Back to Work

TOPIC: Lady in a tube. This week, Dan and Merlin unexpectedly end up doing a pretty deep dive on Amazon voice products and the evolving ecosystem around them. Which is way more interesting than it sounds. Deep dive. Links for this episode:QI - "No Such Thing As A Fish" Podcast"A weekly podcast in which the QI researchers share their most interesting recent discoveries." Chumby - WikipediaSMALT-The smart home device that elevates your dining experienceIntroducing Echo Look - Hands-Free Camera and Style AssistantIntroducing Echo Show - Amazon Official SitePaul Haddad on Twitter: "Introducing the Amazon Echo Show, for all those people who want a non-portable 7” $230 tablet! https://t.co/8iHwnzuHyb"Amazon.com: Invoxia Smart Portable Speaker with Amazon Alexa, Grey: Home Audio & TheaterAmazon.com: Invoxia Smart Portable Speaker with Amazon Alexa, Grey: Home Audio & TheaterTriby - Smart Portable Speaker with Alexa Voice ServiceSonos | Wireless Speakers and Home Sound SystemsAmazon.com: Sonos PLAY:1 Compact Wireless Smart Speaker for Streaming Music (Black): ElectronicsAmazon.com: Sonos PLAY:3 Mid-Sized Wireless Smart Speaker for Streaming Music (Black): ElectronicsAmazon Echo Now Lets You Control Your Sonos Speakers | WIREDConnected #141: The Espresso Debacle - Relay FMThe band is back together just in time to talk about Federico's new iPhone case, the Echo Show, Phil Schiller's comments on App Store upgrade pricing and more. Bluetooth Headphones Mega-Review – Marco.orgMerlin loves these: "Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2: $200. Excellent all-around package, with great sound, comfort, and controls at a great price." Hulu Live TV has the potential for greatness, but it's a tough sellWatch Live TV Online and Stream On-demand | HuluUngainly X-Mann Meetup #17 — Merlin MannBrought to you by: Alibaba (Visit Gateway17.com/WORK to save 75% off the registration fee, while event passes last). 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).

TOPIC: Curiosity before fear. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the experience of Apple stores and repairs, The Handmaid's Tale, Dan's invertebrate-sensing skills, and some follow-up on "look left, go left." Listener Molly asks about how to become a morning person, and Listener Lance wants help with the anxiety of moving someplace new. Links for this episode:Dan's CBD Oil RecommendationBrought to you by: Casper (Visit Casper.com/itsyourshow and use the code ITSYOURSHOW for $50 towards your new mattress). Alibaba (Visit Gateway17.com/WORK to save 50% off the registration fee, while event passes last).

TOPIC: Velocity! This week Dan and Merlin talk about lice, Kenny Rogers, strange memory phenomena, an intriguing new oil, and popcorn nugs pricing. A question from Listener Ben leads to suggestions for finding velocity. Links for this episode:Desire path - Wikipedia"A Lie Agreed Upon: David Milch's Deadwood" | MZS | Roger EbertWhy Walking through a Doorway Makes You Forget - Scientific AmericanCan CBD Oil Help Cure Anxiety?Understanding The Differences Between Hemp and CannabisMenuRobert M. Pirsig - Wikipedia'Zen And The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' Author Robert M. Pirsig Dies At 88 : The Two-Way : NPRYesterdays WeatherDan's CBD Oil RecommendationBrought to you by: TextExpander (Visit textexpander.com/b2w to start your free trial). Blue Apron (Check out this week’s menu and get your first three meals FREE—with FREE SHIPPING—by going to BlueApron.com/backtowork. Flow (Visit getflow.com/bokbok to start a free trial today. Listeners of Back to Work will save 20% on a monthly plan or 30% on an annual subscription at checkout!)

