Back To Work

This week, Dan and Merlin continue their series on updates, talking about the evolution of electronic task management in their lives. Hint: simplify, simplify. Links for this episode:Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #14 — Merlin MannMERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, August 4th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” How Exhaustion Became a Status Symbol | New Republic"From sloth to burnout, each age remakes exhaustion in its own image." Hey Siri"Hey-Siri.io is a large list of commands you can use on your iOS and macOS Devices. We're still working to improve the site and add more commands to the list." Dig the 60sA blog dedicated to the grooviest decade of the 20th century. Retro Sci-FiA new Markdown Service Tool for easy MultiMarkdown tables - BrettTerpstra.comAdam WarRock "Gravity Falls" [Gravity Falls Theme] - YouTubeAdam WarRock, Adam WarRock “Gravity Falls&qu

TOPIC: Orinoco Flow This week, Dan and Merlin continue their series on updates, focusing on the difference between the days before and after ubiquitous wifi. Also, lots of fun odds and sods on Scrivener and surviving summer with kids. Links for this episode:Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #14 — Merlin MannMERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, August 4th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” Vintage Geek CultureMicrosoft to rip up P2P Skype, killing native Mac, Linux apps • The RegisterLiterature and Latte - Scrivener Writing Software | macOS | Windows | iOSTypewriter. Ring-binder. Scrapbook. Scrivener combines all the writing tools you need to craft your first draft, from nascent notion to final full stop. Clockwise #146: Marvel Has Killed Me - Relay FMReading comics digitally, smart home confusion, Twitter verification, and teaching programming. FoldifyCreate 3D figures

TOPIC: Way of the future. This week, Dan and Merlin continue their discussion on updates to their systems and their productivity worlds. In particular: how have new technologies and critical masses of users led to wanting or needing fewer intermediary communications layers? For years, email was more than just the lingua franca; it was that one internet communication protocol that every user could be counted upon to have and use. But, today? Options, baby, options! Sometimes for worse, but, so often, for much better. Links for this episode:Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #14 — Merlin MannMERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, August 4th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” Allergic to life: the Arizona residents 'sensitive to the whole world' | US news | The GuardianIt was decided that the best way to get us straight from the car into the shower, where we could

TOPIC: Updates on Productivity and a modern Kobayashi Maru Scenario This week, Dan and Merlin start a new series on updates. Which sounds really boring, but it isn't, we swear. This time out, the boys start by diving deep on how and why just so much of their productivity systems have changed over the years. Innumerable ways in which technology and life has evolved to where so many of the old systems seem fiddly, unnecessary, or both. [This is a good one.] Links for this episode:Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #14 — Merlin MannMERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, August 4th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” The Hill on Twitter: "FBI gives up on DB Cooper case after 45-year investigation https://t.co/whFdDCloni https://t.co/OZD2o7RVNn"Every Second Counts: The MovieFittest On Earth 2015: Documentary Trailer - YouTubeFittest On Earth: Now Available on iTunes |

TOPIC: …and, then what happens? This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the unexpected cognitive benefits of ritual, repetition, and thinking through the fascinating question: "…and, then what happens?" Links for this episode:4th of July Fireworks Photos: 2016! | cabel.meThe Wal-Mart Effect: How the World's Most Powerful Company Really Works--and HowIt's Transforming the American Economy: Charles Fishman: 9780143038788: Amazon.com: BooksGravity Falls | Official Site | Disney XDGravity Falls - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaParegoric - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaPhilips 426353 Hue White and Color, Starter Kit, 1st Generation, Works with Alexa - Led Household Light Bulbs - Amazon.comPhilips 455303 Hue White Starter A19 Kit, 2nd Generation, Works with Alexa - - Amazon.comPhilips 452532 Personal Wireless Lighting Hue Tap Switch - - Amazon.comPhilips 259515 Friends of Hue Personal Wireless Lighting Bloom Single, Retail - - Amazon.comShopkins - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaShopkins - Official SiteT

TOPIC: People, amirite? This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the complexities of communicating with each other. And, brother, is it ever complicated. Links for this episode:Blood Meridian Audiobook | Cormac McCarthy | Audible.comThe Butterfield Diet (Peter Serafinowicz) - YouTubeGeek Feminism Wiki - WikiaResources for allies - Geek Feminism Wiki - WikiaFox News host Bret Baier “grills” the Dalai Lama: “Have you ever seen the movie ‘Caddyshack’?” - Salon.comApple doesn't understand photographyLanguage in Thought and Action - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaEpisode 430: Black Market Pharmacies And The Spam Empire Behind Them : Planet Money : NPROn today's show, we have answers. Yes, people click on those links. Smart, sound-minded people are choosing to buy pharmaceuticals through black market pharmacies that spam them and just about everyone with an inbox. And those sound-minded people are happy to tell you how it worked out for them, right down to the odd packaging that shows up in their mailbox. North

