Back to Work

DISCUSSED: Merlin's additions to Bunch have him stepping on his own dingus; maybe it's time to invert the permissive legacy model for who gets access to us (as well as how and when); there's no amount of technology that can make other people be decent; Oh. Hey. Defaults? Be better; also, please quit stealing my focus; Dan is not buying anything new; your hosts talk about the various (often non-obvious) costs of adding, changing, or removing features; maybe building your whole business on Facebook wasn't such a great idea; passing discussion of Bloom County, Muppet dogs, and a Tilikum bottle; the tale of Underscore's unexpected success, and the costs it brought; talk of affordances; and, finally, Just cough up some dough, Mac! Links for this episode:Can U2’s Songs of Innocence Be Removed From Apple Account?ELECTION PROFIT MAKERSStrong Songs is creating podcasts about music | PatreonBlackfish (film) - WikipediaThe Manchurian Candidate (1962 film) - WikipediaOpus the Penguin - WikipediaThe Flop House Animated - The Porthole of Time - YouTubeBunch - BrettTerpstra.com15 Early Telephone Etiquette Rules We Should Bring Back | Mental FlossSemantic satiation - WikipediaSemantic satiation is a psychological phenomenon in which repetition causes a word or phrase to temporarily lose meaning for the listener, who then perceives the speech as repeated meaningless sounds. Brought to you by: Teamistry (Search for Teamistry anywhere you listen to podcasts)! Command Line Heroes (Search for Command Line Heroes anywhere you listen to podcasts)! Remote Works (Search for Remote Works anywhere you listen to podcasts)!

DISCUSSED: Merlin has a lot to say about the benefits of making lists; this leads to an old-school stemwinder on "Journal" calendars, functional playlists, shared Notes, the lessons of the cutlery drawer, desire paths, arbitrary grids, "Reference" albums, urban bike hooks, auxiliary paper towel holders, and more; praise for The Boys; the magical combination of Halide and Pixelmator Photo; Dan resurrects a beloved podcast; and, finally, Merlin endorses a really weird British weather report that can help you sleep. Links for this episode:Desire path - WikipediaThe Pot Roast Principle | Psychology Today "I don't know. That's just the way my mom always cooked it. Why don't you ask her?" Star Trek Dr. McCoy Pop Art T-ShirtMy Happy Place - YouTubeVideos I watch pretty often when I need a little pick-me-up. "The Boys" (Prime Video)HalidePixelmator PhotoQUIT! with Dan BenjaminDan's amazing podcast QUIT! has returned! The Secret History: Howard Hughes, Bizarre Billionaire - YouTube5 Hours of The Shipping Forecast on BBC Radio 4! - YouTubeThe Shipping Forecast.mp3.zipThe Shipping Forecast: A Miscellany: Compton, Nic: 9781785940293: Amazon.com: BooksWhat are Affordances? | Interaction Design FoundationBrought 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). SaneBox (Visit the link and get a $25 credit applied to your account on top of the 14-day free trial).

DISCUSSED: hey, it's an advice episode!; San Francisco has a lot of available office space; a musical unguent for your soul; a cool font that makes accessibility pretty; getting in front of your next wave of depression; the Emotional Police are here to cite you for your numerous infractions; and, finally, Merlin highly recommends a recent podcast episode about why we're all so exhausted and what we might want to do about it. Links for this episode:Visualizing the Vacant Office Space in San FranciscoIn other words, there’s roughly 8.7 Salesforce towers, or 516 Salesforce tower floors, worth of empty office space in San Francisco at the moment, which is roughly enough space to accommodate between 67,000 (based on an average, pre-Covid, density) and 91,000 (a la twitter) worker bees. Nick Lowe & The Southsea Alternative Choir - (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding - YouTubeDownload the Atkinson Hyperlegible Font | Braille InstituteEverything is Exhausting | To The Best Of Our KnowledgeEverything is Exhausting — To The Best Of Our Knowledge — OvercastHelp for people who suffer seasonal and pandemic depression - The Washington PostWatch SEDUCED: INSIDE THE NXIVM CULT Online: Stream Full Series on STARZ - Free TrialThis four-part documentary series follows the story of India Oxenberg's perilous journey through the dark and criminal world of the notorious self-help-group-turned-sex-slave-cult NXIVM. Reconcilable Differences #141: The Panopticon of Frasier - Relay FMNo spoilers, but if you're a big fan of Facebook, you might want to skip this one. Because, oh boy, do your hosts ever go off. Marked 2 - Smarter tools for smarter writersMarked is a previewer for Markdown files. Use it with your favorite text editor and it updates every time you save. Why Zoom School Is So Awful for Parents and KidsWe're only a few weeks in. We can't keep doing this. President Donald Trump: The 60 Minutes 2020 Election Interview - YouTubeHow to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy: Odell, Jenny: 9781612197494: Amazon.com: BooksSalesforce Tower: Official Web SiteJohn Mulaney: New in Town - Ice-T on "SVU" & Old Murder Investigations - YouTubeBrought to you by: Linode (Get started on Linode today with a $100 in free credit by visiting linode.com/backtowork). Feals (Become a member today by going to Feals.com/backtowork and you'll get 50% off your first order with free shipping).

