Back to Work

This week, Merlin's got a LOT going on. Full Catastrophe Living! Discussed: booger colors, some tv and movies, a dream deferred, various X-Persons, loving GoodTask 3, plus Dan and Merlin just cannot remember many, many things. Next, your hosts dive into their first day with Mojave and reminisce about the days when you could make your Finder look all steampunk. This leads to a deeper dive on what the future of Macs might be and why they feel how they do (hint: they are both kind of old). They also both want to know what the heck is going on with Chrome, and Dan pitches a movie. Links for this episode:Canvas #70: Task Managers in 2018 - Relay FMThis week, Fraser and Federico take a look at the "Big Four" task managers on iOS - Things, OmniFocus, Todoist and Apple Reminders - and consider how the iOS ecosystem has changed since the early days. GoodTask 3 - Task Manager with iOS Reminders & CalendarsUngainly X-Mann Meetup #24 — Merlin MannMERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, Do By Friday, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, September 27th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” It's free and it's fun. 15 Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaCharlie Sexton - Beat's So Lonely - YouTubeBox (Roger Bochs) Powers, Villains, History | MarvelWatch The First Online at HuluI Brook No Truck With You « Historically SpeakingAppearance Manager - WikipediaKaleidoscope (software) - WikipediaLocke (film) - WikipediaWhy I’m done with Chrome – A Few Thoughts on Cryptographic EngineeringFull Catastrophe Living (Revised Edition): Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness: Jon Kabat-Zinn, Thich Nhat Hanh: 8601300234281: Amazon.com: BooksGreenfield project - WikipediaIn many disciplines a greenfield project is one that lacks constraints imposed by prior work. The analogy is to that of construction on greenfield land where there is no need to work within the constraints of existing buildings or infrastructure. Corner case - WikipediaBrought 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 and use the promocode backtowork2018 for a $20 credit). RXBAR (For 25% off your first order, visit RXBAR.com/backtowork and enter the code BACKTOWORK at checkout).

A classic odds-and-sods episode, featuring important discussions about sleep tracking, the Apple Watch, Succession, sound bars, Chris Nolan's Batman, and Nintendo Online. Links for this episode:Amazon.com Help: About AmazonSmileUngainly X-Mann Meetup #24 — Merlin MannMERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, Do By Friday, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, September 27th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” It's free and it's fun. Ep. 305: "The Hostess" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin MannThe Problem: John has more of a comment than a question. Sleep Watch App — Apple Watch Sleep Tracker AppApple drops official Apple Watch Link Bracelet price, some already sold out | 9to5MacWatch - AppleMarvel Studios' Captain Marvel - Official Trailer - YouTubeSuccession: Roman Roy Doesn’t Know How Chairs WorkPricing Plans – Nintendo Switch Online – Nintendo Switch™ Official siteNintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online – Nintendo Switch™ Official siteScott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) - IMDbScott Pilgrim must defeat his new girlfriend's seven evil exes in order to win her heart. 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). FreshBooks (To claim your month long unrestricted free trial, go to FreshBooks.com/backtowork and enter BACK TO WORK in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section). Amazon Prime Video (Start your free trials of over a hundred channels by visiting tryprimechannels.com/backtowork).

Discussed: upcoming Apple announcements; do people with bigger screens use more apps more often?; some follow-up on adaptive testing; and comics for kids. Your hosts answer a listener question about knowing when it's time to quit something. Links for this episode:Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #24 — Merlin MannMERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, Do By Friday, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, September 27th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” It's free and it's fun. Project Jupyter | HomeThe Jupyter Notebook is an open-source web application that allows you to create and share documents that contain live code, equations, visualizations and narrative text. Uses include: data cleaning and transformation, numerical simulation, statistical modeling, data visualization, machine learning, and much more. Do By FridayApple to Broaden Its iPhone Screens -- WSJBone (comics) - WikipediaBrought to you by: Kiite (To see if Kiite is what your company needs visit Kiite.ai/backtowork). Molekule (Visit Molekule.com and use the code BACKTOWORK at checkout for $75 off your first purchase). Slack (Slack: Where work happens. Find out why at Slack.com).