TOPIC: Varieties of pain. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about Dan's progress on building fireside.io and its imminent beta release. Lots of fascinating details on why he's made it and who it might be great for. Then, there's discussion of the unexpected mental benefits of physical training, and the influence that various sorts of pain (real or imagined) can have on us. Links for this episode:Lying in repose - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaShop Tommy Bahama | TommyBahama.comFireside - Podcast hosting and analytics by podcasters for podcastersWar dialing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia5by5 | Back to Work #153: Anxiety's a GoatNinety-ninety rule - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia"The first 90 percent of the code accounts for the first 90 percent of the development time. The remaining 10 percent of the code accounts for the other 90 percent of the development time." Unattended ConsequencesMerlin Mann on Twitter: "If you want to learn what someone fears losing, watch what they photograph."Br

TOPIC: Merlin's never sent his heartbeat. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about some of this week's WWDC announcements, the past and future of Apple, and that awkward feeling of wondering whether and when new technology is personally relevant. Links for this episode:Apple Events - WWDC Keynote June 2016 - AppleChandler (software) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaDiscover Music via Samples, Cover Songs and Remixes | WhoSampledIzzo (H.O.V.A.) - Jay Z | WhoSampledDo You Even Lift? | Know Your MemeEverything is a Remix Remastered (2015 HD) on VimeoWilliam Gibson (@GreatDismal) | TwitterThe Hedgehog and the Fox - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia"a fox knows many things, but a hedgehog one important thing" Les Misérables - "One Day More" (2012) - YouTubeBroadway Carpool Karaoke ft. Hamilton & More - YouTubeWest Side Story - "Quintet" - YouTubeOne Day More - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaBrought to you by: Casper (Visit Casper.com/backtowork and use the code BACKTOWORK for $50 towards you

TOPIC: Fill one bag. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about our relationship with the stuff in our lives and how overwhelming it can be. Solutions are offered—throw out that old cinnamon! Links for this episode:The Talk Show ?: Ep. 156, With Special Guest Merlin MannMerlin Mann returns to the show to talk about artificial intelligence and Eddy Cue’s flip-flops. comiXology UnlimitedIt's All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff: Peter Walsh: 9780743292658: Amazon.com: BooksHamilton - Official Broadway SiteAmazon.com: StarTech.com USBHAUBMB3 3 Feet USB to Micro USB and Mini USB Combo Cable - A to B: ElectronicsYou Must Remember ThisHamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) by Various Artists on iTunesHandycam - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSKWM T-shirtBest Enjoyed By - 99% InvisibleCortex #12: The Rule of Two - Relay FMBrought to you by: Hover (Visit Hover.com to find the domain of your dreams and use the offer code BACKTOWORK to get 10% off your first purchase). Squarespace

TOPIC: Disruptions in Service This week, Dan and Merlin talk about that ineffable but growing feeling of disconnection from the collections we used to treasure. Music, Photos, Movies, Books—all the stuff we increasingly entrust to The Cloud. Seems like there's a weird confluence of changing culture and buggy technology that makes us feel sadly meh about making everything work. And that feels weird. Also? Don't be Randyll Tarly. That guy's a total choad. Links for this episode:Roller Coasters & Thrill Rides | Busch Gardens Tampa BayMontu Inverted Roller Coaster | Busch Gardens TampaKumba Roller Coaster | Busch Gardens TampaMedusa Steel Coaster - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSix Flags Great AdventureRocksteady - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaApple May Introduce Next-Gen Natural Language API in its Amazon Echo Competitor - Mac RumorsPessimists Archive (@PessimistsArc) | TwitterPessimistic reactions to technologies throughout history New for 2016 at Six Flags Great AdventureOn this new unbelievable ad

TOPIC: True or false dilemmas? This week, things kick off with a discussion of how to be helpful. Especially at your kid's school, but really just in general. This leads to a rumination on "roots" and what makes us feel like we're part of a community. The main topic is about the future of machine learning, voice control, and all things "smart." What do we want, what can we imagine, and how do our own biases and habits constrain our sense of possibility? Links for this episode:Coherence (2013) - IMDbCoherence (film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaPrimer (film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaCausal loop - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaPredestination (film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAll You Zombies - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe Infinite Man (2014) - IMDbThe Infinite Man (film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaFerris Bueller's Day Off - Nine Times - YouTubeBruno Kirby - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThis Is Spinal Tap - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaBest in Show (film) - Wikipe

