Back to Work

DISCUSSED: thoughts on hand-washing and habit-building; Dan has a really good scarecrow joke; Merlin still can't figure out how many 12-year-olds Dan owns; Dan has a question about laptops and backpacks; the Tao of Backpacks; how to listen to a podcast; Dan has a question about iPhone cases; what we talk about when we talk about ad blocking; Merlin recommends a TED talk and a podcast about delight; Dan's new Picard podcast is going well; Dan has questions about OmniFocus; finally, Dan has questions about Los Angeles and, then, repeatedly ruins Merlin's very good endings. Links for this episode:Ligatures in programming fonts | Butterick’s Practical TypographyTim Harford — Cautionary TalesCautionary Tales — OvercastA powerful way to unleash your natural creativity | Tim Harford - YouTubeThe Show of Delights - This American LifeIn these dark, combative times, we attempt the most radical counterprogramming we could imagine: a show made up entirely of stories about delight. Amazon.com: Pro Co Sound CDSS Short Stop Mute Box: Musical InstrumentsJoe Smith: How to use a paper towel | TED TalkMyriam Sidibe: The simple power of hand-washing | TED TalkDSPTCH Daypack Review - MatterfulDaypack - Ballistic Nylon - DSPTCHSynapse 25 - Backpacks - Travel Bags – TOM BIHNShort Stop - Pro Co SoundHow To Use Plaque Disclosing TabletsTalking Heads - Live in Rome 1980 [Full Concert] - YouTubeBrought to you by: [Health IQ][(http://healthiq.com/backtowork) (To see if you qualify, go to healthiq.com/backtowork to take the proprietary Health IQ quiz. Depending upon your score, as well as other related qualifying factors, you can save up to 41% on your life insurance premiums compared to other providers).

Merlin is pretty out of it this week, and Dan shares some listener questions. Links for this episode:Reilly's a match for show business / Actor-director here in one-man show - SFGateThe Complete Adventure Time Timeline | Channel Frederator - YouTubeThe PicardAmazon.com: Tul Retractable Gel Pens 0.5mm Needle Point, Black 4/pk: Office ProductsThe Sopranos - WikipediaMad Men - WikipediaThe Duffer Brothers - WikipediaDust Brothers - WikipediaLADDA Rechargeable battery - IKEADownload your data - Google Account HelpCharge Apple Watchjohn on Twitter: "hbd to this man https://t.co/xajeX4NoZD" / TwitterI Remember You | Adventure Time Season 4 DVD | Cartoon Network - YouTubeAdventure Time | Simon and Marcy's Origins Story | Cartoon Network - YouTubeAdventure Time | Simon & Marcy | Cartoon Network - YouTubeBrought to you by: Molekule (For $75 off your first order, visit Molekule.com and enter BACKTOWORK at checkout).

