Back to Work

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) - Bulk Packaging - Navy Blue: Computers & AccessoriesPenny Arcade - News - Dear DiaryThe best way I can describe it is "Chain worrying." Meet the designer cats with wild blood - YouTubeyak shaving - WiktionaryStack (abstract data type) - WikipediaSmart Playlist Creation Help - General / General Discussions - Plex ForumQuote by Pema Chödrön: “You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just th...”“You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather.” 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). Linode (Visit linode.com/backtowork to learn more)

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 CEOs, Artists, Developers, Youtubers and More | Boxy SuiteNetflix - "Dark"Piglet (Winnie-the-Pooh) - WikipediaiPad 9.7-inch - AppleAmazon.com: ZAGG – Rugged Messenger – Backlit Case and Bluetooth Keyboard – Compatible with 2018 (G6) and 2017 (G5) Apple iPad 9.7” – Durable Case with Built-In Stand – Multiple-Device Pairing – Black: Computers & AccessoriesAmazon.com: OtterBox DEFENDER SERIES Case for iPad Pro9.7" VERSION - Retail Packaging - BLACK: Computers & AccessoriesRoller Coaster Safety: How to Manage Too Many Trains at Once - YouTube‘Deadwood: The Movie’ and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge | The Watch — The Watch — OvercastOur Vlog About Opening Day at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge - YouTubeStar Trek: The Next Generation In 40 Hours – Maxistentialism Blog – MediumStar Trek: Deep Space Nine In 82.5 Hours – Maxistentialism Blog – MediumThe Replacements - Unsatisfied (REMASTERED) - YouTubeSatisfied - Hamilton Musical - YouTubeBrought to you by: Rhone (Get 20% off your first purchase by going to Rhone.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).

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 ResortManaging Multiple MagicBands | Walt Disney World ResortAnnual Disney Park Attendance Statistics and Charts | Disney ResourcesEverything We Know About Disney's Star Wars HotelBackup Software for Mac and WindowsMerlin on the complexity of SF transit options"Trying to explain anything about transit is insane…" Stock keeping unit - WikipediaJust-in-time manufacturing - WikipediaBrought to you by: Luna Display (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to www.lunadisplay.com and enter the promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout) 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). Mack Weldon (For 20% off your first order, visit mackweldon.com and enter promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout. Mack Weldon, it's better than whatever you're wearing right now). Grammarly (Go to Grammarly.com/backtowork to get 20% off your Grammarly premium account today).

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 - NPC Chris Vlog 004 - YouTubeMiniature Painting -Beginner Tutorial ( 1 mini in under 1 hour) - YouTubeTony Buzan – Inventor of Mind MappingThe COMPLETE Game of Thrones Recap | CRAM IT - YouTubeWings of Fire Boxset, Books 1-5 (Wings of Fire): Tui T. Sutherland: 9780545855723: Amazon.com: BooksAmazon.com: Funko 5 Star: Game of Thrones - Jon Snow: Toys & GamesTestors PaintsEp. 10. Murder on the Rockport Limited - Episode One | Maximum FunTile Pro and Tile Mate Review: The Best Key Finders Just Got BetterBrought to you by: Luna Display (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to www.lunadisplay.com and enter the promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout) 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 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 a black man who looks just like Samuel L. Jackson. That wasn't initially the case, but when writer Mark Millar began penning The Ultimates limited series in 2002, he decided to model Fury after Jackson, who was his favorite actor. As Millar told THR, he had no idea that Jackson was a comic book fan, and after seeing his likeness alongside these Marvel heroes, the actor called up his agents, who got in touch with Marvel. The company apologized and promised to include Jackson in future movie adaptations, should they even be made. The Cornell Note-taking System – Learning Strategies CenterRule of three (writing) - WikipediaBottom Of The Hill > Calendar & Tickets1299a.jpg 1,637×1,265 pixelsThe Waves on the Curvy Wife Guy, the incels seeking out plastic surgery, and Fleabag.Brought to you by: Luna Display (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to www.lunadisplay.com and enter the promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout) 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). Grammarly (Go to Grammarly.com/backtowork to get 20% off your Grammarly premium account today). Backblaze (Visit Backblaze.com/backtowork to receive a fully featured 15-day no-risk free trial).