Skype gets way too ambitious; sprinkling sauce on a service; a mandatory social network for doorbells; Dan acquires a new deity; some excellent listener follow-up on Computerized Adaptive Testing; Dan takes his boy to see a bona fide cinema classic; Dan has some great TV recommendations; Merlin reports in from the deep weeds of a fraught smart speaker ecosystem. Links for this episode:The Podcast Digest: TPD 156 - Merlin Mann "An Old Man's Reframe"For the 4 year anniversary episode of TPD, it was my pleasure to have been joined by one of my favorite podcasters of all time - Merlin Mann!  I talk with Merlin about his history in podcasting, working with his co-hosts, the difference in his shows and some of his favorite podcasts!   The Podcast DigestAmazon.com: All-new Sonos One - Smart Speaker with Alexa voice control built-In. Compact size with incredible sound for any room. (black): Home Audio & TheaterThe Dude Abiding kit5by5 | Back to Work #389: Butt BakingCA Parent Opt-OutChain of Command (Star Trek: The Next Generation) - Wikipedia2001: A Space Odyssey (film) - Wikipedia2001: A Space Odyssey - in-depth analysis - by Rob Ager 2008Computerized adaptive testing - WikipediaBrought to you by: Casper (Visit Casper.com/itsyourshow and use the code ITSYOURSHOW for $50 towards select mattresses). Chegg (For $5 off your first month’s subscription, go to chegg.com/backtowork and use promo code BACKTOWORK).

Discussed: homework and testing; wallets and wallet philosophies; things to learn from wallet philosophy; how to fall asleep; watching Star Trek; Dan's new smart speaker; Merlin yells at Alexa several times. Links for this episode:How to Fall Asleep in 120 Seconds – Member Feature Stories – MediumDonorsChoose.org: Support a classroom. Build a future.Google’s Mark Risher changes our passwords — Converge with Casey Newton — OvercastComputerized adaptive testing - WikipediaCan a Test Ever Be Fair? How Today's Standardized Tests Get Made. | EdSurge NewsAre You Smart But Scoring Low on the SAT/ACT? What To DoFall Asleep Fast — In 2 Minutes or Less | Art of ManlinessCombating Fighter Pilot Fatigue | GO FLIGHT MEDICINEBison Leather Front-Pocket Wallet / Bison Leather Front-Pocket Wallet -- OrvisAmazon.com: Taxi WalletColorful Mini Card Book v2 | mochithingsStar Trek: The Next Generation In 40 Hours – Maxistentialism Blog – MediumAmazon.com: All-new Sonos One - Smart Speaker with Alexa voice control built-In. Compact size with incredible sound for any room. (black): Home Audio & TheaterBrought to you by: Kiite (To see if Kiite is what your company needs visit Kiite.ai/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: courting a vegetarian; The Information Problem; FU on Dan's new slide remote and keyboard; also, belts; travel pre-screening options; a recommended article on hypocognition; Dan saw IT; thoughts on Twiki and Erin Grey; and Dan's recent home problem. Links for this episode:Episode 75: I Set Up a Fake Child – AppStoriesJohn is joined by Merlin Mann to discuss managing family tech use and the upcoming iOS 12 Screen Time family features. Guide - Grey - Arcade Belts | Arcade BeltsUnknown Unknowns: The Problem of Hypocognition - Scientific American Blog NetworkWe wander about the unknown terrains of life, complacent about what we know and oblivious to what we miss PsycNET Record Display - PsycNETTwiki | Buck Rogers in the 25th Century Wiki | FANDOM powered by Wikia#83 Voyage Into Pizzagate — Reply All — OvercastA conspiracy theory, a pizza related map, and a website fighting for its very soul. This episode originally aired in December of 2016.save in overcast Amazon.com: Logitech R500 Laser Presentation Remote with Dual Connectivity Bluetooth or USB for PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides, Prezi: Computers & AccessoriesAmazon.com: Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac Soft Tactile MX Brown Mechanical Keyboard (DASK4MACSFT): Computers & AccessoriesRAID™ BELT in Men Hats, Belts, Accessories | KÜHL ClothingBrought to you by: Slack (Slack: Where work happens. Find out why at Slack.com). Molekule (Visit Molekule.com and use the code BACKTOWORK at checkout for $75 off your first purchase). 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).