DISCUSSED: strongly-held podcast preferences; Skype hates you; praise for Rogue Amoeba and Strong Songs; a small B2W milestone passes; Dan likes 1917; what Jack did; praise for Match Game; a couple app and font reccos; tips for tricking out your Logitech mouse; no, seriously, Skype actively hates you; Merlin nabs an excellent new domain name for the program; Merlin continues his deep dive into LaunchBar; and, finally, some thoughts on burritos and tacos. Links for this episode:“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin — Strong Songs — Overcast“Tiny Dancer” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John — Strong Songs — Overcast“Satisfied” from Hamilton — Strong Songs — OvercastThe Talk Show: ‘SPORT MODE’, WITH SPECIAL GUEST MERLIN MANNSpecial guest Merlin Mann returns to the show. Topics include the renewal of U.S. law enforcement officials’ disingenuous campaign against iPhone encryption, the Houston Astros cheating scandal, how that cheating scandal relates to the Trump impeachment saga, and Catalyst and the art of Mac software design. But mostly we talk about finding a good pair of slippers. JetBrains Mono: A free and open source typeface for developers | JetBrains: Developer Tools for Professionals and TeamsIntroduction | IBM PlexGitHub - insidegui/PodcastMenu: Put Overcast on your Mac's menu barPodcastMenu is a simple app which puts Overcast on your Mac's menu bar so you can listen to your favorite podcasts while you work. Download Logitech Options to Increase Work ProductivityLogitech Options is a powerful and easy-to-use application that enhances your Logitech mice, keyboards, and touchpads. Customize your device with Options and do more than you thought possible. Mac keyboard shortcuts - Apple SupportBy pressing certain key combinations, you can do things that normally need a mouse, trackpad, or other input device. LaunchBar HelpLaunchBar Help - Instant SendInstant Send is an extremely efficient way to send files or text selections to LaunchBar, and optionally send them further to other items such as applications, folders, email contacts or search templates. LaunchBar Help - Instant OpenInstant Open is a powerful technique to open items via LaunchBar even more quickly. You no longer have to press the Return key - you just hold down the last entered abbreviation character and the selected item opens immediately. LaunchBar Help - Modifier TapsAs an alternative to LaunchBar’s Command-Space shortcut it’s also possible to activate LaunchBar by tapping a modifier key. 5by5 | Back to Work #1: Alligator in the BathroomIn the inaugural episode of Back to Work, Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin discuss why they’re doing this show, getting back to work instead of buying berets, the lizard brain, and compare the Shadow of the Mouse to San Francisco, and eventually get to some practical tips for removing friction. No man's land - WikipediaDan's Mouse: Logitech G305Amazon.com: Kidrobot Adventure Time The Lich 8-Inch Medium Vinyl Figure: Kidrobot: Toys & GamesAmazon.com: Zeiss Lens Care Pack - 2 - 8 Ounce Bottles of Lens Cleaner, 2 Microfiber Cleaning Cloths: Health & Personal CareStar Wars (radio series) - WikipediaAn expanded radio dramatization of the original Star Wars trilogy was produced in 1981, 1983, and 1996. The first two radio series, based on Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, were produced and broadcast by National Public Radio (NPR) as part of NPR Playhouse. A dramatization of Return of the Jedi was produced by most of the same team and it was also broadcast on NPR. Hit Parade with Chris Molanphy.What makes a song a smash? Talent? Luck? Timing? All that—and more. Song ExploderStrong SongsThe English Beat - Mirror In The Bathroom [Official Music Video] - HQ - YouTubeEnglish Beat: "Save It For Later" - YouTubeMerlin Mann | PatreonThe excellent projects to which Merlin gives money. Match Game Marathon (Top 25 Best Episodes Of All Time) - YouTubeMBMBaM - "PLAY with me in the space!" - YouTubeBack to Work dot LimoNailed it. Guardian Firewall - Guardian FirewallBrought 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). Feals (Become a member today by going to Feals.com/backtowork and you'll get 50% off your first order with free shipping).

