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DISCUSSED: Merlin has an email confession; Dan steps up with a shoulder; listeners have given your hosts a season of the show; praise for HBO's Watchmen; a discussion of curating media for kids; Merlin exercises Personal Privilege; everybody is different!; praise for the new MacBook Pro (and who it may or may not be good for); the beginnings of what could be an extensive series on reclaiming control of your own media; some Plex homework for both listeners and your hosts; a brief rant on the downsides and limitations of renting other people's music; Merlin is birthday-gifted with Planty II plus some awesome @pants materials. Links for this episode: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: Electronicsgoogle sheets - how do I find the values that are in one column but not in the other - Stack OverflowISNA Amazon.com: Seagate Expansion Desktop 8TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC Laptop (STEB8000100): Computers & AccessoriesCommon Sense Media: Age-Based Media Reviews for FamiliesOver the Garden Wall (TV Mini-Series 2014) - Reference View - IMDbNathan HaleOver the Garden Wall - WikipediaNathan HaleList of expressions related to death - Wikipedia28 Profoundly Beautiful Quotes About Life And Death360 Death Quotes That Will Bring You Instant CalmSoundJam MP - WikipediaOver The Garden Wall | Potatoes and Molasses | Cartoon Network - YouTubeMusicBrainz - The Open Music EncyclopediaMusicBrainz Picardmr. joshua (@pants) / TwitterLUMBERJANESBrought 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). Kensington (Test drive a docking solution today with the Kensington Pro C program by visiting Kensington.com/backtowork).

updates on travel and packing a new notebook Merlin likes finding a notebook that accommodates both your brain and the shape of your day Merlin's bespoke six-block notebook method Dan struggles mightily with his hotel room a notional badge for gauging lifetime exposure to a ubiquitous TV celebrity some more travel talk, including the promise for a future dedicated episode on travel updates a suggestion for trying iOS Voice Control finally, in some detail, we return to Synology Corner Links for this episode:STANDARD ISSUE NOTEBOOK No.12 | GREEN – DesignWorks InkSTANDARD ISSUE NOTEBOOK NO.3 | GREEN – DesignWorks InkHaving a bad day? Dave Eggers can help. — The Ezra Klein Show — OvercastTweet on iOS Voice ControlUse Voice Control on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple SupportHow to use Voice Controls on iPhone and iPad | iMoreThe Trick That Lets You Set Your Hotel Thermostat to Any Temp You WantAmazon.com: WD 8TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive - USB 3.0 - WDBWLG0080HBK-NESN: Computers & AccessoriesSeagate Expansion Desktop 8TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC Laptop (STEB8000100)WD 8TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 - WDBBGB0080HBK-NESNSeagate IronWolf 4TB NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s 5900 RPM 64MB Cache for RAID Network Attached Storage – Frustration Free Packaging (ST4000VN008) “The Theme System Journal” graphic notebook by Cortex Podcast. | Cotton BureauPanobook – Studio NeatMead Data Center - YouTubeMead Data Center & The Organizer (1986) Trapper Keeper - 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: ElectronicsBrought to you by: RingCentral (Sign up today and get instant access to RingCentral’s award-winning powerful phone system with phone, fax, video conferencing and more. Take advantage of a special holiday bundle offer; don’t pay a single penny until 2020 by visiting RingCentral.com/backtowork). Molekule (For $75 off your first order, visit Molekule.com and enter BACKTOWORK at checkout). Native (For 20% off your first purchase, visit nativedeodorant.com and use promo code BACKTOWORK during checkout).

Our worst episode ever. Enjoy! Links for this episode:Mark TextCommonMark SpecVenice ‘on its knees’ after second-worst flood ever recordedSweeping Study Points To Devastating Impact Of Climate Change On Global Health : Goats and Soda : NPRNotational Velocity - WikipediaBunch - BrettTerpstra.comnvUltra - Searchable, portable, MultiMarkdown notesAccidental Tech Podcast: 352: No One Else Had CalipersPi-hole®: A black hole for Internet advertisements – A black hole for Internet advertisementsTitleCase - Text Conversion SolutionsDrafts | Where Text StartsTableFlip - Simple Table Editor for MacBrought to you by: RingCentral (Sign up today and get instant access to RingCentral’s award-winning powerful phone system with phone, fax, video conferencing and more. Take advantage of a special holiday bundle offer; don’t pay a single penny until 2020 by visiting RingCentral.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)!