TOPIC: Such small hands. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about Dan's acquisition of an iPhone SE and how much he's loving it. This leads to some ruminative discussion about how we pick devices based on how we prefer to use them. Also, some love for Spider-Man in the Civil War movie. Links for this episode:Official Google Blog: Meet Gboard: Search, GIFs, emojis & more. Right from your keyboard.Call Recorder for Skype - The Skype Audio/Video HD Call Recording Solution for Mac - Ecamm NetworkThe Giver Audiobook | Lois Lowry | Audible.comAmazon.com: Tech21 Evo Mesh Case (Drop Protective) for iPhone 6/6S (4.7") - Clear/White: Cell Phones & AccessoriesRoderick on the Line | Cotton Bureau: hand-picked tees, tanks, and hoodies for people of all ages. Submit yours today.“Ding!” graphic designer t-shirt, pullover crewneck, and pullover hoodie by Roderick on the Line. | Cotton Bureau: hand-picked tees, tanks, and hoodies for people of all ages. Submit yours today.Let the world know you really nailed it. Di

TOPIC: Grow what? Grow HOW? This week, Dan and Merlin have a surprisingly passionate discussion about growth. Companies gotta "grow," right? But…what the hell does that really even mean? Lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous. Also, an important update on Pek Pongpaet. Links for this episode:Sherbit“Ding!” graphic designer t-shirt, pullover crewneck, and pullover hoodie by Roderick on the Line. | Cotton Bureau: hand-picked tees, tanks, and hoodies for people of all ages. Submit yours today.Let the world know you really nailed it. Ding! “#SUPERTRAIN” graphic designer t-shirt, pullover crewneck, and pullover hoodie by Roderick on the Line. | Cotton Bureau: hand-picked tees, tanks, and hoodies for people of all ages. Submit yours today.Pack a small bag with a remix of the very first official Roderick on the Line shirt. Apple’s actual role in podcasting: be careful what you wish for – Marco.orgA Current Affair (U.S. TV series) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaPhil Rizzuto - The Money Store - YouTubeWNYW

TOPIC: Opinion at Scale. This week kicks off with a confession that Dan and Merlin are increasingly less interested in coverage of Apple's finances and the related Kremlinology and blind guessing about the company. Merlin announces the unlikely product he'd love for Apple to create (and why it'll probably never happen). Also, lots of followup on apps and services for fitness and personal tracking. Links for this episode:Put It On the List: Kristen Darbyshire: 9780525479062: Amazon.com: BooksKremlinology - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediagyrosco.peApple CEO Tim Cook Teases 'Great Innovation' in Product Pipeline on CNBC's Mad Money - Mac RumorsNeuromancer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaCyberpunk: The Documentary (60p) - YouTubeZenobaseNorthcube | Games & Health appsGoodTask 3 - Task Manager with iOS Reminders & CalendarsReconcilable Differences - Relay FMHome | Masqueradebugs bunny & evil scientist ether mishap - YouTubeWhat Every BODY Is Saying Audiobook | Joe Navarro, Marvin Ka

TOPIC: Finding stories and insights hiding in your data. This week, Dan and Merlin dive deep into the new world of personal tracking. Dan has a new FitBit, and Merlin has a surprisingly complicated system involving many devices and apps. Great stuff you can try for yourself. Also discussed: Merlin's weird cat, Deadpool, Pek Pongpaet the Professional Podcast Pundit, Alexa on Fire TV, a defense of Reed Richards, and Dan's advice on how to setup your own VPN. Links for this episode:Architecture of RadioThe Architecture of Radio is a site-specific iPad application that visualizes this network of networks by reversing the ambient nature of the infosphere Unjustly Maligned | "Reed Richards" with Andy Ihnatko (Episode 52)He can stretch and change his body in “Fantastic” ways, but to many comic readers, he’s anything but a role model. Journalist Andy Ihnatko joins Antony to defend the honor of the Fantastic Four’s Reed Richards. Amazon.com Help: Alexa on Fire TVIn addition to voice search, you can use you