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 powered by WikiaLEATHERMAN - FREE P4 Multitool with Magnetic Locking, One Hand Accessible Tools and Premium Nylon Sheath and Pocket Clip - - Amazon.comAmazon.com: Tul Retractable Gel Pens 0.5mm Needle Point, Black 4/pk: Office ProductsFreudian Slip - Travel Accessories – TOM BIHNRBMK - WikipediaSynapse 25 - Backpacks - Travel Bags – TOM BIHNPatagonia Atom Backpack 18LAmazon.com: tomtoc Laptop Accessories Pouch Bag Sleeve fit for Laptop Tablet Power Adapter, Charger, Mouse, Cable, Hard Drives, Pen Case Pencil Pouch, Travel Toiletry Organizer Shaving Dopp Kit Cosmetic Bag: Computers & AccessoriesAmazon.com: tomtoc Portable Canvas Storage Pouch Bag Case Accessories Organizer compatible with Laptop Mouse, Power Adapter, Cables, Cellphone, SSD, HDD Enclosure, Power Bank: Computers & AccessoriesChernobyl. Cleaning the roofs. Soldiers (reservists). 1986. - YouTubeBrought to you by: Luna Display (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to www.lunadisplay.com and enter the promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout) Twist (Visit twist.com/5by5 to get $100 in Twist Unlimited credits when you sign up for a new account). Chartable (Sign up for Chartable podcast analytics for FREE right now by visiting Chartable.com). 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: 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. Links for this episode:Bunch - BrettTerpstra.comBunch is a little macOS app that sits in your Dock. It doesn’t have any windows. When you right/ctrl-click it, it gives you a list of “Bunches” you can select from, each one launching a group of applications that you configure. Bunches can be configured to open apps, specific files in an app, and even web pages in your default browser. Announcing Release of the Keyboard Maestro Field Guide — MacSparkyLutron Aurora Always Ready smart bulb dimmerPopcorn ceiling - WikipediaRogue Amoeba | Audio Hijack: Record Any Audio on MacOSRecord any application's audio, including VoIP calls from Skype, web streams from Safari, and much more. Save audio from hardware devices like microphones and mixers as well. You can even record all the audio heard on your Mac at once! If you can hear it, Audio Hijack can record it. Startly - QuicKeys 4 for Mac OS XPinworm InfectionBronn | Game of Thrones Wiki | FANDOM powered by WikiaLord Bronn is the Lord of Highgarden, Lord Paramount of the Reach, Master of Coin, and the founder of his house. Bronn is a skilled and dangerous sellsword who comes to prominence when he champions for Tyrion Lannister in his trial by combat at the Eyrie. Bronn subsequently enters Tyrion's service as his personal bodyguard, assassin, and enforcer and in return was given knighthood, power, and wealth. Amazon.com: Game of Thrones: The Complete Seasons 1-7 (BD + Digital): Various: Movies & TVSecurity Apps to Protect You & Your Phone - AT&THue Tap switch 046677473365 | PHILIPSThe Talk Show: Ep. 251, With Special Guest Merlin MannVery special guest Merlin Mann returns to the show. Topics include sleep and sleep-tracking (with Apple Watch), regional fast-casual dining, the nature of podcasting, and, of course, more. Brought to you by: Luna Display (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to www.lunadisplay.com and enter the promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout) Twist (Visit twist.com/5by5 to get $100 in Twist Unlimited credits when you sign up for a new account). Molekule (For $75 off your first order, visit Molekule.com and enter BACKTOWORK at checkout). Rhone (Get 20% off your first purchase by going to Rhone.com/backtowork).