DISCUSSED: Sending good vibes to The Dude; Merlin has a couple awesome app recommendations; some Follow-Up on the Apple Event, including what your hosts are ordering and what they're each excited about; which kinds of things your hosts do and do not find useful about the Apple Rumor Industrial Complex; Dan tries on a new iOS camera app; Merlin recommends a clever web cam app; some of our voice friends hear well, others understand well, and some sound good, but none (for now) do it all; finally, Dan finds some productivity insight, courtesy of The Buddha. Links for this episode:An overly complex hack for finding books on cluttered shelves (Interconnected)Memos - Private MemoryBunch - BrettTerpstra.comReincubate Camo - Use your phone as a pro webcam, freeMarriage Logic MapAdittapariyaya Sutta: The Fire SermonJeff Bridges Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ - YouTubeJeff Bridges Remains 'Chill' During Troubling Times - YouTubeJeff Bridges, John Goodman And Steve Buscemi Talk ‘The Big Lebowski’ In Extended Inteview | TODAY - YouTube10 Questions for Jeff Bridges - YouTubeDakota Johnson & Jeff Bridges Answer the Web's Most Searched Questions | WIRED - YouTubeToo Many Cooks | Adult Swim - YouTubeBrought to you by: Teamistry (Search for Teamistry anywhere you listen to podcasts)! Linode (Get started on Linode today with a $100 in free credit by visiting linode.com/backtowork). LinkedIn Talent Solutions (Get $50 off your first job post by going to LinkedIn.com/BACKTOWORK).

DISCUSSED: Merlin is reporting live from the show floor; Dan is due for a new phone; nostalgia for buying a carton of cigarettes; praise for Netflix's "Challenger" series; Merlin shares some updates on his big resource-leveling project; gotta find those big rocks, amirite; interruptions are the death of the tech person's day; remember, your work is part of your life—not separate from it. Links for this episode:"Challenger: The Final Flight" (Netflix)Apple’s new HomePod mini speaker revealed in leaked images - The VergeNostromo patch | EtsyNASA Armstrong Fact Sheet: Shuttle Carrier Aircraft | NASAF-1 Rocket Engine | National Air and Space MuseumYou Are Allowed 20 Birthday Parties - YouTubeBrought to you by: Linode (Get started on Linode today with a $100 in free credit by visiting linode.com/backtowork). 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).

DISCUSSED: Merlin craves an easy visit with Floyd; Spirit's lawsuit no longer winds on down the road; Question: what obligation does a company have to support their developer tools? And for how long exactly?; when are new film editions not "the good one?"; despite swearing not to do so, a popular service for monetizing indie content is, as they say, put on blast; lot of talk about business things; waiters shouldn't lie to people who used to be waiters; exciting developments in the Drafts ecosystem; and, finally, Merlin unleashes an old school stem-winder on taking a recent stab at resource-leveling—using technology! Links for this episode:Introducing the ThoughtAsylum Suite for Drafts | ThoughtAsylumThoughtAsylum - Tasks & Lists | Drafts Action DirectoryAirtableGuide to kanban view – Airtable - SupportIntroduction to Kanban Guide – What is Kanban? | PlanviewWhat Is Kanban And How Can It Be Used To Increase Productivity? | by Sandeep Kashyap | MediumLed Zeppelin emerges victor in 'Stairway to Heaven' plagiarism case | Reuters40 Years Ago: George Harrison Found Guilty of 'My Sweet Lord' PlagiarismAn update on Patreon’s API - Updates - Patreon CommunityPatreon raises $60M Series D, targets international growth and more customization | TechCrunchPatreon Tops $1 Billion Valuation as Pandemic Brings a Surge in Creators to Platform - WSJKanban (development) - WikipediaAlien: The Differences Between Theatrical & Director's CutUltimately, the director’s cut of Alien doesn’t drastically change much for fans of the movie. Even Ridley Scott himself considers the theatrical release the true version of the film and representative of his vision for it. Why the Katy Perry/Flame lawsuit makes no sense - YouTubewarner music claimed my video for defending their copyright in a lawsuit they lost the copyright for - YouTubeEvery Melody Has Been Copyrighted (and they're all on this hard drive) - YouTubeQuote by Kurt Vonnegut: “Dr. Hoenikker used to say that any scientist wh...”“Dr. Hoenikker used to say that any scientist who couldn't explain to an eight-year-old what he was doing was a charlatan.- Said by Dr. Asa Breed Brought to you by: Teamistry (Search for Teamistry anywhere you listen to podcasts)!