Dan is getting a Synology, Merlin has been making stuff, plus the return of "Cool Things I Learned This Week." Links for this episode:Keyboards, Computer Keyboards, Wireless Keyboards | LogitechShortcuts - Drafts User GuideDraft ItMerlin's Bluetooth Keyboards - Google SheetsKeyboard shortcuts for Google Sheets - Computer - Docs Editors HelpAmazon.com: Seagate IronWolf 4TB NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s 5900 RPM 64MB Cache for RAID Network Attached Storage – Frustration Free Packaging (ST4000VN008): Computers & AccessoriesTaskPaper – Plain text to-do lists for MacShortcuts Archive - MacStoriesiOS and iPadOS 13: The MacStories Review - MacStories - Part 17Rana Foroohar joins Slate Money to discuss political ads on social media, the NCAA, and the California wildfires.Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli) / TwitterBrought to you by: RingCentral (Sign up today and get instant access to RingCentral’s award-winning powerful phone system with phone, fax, video conferencing and more. Take advantage of a special holiday bundle offer; don’t pay a single penny until 2020 by visiting RingCentral.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). Bombas (Save 20% on your first purchase when you shop at Bombas.com/backtowork).

DISCUSSED: coincident birthdays; mathowie's gigantism and very online Ex Machina house; extensive actor and media talk; you probably hadn't heard, but, The Revenant was very difficult to make; Apple TV+ is getting…not great notices; success is a great deodorant, but could iPhone : 2010s Apple :: Windows : 1990s Microsoft?; hardware follow-up on Merlin's new modem and UPS setup; the value of always showing hustle, and why you should always run out first base; Dan's in a jam-up with his internet provider over a seemingly unnecessary piece of harware; further hardware follow-up from Merlin on spreading his wings with his Synology; Dan has a new keyboard he loves; praise for several Logitech products; and, finally, why Merlin just can't quit his MX Master Mouse. Links for this episode:Locke (film) - WikipediaThe Drop (film) - WikipediaAmazon.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 & AccessoriesSee on Apple TV+: Less Game of Thrones, more unintentionally funny SyFy | Ars TechnicaAmazon.com: APC Sine Wave UPS, 1500VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector, Back-UPS Pro Uninterruptible Power Supply (BR1500MS): ElectronicsAmazon.com: ARRIS SURFboard Docsis 3.1 Gigabit Speed Cable Modem, Approved for Cox, Spectrum and Xfinity, (SB8200 Frustration Free): Computers & AccessoriesNAS Selector | Synology Inc.Amazon Prime Now: Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Touch TV Keyboard with Easy Media Control and Built-In Touchpad: Computers & Accessories5by5 | Hypercritical #44: A Little Bit More SadBrought to you by: RingCentral (Sign up today and get instant access to RingCentral’s award-winning powerful phone system with phone, fax, video conferencing and more. Take advantage of a special holiday bundle offer; don’t pay a single penny until 2020 by visiting RingCentral.com/backtowork). Kensington (Test drive a docking solution today with the Kensington Pro C program by visiting Kensington.com/backtowork). Zapier (Right now through November, try Zapier free for 14 days by going to Zapier.com/backtowork).

This week, Dan and Merlin dive into the benefits (and fun) of a NAS project. Also, Merlin goes off about the horror show of letting old people determine the future. Also, also, hey, kung fu movies! Links for this episode:Kids these days: Why the youth of today seem lacking | Science AdvancesMerlin Mann on Twitter: ""I don't need my Dad to understand why I think 'Future is Good.'" —Andy Greenwald https://t.co/WatUkVcQCl" / Twitter"I don't need my Dad to understand why I think 'Future is Good.'" —Andy Greenwald Amazon.com: Synology 6 Bay NAS DiskStation - DS1618+ (Diskless): Computers & AccessoriesAmazon.com: ARRIS SURFboard (16x4) DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem, approved for Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity & more (SB6183 Black): Computers & AccessoriesAmazon.com: ARRIS SURFboard Docsis 3.1 Gigabit Speed Cable Modem, Approved for Cox, Spectrum and Xfinity, (SB8200 Frustration Free): Computers & AccessoriesBreaking Down the Season Premiere of ‘Watchmen’ | The Watch — The Watch — OvercastCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) - Reference View - IMDbIp Man (2008) - Reference View - IMDbHero (2002) - Reference View - IMDbAdam Ruins Everything - truTV - Official SiteAdam Ruins Himself | Adam Ruins Everything Full Episodes | truTVA Former TV Critic Puts Himself Under the Microscope - The New York TimesRegina King on Twitter: "Part 1 of a note to all who are already devoted fans of Watchmen and to those who will hopefully soon become fans. #WatchmenHBO tonight 9pm.. https://t.co/1H9578Dtmx" / TwitterHiija EZ RJ45 Crimp Tool Pass Through Cat5 Cat5e Cat6 Crimping Tool for RJ45/RJ12 Regular and End-Pass-Through connectors with 50PCS Connectors, 50PCS Covers and Network Wire Stripper - - Amazon.comAmazon.com: Monoprice Cat6 Ethernet Bulk Cable - Network Internet Cord - Solid, 500Mhz, UTP, CMR, Riser Rated, Pure Bare Copper Wire, 23AWG, 250ft, Blue: Computers & AccessoriesHow to Make a Category 6 Patch CableBrought to you by: RingCentral (Sign up today and get instant access to RingCentral’s award-winning powerful phone system with phone, fax, video conferencing and more. Take advantage of a special holiday bundle offer; don’t pay a single penny until 2020 by visiting RingCentral.com/backtowork). Molekule (For $75 off your first order, visit Molekule.com and enter BACKTOWORK at checkout). Native (For 20% off your first purchase, visit nativedeodorant.com and use promo code BACKTOWORK during checkout).