DISCUSSED: A fun and creepy new face swap app; Twitter is not creating much new happy; this leads to a discussion of generational perceptions about what's acceptable or even desirable (especially with Apple products); praise for the podcast, The Dream; Merlin gets a new clock; the origin of #MerlinsPoopList; who pays $168 for a bikini?; Merlin has uvula problems; Dan explores P&S Liquid and an upsetting gurgling noise; and, finally, "Back to the Mac 2020™" kicks off with a first dive into the magic of Obdev's LaunchBar. Links for this episode:Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock - with 8" Large Screen Display, am pm, 5 Alarm, for Extra Large Impaired Vision People, The Aged Seniors, The Dementia, for Desk, Wall Mounted, WhiteLaunchBar 6Instant SendAmazon.com: JALLHypercritical: Front and CenterHypercritical: Front and CenterDOUBLICAT | Face swap in GIFsHour of CodeSmartphones: 72% of people will use only mobile for internet by 2025S2 E4: Take With Caution — The Dream — OvercastS1 E1: Wanna Swim in Cash? — The Dream — OvercastPhenol topical Reviews & Ratings at Drugs.comswall Action Movie FXHome | MasqueradeMerlin Mann on Twitter: "I legit love you guys, but here’s one thing to think about: The happier I am, the less I look at Twitter. And, the less I look at Twitter, the happier I am." / TwitterChristmas Eve Twitter feels like the raw and ill-advised Twitter of 2007Toolbox ProPushcut - Smart notifications that trigger your automationLaunchCuts | LaunchCuts is a powerful, customizable, and elegant launcher for shortcuts on iOS. Organize your shortcuts manually into folders or create smart folders using tags.Quicksilver (software) - WikipediaAlfred - Productivity App for macOSButler · Many TricksComparison of desktop application launchers - WikipediaThese desktop application launchers work with the Apple macOS operating system only. That's a Reference on Twitter: "233-31:40 @Siracusa “That should be the title of my biography…” DONE cc @hotdogsladies https://t.co/s30a7O70Bl" / TwitterNarrow your search results on Mac - Apple SupportA Slack comment by Merlin"…how many of the folks at Apple right now grew up using iOS way more than a Mac?" Connected #276: Symbiosis, Osmosis, Whatever - Relay FMBrought to you by: Feals (Become a member today by going to Feals.com/backtowork and you'll get 50% off your first order with free shipping). HealthIQ (To see if you qualify, go to healthiq.com/backtowork to take the proprietary Health IQ quiz where it's possible to save up to 41% on your life insurance premiums compared to other providers)!

Merlin needs help in the NOC; Dan discovers sensitive sauce; there are thresholds; hurting your roller skating muscles; new printer; and, finally, Merlin conducts a long exploration of unnecessary efficiencies, evolved technologies, and the minimum viable productivity system. Links for this episode:Sensitive Marinara Sauce | Rao's HomemadeAmazon.com : Rao's Sauce Homemade Marinara Sensitive, 24 oz : Tomato And Marinara SaucesAmazon.com: Lenox Gold Titanium Coated Utility Knife Blades - 10 Pack - Last 3X Longer Than Standard Blades: Home ImprovementBrought 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). Native (For 20% off your first purchase, visit nativedeodorant.com and use promo code BACKTOWORK during checkout).

For this very special end of the century, fin de siècle episode, Dan and Merlin make bespoke personal recommendations for music, podcasts, apps, TV shows, YouTube videos, and gadgets. Links for this episode:Pen Computing Magazine: VisorPhoneHandspring (company) - WikipediaSetapp | The best apps for Mac in one suiteThe frontier platform that packs 160 Mac apps into just one. A personally curated membership for $9.99/mo. MailMateFastmailAmazon.com: Tenergy TN438 16 Bay Smart Charger with LCD and Built-in IC Protection, AA/AAA NiMH/NiCd Rechargeable Batteries Charger with AC Wall Adapter and Car Adapter: Home Audio & TheaterText CaseInteract Scratchpad for Mac | Agile TortoiseZotero | Your personal research assistantJellyfish - Joining a Fan Club - YouTubeDan Reeder - Clean Elvis - YouTubeCHARMPIT - Bridges Go Burn (Official Music Video) - YouTubePete Holmes & Friends: "Ex-Men"Amazon.com: Sony 4K Ultra HD Blu Ray Player with 4K HDR and Dolby Vision + 6FT HDMI Cable - (UBP-X700): Electronics40. David Letterman — Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend — Overcast45. Paul Rudd — Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend — OvercastYou're Wrong About... — OvercastThe O.J. Simpson Trial: Nicole Brown Simpson Part 1 — You're Wrong About... — OvercastMerlin Mann on Twitter: "Dammit, that guy who plays Ethan on Silicon Valley—what the hell do I remember him fr…oooohhh, yeah! Snikt! https://t.co/Q4lP37XRN5" / TwitterPredestination streaming: where to watch online?HalideFilmic Pro Mobile VideoAmazon.com: Attmu 50 PCS Reusable Fastening Cable Ties, Microfiber Cloth 6-Inch Hook and Loop Cord Ties, Black: ElectronicsAmazon.com: Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con - HAC 001 (Discontinued by Manufacturer): Video GamesOfficial site | MinecraftThe Top 10 TV Shows of the Decade | The Watch — The Watch — OvercastAmazon.com: Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard – Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Android, iPad, iPhone, Apple TV Compatible – with FLOW Cross-Computer Control and Easy-Switch up to 3 Devices – Dark Grey: Computers & Accessories5by5 | Back to Work #38: Sorry. You Can't Have a Candle.Dan and Merlin talk about bombing the deck, advancing the slides, and striving to improve the self-perpetuating bad culture of presentations.Slide?!? Full text of "Harrison Bergeron (& Activity)"Folk devil - Wikipedia‘Star Trek’ Movie: ‘Fargo’s Noah Hawley In Talks To Write & Direct For Paramount – DeadlineBrought to you by: [Health IQ][(http://healthiq.com/backtowork) (To see if you qualify, go to healthiq.com/backtowork to take the proprietary Health IQ quiz. Depending upon your score, as well as other related qualifying factors, you can save up to 41% on your life insurance premiums compared to other providers).