TOPIC: Putting an Overt Stake in the Ground. This week, Dan and Merlin end up talking about the surprising stuff a Fitbit can do for you. Dan even buys one. Also, some discussion of pope hats, NASCAR, (the amazing) Screens 4, and that failing restaurant by Dan's office that kinda looks like Terminus. Links for this episode:Screens - Control Your Computer Remotely - EdoviaScreens 4 brings one-touch passwords, groups, redesign - Six ColorsLeaving Everywhere(hilarious open letter/quit generator) [via (https://twitter.com/fire_wally/status/720972024735109120)] GNARLY COVERSSource Code in TV and FilmsTerrible real estate agent photographsUniversal Life Church - Official Site - Est. 1977Dudeism - The Religion of The Big Lebowski | Free online ordination as a minister at DudeismMitre - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSolomon - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaDepp, Heard issue somber apology over dogsBubble tea - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAmerican Community Survey (ACS)Amazon.com: Fitbit Charge HR Wireless Ac

TOPIC: But, alas. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about Smile's updated announcement about TextExpander and the ugly problem of blind internet rage. Also, lots of talk about ponderous 80s movies and old TV shows, including Dan learning which program had that tiny tabletop robot. Also, we are endeavoring, ma'am, to construct a mnemonic memory circuit using stone knives and bearskins. Links for this episode:TextExpander Adjustments | SmileThe Silence of the Lambs (1991) - Quotes - IMDbiOS 8, iPhone 6, Conditional Call Forwarding - Marcel BrowniPhone Tip: How to Use Conditional Call Forwarding - The iPhone and iPad BlogDrawing Wizards, Witches and Warlocks (Academy of Fantasy Art): Chris Hart: Amazon.com: BooksDrawing Wizards, Witches and Warlocks by Christopher Hart | 9781933027685 | Paperback | Barnes & NobleDrawing Wizards, Witches and Warlocks by Christopher Hart — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, ListsSlacker (film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaStar Trek: The Next Generation In 40 Hours — Maxisten

TOPIC: Wow, times change. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the challenges and opportunities of subscription-based payment models. When do they work (or not) and how quickly does autopay fatigue kick in? Links for this episode:Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #13 — Merlin MannStarz Launches Standalone Streaming Service | VarietyThe New TextExpander | SmileTextExpander Updates Focus on New Service – MacStoriesThe biggest changes to TextExpander on the Mac and iOS are not the apps themselves, but the new service that ties them together. Starz hits Apple TV with $8.99/month package, Twitter scores live NFL “Thursday Night Football” streams | 9to5MacAmazon.com: On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction (9780060891541): William Zinsser: BooksOn Writing Well - William Zinsser - PaperbackOn Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: An Informal Guide to Writing NonfictionDim your screen further than Control Center allows (and other cool iOS 8 tricks) | iMoreHemingway EditorHeadhunters (2011) - IMDbDas Keyboard

TOPIC: Welcome to Costco. I love you. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about breakfast sandwiches, the pain and suffering of dealing with Apple IDs, managing kids and their iOS devices, Merlin's weird week with Playstation Vue, and the science (or otherwise) behind iOS's Night Shift. The main topic this week focuses on quality, values, and self-improvement. Are Dan and Merlin just cloud-yelling old men for wishing writers (and everyone for that matter) would try a little harder? Maybe. Maybe not. Links for this episode:confirmshaming"when a site asks you to sign up for their thing and then the 'no thank you' link is some hot garbage." 5by5 | Home Work #197: Season 2: Episode 4 - Email with Merlin MannDave and Aaron sit at the feet of Merlin Mann, the father of the Inbox Zero method of email management. How has email changed over the last decade or so? Find out in this episode! Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #13 — Merlin MannMERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, You Look Nice Toda

TOPIC: Serving the super-motivated super-fan. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about: a modest request from Merlin some interesting new options for viewing OTA broadcast television on Apple TV the evolution (and often lost opportunities) of media delivery highlights of yesterday's Apple event Links for this episode:Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #13 — Merlin MannPlayStation™Vue | PlayStation™NetworkMrMC media centerHilo Book 1: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth: Judd Winick: 9780385386173: Amazon.com: BooksFear Agent - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaTony Moore (artist) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaShakira - Try Everything (Official Video) - YouTubeBacon MethodBlink (comics) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaEllen Page - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaKitty Pryde - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaPatrick Stewart on Extras - YouTubeSir Ian McKellen, On Acting - YouTubeExtras David Bowie - YouTubeAmazon Echo: Always Ready, Connected, and Fast.Amazon.com: Echo DotUnder the Radar #19: Improving the App Store, Part 1