Back To Work

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, Listener Steve 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. Links for this episode:Lizzo: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert - YouTubeAmazon.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: ElectronicsOverride Your Hotel Room Thermost

Dan and Merlin discuss the upcoming big Apple event and why this one's potentially interesting. Also, dog anecdotes. Links for this episode:AVIATOR VISUAL EFFECTS - BEHIND THE SCENESThe Dark Crystal - WikipediaThe Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance - WikipediaUpgrade #261: The 2019 iPhone Event Draft - Relay FMSupported devices - Computer - YouTube TV HelpWatch YouTube TV on your TV - YouTube TV HelpSamoyed Dog Breed InformationBrought to you by: Grammarly (Go to Grammarly.com/backtowork to get 20% off your Grammarly premium account today). eero (For free overnight shipping to the US or Canada, visit eero.com and at checkout select overnight shipping then enter BACKTOWORK to make it free). Squarespace (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).

hurricanes! hyperactivity exposing kids to the canonical films that weird, affected Hollywood accent a name for that time comparison phenomenon making your voice interactions more fun catching up on the Platinum Age of TV dealing with device charging at scale Links for this episode:Saffir–Simpson scale - WikipediaHURRICANE DORIANMike's Weather Page... powered by Sparks Energy!Hurricane Neddy - WikipediaHurricane Neddy | Simpsons Wiki | FANDOM powered by WikiaThe Aviator (2004 film) - WikipediaTechnique Critique - YouTubeBen Affleck’s Armageddon commentary resurfaces, along with a few other confessionals - PolygonCan you bike to the top of GTA 5, with ONLY your voice? - YouTubePop overachievers Genesis—including Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel—competed head to head on the charts.Meet chart overachievers Genesis: ’70s prog rockers turned ’80s pop juggernaut, spinning off multiple careers, countless hits, and thundering drums. The Invisible Miracle Sledgehammer Edition — Hit Parade | Music History and Mus

Lots of talk about the changing media landscape, plus some odds and sods. Links for this episode:Jia Tolentino on what happens when life is an endless performance — The Ezra Klein Show — OvercastDisney World: Celebrating Utopia — Nice Try! — OvercastMarried to the Mouse: Walt Disney World and Orlando: Richard E. Foglesong: 9780300098280: Amazon.com: BooksAmazon.com: Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion (9780525510543): Jia Tolentino: BooksAmazon.com: Logitech Rugged Protection Combo Keyboard and Folio Case for iPad 9.7 (5th Gen) / (6th Gen) - Bulk Packaging - Navy Blue: Computers & AccessoriesAmazon.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 & AccessoriesTechPilot Labs - TechPilot LabsSchoolMDM Mobile Device Management for Schools - TechPilot LabsThe intuitive, cloud-based MDM designed specifically for schools. We bring simpl

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, not sexually); 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. Links for this episode:How Old Were the ActorsTropic Thunder (2008) - IMDbList of cognitive biases - WikipediaMaking the Clackity Noise | kung fu grippestar wars release date to today - Wolfram|Alpha5by5 | Back to Work #27: Danny, Hold the License PlateEp. 348: "The Other Oregon" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin MannThe Problem: It was mostly pranks. iOS 12 on iPhone: How Many Daily Notifications? - Ask Dave TaylorBrought to you by: Squarespace (Start your free trial site today, at Squarespace.com and when you sign up make sure t

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. For some reason, religion, churches, and clergy are discussed. "This is what Peter did say!" Finally, the guys answer a listener question about working from home. Merlin poses a challenge. Links for this episode:Disney’s Surprise Star Wars Stumble Hammers Quarterly ResultsRamadan - WikipediaJon Stewart On Religion - YouTubeJohn Siracusa on Twitter: "@atpreferences Why does everyone forget the comma?" / TwitterBrought to you by: Squarespace (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). Away (Visit awaytravel.com/backtowork and use the code BACKTOWORK at checkout to get $20 off a suitcase). Grammarly (Go to Grammarly.com/backtowork to get 20% off yo

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 how we are? 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? And, would it be cool if I just listen to this podcast instead of talking about my blouse and the weather? Links for this episode:"Nathan for You" Private Investigator/Taxi Company (TV Episode 2013) - IMDbThe Bloomberg terminal: clunky, costly, addictive, ubiquitous | Financial TimesThe Egg Is Bigger Than Before: What Is 5-Minute Crafts?5by5 | Back to Work #435: Scanner of HorizonsBrought to you by: eero (For free overnight shipping to the US or Canada, visit eero.com and at checkout select overnight shipping then enter BACKTOWORK to make it free). Warby Parker (Head to warbyparker.com/backtowork to o

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 all 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. Links for this episode:5by5 | Back to Work #434: Grist for an Unnecessary MillH. P. Lovecraft - WikipediaH. G. Wells - Wikipedia"The Office" Chair Model (TV Episode 2008) - IMDbChart: The Rising Speed of Technological AdoptionSeeing What’s Next | Asymco5by5 | Amplified #157: A Three Year ColdWho Are Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z?Starman (film) - Wi