DISCUSSED: the boys update one another on some very good media they're enjoying; everybody loves a movie with a big world; Merlin pitches Dan on the improbable magic of Ted Lasso; talk turns to some new features of Apple's recent OS updates; at length, Merlin makes a case for exploring the amazing new functionalities of widgets, complications, and especially the apps of Underscore David Smith; Guardian gets an exciting update and a pro plan; there's some talk of the challenge in finding a VPN that actually does what you think it's doing; it seems like the show is over, but then there's twelve minutes of movie talk with a focus on children and boobs; finally, Merlin kinda busts a gut about trying to run a Mr. Rogers on the kids you care about. Links for this episode:Ep. 397: "Open Ticket" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin MannThe Problem: John likes to divide his life up into stories. Shortcuts Catalog – Matthew CassinelliRaised by Wolves (American TV series) - WikipediaHBO MaxChris Gethard Loves Kit Fisto | Blank Check with Griffin and David - YouTube@BlankCheckPod | LinktreeIn A Galaxy Far Far Away… - The Phantom Podcast — Blank Check with Griffin & David — Overcast5by5 | 5by5 Specials #32: Film Review: Goodfellas with John SiracusaCapabilities - Guardian FirewallFruitJuice -- battery maintenance app for Apple Mac laptop computers. —coconutBattery 3.9 - by coconut-flavour.comVincent Schiavelli - WikipediaChristopher Lloyd - WikipediaJim Ignatowski - WikipediaMay 1, 1969: Fred Rogers testifies before the Senate Subcommittee on Communications - YouTubeAn American Coach in London: NBC Sports Premier League Film featuring Jason Sudeikis - YouTubeThe Backfire Effect – You Are Not So SmartThe Backfire Effect: Why Facts Don’t Always Change Minds – EffectiviologyBlue Monday (New Order song) - WikipediaIt cost so much to produce that Factory Records actually lost money on each copy sold. Which VPN Providers Really Take Anonymity Seriously in 2020? * TorrentFreakTo help you pick the best one for your needs, we asked dozens of VPNs what their logging policies are, how they handle torrent users, and what else they do to keep you anonymous. VPN Comparison by That One Privacy GuyThis section is meant to be a resource to those who value their privacy, specifically those looking for information on VPNs (that isn’t disguised advertising). Apps - David Smith, Independent iOS DeveloperVincent Schiavelli - IMDb

DISCUSSED: Folks, this one is a doozy, and that's all I'm gonna say about that. Links for this episode:Inbox Zero: Merlin Mann's Tips for Managing Your Life Online | GQ“I've come to think of it as more of a philosophy than a methodology,” he says now. “It’s about trying to put a stake in the ground with regard to your attention. It’s a way of saying, ‘Some people are allowed to have some of me, some of the time. Regardless of what the world demands of me, here’s what I’m offering.’” On Chasing the Right "Zero" | kung fu grippeIn my view, the titular ‘zero’ in Inbox Zero is not about the number of email messages that are sitting in your inbox at a given time. And, contrary to popular opinion, it’s absolutely not about spending hours of your precious day trying to achieve that empty inbox at any cost. That’s just monkeyballs. Social rules - Recurse CenterFeigned surprise is when you act surprised when someone doesn’t know something. Responding with surprise in this situation makes people feel bad for not knowing things and less likely to ask questions in the future, which makes it harder for them to learn. Henry V - Saint Crispin's Day Speech (1989) - YouTubeFor he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition… Henry V - SCENE III. The English camp.Henry V (1989) - IMDbIn the midst of the Hundred Years War, the young King Henry V of England embarks on the conquest of France in 1415. iOS 14: 14 Tips for Apple’s New iPhone Operating System | WSJ - YouTubeiOS 14 popular features: how to use them all - 9to5MacAirPods Pro now support 'spatial audio' for movies & TV series - FlatpanelsHD5 Best iOS 14 HomeKit Features: Adaptive Lights, Activity Zones | Digital TrendsiOS 14: Explore All the New Features. Start Here.Gmail can now be set as the default iOS 14 email app - The VergeAnnouncing the Shortcuts Catalog for iOS 14, feat. 300 shortcuts & 300 actions – Matthew Cassinelli9 hidden iOS 14 features you'll love discovering on your iPhone - CNETiOS 14: All the New Features With Guides and How Tos - MacRumorsiOS 14 Widgets Offer iPhone Users Creative Home Screen Ideas - MacRumorsThe iOS 14 Privacy and Security Features You Should Know | WIREDNo feigning surpriseI, Podius | Maximum FunRoom 237 | The Shining Wiki | Fandom

