Back to Work

This week, Dan and Merlin continue their series on updates, talking about the evolution of electronic task management in their lives. Hint: simplify, simplify. Links for this episode:Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #14 — Merlin MannMERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, August 4th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” How Exhaustion Became a Status Symbol | New Republic"From sloth to burnout, each age remakes exhaustion in its own image." Hey Siri"Hey-Siri.io is a large list of commands you can use on your iOS and macOS Devices. We're still working to improve the site and add more commands to the list." Dig the 60sA blog dedicated to the grooviest decade of the 20th century. Retro Sci-FiA new Markdown Service Tool for easy MultiMarkdown tables - BrettTerpstra.comAdam WarRock "Gravity Falls" [Gravity Falls Theme] - YouTubeAdam WarRock, Adam WarRock “Gravity Falls"  Lyrics:  Me & Dipper...Pop! | FunkoJeff Bridges more than happy to play The Dude again in Big Lebowski sequel | News | Culture | The IndependentVoyager Golden Record - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAn Idiot Abroad - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaDetectorists - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaTaskPaper – Plain text to-do lists for MacKey elements of Sprint Retrospective - Scrum AllianceMonterey Bay Aquarium – Official SiteBrought to you by: Squarespace (Visit Squarespace.com/backtowork and use the code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off your first purchase). Wealthfront (Visit Wealthfront.com/5by5 to get your first $15,000 managed for free).

TOPIC: Orinoco Flow This week, Dan and Merlin continue their series on updates, focusing on the difference between the days before and after ubiquitous wifi. Also, lots of fun odds and sods on Scrivener and surviving summer with kids. Links for this episode:Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #14 — Merlin MannMERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, August 4th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” Vintage Geek CultureMicrosoft to rip up P2P Skype, killing native Mac, Linux apps • The RegisterLiterature and Latte - Scrivener Writing Software | macOS | Windows | iOSTypewriter. Ring-binder. Scrapbook. Scrivener combines all the writing tools you need to craft your first draft, from nascent notion to final full stop. Clockwise #146: Marvel Has Killed Me - Relay FMReading comics digitally, smart home confusion, Twitter verification, and teaching programming. FoldifyCreate 3D figures on iPad. Then print and fold them from paper. Wi-Fi Networking NewsAmazon.com: Epson WorkForce 845 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Copier, Scanner, Fax, iOS/Tablet/Smartphone/AirPrint Compatible (C11CB92201): ElectronicsWelcome | PVRblogBrought to you by: TextExpander (Boost your productivity and learn more by visiting the link). Wealthfront (Visit Wealthfront.com/5by5 to get your first $15,000 managed for free). eero (For free overnight shipping of your brand new eero wifi system visit eero.com/backtowork and at checkout select overnight shipping then enter BACKTOWORK to make it free).

TOPIC: Way of the future. This week, Dan and Merlin continue their discussion on updates to their systems and their productivity worlds. In particular: how have new technologies and critical masses of users led to wanting or needing fewer intermediary communications layers? For years, email was more than just the lingua franca; it was that one internet communication protocol that every user could be counted upon to have and use. But, today? Options, baby, options! Sometimes for worse, but, so often, for much better. Links for this episode:Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #14 — Merlin MannMERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, August 4th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” Allergic to life: the Arizona residents 'sensitive to the whole world' | US news | The GuardianIt was decided that the best way to get us straight from the car into the shower, where we could wash the outside world’s chemicals away, was to enter the house completely naked. So we took off our clothes and marched without dignity across the gravel driveway. Rocket—faster emoji for your MacCritical mass (sociodynamics) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaIn social dynamics, critical mass is a sufficient number of adopters of an innovation in a social system so that the rate of adoption becomes self-sustaining and creates further growth. Network effect - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaIn economics and business, a network effect (also called network externality or demand-side economies of scale) is the effect that one user of a good or service has on the value of that product to other people. calibre - E-book managementAmazon AlexaWhen you buy music from the Digital Music Store, you can immediately play it from your music library. You can also import songs to your Amazon Music library and play it on your Alexa device. Eligible Prime members can also listen to Prime Music. Build and cultivate your own community - Ning.comReconcilable Differences #29: Six Fax Machines - Relay FMMerlin Mann on Twitter: "My Parks & Recreation Primer: Start with: s02e07 (Greg Pikitis) Best Ep: s04e11 ("Get on Your Feet!") Sentimental Fave: s07e11 (Goodbyes)"My Parks & Recreation Primer: Start with: s02e07 (Greg Pikitis) Best Ep: s04e11 ("Get on Your Feet!") Sentimental Fave: s07e11 (Goodbyes) Free ebooks by Project Gutenberg - GutenbergProject Gutenberg offers over 50,000 free ebooks: choose among free epub books, free kindle books, download them or read them online. Category:Social networking services - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaList of defunct social networking websites - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaWarez scene - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJunecloudLearning the bash Shell, 3rd Edition - O'Reilly Media"Parks and Recreation" Greg Pikitis (2009)Brought to you by: Amazon Songs of Summer (Visit the link to checkout the Amazon Songs of Summer playlist). Wealthfront (Visit Wealthfront.com/5by5 to get your first $15,000 managed for free).