TOPIC: Triangles Everywhere! This week, Dan and Merlin shuck and/or jive about stealing, Publix, airlines, driver’s ed, douchebagerié, Twitter bots, and more. Main topic this week is a question from Listener Brian about project management. Merlin expounds at length at this dark art and what it can teach us about life. Links for this episode:Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #16 — Merlin MannFacebook Fraud - YouTubeProject management triangle - WikipediaThe Project Management Triangle (called also Triple Constraint or the Iron Triangle) is a model of the constraints of project management. It is a graphic aid where the three attributes show on the corners of the triangle to show opposition. It is useful to help with intentionally choosing project biases, or analyzing the goals of a project. Critical path method - WikipediaResource leveling - WikipediaIn project management, resource leveling is defined by A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) as "A technique in which start and finish dates are adjusted based on resource constraints with the goal of balancing demand for resources with the available supply."[1] Lectins Could Become the Next Gluten - The AtlanticPlant proteins called lectins are an emerging source of confusion and fear. Shirky: Power Laws, Weblogs, and InequalitySquarespace Help - Accepting Apple PayKitchen work triangle - WikipediaUniversal design - WikipediaWeekends were made for Michelob 1977 TV ad - YouTubeAngela Brett on Twitter: "@hotdogsladies Apparently that's what facebook bots do, so I wouldn't be surprised. https://t.co/mVKgZENwgG"Archers of Loaf - WikipediaDick on Kipple | 43 FoldersThere's the First Law of Kipple... 'Kipple drives out nonkipple.'...Kipple is useless objects, like junk mail or match folders after you use the last match or gum wrappers or yesterday's homeopape. When nobody's around, kipple reproduces itself. For instance, if you to go bed leaving any kipple around your apartment, when you wake up there is twice as much of it. It always gets more and more.No one can win against kipple, except temporarily and maybe in one spot. Urban Dictionary: kippleKipple is a word coined by the remarkable science fiction writer Philip K. Dick. It refers to the sinister type of rubbish which simply builds up without any human intervention. Eventually, one day, the entire world will have moved to a state of kipplization. Desire path - WikipediaA desire path (formally referred to as desire line in transportation planning, also known as a game trail, social trail, herd path, cow path, goat track, pig trail or bootleg trail) can be a path created as a consequence of erosion caused by human or animal foot-fall or traffic. The path usually represents the shortest or most easily navigated route between an origin and destination. Width and erosion severity can be indicators of how much traffic a path receives. Desire paths emerge as shortcuts where constructed ways take a circuitous route, have gaps, or are non-existent. 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). Hotjar (By visiting hotjar.com/b2w you will get a 30 day (extended) free Business trial of Hotjar and all its functionality). HireLoop (Visit hireloop.io/b2w to get a free credit towards their Professional features).

TOPIC: Oh my GOD, this is torture. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about—amongst other odds and sods— the Mean FedEx Guy, the weird future of gig economies, and Adventure Time. Then, there's some handy tips on how to leverage iOS Accessibility settings for a better and more efficient experience on your device. Listener Michelle writes in to ask about dealing with colleagues who use the hallway as an ad hoc one-on-one meeting. What strategies can we employ to be civil and collegial about careless interruptions without lowering our standards or losing our minds? Links for this episode:Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #16 — 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, April 27th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” It's free and it's fun. How to use Theater Mode on the Apple Watch | iMoreIncludes a great tip on making a bespoke theater-friendly custom watch face. Brat Pack (actors) - WikipediaRival buys SF's biggest cab company for chump change - SFGateFor less than a million bucks, CityWide gets Yellow Cab's color scheme, its famous phone number (415) 333-3333, 160 of its cabs and the sublease to Yellow Cab's property. Adventure Time Pilot - YouTubeAnimated short/Transcript | Adventure Time Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia[The episode starts with Pen sleeping under a tree and a meditating Jake floating. Pen wakes up and rushes to Jake.] U-Haul Lesbian Moment | Do By FridayEquestria Girls - Helping Twilight Win the Crown [HD] [Bluray] + MP3 - YouTubeTesla passes General Motors to become the most valuable US automakerTesla's market capitalization is now bigger than General Motors', making it the largest U.S. based automaker by that metric. 933 Clipper St - Google MapsClipper Street! One of San Francisco's "Magic Streets." It's like a portal. 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). Hotjar (By visiting hotjar.com/b2w you will get a 30 day (extended) free Business trial of Hotjar and all its functionality).

After some brief shucky-jivey, the boys resign themselves to discussing the big Apple announcement. They ponder why and how the message was delivered in the way it was as well as what it means. Dan has thoughts on modularization and Merlin reveals a new unified field theory. Then, yay, lots more responses to excellent questions from listeners. Links for this episode:Weezer - Paranoid Android - YouTubeUpgrade #135: Trashed The Can - Relay FMOccam's razor - WikipediaAmong competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected John Scalzi on Twitter: "Courtesy of @joshtpm, a principle henceforth to be known as "Trump's Razor." https://t.co/YL8xZMJMMt https://t.co/7WwopC4pSe"The Ennoblement of Water | Do By FridayThis week's challenge: meditate like a venture capitalist. Amazon.com: Thoughts Without A Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective (9780465050949): Mark Epstein: BooksInsight Meditation Center: Insight Meditation CenterHome | dhammatalks.org5by5 | UnwoundRobert McKee - WikipediaSleep Hypnosis for Anxiety Reduction & Reversal - YouTubeRoger Miller - You Can't Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd - YouTubeWe Bare Bears TV ReviewBrought to you by: Flow (Visit getflow.com/bokbok to start a free trial today. Listeners of Back to Work will save 20% on a monthly plan or 30% on an annual subscription at checkout!) 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).