DISCUSSED: holiday lizard talk; some benefits of using "Environment" and "Journal" calendars; nostalgia for the Palm family of products in general and Graffiti in particular; responses to listener letters about: finding a "hook" for a new habit, physical media follow-up, HomeKit dinguses, Markdown editors, the joys of the TaskPaper lifestyle, advice on recovering from a disruption, and, finally, some thoughts on the unexpected benefits of disruption. Links for this episode:Brumation Dormant Period in ReptilesAmazon.com : Feeding Tongs 15" 2 Pcs Super Thick Stainless Steel Forceps Curved and Straight Snakes, Reptile, Lizards, Gecko, Spider Long Tweezer : Pet SuppliesAmazon.com : Josh's Frogs Hornworms Habitat Cup (25 Count Cup) : Pet Suppliesbearded dragon cat friends - Google SearchPalm VII - WikipediaGraffiti (Palm OS) - WikipediaDoonesbury comic strip on Newton - CHM RevolutionAmazon.com : Palm V Hand held PDA : Handhelds And Pda Gps Peripherals : ElectronicsRevisiting the Palm Pilot's uncanny alphabet: Design ObserverThe Gadget We Miss: The Palm V - People & Gadgets - MediumWemo Mini WiFi Smart PlugWemo Mini Smart Plug, 2-packThe Social Life of Paper | The New YorkerThe solution to our paper problem, they write, is not to use less paper but to keep less paper. Mark TextMind Mapping by Tony Buzan, a great effectiveness tool | ToolsHeroTony Buzan – Inventor of Mind MappingDavid Allen (author) - Wikipedia"Allen was also one of the founders of Actioneer, a company specializing in productivity tools for the PalmPilot." Mitch Kapor Introduces Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet Software - YouTubeThe Hacker's Diet - WikipediaUsing Drafts 5 Taskpaper with OmniFocus – Rosemary OrchardTaskPaper – Plain text to-do lists for MacTake Control of Shortcuts for iOS with Rosemary Orchard's New Book – The Sweet SetupTake Control of Shortcuts – Take Control Books5by5 | Back to Work #5: Chigger Bites on the Bus Driver5by5 | Back to Work #7: Vocational WheelTim Harford — PodcastsTim Harford — Article — Cautionary Tales Ep 7 – Bowie, jazz, and the unplayable pianoBowie, Jazz and the Unplayable Piano — Cautionary Tales — OvercastBenefits of Forced Experimentation: Striking Evidence from the London Underground Network* | The Quarterly Journal of Economics | Oxford AcademicWe show that a strike on the Underground, which forced many commuters to experiment with new routes, brought lasting changes in behavior. This effect is stronger for commuters who live in areas where the Underground map is more distorted, which points to the importance of informational imperfections. "A mistake is a Buddhist gift."Brought 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).