Discussed: tech that's gotten so much more dependable (and, yeah, so much less dependable); Dan needs a new presenter remote; Marvel's First Family (finally) returns; who would win if The Hulk fought The Thing?; Merlin introduces Dan to the Ponyverse; some camp equipment follow-up; and Merlin goes off on the awesomeness of libraries with some hot new service recommendations. Links for this episode:Kanopy - Stream Classic Cinema, Indie Film and Top DocumentariesLibby, by OverDrive - an app for library ebooks and audiobooksShop | Arcade BeltsFantastic Four (2018-) #1 - Marvel ComicsGuide – Grey | Arcade BeltsAmazon.com: Jackery Portable Travel Charger Bar 6000mAh Pocket-sized Ultra Compact External Battery Power Bank Fast Charging Speed with Emergency Flashlight for iPhone, Samsung and Others - Orange: Cell Phones & AccessoriesPortable Power Supply Solutions – Power Outdoors | Jackerykeep your volkswagen alive - Google SearchAmazon.com : Kensington Wireless Presenter with Red Laser Pointer (K33374USB) : Presentation Remotes : Office ProductsGargac! | Do By FridayThis week's challenge: be nice to someone. Amazon Should Replace Local Libraries to Save Taxpayers MoneyAmazon should open their own bookstores in all local communities. They can replace local libraries and save taxpayers lots of money, while enhancing the value of their stock.  Recirculated 7: Merlin Mann [2015] — Circulating Ideas — OvercastBack in September 2015, I had the pleasure of speaking with one of my favorite podcasters, Merlin Mann, about his view on libraries, which included a visit from the Library Elf. DEADLY CLASS Official Trailer (Comic Con 2018) Teen, Action Series HD - YouTubeTV Show based on the comic book series of the same name. The Meaning of Preliteracy | Scholastic | ParentsEmergent Reading Skills: Preliteracy Skills to Teach Your ChildLibrary Extension - Chrome Web StoreFind books at your public library again as you browse the internet. Ike Perlmutter Under Spotlight Over VA Role in Trump's AdministrationBrought to you by: Kiite (To see if Kiite is what your company needs visit Kiite.ai/backtowork). Away (Visit awaytravel.com/backtowork and use the code BACKTOWORK at checkout to get $20 off a suitcase).

Discussed: Merlin sounds like a saxophone, keyboards are extensively discussed, pros and cons of various MacsBooks Pro, Dan likes using one monitor, pining for best-of-class hardware from Cupertino, Merlin has dorky and boring follow-up, recommending an Apple Watch sleep app and an iOS location tracker, some excellent ice replacements, Dan's favorite bespoke cooler, a disappointing belt, a very good belt, Dan gets a creepy email, Merlin did NOT forget something, Cash gets more cool stuff, and Merlin recommends a Zelda tome. Links for this episode:Gyroscope · The new OS for the human bodyA new operating system for the human body Sleep Watch App — Apple Watch Sleep Tracker AppTrack sleep with your Apple Watch automatically. No buttons to press. Just wear your Watch to bed and wake up to AI-powered, personalized insights about your sleep. Automatically log your data and follow your sleep trends with powerful charting tools. Amazon.com : 3 Pack Large 18°F Cooler Ice Packs 10" by 14" - No More Ice! Replaces 18 lbs. of Ice and is Reusable - Easy Fill - You Add Water and Save! 12 lbs. Total When Filled (Screw Cap) : Sports & OutdoorsThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild The Complete Official Guide: -Expanded Edition: Piggyback: 9781911015482: Amazon.com: BooksAmazon.com: WASD 6-Key Cherry MX Switch Tester: Computers & AccessoriesAmazon.com: Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac Soft Tactile MX Brown Mechanical Keyboard (DASK4MACSFT): Computers & AccessoriesAmazon.com: Griffin 2001-ADB iMate/Universal ADB to USB adapter: ElectronicsMatias Tactile Pro & Mini Tactile ProAmazon.com: Newly Released Matias Laptop Pro Keyboard for Mac, Version 5: Computers & AccessoriesDas Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac Mechanical KeyboardAmazon.com: Viozon ipad Pro Stand, Tablet Stands 360° Rotatable Aluminum Alloy Desktop Mount Stand for Ipad Pro Ipad Air Ipad Mini Surface and Surface Pro: Cell Phones & AccessoriesAmazon.com: (2 pack) Lampari lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack aux adapter for iPhone 7/7 Plus -(iOS 10.2,10.3) White: Cell Phones & AccessoriesTundra Ice Chests | YETIAmazon.com : Coleman 100 Quart Xtreme 5 Wheeled Cooler : Ultimate Extreme Wheeled Cooler : Sports & OutdoorsPatagonia Men's Quandary Pants - RegularKUHL Raid Belt - Men's | REI Co-opList: E-mail Addresses It Would Be Really Annoying to Give Out Over the Phone - McSweeney’s Internet TendencyChild Passenger Safety | Features | CDCWhenever you’re on the road, make sure children are buckled in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belts. Children under age 13 should ride properly buckled in the back seat on every trip. Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat or in front of an airbag. Airbags can kill young children riding in the front seat. Brought to you by: Mack Weldon (Visit MackWeldon.com and use the code B2W for 20% off your first purchase). 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: current monospaced font preferences, experimenting with text sizing, getting on the sucker list, old McDonalds had some styrofoam, new tech that would kill old stories, kids bewilderment with old tech, the bonkersness of Face/Off, wonderful listener gifts for Cash, a book about anxiety Merlin likes. Dan and Merlin also answer listener questions about mise en place and doubting one's future after college. Links for this episode:The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety: Alan W. Watts: 8601300190136: Amazon.com: BooksMise en place - WikipediaMise en place: setting the stage for thought and action Stopping the Noise in Your Head : the New Way to Overcome Anxiety and Worry: Reid Wilson: 9780757319068: Amazon.com: Books5by5 | 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. 5by5 | Back to Work #236: Finished for NowThis week, Dan and Merlin talk about the perilous wonders of practice of all kinds. Mise en place - WikipediaMise en place is a French culinary phrase which means "putting in place" or "everything in its place." It refers to the set up required before cooking, and is often used in professional kitchens to refer to organizing and arranging the ingredients (e.g., cuts of meat, relishes, sauces, par-cooked items, spices, freshly chopped vegetables, and other components) that a cook will require for the menu items that are expected to be prepared during a shift.[ Introduction | IBM PlexAll the President's Men (film) - WikipediaFace/Off - WikipediaInconsolataWhat is eero Labs? – eero Help Centereero Plus | eeroWhat is Family Profiles? – eero Help CenterTexas Instruments TI-99/4A - WikipediaBrought to you by: 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).

