The Growth Show</a> (Subscribe to the Growth Show on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen).</p></li> </ul>

Oct 16, 20181h 21m

Episode 395: My Sleeves are Dynamic

<p>Discussed: the tyranny of earliness, the benefits of timeliness, an interesting horology episode about Apple Watch, more watch talk, a blog recommendation, a quick look at Merlin's new FitBit, an update on home WiFi options, Merlin raps a little, Dan gets wired for Ethernet, what we'd like so see in an updated Mac Mini, some listener followup on Bear export and (deliberately) slow interfaces, considering oneself <code>touch</code>-ed, skeuomorphic sounds, and various Florida wildlife encounters.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.fitbit.com/eu/charge3" class="link" target="_blank">Fitbit Charge 3 | Advanced Health and Fitness Tracker</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://mjtsai.com/blog/2018/10/05/why-matthew-green-is-done-with-chrome/" class="link" target="_blank">Michael Tsai - Blog - Why Matthew Green Is Done With Chrome</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://slate.com/technology/2018/10/google-is-losing-users-trust.html" class="link" target="_blank">Google is losing users’ trust.</a><br />I used to trust some of its products, like Chrome. I increasingly don’t. </li><li><a href="https://overcast.fm/+N6QwloRDc" class="link" target="_blank">Apple And The Future Of Watchmaking — HODINKEE Radio — Overcast</a><br />This week we’re talking all things Apple Watch. Stephen sits down with Ben and Jack just a few hours after they received their Apple Watch Series 4 sample units to get their first impressions and to hear what else they had to say about the Apple Watch and its relationship to the more traditional watches we tend to cover every day. Also, Stephen has a one-on-one interview with John Gruber, the proprietor of Daring Fireball, the premier blog covering all things Apple. Enjoy.delete </li><li><a href="https://mjtsai.com/blog/" class="link" target="_blank">Michael Tsai - Blog</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fitbit-Fitness-Activity-Graphite-Included/dp/B07FTN21JL/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1539104652&sr=8-3&keywords=Fitbit%2Bcharge%2B3&th=1" class="link" target="_blank">Amazon.com: Fitbit Charge 3 Fitness Activity Tracker, Graphite/Black, One Size (S & L Bands Included): Health & Personal Care</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://bear.app/faq/Import%20&%20export/Export%20your%20notes/" class="link" target="_blank">Export your notes - Bear - Faq and support</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://flyingmeat.com/" class="link" target="_blank">Flying Meat Software - Awesome Software</a><br /></li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://slack.com">Slack</a> (Slack: Where work happens. Find out why at <a href="http://slack.com">Slack.com</a>).</p></li> <li><p><a href="http://5by5.CacheFly.com">CacheFly</a> (Bandwidth for this show and all shows on 5by5 provided by CacheFly, the world’s most reliable CDN. Learn more at <a href="http://5by5.CacheFly.com">5by5.CacheFly.com</a>)</p></li> </ul>

Oct 9, 20181h 7m

Episode 394: Dead or Angry

<p>This week: some TV and movie stuff, Dark Mode and accessibility, OS stability and beta temptation, Merlin has an anecdote, the powers and frustrations of Siri via Apple Watch, updates to the Fitbit family, tech that does <em>enough</em>, Dan tried Bear, updates on the Chrome login thing, and an intriguing listener comment about Apple's ASP/inch<sup>3</sup>.</p> <p>Links for this episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.fitbit.com/shop/charge3?color=black" class="link" target="_blank">Shop Fitbit Charge 3™ Advanced Fitness Tracker</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.digitaltrends.com/fitness-apparel-reviews/fitbit-charge-3-preview/" class="link" target="_blank">Fitbit Charge 3 Hands-On Preview | Digital Trends</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.engadget.com/2018/08/20/fitbit-charge-3-hands-on/" class="link" target="_blank">Fitbit Charge 3 hands-on: Better controls come with a trade-off</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cary_Fukunaga" class="link" target="_blank">Cary Fukunaga - Wikipedia</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://bear.app/" class="link" target="_blank">Bear - Notes for iPhone, iPad and Mac</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://atom.io/" class="link" target="_blank">Atom</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://lifehacker.com/how-to-turn-off-the-auto-sign-in-link-in-gmail-and-chro-1828953840" class="link" target="_blank">How to Turn Off the Auto Sign-In Link in Gmail and Chrome</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/s/538601/inside-amazons-warehouse-human-robot-symbiosis/" class="link" target="_blank">Inside Amazon’s Warehouse, Human-Robot Symbiosis - MIT Technology Review</a><br />On the other side of the warehouse, workers pack products into boxes for shipping with help from Amazon’s central computer systems. Items retrieved from storage shelves are automatically identified and sorted into batches destined for a single customer. The computer knows the dimensions of each product and will automatically allocate the right box, and even the right amount of packing tape. Further along, before products are sent to different trucks for dispatching, boxes are weighed to make sure no mistakes have been make in packing. </li></ul><h4>Brought to you by:</h4> <ul> <li><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/itsyourshow">Squarespace</a> (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure to use the offer code ITSYOURSHOW to get 10% off your first purchase).</p></li> <li><p><a href="https://linode.com/backtowork/?utm_source=5by5&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=20%20dollar&utm_campaign=backtowork2018">Linode</a> (Visit <a href="https://linode.com/backtowork/?utm_source=5by5&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=20%20dollar&utm_campaign=backtowork2018">linode.com/backtowork</a> and use the promocode backtowork2018 for a $20 credit).</p></li> </ul>

Oct 2, 20181h 16m