DISCUSSED: Dan presents a curious new bathroom project; some thoughts on OCD, procrastination, and empathy; praise for Fury Road, Inglourious Basterds, and Dunkirk; Dan has follow-up on his awesome new laptop and the state of Unix shells; Merlin makes the case for occasionally getting unused to things. Links for this episode:I’ll Do The Procrastination Episode TomorrowThe MacBook Adorable — Liss is MoreMoving to zsh – Scripting OS XApple replaces bash with zsh as the default shell in macOS Catalina - The VergeAmazon.com: Samson Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack (Includes Mic Clip, Desktop Stand, Windscreen and Cables): Musical InstrumentsCausalityCompartmentalization (psychology) - WikipediaCompartmentalization is a subconscious psychological defense mechanism used to avoid cognitive dissonance, or the mental discomfort and anxiety caused by a person's having conflicting values, cognitions, emotions, beliefs, etc. within themselves. Brought 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). Feals (Become a member today by going to Feals.com/backtowork and you'll get 50% off your first order with free shipping).

DISCUSSED: Drafts for Mac is out!; check out Damon Lindelof on The Watch; suggestions for HomeKit power strips; and responses to listener letters on rediscovering the joys of physical media and getting started with addressing chronic pain. Links for this episode:Plex launches a free, ad-supported streaming service in over 200 countries | TechCrunchDrafts | Where Text Starts“Easily one of the best iOS apps I’ve ever used.” – Merlin Mann Damon Lindelof on the World-building of ‘Watchmen’ | The Watch — The Watch — OvercastAmazon.com: VOCOlinc Smart Power Strip Multi Outlet, Surge Protector, Energy Monitoring, USB Fast Charging (QC3.0), Timers, Works with HomeKit, Alexa and Google Assistant, No Hub Required, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, PM2: Home ImprovementAmazon.com: Smart Power Strip WiFi Power Bar 5ft  Extension Cord Compatible with Alexa,Google Home and IFTTT, TECKIN Surge Protector with 4 USB Charging Ports and Smart AC Plugs for Multi Outlets: ElectronicsAmazon.com: Wemo Bridge - Works with Apple HomeKitCDs and vinyl are more popular than digital downloads once again - The VergeThe Official Watchmen Podcast — OvercastThe official podcast of the HBO series Watchmen. Over three episodes, host Craig Mazin (HBO’s Chernobyl) discusses Watchmen with its Executive Producer and Writer, Damon Lindelof. Join Mazin and Lindelof as they divulge narrative choices, explore the show’s connection with the groundbreaking graphic novel, and how it reflects our modern times. Watchmen airs Sundays on HBO at 9 PM. It's My Plastic Straws | Do By FridayChris Walker on Twitter: "me to my kid: “if you trip while running that way, you’ll Naruto Knock Your Front Teeth Out.”" / Twitter

Discussed: the commercials you get in your head listener feedback on music management first results of Merlin's own deep dive on music management alternatives thoughts on the "safety" that ends up making us less safe the perverse magic of "ghoti" thoughts on Dan's cool new laptop getting the shell you want sometimes Daddy needs to go in the closet Links for this episode:The Plain Text ProjectMusicBrainz PicardJRiver Media Center softwareVolumio - The Audiophile Music Playerfoobar2000MinimServerDLNAWhat is the difference between DLNA and UPNP? - Super UserAudio Station | Synology Inc.La La Land: Galileo’s Warning — Cautionary Tales — OvercastTim Harford — PodcastsThe Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety: Alan W. Watts: 8601300190136: Amazon.com: BooksGhoti - Wikipedia“Paranoid Android” by Radiohead — Strong Songs — OvercastTurbo Boost Switcher for OS X – rugarciap.comBrought to you by: Bombas (Save 20% on your first purchase when you shop at Bombas.com/backtowork). 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). HealthIQ (To see if you qualify, go to healthiq.com/backtowork to take the proprietary Health IQ quiz where it's possible to save up to 41% on your life insurance premiums compared to other providers)!