Merlin really likes the ones where Dan prepares. Discussed: four-twenty in The Mile High state, some tv and movie recommendations, the creativity that comes from constraints, The Information Problem, plus thanks for some lovely gifts to Cash from listeners. Most of the episode focuses on a provocative new article about whether podcast hosting should be "free." Merlin nerds out on iOS Trackpad mode, and Dan drops a Science Corner about heat versus temperature. Also: Star Trek. Links for this episode:Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #23 — Merlin MannMERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, Do By Friday, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, July 26th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” It's free and it's fun. Why You Should Never Pay For Podcast Hosting – Nir Zicherman – MediumWe don’t want a podcaster to ever pay for hosting again. We believe real change in this space is long overdue, and we can’t wait to show you what we’re working on. Manton Reece - Anchor on free podcastingSome things are worth paying for. I share Nir’s goal that podcasting should be more accessible and more affordable to more people, but it’s dangerous to give one company too much control over podcasting. Anchor’s business model demands scale. It’s still unclear how that will play out. There's no such thing as free podcast hosting - Six ColorsThere’s no such thing as a free lunch. Anchor is spending some of its millions in venture-capital investment to give free hosting to podcast users with a business model in mind: create enough volume that it can eventually monetize those podcasts by inserting ads and taking a cut. Reconcilable Differences #82: Summer of Intentionalities - Relay FMThis week's mini-topic involves Merlin's Summer Projects. Merlin likes choosing the right word, and John doesn't really do projects. This ends up leading to some deep discussion about buying a guitar and trying to get better at it. How to use trackpad mode on iPhone and iPad | iMoreTurn your keyboard into a trackpad for even easier editing. iOS 12 brings trackpad mode to every iPhone and iPad | Cult of MacIn iOS 12, this neat trick comes to all iPhones, even those without 3-D Touch. Bonus tip: It also makes it even easier to use on your iPad. New in iOS 12: keyboard trackpad mode on non-3D Touch iPhonesApple customers have been able to leverage 3D Touch to turn their iPhone keyboard into a trackpad since iOS 9. Wouldn’t it be great if you could select text with precision on non-3D Touch devices, like older iPhones or the sixth-generation iPod touch? With iOS 12, you can!This lets you swipe on the keyboard to position the cursor accurately when editing text. Why won't Parker Solar Probe meltA Quiet Place (2018) - Rotten TomatoesHBO Succession review: introducing my favorite show of the summer - VoxPatrick Melrose: Seasons, Episodes, Cast, Characters - Official Series Site | SHOWTIME‘Succession’ and Updates on ‘Y: The Last Man’ and ‘Briarpatch’ - The RingerHow does Temperature Differ from Heat?Heat vs temperature - Energy EducationHeat and temperature (article) | Khan AcademyMinutemen - "Corona" - YouTubeStar Trek: The Next Generation In 40 Hours – Maxistentialism Blog – MediumFear, uncertainty and doubt - WikipediaFear, uncertainty and doubt (often shortened to FUD) is a disinformation strategy used in sales, marketing, public relations, talk radio, politics, cults, and propaganda. FUD is generally a strategy to influence perception by disseminating negative and dubious or false information and a manifestation of the appeal to fear. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth - GrammaristThe phrase butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth or butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth describes someone who appears demure, innocent or sincere but is in fact unkind, devious or insincere. 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). CacheFly (They’re the fastest most reliable CDN in the business. Check them out at Cachefly.com).