TOPIC: Updates on Productivity and a modern Kobayashi Maru Scenario This week, Dan and Merlin start a new series on updates. Which sounds really boring, but it isn't, we swear. This time out, the boys start by diving deep on how and why just so much of their productivity systems have changed over the years. Innumerable ways in which technology and life has evolved to where so many of the old systems seem fiddly, unnecessary, or both. [This is a good one.] Links for this episode:Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #14 — Merlin MannMERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, August 4th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” The Hill on Twitter: "FBI gives up on DB Cooper case after 45-year investigation https://t.co/whFdDCloni https://t.co/OZD2o7RVNn"Every Second Counts: The MovieFittest On Earth 2015: Documentary Trailer - YouTubeFittest On Earth: Now Available on iTunes | CrossFit GamesFastball (2016) - IMDbIrredeemable - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaIrredeemable: Volume 1: Mark Waid, Peter Krause, John Cassaday, Grant Morrison: 9781934506905: Amazon.com: BooksAmazon.com: Hawkeye, Vol. 1: My Life as a Weapon (Marvel NOW!) (0880789539393): Matt Fraction, David Aja, Javier Pulido: BooksAmazon.com: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns 30th Anniversary Edition (9781401263119): Frank Miller: BooksCortex #33: Cortek - Relay FMGrey has finished conferencing, Myke's ready to give advice, and they both are upset with Evernote. You aren't gonna need it - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaKobayashi Maru - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediayak shaving - WiktionaryBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) - Rotten TomatoesMac Power Users #132: Merlin Returns - Relay FMReturning for his annual appearance, Merlin Mann joins Katie and David to talk Evernote, GTD, iPad, Podcasting and his favorite Apps. Tinderbox: The Tool For NotesSmart information management and web research for Mac - DEVONtechnologiesZengobi - Curio - Note Taking, Mind Mapping, Brainstorming, and Task Management for Mac OS XBrought to you by: Casper (Visit Casper.com/backtowork and use the code BACKTOWORK for $50 towards your new mattress). Wealthfront (Visit Wealthfront.com/5by5 to get your first $15,000 managed for free).

TOPIC: …and, then what happens? This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the unexpected cognitive benefits of ritual, repetition, and thinking through the fascinating question: "…and, then what happens?" Links for this episode:4th of July Fireworks Photos: 2016! | cabel.meThe Wal-Mart Effect: How the World's Most Powerful Company Really Works--and HowIt's Transforming the American Economy: Charles Fishman: 9780143038788: Amazon.com: BooksGravity Falls | Official Site | Disney XDGravity Falls - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaParegoric - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaPhilips 426353 Hue White and Color, Starter Kit, 1st Generation, Works with Alexa - Led Household Light Bulbs - Amazon.comPhilips 455303 Hue White Starter A19 Kit, 2nd Generation, Works with Alexa - - Amazon.comPhilips 452532 Personal Wireless Lighting Hue Tap Switch - - Amazon.comPhilips 259515 Friends of Hue Personal Wireless Lighting Bloom Single, Retail - - Amazon.comShopkins - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaShopkins - Official SiteThe Checklist Manifesto - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaBooks of The Times - Hospital How-To Guide - Atul Gawande?s ?Checklist Manifesto? - Review - NYTimes.comAmazon.com: REAL Professional Premium Grade Gaffer Tape by Gaffer Power® - Made in the USA - Black (Available in White, Red, Green, Blue) 2 Inch X 30 Yards - Heavy Duty Gaffer's Tape - Non-Reflective - Waterproof - Multipurpose - Better than Duct Tape!: IThe Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right: Atul Gawande: 9780312430009: Amazon.com: BooksI Dreamed a Dream - Anne Hathaway (HD) - YouTubeFlorida's bizarre fireworks law still in place - Florida PoliticsStatutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine"Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the importation, purchase, sale, or use of fireworks used or to be used solely and exclusively in frightening birds from agricultural works and fish hatcheries." Put It On the List: Kristen Darbyshire: 9780525479062: Amazon.com: BooksThe Wal-Mart You Don't Know | Fast Company | Business + InnovationThe Man Who Said No to Wal-Mart | Fast Company | Business + InnovationBrought to you by: Hover (Visit Hover.com to find the domain of your dreams and use the offer code TIMETRAVEL to get 10% off your first purchase). Squarespace (Visit Squarespace.com/backtowork and use the code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off your first purchase). Wealthfront (Visit Wealthfront.com/5by5 to get your first $15,000 managed for free).