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 Notes - WikipediaThe Cornell Notes system (also Cornell note-taking system, Cornell method, or Cornell way) is a note-taking system devised in the 1940s by Walter Pauk, an education professor at Cornell University. Pauk advocated its use in his best-selling book How to Study in College Everyday Carry - What are your EDC essentials?Alexa GuardScreens for macOS - Control Any Computer Remotely from your MacAmazon.com: GUND Spirited Away Ootori-Sama Fluffy Chicken Stuffed Animal Plush, 6": Gund: Toys & GamesAmazon.com: Kimkoala Spirited Away No Face Man Figure Figurines Anime Toy Home Gardening Decor Micro Landscape Decoration Ornaments Resin Crafts Doll: Toys & GamesCooter (30 Rock) - WikipediaCiboSausalitoMount Tamalpais State ParkThe Incomparable | A Real Imaginary Friend (Episode 194)Grab your black cat and portable radio, climb on your mom’s broomstick, and join us for a king-sized discussion of Hayao Miyazaki’s classic animated film “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” This film features a climactic scene featuring an out-of-control dirigible, so you know we love it. Put It On the List: Kristen Darbyshire: 9780525479062: Amazon.com: GatewayBrought to you by: Luna Display (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to www.lunadisplay.com and enter the promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout) 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).

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 to Sane Parenting — Freakonomics Radio — OvercastThe Data-Driven Guide to Sane Parenting (Ep. 376) - Freakonomics FreakonomicsHumans have been having kids forever, so why are modern parents so bewildered? The economist Emily Oster marshals the evidence on the most contentious topics — breastfeeding and sleep training, vaccines and screen time — and tells her fellow parents to calm the heck down. Universal Audio | Audio Interfaces | UAD Plug-InsDownie - YouTube Video Downloader for macOS - Charlie Monroe Softwareyoutube-dlTarget Disk Mode - Wikipedia19 useful Mac startup key combinations you should familiarize yourself withHow to use disk mode on your iPod - Apple SupportWWF - Mankind vs The Undertaker (Hell in a Cell) - video dailymotion5by5 | After Dark #530: After Back to Work 424Dr. John Ioannidis Exposes the Bad Science of Colleagues - The AtlanticBrought to you by: Grammarly (Go to Grammarly.com/backtowork to get 20% off your Grammarly premium account today). Luna Display (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to www.lunadisplay.com and enter the promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout) Twist (Visit twist.com/5by5 to get $100 in Twist Unlimited credits when you sign up for a new account).

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 doubting one's future after college. 5by5 | Back to Work #222: Full-Stack ObsessiveMerlin and Dan use The Aviator as a jumping-off point to talk about OCD as it relates to perfectionism, creativity, and drive in the workplace. They discuss rituals and their consequences, the importance of mise en place, and eliminating disruptive processes. Why Cleaning Makes Some People Feel Less Anxious - TonicIf you're one of those people, there could be a few explanations for why cleanliness translates to lower levels of stress and anxiety for you, says Darby Saxbe, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Southern California. “[Cleaning] gives people a sense of mastery and control over their environment,” she says. “Life is full of uncertainty and many situations are out of our hands, but at least we can assert our will on our living space. Clutter can be visually distracting, too, and serve as a nagging reminder of tasks and chores undone.” AutoSleepSleep Watch App — Apple Watch Sleep Tracker AppYass Cat (Original Vine) - YouTubeNetflixNetflix Commercial - SNL - YouTubeList: E-mail Addresses It Would Be Really Annoying to Give Out Over the Phone - McSweeney’s Internet TendencyFireside Podcast HostingUse promo code DRAGONGLASS for 20% off for three months. "Mr. Show with Bob and David" Life Is Precious and God and the Bible (TV Episode 1998) - IMDbStructured ProcrastinationBrought to you by: Luna Display (Get 10% discount on Luna Display by going to www.lunadisplay.com and enter the promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout) Away (Visit awaytravel.com/backtowork and use the code BACKTOWORK at checkout to get $20 off a suitcase).