After some very important follow-up, and more than a little shucking and jiving, your hosts answer questions from listeners. This is a good one! Links for this episode:Brian Regan - Stand Up Comedy Full HD - Best Comedian Ever - YouTubeBacon Ray - “Tomfoolery” 7-inch (AAJ Records, 1995)Source of that song "Sundays in a Row" AND the Back to Work closing theme. Download 'em for free! Hard Boiled Eggs | Wilcox FarmsObertoAmazon.com : Oberto All Natural Original Beef Jerky, 3.25-Ounce Bag (Pack of 4) : Jerky And Dried Meats : Grocery & Gourmet FoodAmazon.com: Epic - Epic Bars Variety Pack, 9 Flavors (9 Pack): Grocery & Gourmet FoodRadiohead - Ceremony (Joy Division cover) - YouTubeRadiohead play The Smiths - YouTubeBrought to you by: TextExpander (Visit textexpander.com/b2w to start your free trial). Blue Apron (Check out this week’s menu and get your first three meals FREE—with FREE SHIPPING—by going to BlueApron.com/backtowork.

This week, Dan and Merlin have one of their beloved "odds and sods" episodes. Something for everyone in this diverse and bewildering episode. "Same day delivery!" Links for this episode:Bacon Ray - “Tomfoolery” 7-inch (AAJ Records, 1995)Source of that song "Sundays in a Row" AND the Back to Work closing theme. Download 'em for free! Sorry for the Delayed Response - The New YorkerA Prairie Home Companion Highlights — OvercastGitHub - kdeldycke/awesome-falsehood: Curated list of falsehoods programmers believe in.Falsehoods Programmers BelieveFalsehoods programmers believe about addressesFalsehoods programmers believe about time: @noahsussman: Infinite UndoMr. ZIP - WikipediaComparing Family Life In New Zealand And The U.S. : NPRDear America | Scholastic.comThe OA - WikipediaLegion (TV series) - WikipediaAppliance Direct (@appliancedir) | TwitterPhonto - Text on PhotosOver – Add beautiful text & artwork to photos.Typorama - Typography Designer & Easy Graphics App - AppertoYour calendrical fallacy is thinking...Random impressions - YouTubeBacon Ray - Tomfoolery (Vinyl) at DiscogsBrought to you by: Flow (Visit getflow.com/bokbok to start a free trial today. Listeners of Back to Work will save 20% on a monthly plan or 30% on an annual subscription at checkout!) 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).

TOPIC: "Delivery Attempted." This week, Merlin struggles with his coffee-making options, and Dan recalls his days of fishing lures. USPS deliveries, several TV shows, and Wolverine's disturbing bone claws are also discussed. Listener Jackson writes in to ask about dealing with failings of self-discipline. Links for this episode:Stop Auto-Play Videos from Annoying You in Your Browser on macOS | KirkvilleOnline Grey Noise Generator | Hearing CalibratedSound of My Voice - WikipediaScott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) - IMDbpeg.gd: Bacon Ray - “Tomfoolery” 7-inch (AAJ Records, 1995)Great Performances: Hugh Jackman, "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top" | Oklahoma! | PBS - YouTubeOKLAHOMA "The Surrey With The Fringe On Top" with lyrics - YouTubeThe Birthday Party- Big Jesus Trash Can - YouTubeBrought 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). eero (To get eero at this new low price, visit eero.com, Best Buy, or Amazon today!)

TOPIC: "Remember this film is supposed to be a comedy." This week: Dan struggles with his progressive lenses, but he really liked the movie, Logan. Merlin's daughter has made four piles, and he finally accepts that he really should be watching more movies for his "work." Then, there's follow-up on that crazy S3 typo and some pretty poor Oscars® OPSEC. Then we're on to answering listener feedback via two futurist hats and a parenting hat: Listener Andrew, on self-driving cars and the mainstreaming of ponderous tech punditry. Listener Jason, on whether a future of voice computing will become a sociopathic blight. Listener Mark, on where the heck to find reasonable resources on better parenting. Links for this episode:FUNNY New LeBron James Sprite Commercial with Lil Yachty 2016 - YouTubeOperations security - WikipediaReconcilable Differences - Relay FMReconcilable Differences #47: Now I Dream in French - Relay FMBrought 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). Casper (Visit Casper.com/itsyourshow and use the code ITSYOURSHOW for $50 towards your new mattress). Mack Weldon (Visit MackWeldon.com and use the code BACKTOWORK for 20% off your order!)