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. Links for this episode:How to Convince Someone When Facts Fail - Scientific AmericanAmazon.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 & TheaterAmazon.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: GatewayPortlandia - The Knot Store - HD - YouTube"I think we've arrived." His Dark Materials: Season 1 | San Diego Comic-Con Trailer | HBO - YouTubeDorkus Malorkus - YouTubeXY problem - WikipediaThe XY problem is a communication problem encountered in help desk and similar situations in which the real issue, X, of the person asking fo

Show notes are short this week because Merlin had to go buy contrast paints for his figs. Main topic is speculating about speculation. Links for this episode: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"The TRUTH behind GW Contrast Paints - YouTubeCitadel Contrast Paints: Resisting the Hype? - YouTubeWarhammer (game) - WikipediaSqueezed and pulled and hurt my neck in 1988The Perils and Rewards of Travel | The Hilarious World of DepressionMacular degeneration - WikipediaYngwie Malmsteen-Arpeggios From Hell - YouTubeMerlin Mann on Twitter: "Weird how the most competent and well-run aspect of United is their website for tracking your lost luggage."Weird how the most competent and well-run aspect of United is their website for tracking your lost luggage. Angie Tribeca | TBS.comMBMBaM: Candlenights 2017 |

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." Links for this episode:Keyboard shortcuts for YouTube - YouTube HelpLen Testa and TouringPlans.com - Part One: The Origins - Coaster101Last 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. The Works: Anatomy of a City: Kate Ascher: 8601400935996: Amazon.com: BooksAmazon.com: Logitech Rugged Protection Combo Keyboard Case for iPad 9.7 (5th and 6th Generation) -

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 The Flintstones and stealing a copy of Fight Club 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 had it with people stealing flu valor. Just stop it, people. Links for this episode:The Chernobyl Podcast — Overcast20+ Mac Productivity Hacks from CE

First and most importantly, Dan is back! Woo! 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. Essentially, Walt Disney World in particular has the control, data, and means to be extremely good at resource management, and that's just fascinating to think about. 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. Links for this episode:5by5 | Back to Work #430: Shiny Red ClericDan's away this week, so Merlin tries going it alone. Episode 348: David Epstein — Longform — OvercastLayers — OvercastA Miniature Painting Podcast Food Safety Talk 185: Hot Diapers — Food Safety Talk — OvercastRemain Seated Please - The Hoot and Chief Story (Epcot Horizons) - YouTubeDisney's $1 Billion Bet on a Magical Wristband | WIREDWhat is a MagicBand? | Walt Disney World

Dan's away this week, so Merlin tries going it alone. Topics include lessons from painting D&D minifigs, listener letters, and some recommendations. Feel better soon Dan; we need you! Links for this episode:Dan Benjamin (@danbenjamin) | TwitterNational Park TypefaceA TYPEFACE DESIGNED TO MIMIC THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SIGNS THAT ARE CARVED USING A ROUTER BIT. Band of Brothers (miniseries) - WikipediaGamescapeExcellent games and nerd store on Divisadero here in San Francisco. 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): GatewayAmazon.com: D&D NMU: Human Male Paladin W3: GatewayChvrches - The Bones of What You BelieveCHVRCHES - The Mother We Share - YouTubeAmazon.com: Tile Pro with Replaceable Battery - 2 pack: GatewayMINIATURE BASICS - HOW TO PAINT MINIATURES THE EASY WAY! FOR BEGINNERS! - YouTubeHow to Paint Miniatures - The Basics

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. Links for this episode:Alexa Privacy Settings @ Amazon.comThe Wild Way Samuel L. Jackson Got The Role Of Marvel’s Nick FuryThe 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

DISCUSSED: Nobody got enough sleep last night, but they're gonna power through anyhow; your hosts fawn over the amazing Chernobyl 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. Links for this episode:Discover ProcreateBrain Bag - Backpacks - Laptop Bags – TOM BIHNBASE CAMP TRAVEL CANISTER | United StatesFenix LD12 320 Lumen LED Tactical Flashlight USB rechargeable kit with EdisonBright AA battery - - Amazon.comPro Co Short Stop | SweetwaterPro Co Power Mute | SweetwaterLinea – Drawing tools for your iPad and iPhoneTimothy Olyphant, episode #14 of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend on EarwolfDanny Cordray | Dunderpedia: The Office Wiki | FANDOM

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 good 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. L

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; Ferris Bueller's Day Off 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 #productivity talk; there's some instamatic camera nostalgia; Dan has a new project, and you should maybe contact him; Once AGAIN!; the glory of Spirited Away is discussed; Dan recommends a good TV show for date night; and, finally, Dan and Merlin admit they'd probably watch basically anything about Watchmen. Links for this episode:Everything should take 20 minutes | The OutlineCornell

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…Windows!; 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 Deadwood 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. Links for this episode:Manage Health data on your iPhone, iPod touch, or Apple Watch - Apple Support376. The Data-Driven Guide

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." Links for this episode:Clip sharing with Overcast – Marco.orgWith 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. Against the Rules with Michael Lewis — OvercastBreaking Government with Michael Lewis — Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes — OvercastMise en place - Wikipedia5by5 | Back to Work #385: A Picture of a ClownDan and Merlin also answer listener questions about mise en place and doubti