TOPIC: People, amirite? This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the complexities of communicating with each other. And, brother, is it ever complicated. Links for this episode:Blood Meridian Audiobook | Cormac McCarthy | Audible.comThe Butterfield Diet (Peter Serafinowicz) - YouTubeGeek Feminism Wiki - WikiaResources for allies - Geek Feminism Wiki - WikiaFox News host Bret Baier “grills” the Dalai Lama: “Have you ever seen the movie ‘Caddyshack’?” - Salon.comApple doesn't understand photographyLanguage in Thought and Action - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaEpisode 430: Black Market Pharmacies And The Spam Empire Behind Them : Planet Money : NPROn today's show, we have answers. Yes, people click on those links. Smart, sound-minded people are choosing to buy pharmaceuticals through black market pharmacies that spam them and just about everyone with an inbox. And those sound-minded people are happy to tell you how it worked out for them, right down to the odd packaging that shows up in their mailbox. North Beach tenant's rent increased from $1,800 to $8,000 a month - SFGateNeil Hutchinson, who has lived in the building at Columbus and Scotland streets for six years, has been hit with a rent increase of 344 percent. Flash plugin failed to load This is Water - David Foster Wallace - YouTubeBrought to you by: PDFpen (Visit smilesoftware.com/b2w to learn more about PDFpen).

TOPIC: Varieties of pain. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about Dan's progress on building fireside.io and its imminent beta release. Lots of fascinating details on why he's made it and who it might be great for. Then, there's discussion of the unexpected mental benefits of physical training, and the influence that various sorts of pain (real or imagined) can have on us. Links for this episode:Lying in repose - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaShop Tommy Bahama | TommyBahama.comFireside - Podcast hosting and analytics by podcasters for podcastersWar dialing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia5by5 | Back to Work #153: Anxiety's a GoatNinety-ninety rule - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia"The first 90 percent of the code accounts for the first 90 percent of the development time. The remaining 10 percent of the code accounts for the other 90 percent of the development time." Unattended ConsequencesMerlin Mann on Twitter: "If you want to learn what someone fears losing, watch what they photograph."Brought to you by: FreshBooks (For a 30 day free trial, just go to FreshBooks.com/backtowork and enter Back To Work in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section). Parachute (Visit Parachutehome.com/backtowork and use the code BACKTOWORK for $25 off your first purchase).

TOPIC: Merlin's never sent his heartbeat. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about some of this week's WWDC announcements, the past and future of Apple, and that awkward feeling of wondering whether and when new technology is personally relevant. Links for this episode:Apple Events - WWDC Keynote June 2016 - AppleChandler (software) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaDiscover Music via Samples, Cover Songs and Remixes | WhoSampledIzzo (H.O.V.A.) - Jay Z | WhoSampledDo You Even Lift? | Know Your MemeEverything is a Remix Remastered (2015 HD) on VimeoWilliam Gibson (@GreatDismal) | TwitterThe Hedgehog and the Fox - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia"a fox knows many things, but a hedgehog one important thing" Les Misérables - "One Day More" (2012) - YouTubeBroadway Carpool Karaoke ft. Hamilton & More - YouTubeWest Side Story - "Quintet" - YouTubeOne Day More - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaBrought to you by: Casper (Visit Casper.com/backtowork and use the code BACKTOWORK for $50 towards your new mattress). eero (For free overnight shipping of your brand new eero wifi system visit eero.com/backtowork and at checkout select overnight shipping then enter BACKTOWORK to make it free).