DISCUSSED: Merlin is reporting live from the show floor; remember to photograph your kid's room; some bearded dragon updates; some thoughts on pets; Merlin's grandfather was a reluctant dog obsessive; Dan wants to read you a label; Merlin met a fellow cadet; check out Dan's videos; Merlin is loving iOS 14, especially the smarter Siri suggestions; speculation on how machines learn; your hosts still want Macs to be Macs; Big Sur notifications are basically a Bop It; are we getting diminishing returns from theoretical Mac improvements?; Dan has a really good analogy involving wrist watches; there's a reason normal people don't like their apps to change; Merlin puts review requests on blast; an edit button would still be nice; Merlin finds himself with an unusual opportunity to field test some disused home tech; and, finally, it is hoped that Frasier will leave of his own volition. Links for this episode:Cataract surgery - Mayo ClinicDan Benjamin - YouTubeAmazon.com: Craftsman 9-31794 Slotted Phillips Screwdriver Set, 17 Piece: Home ImprovementMerlin Mann on Twitter: "No new @RoderickOn this week, but I did make something new with something old, mostly for my own amusement. "In a world…" https://t.co/6UicdysnES" / TwitterMerlin made a trailer for the "Supertrain" episode of Roderick on the Line. Bop It - Wikipedia

DISCUSSED: California has no shortage of crises; Dan's got a brand new bag; thoughts on exercise as prophylactic medicine; extremely anecdotal data on the rise of fake ratings and reviews on Amazon; the return of "A cool thing I learned this week" brings some very neato apps, tips, and whatnot. Links for this episode:TextSniper is a great Mac utility for converting graphics to text - 9to5MacTextSniper - Capture any text from your Mac's screenLaunchBar Help (Clipboard History)Use Time Machine on your Mac to back up to multiple disks - Apple SupportTime Machine rotates the backup schedule among the disks. For each disk, Time Machine backs up everything that’s changed since the last time that disk was used. If you designated items that shouldn’t be backed up, the list of excluded items applies to all backup disks. Versys VS.1 | Century Martial ArtsKnixx on Twitter: ""My back hurts all the time for no reason." How I sit every day: https://t.co/E8W9PDfYSc" / TwitterHigh-intensity interval training - WikipediaSeconds iOS AppEp. 396: "Yreka Bakery" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin MannThe Problem: We were ruining the world. TextSniper - Capture any text from your Mac's screenjakehilborn/displayplacer: macOS command line utility to configure multi-display resolutions and arrangements. Essentially XRandR for macOS.Service Station – Customize your Right-Click MenuLate Show with David Letterman - "Please Stop Calling Me Chief" 06-26-2001 - YouTubeJohn Bonham - Led Zeppelin - Fool In The Rain - Isolated Drum Track AWESOME - YouTubeBernard "Pretty" Purdie: The Legendary Purdie Shuffle - YouTubeDan Benjamin - YouTubeTimeMachineEditorTimeMachineEditor is a software for macOS that lets you change the default one-hour backup interval of Time Machine. PhotoScan – scanner by Google PhotosDon’t just take a picture of a picture. Create enhanced digital scans, with automatic edge detection, perspective correction, and smart rotation. ReviewMeta.com - Amazon Review CheckerReviewMeta analyzes Amazon product reviews and filters out reviews that our algorithm detects may be unnatural. ReviewMeta.com: iPhone Cable,Sharllen Metal Spring iPhone Charger Cable Lightning Cable 3FT/6FT/10FT Long Charging&Syncing iPhone Charging Cord Data Wire Compatible iPhone 11/XS/Max/X/8/8Plus/7/7P/6/6 P/6S/iPad Black Amazon Review AnalysisAn example of some VERY sketchy product reviews. Use Magnifier with your iPhone or iPad - Apple SupportWith Magnifier, you can turn your iPhone or iPad into a magnifying glass so you can zoom in on objects near you.