It's Infrastructure Week! Dan and Merlin start with California's power crisis and end up pivoting to phones, cable TV, and, of course, Apple. What happens when a resource we think of as a solved part of our infrastructure suddenly isn't so solved? And, what would Apple look like if it treated all of its services as seriously as it once treated the Mac? Also: lizard updates, but please don't Google "hornworms." Links for this episode:Episode 925: A Mob Boss, A Garbage Boat and Why We Recycle : Planet Money : NPREpisode 926: So, Should We Recycle? : Planet Money : NPREpisode 926: So, Should We Recycle? : Transcript"China was not very careful about what got into their ocean for a long period of time. And if some of the plastic piles were just too corrupted, they could do whatever they wanted with it." Brian EdwardsTiekert on Twitter: "Hello everyone who's mystified by all the blackout posts coming from California's #Powerpocalypse , here's an explainer thread:" / TwitterTwitter - Bando - @BandoManndo"Chill West Coast Lizard." #925: A Mob Boss, A Garbage Boat and Why We Recycle — Planet Money — Overcast#926: So, Should We Recycle? — Planet Money — OvercastCompost, Recycle, & Landfill | Recology San FranciscoHow to Recycle and Compost in San Francisco | sfenvironment.org - Our Home. Our City. Our PlanetS.F. Reacts to the Bin-sanity of the New Recycling Landscape - May 22, 2019 - SF WeeklyDr. Drang on Twitter: "Given the past few weeks of software releases from Cupertino, I didn’t think this needed explaining, but I guess it does. I’m not complaining about the quality or style of the presentations." / TwitterHetch Hetchy SystemThe cities, water districts and private utilities represented by the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) rely upon the Hetch Hetchy system for water to protect the health, safety and economic well being of 1.8 million citizens, businesses and community organizations. National Sword - 99% InvisibleBrought 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). RingCentral (Sign up today and get instant access to RingCentral’s award-winning powerful phone system with phone, fax, video conferencing and more. Take advantage of a special holiday bundle offer; don’t pay a single penny until 2020 by visiting RingCentral.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).

This week, Dan and Merlin talk about living in a world of hardware choices. How do you decide which device is best suited to a given task? Which ones do you find yourself preferring to use because they're friction-free—or just fun? And, in what ways do our previous behaviors, habits, and expectations end up unconsciously coloring our future decisions? Links for this episode:Spotify rolls out Siri support and new Apple TV app - The VergeSmartSockets® Table Top Surge Protector with USB | Surge Protector & Power Strips | Smartsockets® - Kensington | KensingtonTHE CHURCH | The Blurred Crusade | Live Concert 1982 - YouTubeThe Church - Almost With You (Video) - YouTubeKLOE4 Outlet eu - Koogeek.comAmazon.com: VOCOlinc Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip Multi Outlet, Surge Protector, USB Charging, Timers, Works with HomeKit, Alexa and Google Assistant, No Hub Required, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, PM2E: ElectronicsAmazon.com : Wyze Cam Pan 1080p Pan/Tilt/Zoom Wi-Fi Indoor Smart Home Camera with Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, Person Detection, Works with Alexa & the Google Assistant : ElectronicsAmazon.com : Wyze Cam 1080p HD Indoor Wireless Smart Home Camera with Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, Person Detection, Works with Alexa & the Google Assistant : ElectronicsBrought to you by: Kensington (Test drive a docking solution today with the Kensington Pro C program by visiting Kensington.com/backtowork). Zapier (Right now through November, try Zapier free for 14 days by going to Zapier.com/backtowork).

This week, Dan and Merlin talk about Apple's OS rollouts, changes in Apple retail, and week two with the new Apple Watch. Links for this episode:Release dates for iOS 13, iPadOS 13, macOS Catalina, watchOS 6, Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, and more | MacworldBroken iCloud reminders are the latest reason to delay your iOS 13 upgrade - The VergeThis App May Be the Culprit Causing Your Apple Watch's Battery to DrainBunch - BrettTerpstra.comApple confirms iOS 13 Reminders will be fixed with macOS Catalina rolloutBrought 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). Bombas (Save 20% on your first purchase when you shop at Bombas.com/backtowork).

This week, Dan and Merlin focus on the new Apple Watch. Links for this episode:New iPhone set up: Transfer data directly to a new iPhone wirelessly, or using a cableSiri on Apple Watch: The ultimate guide | iMoreWhat is a Moonphase? | Complete Guide to Moon Phases on WatchesMissing Meridian watch face - Apple CommunityBrought 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).