TOPIC: Fill one bag. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about our relationship with the stuff in our lives and how overwhelming it can be. Solutions are offered—throw out that old cinnamon! Links for this episode:The Talk Show ?: Ep. 156, With Special Guest Merlin MannMerlin Mann returns to the show to talk about artificial intelligence and Eddy Cue’s flip-flops. comiXology UnlimitedIt's All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff: Peter Walsh: 9780743292658: Amazon.com: BooksHamilton - Official Broadway SiteAmazon.com: StarTech.com USBHAUBMB3 3 Feet USB to Micro USB and Mini USB Combo Cable - A to B: ElectronicsYou Must Remember ThisHamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) by Various Artists on iTunesHandycam - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSKWM T-shirtBest Enjoyed By - 99% InvisibleCortex #12: The Rule of Two - Relay FMBrought to you by: Hover (Visit Hover.com to find the domain of your dreams and use the offer code BACKTOWORK to get 10% off your first purchase). Squarespace (Visit Squarespace.com/backtowork and use the code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off your first purchase). FreshBooks (For a 30 day free trial, just go to FreshBooks.com/backtowork and enter Back To Work in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section).

TOPIC: Disruptions in Service This week, Dan and Merlin talk about that ineffable but growing feeling of disconnection from the collections we used to treasure. Music, Photos, Movies, Books—all the stuff we increasingly entrust to The Cloud. Seems like there's a weird confluence of changing culture and buggy technology that makes us feel sadly meh about making everything work. And that feels weird. Also? Don't be Randyll Tarly. That guy's a total choad. Links for this episode:Roller Coasters & Thrill Rides | Busch Gardens Tampa BayMontu Inverted Roller Coaster | Busch Gardens TampaKumba Roller Coaster | Busch Gardens TampaMedusa Steel Coaster - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSix Flags Great AdventureRocksteady - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaApple May Introduce Next-Gen Natural Language API in its Amazon Echo Competitor - Mac RumorsPessimists Archive (@PessimistsArc) | TwitterPessimistic reactions to technologies throughout history New for 2016 at Six Flags Great AdventureOn this new unbelievable adventure, you'll soar outside the confines of the track in wing cars facing other riders. You'll take an elevator-style lift straight up 120 feet in the air. When you reach the top, you'll begin to tumble head-over-heels, free-falling down two beyond 90-degree raven drops and experiencing at least six weightless flips. SUPERMAN: Ultimate Flight | Six Flags Great AdventureYou’ll ride the way Superman flies—face down and head first. This is the ultimate way to experience the challenge of the mind-ripping new legend, the pretzel loop! Once you clear the first ten story drop, you’ll fly into this totally innovative loop design, which is really two inversions in one. You can tell from the name of the pretzel loop that you’ll be more than slightly twisted by this warped track! parental controls settings won't save | Apple Support CommunitiesHome Internet Security | OpenDNSThe Beast (roller coaster) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe Beast is a wooden roller coaster located at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. When it opened in 1979, it was the tallest, fastest, and longest wooden roller coaster in the world.[1] The Beast is still the longest wooden coaster in the world and the longest roller coaster in the US. It spans more than 35 acres (14 ha) utilizing the surrounding terrain for many of its elements. It also features a lengthy ride time that lasts more than four minutes.[2] Kings Island - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaBrady Bunch at Kings Island 1973 pop up video - YouTubeThe Racer (Kings Island) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe Racer is often recognized with being a vital part of the roller coaster renaissance of the 1970s, generally referred to as the industry's second golden age. Reconcilable Differences - Relay FMJohn Siracusa and Merlin Mann try to figure out exactly how they got this way. Merlin Mann on Twitter: "Somehow my iTunes Match copy of "The Black Album" is now the Clean Version. I can't even tell what one of my 99 Problems isn't. Jiminy."Somehow my iTunes Match copy of "The Black Album" is now the Clean Version. I can't even tell what one of my 99 Problems isn't. Jiminy. MusicBrainz - The Open Music EncyclopediaMusicBrainz is an open music encyclopedia that collects music metadata and makes it available to the public. MusicBrainz PicardPicard is a cross-platform music tagger written in Python. Download Picardv1.3.2 for OS X 10.7 The Paragons - "The Tide Is High" (Official Audio) - YouTubeThe Paragons original, seminal Rock Steady version of 'The Tide Is High', as later successfully covered by Blondie and Atomic Kitten. I Made You a Mixtape – MacStoriesI've always loved the idea of someone else making a mixtape for me. In Praise of the A-List - Six ColorsThe A-List playlists, curated by smart music editors for each genre and updated regularly under Apple Music’s New tab, are my single favorite feature of the service. Brought to you by: TextExpander (Visit smilesoftware.com/b2w to check out the new TextExpander). Squarespace (Visit Squarespace.com/backtowork and use the code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off your first purchase).